Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Interventions to Reduce Firefighter Exposures

Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of firefighter exposure reduction interventions. Methods: Fireground interventions included use of self-contained breathing apparatus by engineers, entry team wash down, contaminated equipment isolation, and personnel showering and washing of gear upon return to station. Urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites (PAH-OHs) were measured after structural fire responses before and after intervention implementation. Separately, infrared sauna use following live-fire training was compared to standard postfire care in a randomized trial. Results: The fireground interventions significantly reduced mean total urinary postfire PAH-OHs in engineers (−40.4%, 95%CI −63.9%, −2.3%) and firefighters (−36.2%, 95%CI −56.7%, −6.0%) but not captains (−11.3% 95%CI −39.4%, 29.9%). Sauna treatment non-significantly reduced total mean PAH-OHs by −43.5% (95%CI −68.8%, 2.2%). Conclusions: The selected fireground interventions reduced urinary PAH-OHs in engineers and firefighters. Further evaluation of infrared sauna treatment is needed.
Hydrostatic Filtration Enables Large-Scale Production of Outer Membrane Vesicles That Effectively Protect Chickens against Gallibacterium anatis

Gallibacterium anatis is a Gram-negative opportunistic avian pathogen representing an emerging threat to poultry meat and egg production worldwide. To date, no vaccine able to effectively prevent the morbidity associated with G. anatis infections has been developed yet. Our group previously reported that inoculation of different combinations of G. anatis outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), FlfA and GtxA-N proteins is effective in preventing lesions caused by G. anatis infections in layer chickens. Here we report the testing of the efficacy as vaccine prototypes of G. anatis OMVs isolated by hydrostatic filtration, a simple technique that allows the cost-effective isolation of high yields of OMVs. Layer chickens were immunized with OMVs alone or in combination with FlfA and/or GtxA-N proteins. Subsequent challenge with a heterologous G. anatis strain showed that immunization with OMVs alone could significantly reduce the lesions following a G. anatis infection. A second study was carried out to characterize the dose-response (0.25, 2.5 and 25 µg) relationship of G. anatis OMVs as immunogens, showing that 2.5 μg of OMVs represent the optimal dose to elicit protection in the immunized animals after a similar challenge. Additionally, administration of ≥2.5 μg of G. anatis OMVs induced specific IgY titers and possibly vertical transfer of immunity.
Abnormal Cannabidiol Affects Production of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators and Astrocyte Wound Closure in Primary Astrocytic-Microglial Cocultures

Abnormal cannabidiol (abn-CBD) exerts neuroprotective effects in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the impact of abn-CBD on the glial production of proinflammatory mediators and scar formation within in vitro models. Primary astrocytic-microglial cocultures and astrocytic cultures from neonatal C57BL/6 mice and CB2 receptor knockout mice were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitrite were determined. Furthermore, we performed a live cell microscopy-based scratch-wound assay. After LPS stimulation, TNFα, IL-6 and nitrite production was more strongly increased in cocultures than in isolated astrocytes. Abn-CBD treatment attenuated the LPS-induced production of TNFα and nitrite in cocultures, while IL-6 production remained unaltered. In isolated astrocytes, only LPS-induced TNFα production was reduced by abn-CBD. Similar effects were observed after abn-CBD application in cocultures of CB2 knockout mice. Interestingly, LPS-induced TNFα and nitrite levels were far lower in CB2 knockout cultures compared to wildtypes, while IL-6 levels did not differ. In the scratch-wound assay, treatment with abn-CBD decelerated wound closure when microglial cells were present. Our data shows a differential role of abn-CBD for modulation of glial inflammation and astrocytic scar formation. These findings provide new explanations for mechanisms behind the neuroprotective potential of abn-CBD.
Prevalence of anaemia and low intake of dietary nutrients in pregnant women living in rural and urban areas in the Ashanti region of Ghana

