LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Lamivudine-Induced Skin Rash Remains an Underdiagnosed Entity in HIV: A Case Series from a Single Center.

BACKGROUND
Hypersensitivity reaction to antiretroviral treatment (ART) poses potential threats in maintenance of treatment. Lamivudine (3TC), is rare to cause rash. We are reporting 23 cases of 3TC-induced rash.


METHODS
An observational study conducted in the antiretroviral treatment center of a tertiary care hospital of North India from Feb 2009-Dec 2013 to record 3TC-induced rash. These were then recommended to start ART without 3TC and were followed up at 1-, 2-, and at 4-week intervals to monitor the toxicity, if any, with alternate therapy.


RESULTS
We observed 3TC-induced skin rash in 23 HIV-infected individuals (0.7%), out of 3213 HIV-infected individuals initiated on first line ART (zidovudine [ZDV]/tenofovir [TDF] + 3TC +nevirapine [NVP]/efavirenz [EFV] during the study period of 5 years [Feb 2009-Dec 2013]). The mean age of these 23 individuals was 37.5 ± 12.8 (17-60) years. Lamivudine rash was more common in women than men (F = 19, M = 4), with an overall mean age of 37.5 ± 12.8 (17-60) years. It was generalized, erythematous, maculopapular eruptions associated with intense itching with no associated mucosal involvement. Lamivudine was substituted with TDF in 19, didanosine (ddl) in 3 and abacavir (ABC) in 1 individual. Mean duration of follow-up is 11.1 ± 12.8 (3-42) months. CD4 count was repeated at 3 months and showed significant improvement (P = 0.002).


CONCLUSION
Lamivudine-induced rash was found at a frequency of 0.7%. The correct and early recognition that the rash is due to 3TC, would save unnecessary substitution to a different class of drugs.
Epilepsy After Febrile Seizures: Twins Suggest Genetic Influence.

BACKGROUND
A history of complex febrile seizures can increase the risk of epilepsy, but the role of genetic factors is unclear. This analysis evaluated the relationship between febrile seizures and epilepsy.


METHODS
Information on the history of seizures was obtained by a questionnaire from twin pairs in the Mid-Atlantic, Danish, and Norwegian Twin Registries. The information was verified using medical records and detailed clinical and family interviews. The initial study evaluated the genetic epidemiology of febrile seizures in this population. Further information was analyzed and used to evaluate genetic associations of different febrile seizure subtypes.


RESULTS
Histories of febrile seizures were validated in 1051 twins in 900 pairs. The febrile seizure type was classified as simple, complex, or febrile status epilepticus. There were 61% simple, 12% complex, and 7% febrile status epilepticus. There were 78 twins who developed epilepsy. The highest rate of epilepsy (22.2%) occurred in the febrile status epilepticus group. Concordance was highest in simple group.


CONCLUSION
A twin with febrile status epilepticus is at the highest risk of developing epilepsy, but simple febrile seizures gave the highest risk for the unaffected twin to develop seizures or other neurological issues. These results are consistent with previous findings. There is a subgroup of febrile seizures that can be associated with long-term consequences. This subgroup can be associated with a significant financial and emotional burden. It is currently not possible to accurately identify which children will develop recurrent febrile seizures, epilepsy, or neuropsychological comorbidities.
The aging craniofacial complex: a longitudinal cephalometric study from late adolescence to late adulthood.

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate craniofacial growth changes from late adolescence through late adulthood in participants from the University of Michigan Elementary and Secondary School Growth Study.


METHODS
This was a recall study with 39 subjects (19 male, 20 female). Their lateral cephalograms taken during late adolescence (T1; mean age, about 17 years), midadulthood (T2; mean age, about 47 years), and late adulthood (T3; mean age, about 57 years) were evaluated. To test for significant differences between times, sexes, and the sex and time interaction, repeated measures analysis of variance was used. For the comparisons of time (T1 vs T2, T2 vs T3), the nominal alpha level was set at 0.01.


RESULTS
Skeletal changes were significant only from late adolescence to midadulthood; soft-tissue changes were significant from late adolescence to midadulthood, and mid- to late adulthood. Changes in skeletal tissues consisted of increases in sella-nasion length, midfacial length, and lower anterior facial height. Sex differences were apparent in the mandible. The women had downward and backward mandibular rotation; the men, on the other hand, had more forward rotation of the mandible and increased chin prominence. Mandibular growth was greater in the men. Changes in the soft tissues were the most remarkable and included significant thinning and elongation of the upper lip. Significant changes in the nose took place, including drooping of the nasal tip and columella, the latter leading to more acute nasolabial angles.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings in this longitudinal study provide insights on several significant changes in the aging craniofacial complex.
Vulnerability : A generally applicable conceptual framework for climate change research

