Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of motor importance scale functional independence and Barthel index to predict mortality after hip fractures in the elderly population

Introduction: Hip fractures represent an important medical, social, and economical problem of modern age. Between 14% and 36% of people with hip fracture die in the first year after the fracture. The largest number of survivors fail to regain the pre-injury walking ability and level of activity. High rates of mortality and morbidity point out the necessity of identifying and defining the determinants of outcome, which could potentially be influenced on with the aim to reduce mortality, and disability, as are result of this event. The aim: To determine whether two different scales to measure functional disability are equally sensitive predictors of mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture. Materials and Methods: The study included 299 patients older than 65 years that were operatively treated at the Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology for a period of one year, due to acute hip fracture. Preoperatively, patients were questioned regarding socio-demographic variables, cognitive status, functional disability before the accident, type of hip fracture and operational risk. Functional disability before the accident was measured using the motor subscale of the functional test of independence (motor FIM) and Barthel index. In order to examine the association between different preoperative variables and intrahospital/one-year mortality as starting variables, multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed, in which the influence of motor FIM and the Barthel index were examined separately. Results: The study confirmed that patients who had a higher level of functional disability before fracture, have a higher risk of short-term and long-term mortality after hip fracture. The most important result of this work is that Barthel's index and motor FIM test are equally effective predictors of short-term and long-term mortality. Conclusion: Our study revealed the importance of functional impairment prior to injury, for the prediction of mortality after hip fracture. Because of its simplicity the Barthel index should be the test of choice for the evaluation of pre-injury functional disability in patients with hip fractures.
Resampling: The New Statistics

Julian L. Simon, Resampling: The New Statistics, Arlington, VA: Resampling Stats. Inc., 1992, pp. 261. Familiarity with statistical concepts if not competence with statistical procedures and their application is a requirement in most university business programs and increasingly necessary in business practice and research. This large student market ensures an abundance of texts on probability and statistics. The approaches of various statistics texts vary widely resulting from attempts to serve different needs and abilities of both students and instructors. Some books are general while others are theoretical and laden with mathematical formula while others stress applications and problem-solving. Some require no mathematical background, while others assume knowledge of probability, algebra, or even calculus. Increasingly texts are accompanied by statistical software that can be used by students to minimize the computational burden in problem-solving. Resampling: The New Statistics by Julian Simon defies easy categorization. It is a basic non-mathematical introduction to topics typically found in an introductory probability and statistics, elementary probability theory, sampling, inferential statistics, hypothesis testing and simple correlation. But this book differs significantly from the approaches of traditional texts. Rather than present derivations of formula, the presentation is based on the concept that simulation of problems and repeated sampling (resampling) will intuitively lead students to an understanding of difficult statistical concepts. The author contends that derivations and proofs are too difficult for many students to understand and get in the way of an appreciation of the value of statistics. The general procedure is to structure each problem in such a way that it can be simulated using some random device--either a die, a coin, or random number generator--and then generate enough repeated samples to result in a reliable estimate of the answer. For example, what is more likely, a poker hand with two pairs or one with three of a kind? The traditional approach would be to derive the answer analytically from a formula. The approach of Simon is to take repeated samples of poker hands and compare the proportion with two of a kind to that with three of a kind. Again the premise is that the answer obtained this way will be sufficiently close to the derived answer and students will gain greater understanding of the underlying concept. Of course, repeated sampling can be cumbersome and time-consuming. The text is designed to accompany software which enables numerous random trials to be performed quickly and the results tabulated. The book is conceptually but not explicitly divided into two parts. Chapters one, two, and three introduce the uses of probability and statistics, describe the resampling method of solving problems, and define basic concepts such as conditional and unconditional probability, sample and universe, and independent events. …
Optimization of care in orthopaedics and neurosurgery

This thesis aimed to contribute to the optimal use of non-surgical treatment and timing of surgery among hip and knee OA and sciatica patients in two different ways. First, if guidelines are specific on non-surgical and (timing of) surgical treatment, the focus was on implementation strategies to improve guideline uptake in hip and knee OA and sciatica care. Across the different studies carried out in this thesis, knowledge, attitude of health care providers and organization of care seem to be relevant for any implementation of evidence based guideline recommendations in a multidisciplinary setting. Future implementation studies can start focusing on these topics. However, if guidelines are not available or not specific on e.g. optimal timing of total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA), additional evidence is needed. Therefore, the second part of this thesis focused on studying criteria and determinants to reach the best possible outcomes after THA and TKA, as information in the literature is lacking on optimal timing of surgery. Pooling multiple cohort studies in the Netherlands showed that preoperative status is the most important variable for outcome after both THA and TKA, i.e. patients with better preoperative quality of life, functioning and less pain had better postoperative outcomes.
Scientific Impact of Islamic Nations

