Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On acceleration of logic circuits optimization using implication relations

In logic synthesis the multi-level logic optimization methods using implication analysis has high performance but it needs a lot of computational time because of using test pattern generation to identify redundant faults. In this paper we proposed a fast redundancy identification method using implication relation instead of test pattern generation. Experimental results for benchmark circuits clearly show that the proposed method can accelerate the speed to identify redundancies without declining of the ability of the optimization.
A functional SNP regulated by miR‐196a‐3p in the 3′UTR of FGF2 is associated with bone mineral density in the Chinese population

Previous studies have identified FGF2 as a susceptibility gene for osteoporosis in Caucasians. Evaluating the genetic associations in different ethnicities is necessary. Moreover, elucidating the functional mechanism for the susceptibility loci is important to offer new targets for therapeutic studies. Here, we genotyped 10 SNPs in FGF2 and tested for associations with bone mineral density (BMD) in a discovery sample of 1,300 Chinese subjects. Nominally significant results were subjected to replication in another sample of 1,039 Chinese subjects. We identified one SNP rs1048201:C>T in FGF2 3′untranslated region significantly associated with spine BMD (combined cohorts, P = 1.53×10−3). Expression quantitative trait locus analyses revealed that rs1048201 also affected FGF2 gene expression (P = 7.03×10−4). Bioinformatics prediction suggested that rs1048201 T allele could disrupt miRNA binding. Luciferase assay validated that the C allele had a repressive effect on FGF2 gene expression. We found that hsa‐miR‐196a‐3p affected expression on both mRNA and protein levels of FGF2. In conclusion, our study provided evidence that a functional SNP rs1048201 was associated with BMD, and SNP rs1048201:C>T variant may act by affecting binding of hsa‐miR‐196a‐3p. The SNP‐modified posttranscriptional gene regulation by miRNA could be a potentially pathogenetic mechanism of osteoporosis.
Schwann Cell Phenotype Changes in Aging Human Dental Pulp

Schwann cells are glial cells that support axonal development, maintenance, defense, and regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. There is limited knowledge regarding the organization, plasticity, and aging of Schwann cells within the dental pulp in adult permanent teeth. The present study sought to relate changes in the pattern of Schwann cell phenotypes between young and old adult teeth with neuronal, immune, and vascular components of the dental pulp. Schwann cells are shown to form a prominent glial network at the dentin-pulp interface, consisting of nonmyelinating and myelinating phenotypes, forming a multicellular neuroimmune interface in association with nerve fibers and dendritic cells. Schwann cell phenotypes are recognized by the expression of S100, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), myelin basic protein (MBP), Sox10, GAP43, and p75NTR markers. In young adult teeth, a dense population of nonmyelinating Schwann cells projects processes in close association with sensory nerve terminals through the odontoblast layer, reaching the adjacent predentin/dentin domain. While GAP43 and p75NTR are highly expressed in nonmyelinating Schwann cells from young adult teeth, the presence of these markers declines significantly in old adult teeth. Myelinated axons, identified by MBP expression, are mainly present at the Raschkow plexus and within nerve bundles in the dental pulp, but their density is significantly reduced in old adult versus young adult teeth. These data reveal age-related changes within the glial network of the dental pulp, in association with a reduction of coronal dental pulp innervation in old adult versus young adult teeth. The prominence of Schwann cells as a cellular component at the dentin-pulp interface supports the notion that their association with sensory nerve terminals and immune system components forms part of an integrated multicellular barrier for defense against pathogens and dentin repair.
Insufficient Medication Documentation at Hospital Admission of Cardiac Patients: A Challenge for Medication Reconciliation

Background: Medication errors may occur when hospital doctors are not adequately informed about a patient's prescribed drugs. Methods: The drug lists of 103 patients who were electively admitted for coronary angiography were assessed. Discrepancies between lists noted in admission letters, patient's personal medication lists, and medication histories were analyzed. Results: Patients took a mean of 5 ± 3 drugs. Nine percent of all drugs taken were only mentioned when a systematic medication history was obtained but were not stated in admission letters or on medication lists. Only 88% of admission letters reported the patient's medication. Twenty-one percent of generics were incorrectly documented as originals in the admission letter. Less than 50% of patients taking ≥ 4 drugs had a written instruction on how to take their medication. A total of 86 drugs actually taken by the patients were not identical to those listed in the referral letter or the medication list, leaving uncertainties as to how outpatient medication should be continued. Medication was modified in 25% of all patients at hospital discharge. Conclusions: Instructions for patients taking multiple drugs and information in admission letters need to be improved. These results underline the importance of medication reconciliation at hospital admission.
Preoperative imaging for parathyroid localization in patients with concurrent thyroid disease: A systematic review

