LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Core needle biopsy of thyroid nodules - evaluation of diagnostic utility and pain experience.

OBJECTIVE
A crucial problem in the non-operative diagnosis of thyroid nodules is the significant amount of non-diagnostic biopsies. This is a challenge for practicing endocrinologists especially when the results of the repeated biopsies remain non-diagnostic. The lack of a concrete preoperative diagnosis may result in unnecessary thyroidectomies in patients. Alternatively, it may also lead to the delayed diagnosis of cancer. One method of biopsy specimen acquisition that could potentially increase the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid biopsies is the application of core-needles. The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic value and patient tolerability of core-needle aspiration biopsies (CNAB) with fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB).


PATIENTS AND METHODS
The study included patients with thyroid nodular goiter in whom previous conventional FNAB yielded non-diagnostic results. CNABs were performed using 22G core-needles. The control group consisted of patients undergoing conventional FNAB with 25G fine-needles. Pain during core-needle biopsies of thyroid nodules was assessed using the 10-point visual analog scale.


RESULTS
There were a total of 30 lesions in 26 patients undergoing CNAB (22 women, 4 men, mean age 48.3) and a total of 59 lesions in 40 patients undergoing FNAB (34 women, 6 men, mean age 57.3). 56.6% of CNABs and 50.8% of FNABs were diagnostic (p=0.60). When assessing pain via the visual analog scale, the median score for biopsies performed with core-needles was four. 60.0% of patients considered the pain of core-needle aspiration biopsies to be similar to the pain experienced during the previous conventional fine-needle aspiration biopsies, while 40% of patients claimed that the pain was more intense.


CONCLUSIONS
CNAB did not prove to be superior to FNAB. Despite the larger needle gauge used during core-needle biopsies, the patients' tolerability was comparable to conventional fine-needle biopsies.
Symposium : Obesity in Developing Countries : Biological and Ecological Factors The Nutrition Transition and Obesity in the Developing World 1

Changes in diet and activity patterns are fueling the obesity epidemic. These rapid changes in the levels and composition of dietary and activity/inactivity patterns in transitional societies are related to a number of socioeconomic and demographic changes. Using data mainly from large nationally representative and nationwide surveys, such as the 1989, 1991, 1993 and 1997 China Health and Nutrition Surveys, in combination with comparative analysis across the regions of the world, we examine these factors. First, we show the shifts in diet and activity are consistent with the rapid changes in child and adult obesity and in some cases have been causally linked. We then provide a few examples of the rapid changes in the structure of diet and activity, in particular associated with increased income. Cross-country and in-depth analysis of the China study are used to explore these relationships. People living in urban areas consume diets distinctly different from those of their rural counterparts. One of the more profound effects is the accelerated change in the structure of diet, only partially explained by economic factors. A second is the emergence of a large proportion of families with both currently malnourished and overweight members as is shown by comparative analysis of a number of Asian and Latin American countries. J. Nutr. 131: 871S–873S, 2001.
Multichannel Shopper Segments and Their Covariates

The proliferation of channels has created new challenges for research, including understanding how consumers may be segmented with respect o their information search and purchase behavior in multichannel environment. This research considers shopping a dynamic process that consists f search and purchase phases, in which the total utility of shopping process is determined by the perceived consumer utility toward channel use, hich is mainly driven by consumer characteristics. The authors (1) segment consumers on the basis of their attitudes toward multiple channels as earch and purchase alternatives; (2) investigate the association among psychological, economic, and sociodemographic covariates and segment embership; and (3) explore how multichannel behavior might differ across different product categories. Using survey data from 364 Dutch onsumers and Latent-Class Analyse, they identify three segments – multichannel enthusiasts, uninvolved shoppers, and store-focused consumers and covariates, such as shopping enjoyment, loyalty, and innovativeness that predict segment membership. The category-specific analysis suggests hat overall segment descriptions apply generally to a variety of categories, though some differences exist, including the impact of covariates, across ategories. The authors discuss implications for further research and practice. 2008 New York University. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Suitability of forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity vs percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second for the classification of asthma severity in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE
To determine whether lung function alters asthma severity based on symptom history in asthmatic adolescents.