Background Anaemia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women and children worldwide. Because deficiencies in essential micronutrients such as iron, folate and vitamin B12 prior to and during gestation increase a woman’s risk of being anaemic, adequate dietary intake of such nutrients is vital during this important phase in life. However, information on the dietary micronutrient intakes of pregnant women in Ghana, particularly of those resident in rural areas is scanty. Thus, this study aimed to assess anaemia prevalence and dietary micronutrient intakes in pregnant women in urban and rural areas in Ghana. Methods A comparative cross sectional study design involving 379 pregnant women was used to assess the prevalence of anaemia and low intake of dietary nutrients in pregnant women living in rural and urban areas in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Anaemia status and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) were used as proxy for maternal nutritional status. Haemoglobin measurements were used to determine anaemia prevalence and the dietary diversity of the women were determined with a 24-hour dietary recall and a food frequency questionnaire. Results Overall, anaemia was present in 56.5% of the study population. Anaemia prevalence was higher among rural residents than urban dwellers. Majority of the respondents had inadequate intakes of iron, zinc, folate, calcium and vitamin A. The mean dietary diversity score (DDS) of the study population from the first 24-hour recall was 3.81 ± 0.7. Of the 379 women, 28.8% met the minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W). The independent predictors of haemoglobin concentration were, gestational age, maternal age and dietary diversity score. Such that respondents with low DDS were more likely to be anaemic than those with high DDS (OR = 1.795, p = 0.022, 95% CI: 1.086 to 2.967). Conclusions A large percentage of pregnant women still have insufficient dietary intakes of essential nutrients required to support the nutritional demands during pregnancy. Particularly, pregnant women resident in rural areas require interventions such as nutrition education on the selection and preparation of diversified meals to mitigate the effects of undernutrition.
Defining the Volume-Outcome Relationship in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Nationwide Analysis.

BACKGROUND As the utilization of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) grows, it is increasingly important to examine the relationship between hospital volume and RSA outcomes. We hypothesized that hospitals that perform a higher volume of RSAs would have improved outcomes. We also performed stratum-specific likelihood ratio (SSLR) analysis with the aim of delineating concrete definitions of hospital volume for RSA. METHODS The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for patients who had undergone elective RSA from 2011 to 2015. Annual hospital volume and 90-day outcome data were collected, including readmission, revision, complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), supramedian cost, and discharge disposition. SSLR analysis was performed to determine hospital volume cutoffs associated with increased risks for adverse events. Cutoffs generated through SSLR analysis were confirmed via binomial logistic regression. RESULTS The proportion of patients receiving care at high-volume centers increased from 2011 to 2015. SSLR analysis produced hospital volume cutoffs for each outcome, with higher-volume centers showing improved outcomes. The volume cutoffs associated with the best rates of 90-day outcomes ranged from 54 to 70 RSAs/year, whereas cost and resource utilization cutoffs were higher, with the best outcomes in hospitals performing >100 RSAs/year. SSLR analysis of 90-day readmission produced 3 hospital volume categories (1 to 16, 17 to 69, and ≥70 RSAs/year), each significantly different from each other. These were similar to the strata for 90-day revision (1 to 16, 17 to 53, and ≥54 RSAs/year) and 90-day complications (1 to 9, 10 to 68, and ≥69 RSAs/year). SSLR analysis produced 6 hospital volume categories for cost of care over the median value (1 to 5, 6 to 25, 26 to 47, 48 to 71, 72 to 105, and ≥106 RSAs/year), 5 categories for an extended LOS (1 to 10, 11 to 25, 26 to 59, 60 to 105, and ≥106 RSAs/year), and 4 categories for non-home discharge (1 to 31, 32 to 71, 72 to 105, and ≥106 RSAs/year). CONCLUSIONS We have defined hospital surgical volumes that maximize outcomes after RSA, likely related to surgical experience, ancillary staff familiarity, and protocolized pathways. This information may be used in future policy decisions to consolidate complex procedures, such as RSA, at high-volume destinations, or to encourage lower-volume institutions to strategize an approach to function as a higher-volume center. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Using Ground Penetrating Radar to Reveal Hidden Archaeology: The Case Study of the Württemberg-Stambol Gate in Belgrade (Serbia)

This paper presents the results of a research study where ground penetrating radar (GPR) was successfully used to reveal the remains of the Württemberg-Stambol Gate in the subsurface of Republic Square, in Belgrade, Serbia. GPR investigations were carried out in the context of renovation works in the square, which involved rearranging traffic control, expanding the pedestrian zone, renewing the surface layer, and valorising existing archaeological structures. The presence of the gate remains was suggested by historical documents and information from previous restoration works. A pulsed radar unit was used for the survey, with antennas having 200- and 400-MHz central frequencies. Data were recorded over a grid and two three-dimensional models were built, one for each set of antennas. The grid was the same for both sets of antennas, therefore the two models could be compared. Several horizontal cross sections of the models were plotted, corresponding to different depths; these images were carefully examined and interpreted, paying particular attention to signatures that could originate from the sought archaeological structures. Reflections coming from the gate remains were identified in both models, in the same region of the survey area and at the same depth; the geometry, size, and layout of the gate columns, as well as of other construction elements belonging to the gate, were determined with very good accuracy. Based on the GPR findings, archaeological excavation works were carried out in the region where the foundation remains were estimated to be. The presence of the remains was confirmed, with various columns and side walls. This case study demonstrates and further corroborates the effectiveness and reliability of GPR for the non-invasive prospection of archaeological structures hidden in the heterogeneous subsurface of urban environments. In the opinion of the authors, GPR should be incorporated as a routine field procedure in construction and renovation projects involving historical cities.
Preferences for vaccination program attributes among parents of young infants in Shanghai, China