The term ‘vulnerability’ is used in many different ways by various scholarly communities. The resulting disagreement about the appropriate definition of vulnerability is a frequent cause for misunderstanding in interdisciplinary research on climate change and a challenge for attempts to develop formal models of vulnerability. Earlier attempts at reconciling the various conceptualizations of vulnerability were, at best, partly successful. This paper presents a generally applicable conceptual framework of vulnerability that combines a nomenclature of vulnerable situations and a terminology of vulnerability concepts based on the distinction of four fundamental groups of vulnerability factors. This conceptual framework is applied to characterize the vulnerability concepts employed by the main schools of vulnerability research and to review earlier attempts at classifying vulnerability concepts. None of these onedimensional classification schemes reflects the diversity of vulnerability concepts identified in this review. The wide range of policy responses available to address the risks from global climate change suggests that climate impact, vulnerability, and adaptation assessments will continue to apply a variety of vulnerability concepts. The framework presented here provides the much-needed conceptual clarity and facilitates bridging the various approaches to researching vulnerability to climate change. r 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
1 Equivalent Electrical Simulation of High-Power Ultrasonic Piezoelectric Transducers by Using Finite Element Analysis

Finite element method (FEM) has been employed extensively for vibration modal analysis of piezoelectric transducers and devices. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the simulation and analysis of piezoelectric transducers by using equivalent electrical circuit models. This paper has been devoted to such approach for two designed and fabricated ultrasonic sandwich transducers having longitudinal vibrations for high power applications. By using analytical analysis, the dimensions of components of two high power ultrasonic transducers, which are widely used in ultrasonic welding and cleaning, were determined for the assumed resonance frequencies of 22 KHz and 30 KHz, respectively. By using a 2D finite element model, and regarding two different modeling techniques for the transducers and by application of a current source which was connected directly to the models, transient and harmonic analysis was performed by ANSYS for extraction of resonance and anti-resonance frequencies as well as voltage, current and equivalent impedance variations. Finally, simulation and experimental results were compared.
Evaluating usage and quality of technical software documentation: an empirical study

Context: Software documentation is an integral part of any software development process. However, software practitioners are often concerned about the lack of usage and quality of documentation in practice. Unfortunately, in many projects, practitioners find that software documentation artifacts are outdated, incomplete and sometimes not beneficial. Objective: Motivated by the needs of NovAtel Inc. (NovAtel), a world-leading company of GPS software systems, we propose in this paper an approach to analyze the usage and quality of software documentation in development and maintenance phases. Method: The approach incorporates inputs from automated analysis (e.g., mining of project's data) and also experts' opinion extracted from survey-based questionnaire. The approach has been designed based on the "action-research" approach and in close collaboration between industry and academia. Results: To evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of the proposed approach, we have applied it in an industrial setting and results are presented in this paper. One of the results is that, in the context of our case-study, usage of documentation for an implementation purpose is higher than the usage for maintenance purposes. Conclusion: It is concluded that the usage of documentation differs for various purposes and it depends on the type of the information needs as well as the task to be completed (e.g. development and maintenance). In addition, we identify the most important and relevant quality attributes which are critical to improving documentation quality.
Carboxyl-modified poly(vinyl alcohol)-crosslinked chitosan hydrogel films for potential wound dressing.

The objective of this study was to develop a novel carboxyl-modified poly(vinyl alcohol)-crosslinked chitosan hydrogel films for potential wound dressing. To prepare the crosslinked hydrogels, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was grafted with succinate acid to yield carboxyl-modified poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA-COOH). Hydrogel films based on PVA-COOH and chitosan (CS) at different concentrations were crosslinked through the formation of amide linkages. The mechanical properties of these crosslinked hydrogel films in dry and swollen state were greatly improved with high swelling ratio. Water vapor and oxygen permeability evaluations indicated that crosslinked hydrogel films could maintain a moist environment over wound bed. Biocompatibility test showed the crosslinked hydrogels had no cytotoxicity and hemolytic potential. Gentamicin sulfate-loaded crosslinked hydrogel films showed sustained drug release profile, and could effectively suppress bacterial proliferation and protect wound from infection.
A Critique of the Global Trafficking Discourse and U.S. Policy

This article examines the dominant discourse on trafficking in persons and the implementation of international and U.S. policy to address trafficking globally. Features of the United Nations Protocol and the Trafficking in Victims Protection Act demonstrate how trafficking frameworks currently in place contain underlying fears of migration and female sexuality. The implications of policy on the construction of third world women as “victims to be saved” through governments, National Government Organizations, feminists and the media will show how these misrespresentations only reinforce racism and dualistic simplifications of a complex issue. An emphasis is placed on the importance of women’s agency and the possibility of multiple realities. An alternative way of thinking about human trafficking and related policy through a labor rights, migration and human rights framework is proposed.
IT service management automation and its impact to IT industry