DESIGN
Data on asthma symptoms and lung function were collected from adolescents randomly selected from the general population.


SETTING
Five schools from the central Wellington, New Zealand, area during 2003 to 2005.


PARTICIPANTS
Two hundred twenty-four secondary school students aged 13 to 17 years (asthmatic, 118; nonasthmatic, 106).


MAIN EXPOSURES
Asthma questionnaire and lung function testing.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Distribution of asthmatic adolescents in each severity class based on symptoms, lung function, or a combination of both.


RESULTS
Median values for all spirometric parameters for asthmatic adolescents, apart from forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (FEV(1))/forced vital capacity (FVC), were in the normal range. Distribution of severity (based on symptoms and beta(2)-agonist use with adjustment for regular inhaled corticosteroid use) was 48.3%, mild; 28.8%, moderate; and 22.9%, severe asthma. For severity based on percentages of predicted FEV(1) and predicted forced expiratory flow, midexpiratory phase (FEF(25%-75%)) and FEV(1)/FVC, the percentages were 89.8%, 86.4%, and 63.5%, mild; 9.3%, 10.2%, and 18.6%, moderate; and 0.9%, 3.4%, and 17.8%, severe asthma, respectively. When percentages of predicted FEV(1) or predicted FEF(25%-75%) or FEV(1)/FVC were added to symptom severity, 6.8%, 5.1%, and 16.9% of asthmatic adolescents were reclassified into another severity group, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of asthmatic adolescents have normal lung function despite experiencing significant asthma symptoms. Adding FEV(1)/FVC to symptom history changes the distribution of severity; however, both percentages of predicted FEV(1) and FEF(25%-75%) have little added effect in assessing asthma severity in adolescents.
Augmented Auditory Representation of e-Texts for Text-to-Speech Systems

Emerging electronic text formats include hierarchical structure and visualization related information that current Text-to-Speech (TtS) systems ignore. In this paper we present a novel approach for composing detailed auditory representation of e-texts using speech and audio. Furthermore, we provide a scripting language (CAD scripts) for defining specific customizations on the operation of a TtS. CAD scripts can be assigned as well to specific text meta-data to enable their discrete auditory representation. This approach can form a mean for a detailed exchange of functionality across different TtS implementations. Moreover, it can be hosted to current TtS systems with minor (or major) modifications. Finally, we briefly present the implementation of DEMOSTHeNES Composer for augmented auditory generation of meta-text using the above methodology.
The IDvIP Trial: A two-centre randomised double-blind controlled trial comparing intramuscular diamorphine and intramuscular pethidine for labour analgesia

BACKGROUND
Intramuscular pethidine is routinely used throughout the UK for labour analgesia. Studies have suggested that pethidine provides little pain relief in labour and has a number of side effects affecting mother and neonate. It can cause nausea, vomiting and dysphoria in mothers and can cause reduced fetal heart rate variability and accelerations. Neonatal effects include respiratory depression and impaired feeding. There are few large studies comparing the relative side effects and efficacy of different opioids in labour. A small trial comparing intramuscular pethidine with diamorphine, showed diamorphine to have some benefits over pethidine when used for labour analgesia but the study did not investigate the adverse effects of either opioid.