Thyroid disease occurs more frequently in patients with hyperparathyroidism than the general population and hinders parathyroid localization. Identifying thyroid pathology before operating improves management and avoids the risks of reoperation in the neck. This review assesses imaging studies in patients with hyperparathyroidism and thyroid pathology to identify the ideal imaging methodology for patients with multigland disease.
Cognitive functions among predominantly minority urban adolescents with metabolic syndrome

ABSTRACT The rise in the rate of adolescent obesity has led to a concurrent rise in the rate of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among young people. In addition to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, MetS has also been linked to cognitive dysfunction. The goal of this study was to assess whether cognitive differences exist between minority urban adolescents carrying excess weight who meet criteria for MetS as compared to their peers without MetS. Two hundred and ninety-six urban adolescents, predominantly Hispanic and carrying excess weight as defined by a BMI above 25 kg/m2, were screened for MetS and divided into MetS and no MetS groups. All participants completed the CNS Vital Signs (CNS-VS) computerized neurocognitive battery that assesses cognitive domains of Memory, Processing Speed, Reaction Time, Executive Function, Complex Attention, and Cognitive Flexibility. The MetS group (29.2%, n = 84) performed significantly lower on 2 of the 7 cognitive domains: Executive Function (EF) and Cognitive Flexibility. Additionally, waist circumference was determined to be a significant predictor of both these domains. These findings suggest EF is negatively impacted in adolescents with MetS, despite there being no statistical differences between MetS groups on most other measured cognitive domains. Due to the interrelated nature of obesity, waist circumference, and MetS, these findings have larger implications for the obesity epidemic as well.
Advances in Peritoneal Dialysis in Acute Kidney Injury

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a simple, safe, cheap, and efficient renal replacement therapy method. It can correct metabolic disorders and fluid overload in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients both in and out of the intensive care unit. Use of PD in AKI is enhanced by placement of a Tenckhoff catheter, which can be safely accomplished at the bedside. Some PD modalities, such as high-volume PD and continuous-flow PD, can provide dialysis doses and efficiency comparable to extracorporeal blood purification methods. PD is particularly suitable for neonates, children, and patients with refractory heart failure or who are otherwise hemodynamically unstable. PD should be considered in situations where systemic anticoagulation and/or vascular access are problematic. PD is limited by a lower efficiency that may produce inadequate renal replacement in larger and/or severely hypercatabolic patients. Fluid removal can be unpredictable, there is a risk of infection, and possible issues with mechanical ventilation. In this article, we discuss the use of PD in AKI, with emphasis on recent advances.
Sex differences in time trends of blood pressure among Swedish septuagenarians examined three decades apart: a longitudinal population study

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of birth cohort, sex and age on the trajectories of SBP and DBP in two birth cohorts of 70-year-olds, examined 3 decades apart and followed up at ages 75 and 79–80 years. Methods: Two population samples of 70-year-olds from Gothenburg, Sweden, were examined. The first, born in 1901–1902, was examined in 1971–1972 (n = 973). The second, born in 1930, was examined in 2000 (n = 509). Both samples were re-examined at ages 75 and 79–80 years. Results: We found that SBP and DBP were considerably lower in septuagenarian men and women born 1930 compared with those born 1901–1902, also when adjusting for antihypertensive treatment in different ways. The decline was especially pronounced in women. Blood pressure was higher in women than in men in the 1970s, whereas there were no sex differences in the 2000s. The age-related decline in SBP started earlier and was more accentuated in those born in 1930 than in those born in 1901–1902. Conclusion: Blood pressure decreased, and the age-related decline in SBP started earlier in septuagenarians examined in the 2000s compared with those examined in the 1970s. The decrease was especially pronounced in women and diminished the sex differences. Antihypertensive treatment only partly explained our findings, suggesting that other mostly unknown factors played an important role.
Efficient symbolic support manipulation

An incompletely specified function can be given by an interval (g, h) or alternatively by a function f and a don't care set d. Depending on the assignment of don't cares, a different compatible function with a possibly support set may be derived. In this paper, efficient symbolic algorithms based on BDDs are presented for finding a compatible function with the minimum support. Efficient solution to this problem has important application in FPGA synthesis. <<ETX>>
Salivary cortisol as predictor for depression characteristics and remission in electroconvulsive therapy in older persons

