Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Stapes Head Coupler—A Flexible and Safe Option for Vibroplasty

Objective To investigate the surgical approach and the audiological outcome of a stapes head coupler in active middle ear implant surgery. Study design Retrospective data analysis. Setting Tertiary referral center with a large active middle ear implant program. Patients Twelve patients with active middle ear implant surgery. Interventions Therapeutic surgical approach for hearing rehabilitation in human subjects. Main Outcome Measure(s) Auditory brainstem response, sound field thresholds, vibrogram, speech perception in the Freiburger monosyllabic word test. Results The stapes head was attached safely in different coupling situations. Audiological outcomes were similar to the audiological performance of established vibroplasty couplers presented in the literature. Conclusion The stapes head coupler is a new and safe tool for vibroplasty with a good audiological outcome.
Cochlear Implant Outcomes: Quality of Life in Prelingually Deafened, Late-Implanted Patients

Aims Reevaluating and expanding cochlear implantation's (CI) indication while measuring the quality of life (QoL) outcomes regarding the parent's point of view of prelingually deafened, late-implanted patients, which are widely known to showcases a limited improvement in speech recognition. Materials and Methods A retrospective descriptive and analytic study to assess QoL outcomes from CI in 64 early deafened, late-implanted patients, according to their parent's perspective, between January 2009 and December 2019, using the Nottingham Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program (Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom) “Children with cochlear implantation: parents perspective. ” Results The most represented age interval is the 5 and 7 interval and the mean age is 10.09 years. There was no sex predominance, with rural origin and high school academicals level preponderance. Fourteen children had experienced neonatal icterus, eight had meningitis, and seven were the result of related marriage. The age of the first consultation was typically over 2 years old, with only 45 schooled children. Age had a significantly statistic correlation between Self-reliance and Well-being and happiness subscales. History of receiving aid and speech therapy has a clear correlation with Self-reliance, Well-being and happiness, and Communication and Education. Schooling statuses, sex, age of appearance, and communication mode were not correlated to any subscale score, and with the exception of Effect of implantation, all the other “Children with cochlear implantation: parent's perspective” subscales were intercorrelated. Conclusion Properly validated QoL assessments for CI are a must, as outcomes of CI expand beyond audiometric performances to include the improvement of QoL.
Early Metabolic Measures Predict Long-term Insulin Independence in Recipients of Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Autotransplantation

Background. Although diabetes after total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT) is one of the biggest concerns for TP-IAT recipients and physicians, reliable prediction of post-TP-IAT glycemic control remains unestablished. This study was conducted to identify early predictors of insulin independence and goal glycemic control by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≤ 6.5% after TP-IAT. Methods. In this single-center, retrospective study, patients who underwent TP-IAT (n = 227) were reviewed for simple metabolic markers or surrogate indices of β-cell function obtained 3 mo after TP-IAT as part of standard clinical testing. Long-term metabolic success was defined as (1) insulin independence and (2) HbA1c ≤ 6.5% 1, 3, and 5 y after TP-IAT. Single- and multivariate modeling used 3-mo markers to predict successful outcomes. Results. Of the 227 recipients, median age 31 y, 30% male, 1 y after TP-IAT insulin independence, and HbA1c ≤ 6.5% were present in 39.6% and 72.5%, respectively. In single-predictor analyses, most of the metabolic markers successfully discriminated between those attaining and not attaining metabolic goals. Using the best model selected by random forests analysis, we accurately predicted 1-y insulin independence and goal HbA1c control in 77.3% and 86.4% of the patients, respectively. A simpler “clinically feasible” model using only transplanted islet dose and BETA-2 score allowed easier prediction at a small accuracy loss (74.1% and 82.9%, respectively). Conclusions. Metabolic testing measures performed 3 mo after TP-IAT were highly associated with later diabetes outcomes and provided a reliable prediction model, giving valuable prognostic insight early after TP-IAT and help to identify recipients who require early intervention.
Management of Complications in Neuro-oncology Patients