This article has attempted to present a clear image of science production by the member states of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) based on the Essential Science Indicators (ESI). ESI indexes the most effective science productions of the world. The World Bank, on the other hand, has classified the countries of the world according to their economic position. Using the information accessible in these two sources, we examined the science production of each economic class, and then made a comparison between the Islamic and non-Islamic countries. The economic classes comprise the low-income, the lower middle-income, the upper middle-income, and the high-income nations. Our primary objective was to compare and contrast Islamic Countries versus the other countries of the world to show the status of their current scientific publications. Four major features characterize the statistical analysis of our study: population, economic class, citations, and publications in 22 disciplines and all fields of study as indexed in ESI.
Mobile learning: a handbook for educators and trainers

An edited book with a dozen international case studies, exploring the field of mobile learning, i.e. the use of portable devices such as cellphones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) for learning in a range of different contexts. The book includes chapters on pedagogy, technology, usability and accessibility. The Conclusions point to new research directions in this emerging field.
BEAMSPACE BASED DOA ESTIMATION METHODS OF COHERENT SOURCES IN THE PRESENCE OF IMPULSIVE NOISE

This paper is concerned with the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation of coherent sources in impulse noise fields modeled as symmetric alpha stable (SalphaS) distribution. Robust covariation based MUSIC (ROC-MUSIC) and fractional lower moment based MUSIC (FLOM-MUSIC) cannot be used to estimate the DOA under these conditions. Firstly, new forward-backward smoothing (FBS)-covariation matrices and FBS-FLOM matrices are defined by applying the spatial smoothing idea to covariation matrices and FLOM matrices. Two new algorithms based on FBS-covariation matrices and FBS-FLOM matrices are presented in the meantime. Then, the two algorithms are generalized to beamspace, and other two new algorithms called BROC-SS and BFLOM-SS are proposed. Theoretical analysis shows that noise subspace can be estimated by the eigen-decomposition of covariation matrices and FLOM matrices in both element space and beamspace so as to estimate the DOA of coherent sources in impulse noise. Moreover, performance of four new algorithms is analyzed by comparison. Computer simulation results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed methods
Low QRS voltages in Olympic athletes: Prevalence and clinical correlates

Background Recently, novel interest in low QRS voltages was prompted by the observation that low QRS voltages are present in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy patients, even before occurrence of symptoms/events. Aim The purpose of this study was to assess prevalence and clinical correlates of low QRS voltages in Olympic athletes, evaluated and followed-up within our cardiovascular screening programme. Methods Five hundred and sixteen athletes consecutively examined (2010–2011) were included in this study. A low QRS voltage was defined as amplitude of QRS <0.5 mV in limb and/or <1.0 mV in precordial leads. Cardiovascular evaluation included 12-lead and exercise electrocardiogram, echocardiography and, selectively, additional tests to conﬁrm diagnosis. Athletes were followed-up for 5 ± 2 (1–9) years. Results The majority of athletes (493; 96%) showed normal/increased R/S-wave voltages, but 23 (4%) had low QRS voltages. No differences were observed in low QRS voltage athletes compared to normal/increased QRS voltages for QRS duration, QTc and PR intervals, left ventricular cavity size and mass, or gender and sport participated. However, premature ventricular beats, occurred more frequently in low QRS voltages (39% vs 7%; p < 0.001), with patterns suggesting origin from left or right free wall. No diseases or events were registered in low QRS voltage athletes over the follow-up. Conclusions In Olympic athletes, the prevalence of low QRS voltages was 4%. Athletes with low QRS voltages did not differ from other athletes according to sport participated in or cardiac dimensions. However, more frequently (39% vs 7%) they showed premature ventricular beats, originating from either the left or right free ventricular wall. Therefore, long-term follow-up with serial clinical evaluations is needed in low QRS voltage athletes, in order to definitely clarify the clinical significance.
The streptococcal multidomain fibrillar adhesin CshA has an elongated polymeric architecture