Abstract Objectives: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for depression; however, consensus on predictors for ECT outcome is lacking. We aim to examine the relation between pre-ECT salivary cortisol values and clinical characteristics and ECT outcome in depressed, older persons. Methods: A total of 102 inpatients meeting DSM-IV criteria for depression and referred for ECT were selected. Salivary cortisol was assessed at five time points during the day, providing insight into the cortisol awakening curve to the ground (AUCg) and to the increase (AUCi) and evening cortisol level. Depression severity was assessed using the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Remission was defined as MADRS <10; response was defined as MADRS-reduction of at least 50%. Regression analysis was used to assess associations between cortisol and (1) clinical variables, including depression severity, psychomotor symptoms and presence of psychosis, and (2) ECT outcome. Results: No significant relations were found between AUCg, AUCi, evening cortisol and depression severity, psychomotor symptoms, and presence of psychosis. In addition, no significant relation was found between cortisol and response or remission. Conclusions: Our results do not support a relation between cortisol values and depression characteristics, or ECT outcome in severely depressed, older patients treated with ECT.
Randomized controlled Phase III study comparing hepatic arterial infusion with systemic chemotherapy after curative resection for liver metastasis of colorectal carcinoma: JFMC 29–0003

Background: The feasibility and efficacy of adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) in preventing the development of liver metastases in patients with advanced colon carcinoma have not been validated. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to compare the feasibility of HAI and the protective effect against liver metastasis after curative resection to those of systemic chemotherapy. Methods: Between July 2000 and June 2003, 91 patients were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) via continuous venous infusion (CVI) or intra-hepatic arterial weekly high-dose 5-FU (WHF). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Results: In the WHF group, the cumulative failure rate of hepatic arterial catheterization was 16.7% at 6 months. The occurrence of grade 3 adverse events was comparable between the groups. The 5-year OS rates were 59.0% in the CVI group and 34.9% in the WHF group (P = 0.164). CVI tended to show a protective effect against liver metastasis regarding the 5-year liver-specific cumulative recurrence rate: CVI, 45.0% vs. WHF, 68.3%; P = 0.037). Conclusion: HAI therapy has a certain protective effect against liver metastasis after curative resection in patients with colorectal cancer. However, this therapy did not contribute to any marked improvement in their overall survival.
‘I think my future will be better than my past’: Examining support group influence on the mental health of HIV-infected Rwandan women

Abstract Urgent need exists for improved psychological services among HIV-infected women in post-genocide Rwanda. Psychological problems associated with trauma and sexual violence (i.e., depression, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) place women at increased risk for sexual risk behaviour, low health-seeking behaviour, delay of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and reduced ART adherence. We explored experiences of HIV-infected Rwandan women attending psychosocial support groups and their narratives about how participation affected their mental health and HIV treatment. Focus group discussions examined participants' reasons for support group attendance, perceived psychological benefit of support groups, influence on ART adherence, and other influences on health behaviors and attitudes. Rwandan women (aged 18–65) were randomly selected from 10 health clinic-facilitated support groups for HIV-infected trauma survivors in Kigali. Results identified positive psychological and physical changes as well as behaviour changes in relationships with men, which participants attributed to support group attendance. Data showed significant improvement in mental health, ART adherence and HIV serostatus disclosure resulting from group attendance. Participants acknowledged limitations of support groups with respect to addressing poverty and hunger. Implementing psychosocial support groups may leverage clinical outcomes and rejuvenate the well-being of HIV-infected women with interpersonal trauma and/or PTSD and depressive symptoms, particularly those from post-conflict countries.
Establishing neural crest identity: a gene regulatory recipe

The neural crest is a stem/progenitor cell population that contributes to a wide variety of derivatives, including sensory and autonomic ganglia, cartilage and bone of the face and pigment cells of the skin. Unique to vertebrate embryos, it has served as an excellent model system for the study of cell behavior and identity owing to its multipotency, motility and ability to form a broad array of cell types. Neural crest development is thought to be controlled by a suite of transcriptional and epigenetic inputs arranged hierarchically in a gene regulatory network. Here, we examine neural crest development from a gene regulatory perspective and discuss how the underlying genetic circuitry results in the features that define this unique cell population. Summary: The current status of the neural crest gene regulatory network is reviewed, emphasizing the connections between transcription factors, signalling molecules and epigenetic modifiers.
Endoscopic Management of Intraventricular Neurocysticercosis.