ABSTRACT Compared to many other countries, China offers fewer pediatric vaccines. Future attempts to add mandatory vaccines may run counter to parents’ preferences for shot-limiting. The aim of this study was to assess Chinese parents’ preferences and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for programmatic attributes of vaccination services. Parents of young infants ≤3 months of age presenting at immunization clinics in Shanghai, China, in 2017 completed a discrete choice experiment (DCE) on vaccination program attributes: waiting time at the clinic, number of shots before 7 months, number of injections per visit, cost per visit, and location of the shot. We estimated preference utilities and WTP using logistic regression. In total, 590 completed the DCE. Caregivers expressed greater utility for less waiting time, fewer office visits, lower cost of vaccines, and fewer injections co-administered. Over the course of their child’s first 6 months, parents were willing to pay 113 RMB ($17) to avoid an additional 10 minutes of waiting at each appointment (95% confidence interval [CI]: 213, 929), 474 RMB ($70) to avoid an additional office visit (95% CI: 241, 707), and 703 RMB ($104) to avoid an additional injection at each appointment (95% CI: 337, 1068). As China expands its list of publicly funded vaccines, public health officials will have to counter Chinese parents’ strong preferences for limiting the total number of office visits and the number of injections administered at each visit, potentially through the use of combination vaccines.
Biological Functions and Analytical Strategies of Sialic Acids in Tumor

Sialic acids, a subset of nine carbon acidic sugars, often exist as the terminal sugars of glycans on either glycoproteins or glycolipids on the cell surface. Sialic acids play important roles in many physiological and pathological processes via carbohydrate-protein interactions, including cell–cell communication, bacterial and viral infections. In particular, hypersialylation in tumors, as well as their roles in tumor growth and metastasis, have been widely described. Recent studies have indicated that the aberrant sialylation is a vital way for tumor cells to escape immune surveillance and keep malignance. In this article, we outline the present state of knowledge on the metabolic pathway of human sialic acids, the function of hypersialylation in tumors, as well as the recent labeling and analytical techniques for sialic acids. It is expected to offer a brief introduction of sialic acid metabolism and provide advanced analytical strategies in sialic acid studies.
Dialysis facility referral and start of evaluation for kidney transplantation among patients treated with dialysis in the Southeastern United States

Variability in transplant access exists, but barriers to referral and evaluation are underexplored due to lack of national surveillance data. We examined referral for kidney transplantation evaluation and start of the evaluation among 34 857 incident, adult (18‐79 years) end‐stage kidney disease patients from 690 dialysis facilities in the United States Renal Data System from January 1, 2012 through August 31, 2016, followed through February 2018 and linked data to referral and evaluation data from nine transplant centers in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Multivariable‐adjusted competing risk analysis examined each outcome. The median within‐facility cumulative percentage of patients referred for kidney transplantation within 1 year of dialysis at the 690 dialysis facilities in Network 6 was 33.7% (interquartile range [IQR]: 25.3%‐43.1%). Only 48.3% of referred patients started the transplant evaluation within 6 months of referral. In multivariable analyses, factors associated with referral vs evaluation start among those referred at any time differed. For example, black, non‐Hispanic patients had a higher rate of referral (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18‐1.27), but lower evaluation start among those referred (HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88‐0.98), vs white non‐Hispanic patients. Barriers to transplant varied by step, and national surveillance data should be collected on early transplant steps to improve transplant access.
A CMOS-Thyristor Based Temperature Sensor with +0.37 °C/−0.32 °C Inaccuracy

This paper describes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) based temperature sensor. The VCOs are composed of complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) thyristor with the advantage of low power consumption. The period of the VCO is temperature dependent and is function of the transistors’ threshold voltage and bias current. To obtain linear temperature characteristics, this paper constructed the period ratio between two different-type VCOs. The period ratio is independent of the temperature characteristics from current source, which makes the bias current generator simplified. The temperature sensor was designed in 130 nm CMOS process and it occupies an active area of 0.06 mm2. Based on the post-layout simulation results, after a first-order fit, the sensor achieves an inaccuracy of +0.37/−0.32 °C from 0 °C to 80 °C, while the average power consumption of the sensor at room temperature is 156 nW.
Image Based Liver Toxicity Prediction