METHODS
The Intramuscular Diamorphine versus Intramuscular Pethidine (IDvIP) trial is a randomised double-blind two centre controlled trial comparing intramuscular diamorphine and pethidine regarding their analgesic efficacy in labour and their side effects in mother, fetus and neonate. Information about the trial will be provided to women in the antenatal period or in early labour. Consent and recruitment to the trial will be obtained when the mother requests opioid analgesia. The sample size requirement is 406 women with data on primary outcomes. The maternal primary outcomes are pain relief during the first 3 hours after trial analgesia and specifically pain relief after 60 minutes. The neonatal primary outcomes are need for resuscitation and Apgar Score <7 at 1 minute. The secondary outcomes are an additional measure of pain relief, maternal sedation, nausea and vomiting, maternal oxygen saturation, satisfaction with analgesia, whether method of analgesia would be used again, use of Entonox, umbilical arterial and venous pH, fetal heart rate, meconium staining, time from delivery to first breath, Apgar scores at 5 mins, naloxone requirement, transfer to neonatal intensive care unit, neonatal haemoglobin oxygen saturation at 30, 60, 90, and 120 mins after delivery, and neonatal sedation and feeding behaviour during first 2 hours.


DISCUSSION
If the trial demonstrates that diamorphine provides better analgesia with fewer side effects in mother and neonate this could lead to a change in national practice and result in diamorphine becoming the preferred intramuscular opioid for analgesia in labour.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
ISRCTN14898678Eudra No: 2006-003250-18, REC Reference No: 06/Q1702/95, MHRA Authorisation No: 1443/0001/001-0001, NIHR UKCRN reference 6895, RfPB grant PB-PG-0407-13170_IR5.
The effect of cupric ion on the reoxidation pathway of an IgG1 immunoglobulin.

Abstract The addition of a 5–10μM of cupric ion to the reoxidation medium of a partially reduced IgG protein results in an altered pathway for covalent reassembly of the molecule. The formation of HL is favored over that of H 2 and H 2 L.
Zingiber officinale (ginger) compounds have tetracycline-resistance modifying effects against clinical extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDRAB) is a growing and serious nosocomial infection worldwide, such that developing new agents against it is critical. The antimicrobial activities of the rhizomes from Zingiber officinale, known as ginger, have not been proven in clinical bacterial isolates with extensive drug-resistance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of four known components of ginger, [6]-dehydrogingerdione, [10]-gingerol, [6]-shogaol and [6]-gingerol, against clinical XDRAB. All these compounds showed antibacterial effects against XDRAB. Combined with tetracycline, they showed good resistance modifying effects to modulate tetracycline resistance. Using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method, these four ginger compounds demonstrated antioxidant properties, which were inhibited by MnO₂, an oxidant without antibacterial effects. After the antioxidant property was blocked, their antimicrobial effects were abolished significantly. These results indicate that ginger compounds have antioxidant effects that partially contribute to their antimicrobial activity and are candidates for use in the treatment of infections with XDRAB.
Comparing laparoscopic antireflux surgery with esomeprazole in the management of patients with chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a 3-year interim analysis of the LOTUS trial

BACKGROUND
With the introduction of laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) along with the increasing efficacy of modern medical treatment, a direct comparison is warranted. The 3-year interim results of a randomised study comparing both the efficacy and safety of LARS and esomeprazole (ESO) are reported.


METHODS
LOTUS is an open, parallel-group multicentre, randomised and controlled trial conducted in dedicated centres in 11 European countries. LARS was completed according to a standardised protocol, comprising a total fundoplication and a crural repair. Medical treatment comprised ESO 20 mg once daily, which could be increased stepwise to 40 mg once daily and then 20 mg twice daily in the case of incomplete GORD control. The primary outcome variable was time to treatment failure (Kaplan-Meier analysis). Treatment failure was defined on the basis of symptomatic relapse requiring treatment beyond that stated in the protocol.


RESULTS
554 patients were randomised, of whom 288 were allocated to LARS and 266 to ESO. The two study arms were well matched. The proportions of patients who remained in remission after 3 years were similar for the two therapies: 90% of surgical patients compared with 93% medically treated for the intention to treat population, p = 0.25 (90% vs 95% per protocol). No major unexpected postoperative complications were experienced and ESO was well tolerated. However, postfundoplication complaints remain a problem after LARS.