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to familiarize the reader with the spectrum of neurologic and medical complications relevant to the care of patients with neurologic cancer while highlighting best practices to prevent morbidity and mortality. Topics include tumor-related epilepsy, vasogenic edema, complications of corticosteroid use, disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, venous thromboembolism, and opportunistic infection. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS In 2021, a joint guideline from the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology reaffirmed recommendations first established in 2000 that patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors should not be prescribed an antiseizure medication prophylactically. For those with tumor-related epilepsy, monotherapy with a non–enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant is the preferred initial treatment, and levetiracetam remains the preferred first choice. Surveys of physician practice continue to demonstrate excessive use of glucocorticoids in the management of patients with both primary and metastatic central nervous system malignancy. This is particularly concerning among patients who require checkpoint inhibitors as the efficacy of these agents is blunted by concomitant glucocorticoid use, resulting in a reduction in overall survival. Finally, direct oral anticoagulants have been shown to be safe in patients with brain tumors and are now favored as first-line treatment among those who require treatment for venous thromboembolism. ESSENTIAL POINTS Medical care for patients impacted by primary and secondary central nervous system malignancy is complex and requires a committed team-based approach that routinely calls upon the expertise of physicians across multiple fields. Neurologists have an important role to play and should be familiar with the spectrum of complications impacting these patients as well as the latest recommendations for management.
Inflammatory Markers and Fatigue in Individuals With Moderate to Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background Fatigue, a prevalent complex symptom among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is considered an important clinical indicator of disease severity. However, the underlying mechanisms of COPD-related fatigue are not fully understood. Objectives This analysis explored the relationships between peripheral inflammatory markers and COPD-related fatigue in people with moderate to severe COPD. Methods This is a secondary analysis of a longitudinal observational study of individuals with COPD examining the biological causes and functional consequences of depression. The data used in this study were collected at baseline. Systemic inflammation markers included C-reactive protein (CRP) and three pro-inflammatory cytokines consisting of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α. COPD-related fatigue was self-reported using the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire. Covariates included age; gender; smoking status; disease severity; symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain; and social support. Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted. Results The sample included 300 adults living with COPD; 80% were male, and the average age was 67.6 years. Modest correlations were found between two systemic inflammatory markers (CRP and IL-8) and COPD-related fatigue. CRP was the only inflammatory marker significantly associated with fatigue symptoms after adjusting for covariates in multivariable analyses. Depression, pain, and education level were also significant predictors of COPD-related fatigue. Discussion The findings suggest that altered immune response based on CRP may contribute to COPD-related fatigue. Management of depression and pain may work as an effective treatment strategy for COPD-related fatigue. Further longitudinal studies with a broader range of inflammatory markers and multidimensional measures of fatigue symptoms are warranted.
Variability in Perioperative Steroid Therapy Regimen for Cochlear Implantation as It Relates to Hearing Preservation

Hypothesis We aimed to identify practice trends and association between physician training and administration of perioperative steroids for cochlear implantation (CI) as it relates to hearing preservation. Background Perioperative steroid therapy regimens are postulated to protect residual hearing and improve hearing preservation outcomes in CI. Methods A 27-question online survey was developed by the senior authors using the Qualtrics Survey Tool, then distributed via email from September to November 2022 to otolaryngologists specializing in otology or neurotology and who practice in the United States or Canada. Results The survey was sent to 463 physicians, 162 (35.0%) of whom completed the survey. One hundred forty-four (31.1%) responses underwent analysis. All physicians administering preoperative steroids (n = 31) prefer preoperative oral prednisone. Of 143 physicians administering intraoperative steroids, 54.5% prefer intraoperative intravenous dexamethasone. More than half (77.6%) of 85 physicians administering postoperative steroids prefer postoperative oral prednisone. Postoperative steroid administration (p < 0.006) and taper utilization (p < 0.041) were greater among physicians who complete greater than 40 CIs annually (n = 47 [71.2%]; n = 30 [49.2%]) than physicians who complete up to 40 CIs annually (n = 37 [48.7%]; n = 20 [31.3%]), respectively. Physicians practicing for 5 to 20 years after residency are more prevalent in using postoperative steroid tapers than physicians practicing for fewer than 5 years after and more than 20 years after residency (n = 37 [51.4%] versus n = 14 [25.5%], p < 0.001). Conclusion Consensus is needed about the optimal steroid treatment for CI patients. Level of Evidence 4.
Continuity and contrast in middle and late Miocene vertebrate communities from the Northern Territory