The cell surfaces of many bacteria carry filamentous polypeptides termed adhesins that enable binding to both biotic and abiotic surfaces. Surface adherence is facilitated by the exquisite selectivity of the adhesins for their cognate ligands or receptors and is a key step in niche or host colonization and pathogenicity. Streptococcus gordonii is a primary colonizer of the human oral cavity and an opportunistic pathogen, as well as a leading cause of infective endocarditis in humans. The fibrillar adhesin CshA is an important determinant of S. gordonii adherence, forming peritrichous fibrils on its surface that bind host cells and other microorganisms. CshA possesses a distinctive multidomain architecture comprising an N-terminal target-binding region fused to 17 repeat domains (RDs) that are each ∼100 amino acids long. Here, using structural and biophysical methods, we demonstrate that the intact CshA repeat region (CshA_RD1–17, domains 1–17) forms an extended polymeric monomer in solution. We recombinantly produced a subset of CshA RDs and found that they differ in stability and unfolding behavior. The NMR structure of CshA_RD13 revealed a hitherto unreported all β-fold, flanked by disordered interdomain linkers. These findings, in tandem with complementary hydrodynamic studies of CshA_RD1–17, indicate that this polypeptide possesses a highly unusual dynamic transitory structure characterized by alternating regions of order and disorder. This architecture provides flexibility for the adhesive tip of the CshA fibril to maintain bacterial attachment that withstands shear forces within the human host. It may also help mitigate deleterious folding events between neighboring RDs that share significant structural identity without compromising mechanical stability.
Implementation of the Obturator Nerve Block into a Supra-Inguinal Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block Based Analgesia Protocol for Hip Arthroscopy: Retrospective Pre-Post Study

Background and Objectives: The effect of supra-inguinal fascia iliaca compartment block (SI-FICB) in hip arthroscopy is not apparent. It is also controversial whether SI-FICB can block the obturator nerve, which may affect postoperative analgesia after hip arthroscopy. We compared analgesic effects before and after the implementation of obturator nerve block into SI-FICB for hip arthroscopy. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 90 consecutive patients who underwent hip arthroscopy from January 2017 to August 2019. Since August 2018, the analgesic protocol was changed from SI-FICB to SI-FICB with obturator nerve block. According to the analgesic regimen, patients were categorized as group N (no blockade), group F (SI-FICB only), and group FO (SI-FICB with obturator nerve block). Primary outcome was the cumulative opioid consumption at 24 hours after surgery. Additionally, cumulative opioid consumption at 6 and 12 hours after surgery, pain score, additional analgesic requests, intraoperative opioid consumption and hemodynamic stability, and postoperative nausea and vomiting were assessed. Results: Among 87 patients, there were 47 patients in group N, 21 in group F, and 19 in group FO. The cumulative opioid (fentanyl) consumption at 24 hours after surgery was significantly lower in the group FO compared with the group N (N: 678.5 (444.0–890.0) µg; FO: 482.8 (305.8–635.0) µg; p = 0.014), whereas the group F did not show a significant difference (F: 636.0 (426.8–803.0) µg). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that implementing obturator nerve block into SI-FICB can reduce postoperative opioid consumption in hip arthroscopy.
Bladder neoplasms and NF-κB: an unfathomed association

ABSTRACT Introduction: Bladder cancer is the second most common genitourinary tract cancer and is often recurrent and/or chemoresistant after tumor resection. Cigarette smoking, exposure to aromatic amines, and chronic infection/inflammation are bladder cancer risk factors. NF-κB is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in normal physiology and bladder cancer. Bladder cancer patients have constitutively active NF-κB triggered by pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and hypoxia, augmenting carcinogenesis and progression. Areas covered: NF-κB orchestrates protein interactions (PTEN, survivin, VEGF), regulation (CYLD, USP13) and gene expression (Trp 53) resulting in bladder cancer progression, recurrence and resistance to therapy. This review focuses on NF-κB in bladder inflammation, cancer and resistance to therapy. Expert opinion: NF-κB and bladder cancer necessitate further research to develop better diagnostic and treatment regimens that address progression, recurrence and resistance to therapy. NF-κB is a master regulator that can act with or on minimally one cancer hallmark gene or protein, leading to bladder cancer progression (Tp53, PTEN, VEGF, HMGB1, CYLD, USP13), recurrence (PCNA, BcL-2, JUN) and resistance to therapy (P-gp, twist, SETD6). Thus, an understanding of bladder cancer in relation to NF-κB will offer improved strategies and efficacious targeted therapies resulting in minimal progression, recurrence and resistance to therapy.
Outcomes According to MSKCC Risk Score with Focus on the Intermediate-Risk Group in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with First-Line Sunitinib: A Retrospective Analysis of 2390 Patients