AIM To evaluate the technique and outcome of endoscopic management of intraventricular neurocysticercosis (NCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively analysed the records of 30 consecutive patients of intraventricular (intra-third and fourth ventricle) NCC who underwent endoscopic management. The clinical profiles of the patients were evaluated which included age, symptoms and signs. Transcranial endoscopy was performed through a frontal burr hole using a Gaab Universal Endoscope system with rigid 0° and 30° telescope for endoscopic third ventriculostomy and removal of the cyst was described. The mean follow-up period was 22.6 months. RESULTS In 86.67% (26/30) patients we are able to visualize/excise/decompress the cyst. We were able to successfully excise all the third ventricular cysts (16/16) and in 66.67% (8/12) of the fourth ventricular cysts. In 90% (27/30) patients we were able to successfully divert the CSF flow and achieve long-term shunt free period. CONCLUSION We found that endoscopic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in cases of intraventricular NCC is feasible and associated with high success rate. Endoscopic CSF diversion in NCC related hydrocephalus usually produces a long-term cure.
Predicting (Individual) Software Productivity

A method for projecting software productivity with reasonable accuracy which uses the statistical techniques of time series analysis is described. The measure of productivity is the development time required per line of code. In making productivity projections, the key issue is the need to achieve a balance between forecasting stability and responsiveness to changing conditions. An integrated moving average process of order one, using exponential smoothing of all the previous observations, is judged appropriate for software productivity analysis, particularly where there are limited data available or where conditions are sufficiently varied to make much of the available data inapplicable. Empirical evidence suggests that most commonly encountered time series can be reasonably well described by such methods. The methods for computing the weights used for exponential smoothing are described, as are the means for determining prediction intervals, or measures of forecast uncertainty. This data analytic approach uses historical data alone, unlike structural methods where learning curves as well as prior data are used to define the predictive process. >
Development of a monoclonal antibody that specifically detects tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐4 (TIMP‐4) in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded human tissues

Overexpression of the extracellular metalloproteinase inhibitor TIMP‐4 in estrogen receptor‐negative breast cancers was found recently to be associated with a poor prognosis for survival. To pursue exploration of the theranostic applications of TIMP‐4, specific antibodies with favorable properties for immunohistochemical use and other clinical assays are needed. Here we report the characterization of a monoclonal antibody (clone 9:4–7) specific for full‐length human TIMP‐4 with suitable qualities. The antibody was determined to be an IgG2b immunoglobulin. In enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting assays, it did not exhibit any detectable crossreactivity with recombinant forms of the other human TIMPs 1, 2, and 3. In contrast, the antibody displayed high specificity and sensitivity for TIMP‐4 including in formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded specimens of human breast specimens. An analysis of tissue microarrays of human cancer and corresponding normal tissues revealed specific staining patterns with excellent signal‐to‐noise ratios. This study documents TIMP‐4 monoclonal antibody clone 9:4–7 as an effective tool for preclinical and clinical investigations. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 1255–1261, 2010. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phenome-wide scanning identifies multiple diseases and disease severity phenotypes associated with HLA variants

Numerous associations were discovered between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) variation and a comprehensive set of phenotypes derived from electronic health records. Hints on health and disease from HLA Each of us expresses a mix of different human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), which present self- and foreign peptides to T cells. Because slightly different peptides are presented by each HLA type, HLA expression can influence an individual’s susceptibility to disease. Karnes et al. scrutinized electronic health record information from tens of thousands of people in two distinct cohorts to compare their phenotypes to the HLA alleles they express. This study confirmed previously identified HLA associations and also identified new ones; most associations were related to autoimmune diseases. The researchers have made the catalog freely available so that other groups can mine the data for future discoveries about how HLAs drive different phenotypes. Although many phenotypes have been associated with variants in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, the full phenotypic impact of HLA variants across all diseases is unknown. We imputed HLA genomic variation from two populations of 28,839 and 8431 European ancestry individuals and tested association of HLA variation with 1368 phenotypes. A total of 104 four-digit and 92 two-digit HLA allele phenotype associations were significant in both discovery and replication cohorts, the strongest being HLA-DQB1*03:02 and type 1 diabetes. Four previously unidentified associations were identified across the spectrum of disease with two- and four-digit HLA alleles and 10 with nonsynonymous variants. Some conditions associated with multiple HLA variants and stronger associations with more severe disease manifestations were identified. A comprehensive, publicly available catalog of clinical phenotypes associated with HLA variation is provided. Examining HLA variant disease associations in this large data set allows comprehensive definition of disease associations to drive further mechanistic insights.