Comparisons of the the late Miocene Alcoota Local Fauna and the middle Miocene Bullock Creek Local Fauna reveal fundamental similarities in faunal composition and in the structure of the terrestrial component of their respective communities. The Bullock Creek palaeocommunity contains an abundance of aquatic and stream-bank species. Few aquatic species are present in the Alcoota palaeocommunity. The taxonomic succession is predominantly at the level of generic rank. The temporal succession by closely related ecomorphic species suggests continued integrity of the basic community structure. The Alcoota LF expresses an increase in species diversity and an increase in the body sizes of diprotodontids and macropodids that occurred during the approximately three million year long interval between the two local faunas. Biological, taphonomic and geological data indicate that both communities were intermittently subject to environmental stresses due to periods of low precipitation and high evaporation. The Bullock Creek Local Fauna shows evidence of seasonal aridity. The Alcoota Local Fauna shows evidence of one or more event-based mass mortalities due to regional drought.
Neurologic Complications of Conventional Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Neurologic complications are among the most common and feared outcomes of cancer treatments. This review discusses the signs and symptoms, mechanisms, and management of the most common peripheral and central neurologic complications of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and antiangiogenic therapy during cancer treatment and in survivors. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS The landscape of cancer treatments is evolving to include more targeted and biologic therapies, in addition to more traditional cytotoxic therapies and radiation therapy. With increasingly complex regimens and longer survival for patients with cancer, the early recognition and management of neurologic complications is key to improving the morbidity and mortality of patients living with cancer. ESSENTIAL POINTS Neurologists should be familiar with acute central and peripheral toxicities that can occur during cancer treatment and delayed toxicities that can occur years after exposure. Neurologists should be familiar with the clinical and radiologic presentations of these complications and strategies for management.
Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) On The Economy of Jigawa State

In recent years, progress in information and communication technology (ICT) has caused many structural changes such as reorganization of economy, globalization, and trade extension, which leads to capital flows and enhancing information availability. Moreover, ICT plays a significant role in development of each economic sector, especially during liberalization process. Growth economists predict that economic growth is driven by investments in ICT. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) such as the world-wide application of mobile phones and internet etc. have contributed substantially to the fast-growing world economy in unprecedented ways. The objectives of this study was to identify and determine the role that ICT played/playing in improving the economic growth and development of Jigawa state, also factors limiting the use of ICT in most of the key areas that support economy are identified. A questionnaire survey was administered manually to 184 sampled respondents. Descriptive statistic were used in analyzing the data and testing of hypothesis among different classes of the respondents. The result showed that everyday more people are getting involved in using ICT technology, these tells that ICT brings positive change in diversifying the Jigawa state economy. The implications of these results are that most people of Jigawa state are doing farming as their occupation and have a disperse settlement, because of these, they requires maximum support from either government or private organizations to provide them with ICT facilities, orient the people on the use of ICT and the possible ways to use it for self-entrepreneurship program in order to boost the economy.
Management of droughts and floods in the semiarid Brazilian Northeast—The case for conservation

The Northeastern region of Brazil is home to a large semiarid expanse referred to locally as the sertao , or backland. It encompasses about 900,000 km2 (347,000 mi2) in the states of Bahia, Sergipe, Alagoas, Pernambuco, Paraiba, Rio Grande do Norte, Ceara, Piaui, and Minas Gerais (Figure 1). The region is subject to recurrent droughts, which are often followed by floods. An individual drought or flood event may not affect the entire semiarid Northeastern region (referred to in Brazil as the Poligono das Secas , or Drought Polygon), but may be of sufficient intensity and magnitude to warrant emergency measures. Portions of the sertao have recently experienced a severe 3-year drought (1990-93), affecting close to 11 million people. A question that recurs in scientific, professional, and political circles is how to effectively manage the cycle of droughts and floods of the Brazilian Northeast. In the aftermath of the Great Drought of 1877-79, the Brazilian government initiated a series of policies and strategies to combat the droughts. These policies were aimed at providing the means to store water for use during extended periods of drought. After more than …
Journal of Reproduction and Development

This study investigated the effect of aging on mitochondria in granulosa cells (GCs) collected from the antral follicles of young and aged cows (25–50 months and over 140 months in age, respectively). When GCs were cultured under 20% O2 for 4 days, mitochondrial DNA copy number (Mt-number), determined by real-time PCR, increased throughout the culture period, and the extent of increase was greater in the GCs of young cows than in those of old cows. In a second experiment, GCs were cultured under 20% O2 for 24 h. Protein levels of TOMM20 and TFAM in GCs were lower in aged cows than in young cows, and the amount of reactive oxygen species and the mitochondrial membrane potential were higher, whereas ATP content and proliferation activity were lower, respectively. Glucose consumption and lactate production were higher in the GCs of aged cows than in those of young cows. When GCs were cultured under 5% or 20% O2 for 24 h, low O2 decreased ATP content and increased glucose consumption in GCs of both age groups compared with high O2; however, low O2 decreased the Mt-number only in the GCs of young cows. In conclusion, we show that aging affects mitochondrial quantity, function, and response to differential O2 tensions in GCs.
Investigating Direct Non-Age Metrics of Stored Blood Quality Loss