Organizations and businesses are rapidly shifting from goods-based economy to service-oriented economy [1]. This has led to the increased focus to IT service innovation. IT service management is a framework for enterprises to define, deliver, operate and govern the IT services to meet the business objective. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a process driven best practices framework for implementing Information Technology Service Management (ITSM). ITIL was originally developed by the UK Government has been adopted by many hundreds of organizations. ITIL has the proven track record of delivering services at the optimal service level. Digital revolution is rapidly transforming the organization and industries. Managing growth and reducing cost out at the same time is a requirement for digital business, but it's not easy for IT infrastructure and operations. Automation is the best solution for meeting the demands of the digital business. Large number of IT organizations have started automating the repeatable and recurring processes. IT organizations need to move from opportunistic to systematic automation of IT processes [2]. In this study, we first systematically review the automation scope of ITSM from ITIL process perspective. Second, we identify the positive and negative impacts of automation to IT industry.
A Repetitive Solid State Marx-Type Pulsed Power Generator Using Multistage Switch-Capacitor Cells

This paper reports on the novel development of a fully solid state Marx-type circuit to achieve output voltage pulses with adjustable voltage levels, pulse width, and frequency using a series connection of half-bridge or full-bridge switch-capacitor cells (SCC). Modularity of the circuit allows independent control of each SCC, resulting in more freedom to control the pulsed power parameters. A 3-kW laboratory prototype of the proposed generator topology was implemented using 1700-V insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and a 1-kV power supply. The SCC unit circuit board is stacked to increase the maximum output voltage. The control unit for the output pulse parameters was performed using an field-programmable gate array unit.
Foreign banks and foreign currency lending in emerging Europe

Based on survey data from 193 banks in 20 countries we provide the first bank-level analysis of the relationship between bank ownership, bank funding and foreign currency (FX) lending across emerging Europe. Our results contradict the widespread view that foreign banks have been driving FX lending to retail clients as a result of easier access to foreign wholesale funding. Our cross-sectional analysis shows that foreign banks do lend more in FX to corporate clients but not to households. Moreover, we find no evidence that wholesale funding had a strong causal effect on FX lending for either foreign or domestic banks. Panel estimations show that the foreign acquisition of a domestic bank does lead to faster growth in FX lending to households. However, this is driven by faster growth in household lending in general not by a shift towards FX lending.
Progress in understanding the pathogenesis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis: back to Histiocytosis X?

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), the most common histiocytic disorder, is characterized by the accumulation of CD1A(+) /CD207(+) mononuclear phagocytes within granulomatous lesions that can affect nearly all organ systems. Historically, LCH has been presumed to arise from transformed or pathologically activated epidermal dendritic cells called Langerhans cells. However, new evidence supports a model in which LCH occurs as a consequence of a misguided differentiation programme of myeloid dendritic cell precursors. Genetic, molecular and functional data implicate activation of the ERK signalling pathway at critical stages in myeloid differentiation as an essential and universal driver of LCH pathology. Based on these findings, we propose that LCH should be re-defined as an inflammatory myeloid neoplasia. Increased understanding of LCH pathogenesis will provide opportunities to optimize and personalize therapy through improved risk-stratification, targeted therapy and assessment of therapy response based on specific molecular features and origin of the pathological myeloid cells.
DIYABC v2.0: a software to make approximate Bayesian computation inferences about population history using single nucleotide polymorphism, DNA sequence and microsatellite data

MOTIVATION
DIYABC is a software package for a comprehensive analysis of population history using approximate Bayesian computation on DNA polymorphism data. Version 2.0 implements a number of new features and analytical methods. It allows (i) the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism data at large number of loci, apart from microsatellite and DNA sequence data, (ii) efficient Bayesian model choice using linear discriminant analysis on summary statistics and (iii) the serial launching of multiple post-processing analyses. DIYABC v2.0 also includes a user-friendly graphical interface with various new options. It can be run on three operating systems: GNU/Linux, Microsoft Windows and Apple Os X.


AVAILABILITY
Freely available with a detailed notice document and example projects to academic users at http://www1.montpellier.inra.fr/CBGP/diyabc CONTACT: estoup@supagro.inra.fr Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Safe implementation of thrombolysis in stroke-monitoring study in Italy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The safe implementation of thrombolysis in stroke-monitoring (SITS-MOST) study was an unique opportunity to test in Italy, where only few centres were expert in thrombolytic treatment before, safety and efficacy of i.v. alteplase within 3 h of ischaemic stroke outside the setting of clinical trials.