The drugs we use to cure our diseases can cause damage to our liver as it is the primary organ responsible for metabolism of environmental chemicals and drugs. To identify and eliminate potentially problematic drug candidates in the early stages of drug discovery, in silico techniques provide quick and practical solutions for toxicity determination. Deep learning has emerged as one of the solutions in recent years in the field of pharmaceutical chemistry. Generally, in the case of small datasets as used in Toxicology, these data hungry algorithms are prone to overfitting. We approach the problem from two sides. First, we use images of the 3D conformations and benefit from convolutional neural networks which have fewer parameters than the standard deep neural networks with similar depth. Using images allows connecting various chemical features to the geometry of the compounds. Second, we employ the method COVER to up-sample the dataset. It is not only used for increasing the size of the dataset, but also for balancing the two classes, i.e. toxic and not toxic. The proof of concept is performed on the p-53 endpoint from the Tox21 dataset. The results, which are compatible with the winners of the data challenge, encouraged us to use our methods to predict liver toxicity. We use the most extensive publicly available liver toxicity dataset by Mulliner et al. and obtain a sensitivity of 0.79 and a specificity of 0.52. These results demonstrate the applicability of image based toxicity prediction using deep neural networks.
The Endocannabinoid System: A Target for Cancer Treatment

In recent years, the endocannabinoid system has received great interest as a potential therapeutic target in numerous pathological conditions. Cannabinoids have shown an anticancer potential by modulating several pathways involved in cell growth, differentiation, migration, and angiogenesis. However, the therapeutic efficacy of cannabinoids is limited to the treatment of chemotherapy-induced symptoms or cancer pain, but their use as anticancer drugs in chemotherapeutic protocols requires further investigation. In this paper, we reviewed the role of cannabinoids in the modulation of signaling mechanisms implicated in tumor progression.
Deep Learning Approach for Generating MRA Images From 3D Quantitative Synthetic MRI Without Additional Scans.

OBJECTIVES Quantitative synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables synthesis of various contrast-weighted images as well as simultaneous quantification of T1 and T2 relaxation times and proton density. However, to date, it has been challenging to generate magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images with synthetic MRI. The purpose of this study was to develop a deep learning algorithm to generate MRA images based on 3D synthetic MRI raw data. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven healthy volunteers and 4 patients with intracranial aneurysms were included in this study. All participants underwent a time-of-flight (TOF) MRA sequence and a 3D-QALAS synthetic MRI sequence. The 3D-QALAS sequence acquires 5 raw images, which were used as the input for a deep learning network. The input was converted to its corresponding MRA images by a combination of a single-convolution and a U-net model with a 5-fold cross-validation, which were then compared with a simple linear combination model. Image quality was evaluated by calculating the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index measurements (SSIMs), and high frequency error norm (HFEN). These calculations were performed for deep learning MRA (DL-MRA) and linear combination MRA (linear-MR), relative to TOF-MRA, and compared with each other using a nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Overall image quality and branch visualization, each scored on a 5-point Likert scale, were blindly and independently rated by 2 board-certified radiologists. RESULTS Deep learning MRA was successfully obtained in all subjects. The mean PSNR, SSIM, and HFEN of the DL-MRA were significantly higher, higher, and lower, respectively, than those of the linear-MRA (PSNR, 35.3 ± 0.5 vs 34.0 ± 0.5, P < 0.001; SSIM, 0.93 ± 0.02 vs 0.82 ± 0.02, P < 0.001; HFEN, 0.61 ± 0.08 vs 0.86 ± 0.05, P < 0.001). The overall image quality of the DL-MRA was comparable to that of TOF-MRA (4.2 ± 0.7 vs 4.4 ± 0.7, P = 0.99), and both types of images were superior to that of linear-MRA (1.5 ± 0.6, for both P < 0.001). No significant differences were identified between DL-MRA and TOF-MRA in the branch visibility of intracranial arteries, except for ophthalmic artery (1.2 ± 0.5 vs 2.3 ± 1.2, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Magnetic resonance angiography generated by deep learning from 3D synthetic MRI data visualized major intracranial arteries as effectively as TOF-MRA, with inherently aligned quantitative maps and multiple contrast-weighted images. Our proposed algorithm may be useful as a screening tool for intracranial aneurysms without requiring additional scanning time.
An in-Process Inspection System to Detect Noise Originating from within the Interior Trim Panels of Car Doors

Car body parts are sometimes responsible for irritating noise caused by assembly defects. Typically, various types of noise are known to originate from within the interior trim panels of car doors. This noise is considered to be an important factor that degrades the emotional satisfaction of the driver of the car. This research suggests an in-process inspection system consisting of an inspection workstation and a noise detection method. The inspection workstation presses down the car door trim panel by using a pneumatic pusher while microphones record the acoustic signals directly above the door trim panel and on the four sides of the workstation. The collected signals are analyzed by the proposed noise detection method after applying noise reduction. The noise detection method determines the presence of irritating noise by using noise source localization in combination with the time difference of arrival method and the relative signal strengths. The performance of the in-process noise detection system was evaluated by conducting experiments on faulty and healthy car door trim panels.