CONCLUSIONS
Over the first 3 years of this long-term study, both laparoscopic total fundoplication and continuous ESO treatment were similarly effective and well-tolerated therapeutic strategies for providing effective control of GORD.
The Implementation and Appraisal of a Novel Confirmatory HIV-1 Testing Algorithm in the Microbicides Development Programme 301 Trial (MDP301)

UNLABELLED
We describe the application of a novel HIV confirmatory testing algorithm to determine the primary efficacy endpoint in a large Phase III microbicide trial. 9385 women were enrolled between 2005 and 2009. Of these women, 537 (6%) had at least one positive HIV rapid test after enrolment. This triggered the use of the algorithm which made use of archived serum and Buffy Coat samples. The overall sample set was >95% complete. 419 (78%) of the rapid test positive samples were confirmed as primary endpoints using a combination of assays for the detection of HIV-specific antibodies (EIA's and Western Blot), and for components of the virus itself (PCR for the detection of nucleic acids and EIA for p24 antigen). 63 (12%) cases were confirmed as being HIV-positive at screening or enrolment and 55 (10%) were confirmed as HIV negative. The testing algorithm confirmed the endpoint at the same visit as that of the first positive rapid test in 90% of cases and at the time of the preceding visit in 10% of cases. Of the 63 cases which were subsequently confirmed to be HIV-1 positive at or before enrolment, 54 specimens contained no detectable HIV antibodies at screening or enrolment. However, 43 were positive using an EIA which detects both HIV antigen and antibody and also had a positive p24 antigen or HIV PCR test, which was highly suggestive of acute infection. There were 6 unusual cases which had undetectable HIV-1 DNA or RNA. In 4 of the 6 cases the presence of HIV-1-specific antibodies was confirmed by Western Blot. One of these cases with an indeterminate Western Blot was a previous vaccine trial participant. The algorithm served the objectives of the study well and can be recommended for use in determining HIV as an endpoint in clinical trials.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
ISRCTN.org ISRCTN 64716212.
Engaging undergraduate students with robotic design projects

This paper describes our experiences developing robotics design projects for undergraduate students in our electrical and computer engineering curriculum at Georgia Tech. Several low-cost alternatives for developing robot-based design projects and designing the associated electronics and sensors to control them are included.
Enhancement of dielectric and electrical properties in BT/SiC/PVDF three-phase composite through microstructure tailoring

Abstract A polymer composite with high dielectric permittivity was prepared by embedding silicon carbide (SiC) whisker with an average diameter of 500 nm–1 μm in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). However, the high dielectric loss and electrical conductivity of the two-phase composite prohibits its potential applications. Barium titanate (BT) particles with average diameter of 100 nm and 1 μm were incorporated as a third phase to fabricate a three-phase composite. The morphology structure, dielectric and electrical properties before and after the addition of BT particles were investigated. The three-phase composite exhibits largely suppressed dielectric loss and electrical conductivity without sacrificing the high dielectric permittivity, which was extremely hard to be realized for two-phase composite. It is also found that the nano-size BT is more favorable in achieving high dielectric permittivity than the micro-size BT, where their dielectric loss and electrical conductivity are similar. Furthermore, electric modulus analysis confirms the largely suppressed electron conduction process which results in the enhanced dielectric and electrical properties in three-phase composite.
Nonbacterial Causes of Lymphangitis with Streaking.

BACKGROUND
Lymphangitic streaking, characterized by linear erythema on the skin, is most commonly observed in the setting of bacterial infection. However, a number of nonbacterial causes can result in lymphangitic streaking. We sought to elucidate the nonbacterial causes of lymphangitic streaking that may mimic bacterial infection to broaden clinicians' differential diagnosis for patients presenting with lymphangitic streaking.


METHODS
We performed a review of the literature, including all available reports pertaining to nonbacterial causes of lymphangitic streaking.