METHODS
In Italy to participate in the study the clinical centres had to possess organizational and structural characteristics certified by Regional Health Authorities.


RESULTS
Seventy-one centres were activated, 56 (79%) treated patients of which 41 (73%) had never used thrombolysis before the study. Globally, 586 patients were included. Baseline median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale of Italian patients was 13 vs. 12 in other European centres (P = 0.0001). Symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage as per the NINDS/Cochrane definition, mortality and independence (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) rates at 3 months occurred respectively in 6.7% (95% CI: 4.8-9.1), 11.7% (9.2-14.6) and 51.6% (47.4-55.7) of Italian patients compared with 7.3% (6.7-8.0) (P = 0.56), 11.2% (10.4-12.1) (P = 0.75) and 55.1% (53.8-56.4) (P = 0.09) in the European patients and in 8.6% (40/65; 6.3-11.6), 17.3% (14.1-21.1) and 50.1% (44.5-54.7) of the patients treated in the pooled randomized controlled trials.


CONCLUSIONS
The SITS-MOST study showed that in Italy i.v. alteplase is safe and effective in routine clinical use also in non-expert centres.
A Standards-Based Architecture Proposal for Integrating Patient mHealth Apps to Electronic Health Record Systems.

BACKGROUND
Mobile health Applications (mHealth Apps) are opening the way to patients' responsible and active involvement with their own healthcare management. However, apart from Apps allowing patient's access to their electronic health records (EHRs), mHealth Apps are currently developed as dedicated "island systems".


OBJECTIVE
Although much work has been done on patient's access to EHRs, transfer of information from mHealth Apps to EHR systems is still low. This study proposes a standards-based architecture that can be adopted by mHealth Apps to exchange information with EHRs to support better quality of care.


METHODS
Following the definition of requirements for the EHR/mHealth App information exchange recently proposed, and after reviewing current standards, we designed the architecture for EHR/mHealth App integration. Then, as a case study, we modeled a system based on the proposed architecture aimed to support home monitoring for congestive heart failure patients. We simulated such process using, on the EHR side, OpenMRS, an open source longitudinal EHR and, on the mHealth App side, the iOS platform.


RESULTS
The integration architecture was based on the bi-directional exchange of standard documents (clinical document architecture rel2 - CDA2). In the process, the clinician "prescribes" the home monitoring procedures by creating a CDA2 prescription in the EHR that is sent, encrypted and de-identified, to the mHealth App to create the monitoring calendar. At the scheduled time, the App alerts the patient to start the monitoring. After the measurements are done, the App generates a structured CDA2-compliant monitoring report and sends it to the EHR, thus avoiding local storage.


CONCLUSIONS
The proposed architecture, even if validated only in a simulation environment, represents a step forward in the integration of personal mHealth Apps into the larger health-IT ecosystem, allowing the bi-directional data exchange between patients and healthcare professionals, supporting the patient's engagement in self-management and self-care.
Brief meditation training can improve perceived stress and negative mood.

OBJECTIVES
To test a brief, non-sectarian program of meditation training for effects on perceived stress and negative emotion, and to determine effects of practice frequency and test the moderating effects of neuroticism (emotional lability) on treatment outcome.


DESIGN AND SETTING
The study used a single-group, open-label, pre-test post-test design conducted in the setting of a university medical center.


PARTICIPANTS
Healthy adults (N=200) interested in learning meditation for stress-reduction were enrolled. One hundred thirty-three (76% females) completed at least 1 follow-up visit and were included in data analyses.


INTERVENTION
Participants learned a simple mantra-based meditation technique in 4, 1-hour small-group meetings, with instructions to practice for 15-20 minutes twice daily. Instruction was based on a psychophysiological model of meditation practice and its expected effects on stress.


OUTCOME MEASURES
Baseline and monthly follow-up measures of Profile of Mood States; Perceived Stress Scale; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Practice frequency was indexed by monthly retrospective ratings. Neuroticism was evaluated as a potential moderator of treatment effects.


RESULTS
All 4 outcome measures improved significantly after instruction, with reductions from baseline that ranged from 14% (STAI) to 36% (BSI). More frequent practice was associated with better outcome. Higher baseline neuroticism scores were associated with greater improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary evidence suggests that even brief instruction in a simple meditation technique can improve negative mood and perceived stress in healthy adults, which could yield long-term health benefits. Frequency of practice does affect outcome. Those most likely to experience negative emotions may benefit the most from the intervention.
Decision making for leaders

Decision Making for Leaders is an introduction to Saaty's analytic hierarchy process (AHP) aimed at an audience of leaders in business, industry, and government. As such, the book can be viewed as a popularized version of Saaty's more technical works on AHP (for example, see [1]).