Background: The Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) prognostic model has been widely used for the prediction of the outcome of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients treated with systemic therapies, however, data from large studies are limited. This study aimed at the evaluation of the impact of the MSKCC score on the outcomes in mRCC patients treated with first-line sunitinib, with a focus on the intermediate-risk group. Methods: Clinical data from 2390 mRCC patients were analysed retrospectively. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR) were analysed according to the MSKCC risk score. Results: ORR, median PFS, and OS for patients with one risk factor were 26.7%, 10.1, and 28.2 months versus 18.7%, 6.2, and 16.2 months, respectively, for those with two risk factors (ORR: p = 0.001, PFS: p < 0.001, OS: p < 0.001). ORR, median PFS, and OS were 33.0%, 17.0, and 44.7 months versus 24.1%, 9.0, and 24.1 months versus 13.4%, 4.5, and 9.5 months in the favourable-, intermediate-, and poor-risk groups, respectively (ORR: p < 0.001, PFS: p < 0.001, OS: p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of the present retrospective study demonstrate the suitability of the MSKCC model in mRCC patients treated with first-line sunitinib and suggest different outcomes between patients with one or two risk factors.
Assessment of the Allelochemical Activity and Biochemical Profile of Different Phenotypes of Picocyanobacteria from the Genus Synechococcus

Organisms belonging to Synechococcus sp. genera are observed in all freshwater, brackish, and marine waters of the world. They play a relevant role in these ecosystems, since they are one of the main primary producers, especially in open ocean. Eventually, they form mass blooms in coastal areas, which are potentially dangerous for the functioning of marine ecosystems. Allelopathy could be an important factor promoting the proliferation of these organisms. According to the authors’ best knowledge, there is no information on the allelopathic activity and allelopathic compounds exhibited by different Synechococcus sp. phenotypes. Therefore, the research conducted here aimed to study the bioactivity of compounds produced by three phenotypes of Synechococcus sp. by studying their influence on the growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthetic pigments of eighteen cyanobacteria and microalgae species. We demonstrated that three different Synechococcus sp. phenotypes, including a phycocyanin (PC)-rich strain (Type 1; green strain) and phycoerythrin (PE)-rich strains containing phycoerythrobilin (PEB) and phycocyanobilin (PCB) (Type 2; red strain and Type 3a; brown strain), had a significant allelopathic effect on the selected species of cyanobacteria, diatoms, and green algae. For all green algae, a decrease in cell abundance under the influence of phenotypes of donor cyanobacteria was shown, whereas, among some target cyanobacteria and diatom species, the cell-free filtrate was observed to have a stimulatory effect. Our estimates of the stress on photosystem II (Fv/Fm) showed a similar pattern, although for some diatoms, there was an effect of stress on photosynthesis, while a stimulatory effect on growth was also displayed. The pigment content was affected by allelopathy in most cases, particularly for chlorophyll a, whilst it was a bit less significant for carotenoids. Our results showed that Synechococcus sp. Type 3a had the strongest effect on target species, while Synechococcus sp. Type 1 had the weakest allelopathic effect. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis produced different biochemical profiles for the Synechococcus strains. For every phenotype, the most abundant compound was different, with oxime-, methoxy-phenyl- being the most abundant substance for Synechococcus Type 1, eicosane for Synechococcus Type 2, and silanediol for Synechococcus Type 3a.
Valutazione Economica Dell'impatto Organizzativo di Differenti Tecniche di Ibridazione in Situ per la Determinazione Dello Stato di HER2 nel Carcinoma Alla Mammella

The cost of antibiotic therapy and antibiotic resistance for complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) and complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) in Italy Objective Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status identification is established by immunohi-stochemistry and in situ hybridization (ISH). Silver in situ hybridization (SISH) is an alternative technique to the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) 2013 guidelines recommend both methods. The primary aim of this analysis is to evaluate the economical and organizational impact of adopting FISH or SISH methods for HER2 testing. Methods We conducted an analysis to evaluate costs, staff times (laboratory working hours) and laboratory-space to process a sample using the manual method (FISH) compared to the automated system (SISH). The analysis was performed from the pathology laboratory perspective. We analysed the complete workflow (laboratory per-sonnel and medical resource used) to perform the two tests (FISH and SISH) during pathology laboratory standard working days. The time required to test one sample was timed for each methodology separately and the pertaining costs were calculated. The working dimension of the two technologies and of the instruments needed was also measured. Results The hands-on time for SISH was 80% lower than for FISH and the dedicated space needed to carry out the SISH test was 45% less than FISH. Finally, the costs of laboratory personnel (operator + pathologist) using an automated SISH system were lower than FISH (-58%). Conclusions As highlighted by the significant reduction of laboratory staff working hours, medical resources used and pathology laboratory spaces, the use of SISH technique to identify HER2 status is a cost-saving alternative to FISH from the perspective of the pathology laboratory.