RESULTS
Various nonbacterial causes can result in lymphangitic streaking, including viral and fungal infections, insect or spider bites, and iatrogenic etiologies.


CONCLUSION
Awareness of potential nonbacterial causes of superficial lymphangitis is important to avoid misdiagnosis and delay the administration of appropriate care.
Future Coastal Population Growth and Exposure to Sea-Level Rise and
Coastal Flooding - A Global Assessment

Coastal zones are exposed to a range of coastal hazards including sea-level rise with its related effects. At the same time, they are more densely populated than the hinterland and exhibit higher rates of population growth and urbanisation. As this trend is expected to continue into the future, we investigate how coastal populations will be affected by such impacts at global and regional scales by the years 2030 and 2060. Starting from baseline population estimates for the year 2000, we assess future population change in the low-elevation coastal zone and trends in exposure to 100-year coastal floods based on four different sea-level and socio-economic scenarios. Our method accounts for differential growth of coastal areas against the land-locked hinterland and for trends of urbanisation and expansive urban growth, as currently observed, but does not explicitly consider possible displacement or out-migration due to factors such as sea-level rise. We combine spatially explicit estimates of the baseline population with demographic data in order to derive scenario-driven projections of coastal population development. Our scenarios show that the number of people living in the low-elevation coastal zone, as well as the number of people exposed to flooding from 1-in-100 year storm surge events, is highest in Asia. China, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Viet Nam are estimated to have the highest total coastal population exposure in the baseline year and this ranking is expected to remain largely unchanged in the future. However, Africa is expected to experience the highest rates of population growth and urbanisation in the coastal zone, particularly in Egypt and sub-Saharan countries in Western and Eastern Africa. The results highlight countries and regions with a high degree of exposure to coastal flooding and help identifying regions where policies and adaptive planning for building resilient coastal communities are not only desirable but essential. Furthermore, we identify needs for further research and scope for improvement in this kind of scenario-based exposure analysis.
Tamed to compatible: symplectic forms via moduli space integration

Fix a compact 4-dimensional manifold with self-dual second Betti number one and with a given symplectic form. This article proves the following: The Frêchet space of tamed almost complex structures as defined by the given symplectic form has an open and dense subset whose complex structures are compatible with respect to a symplectic form that is cohomologous to the given one. The theorem is proved by constructing the new symplectic form by integrating over a space of currents that are defined by pseudo-holomorphic curves.
Vitamin D levels and comorbidities in ambulatory and hospitalized patients in Austria

Vitamin D in its hormonal active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol), has a major impact on bone turnover by regulating calcium and phosphate homoeostasis. By binding the active vitamin D hormone to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), it acts as a nuclear transcription factor (Bouillon et al., Endocr Rev 29(6):726–776, 2008). The discovery that almost all tissues and cells in the body express the VDR and that several tissues possess the enzymatic capability to convert 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)-D3; cholecalciferol) to the active form, suggests that vitamin D fulfills various extra-osseous functions (Bouillon et al., Endocr Rev 29(6):726–776, 2008; Holick, N Engl J Med 357(3):266–281, 2007). For example, VDR ensures adequate intestinal calcium absorption by regulating the synthesis of several calcium transport proteins in the duodenum (Bouillon et al., Endocr Rev 29(6):726–776, 2008). Additionally, vitamin D is important for proper muscle function, and some studies suggest it may contribute to prevent type 1 diabetes mellitus, certain autoimmune diseases, hypertension, and several types of cancer (Holick, N Engl J Med 357(3):266–281, 2007).
FEM-Based Surface Wave Multimixed-Path Propagator and Path Loss Predictions

A finite element method (FEM)-based surface wave propagation prediction simulator is developed. The simulator is tested and calibrated against analytical ray-mode models that also take into account the Millington recovery effects. It successfully calculates path losses over multimixed propagation paths at MF and HF frequency bands where the surface wave contribution is significant.