Long storage times for blood products are often unavoidable. Product age is essentially the only indicator used today for Red Blood Cell (RBC) quality loss during storage. Much controversy persists over the impact of RBC age on transfusion outcomes, as studies on this remain inconclusive. Such inconsistency may arise from unit-to-unit variability, which likely introduces some age-independence to RBC state. Thus, quality metrics other than storage time could aid with inventory management and/or treatment decisions. RBC membrane mechanical fragility is proposed here as one such candidate in vitro metric: it aggregately reflects a range of biochemical and biomechanical changes associated with storage lesion, and can provide a more comprehensive characterization of particular units than other properties. Preliminary data suggest this property can vary substantially among units of equal age, and further work now in progress is investigating its correlation to post-transfusion red cell survival in vivo.
Social assessment of the fauna, as a natural resource, of the "Coroncoro de Villavicencio" wetland

Introduction. The Coroncoro wetland is one of the best known in Villavicencio, given its variety of exotic fauna. Nevertheless, human activities related to cattle raising, agriculture and urban developments have affected this natural wealth. Objective. Socially assess the fauna, with tangible and intangible assessment methods and the statistical method of principal components analysis (PCA). Materials and methods. By applying Likert surveys and direct observation processes, the value of “not commercial” services associated to landscape, cultural, recreational and historical values is recognized. These methods assess the perception of enjoying peace, sightseeing, exotic beauty and the harmonic sounds of the wetland. 320 people who visited the wetland for a month were surveyed. Results. The visual procedure and the significant PCA values allowed an assessment of the qualifications and feelings generated by the Coroncoro wetland ́s fauna in the community adjacent to it, thus analyzing its social value. Conclusion. The observation and the PCA methods, under their significations, allowed a determination of the appraisal and the affection visitors have for these natural spaces. The fauna is equally appreciated and respect for animals, and the necessity of avoiding their commercialization is promoted.
Identiﬁcation of the Pollution Mechanisms and Remediation Strategies for Abandoned Wells in the Karst Areas of Northern China

: Abandoned well pollution is a critical component of global environmental issues and a historical legacy issue of national development. Despite this, the speciﬁc mechanisms by which abandoned wells pollute groundwater remain unclear, particularly in the karst regions of Northern China, where no scientiﬁcally effective remediation methods exist. To address this gap, this study focuses on Yangquan City in Shanxi Province and employs ﬁeld investigations, the analytic hierarchy process, high-deﬁnition deep-well logging technology, and qualitative analysis to assess the pollution risk of all abandoned wells in the study area, identifying those with high pollution risk. Through the analysis of extensive image and video data for these high-risk wells, we propose a conceptual model of cross-strata channels in abandoned wells and elucidate the mechanisms by which they pollute groundwater. The results show that, from a single-well perspective, the pollution mechanism is cross-strata pollution. From a regional perspective, the pollution mechanisms are hydraulic connectivity and solute migration and transformation. Based on these ﬁndings, we present a scientiﬁcally effective remediation strategy tailored to the typical characteristics of abandoned wells in the study area, offering a viable solution to the abandoned well pollution problem in Yangquan City. This research not only augments the theoretical framework in the domain of groundwater pollution but also advances sustainable groundwater security and management strategies. Moreover, the study furnishes theoretical foundations and pragmatic solutions for the remediation of abandoned wells in Yangquan City, which are crucial for the sustainability of the groundwater ecosystem.
SPECIAL COLLECTION: BEHAVIORAL ADDICTION TO TECHNOLOGY Problematic Media Use: Comparisons by Media Type and With Other Addictive Behavior and Substance Use Domains

While many hesitate to classify problematic media use as a behavioral addictive disorder, it remains clear that there are overlaps in antecedents and consequents. However, there is still a great deal unknown about individual difference factors for developing problematic behaviors.Nor is there a comprehensive understanding of how the relationships between problematic uses of media and other problematic addictive behaviors and substance use comparatively in ﬂ uence health and well-being outcomes. It is also unclear the extent to which domains of problematic addictive disorders may relate to one another — are the media domains distinct from the other domains, or do they ﬁ t together into a more general addictive behavior dimension? The present study surveyed 1,227 U.S. adults, assessing their addictive behaviors across a variety of domains, individual differences, and health and well-being. Findings suggest that media domains are in many cases similarly, and sometimes even more strongly, associated with negative health and well-being measures compared even to problematic substance use. In addition, cluster analysis ﬁ nds that media domains do not separate from other domains of addiction, but instead there are two clusters with a mix of domain types. Additionally, only age and impulsivity were individual variables associated with both domain clusters, which were associated with worse mental health, lower life satisfaction, lower sleep quality, and less healthy dietary behavior.