Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use and misuse of multivariable approaches in interventional cardiology studies on drug-eluting stents: a systematic review.

AIMS Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are the most reliable evidence, even if they require important resource and logistic efforts. Large, cost-free and real-world datasets may be easily accessed yielding to observational studies, but such analyses often lead to problematic results in the absence of careful methods, especially from a statistic point of view. We aimed to appraise the performance of current multivariable approaches in the estimation of causal treatment and effects in studies focusing on drug-eluting stents (DES). METHODS AND RESULTS Pertinent studies published in the literature were searched, selected, abstracted, and appraised for quality and validity features. Six studies with a logistic regression were included, all of them reporting more than 10 events for covariates and different length of follow-up, with an overall low risk of bias. Most of the 15 studies with a Cox proportional hazard analysis had a different follow-up, with less than 10 events for covariates, yielding an overall low or moderate risk of bias. Sixteen studies with propensity score were included: the most frequent method for variable selection was logistic regression, with underlying differences in follow-up and less than 10 events for covariate in most of them. Most frequently, calibration appraisal was not reported in the studies, on the contrary of discrimination appraisal, which was more frequently performed. In seventeen studies with propensity and matching, the latter was most commonly performed with a nearest neighbor-matching algorithm yet without appraisal in most of the studies of calibration or discrimination. Balance was evaluated in 46% of the studies, being obtained for all variables in 48% of them. CONCLUSIONS Better exploitation and methodological appraisal of multivariable analysis is needed to improve the clinical and research impact and reliability of nonrandomized studies.
Foot characteristics in association with inversion ankle injury.

OBJECTIVE To review the literature that provides information to assist in analyzing the role of the foot in acute and chronic lateral ankle injury. DATA SOURCES We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, Institute for Scientific Information's Web of Science, and SPORT Discus from 1965-2005 using the terms lateral, ankle, ligament, injury, risk factors, foot, subtalar joint, talocrural joint, gait analysis, and foot biomechanics. DATA SYNTHESIS We found substantial information on the incidence and treatment of lateral ankle sprains in sport but very few articles that focused on risk factors associated with these injuries and even less information on the foot as it relates to this condition. Moreover, little information was available regarding the risk factors associated with the development of chronic instability after a lateral ankle sprain. We critically analyzed the foot articulations and the foot's role in the mechanism of injury to assist our clinical synopsis. CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS An in-depth review of the foot complex in relation to lateral ankle sprains strongly suggested its importance when treating and preventing inversion ankle trauma. Throughout the literature, the only static foot measurements that show a significant correlation to this condition are an identified cavovarus deformity, increased foot width, and increased calcaneal eversion range of motion. Authors also provided dynamic measurements of the foot, which produced several significant findings that we discuss. Although our findings offer some insight into the relationship between foot characteristics and lateral ankle injuries, future research is needed to confirm the results of this review and expand this area of investigation.
Neural Systems Underlying Decisions about Affective Odors

Decision-making about affective value may occur after the reward value of a stimulus is represented and may involve different brain areas to those involved in decision-making about the physical properties of stimuli, such as intensity. In an fMRI study, we delivered two odors separated by a delay, with instructions on different trials to decide which odor was more pleasant or more intense or to rate the pleasantness and intensity of the second odor without making a decision. The fMRI signals in the medial prefrontal cortex area 10 (medial PFC) and in regions to which it projects, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insula, were higher when decisions were being made compared with ratings, implicating these regions in decision-making. Decision-making about affective value was related to larger signals in the dorsal part of medial area 10 and the agranular insula, whereas decisions about intensity were related to larger activations in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dorsolateral PFC), ventral premotor cortex, and anterior insula. For comparison, the mid orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) had activations related not to decision-making but to subjective pleasantness ratings, providing a continuous representation of affective value. In contrast, areas such as medial area 10 and the ACC are implicated in reaching a decision in which a binary outcome is produced.
Serological Assessment for Celiac Disease in IgA Deficient Adults

Purpose Selective immunoglobulin A deficiency is the most common primary immunodeficiency disorder that is strongly overrepresented among patients with celiac disease (CD). IgG antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and deamidated gliadin peptides (DGP) serve as serological markers for CD in IgA deficient individuals, although the diagnostic value remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of these markers in a large cohort of IgA deficient adults with confirmed or suspected CD and relate the findings to gluten free diet. Methods Sera from 488,156 individuals were screened for CD in seven Swedish clinical immunology laboratories between 1998 and 2012. In total, 356 out of 1,414 identified IgA deficient adults agreed to participate in this study and were resampled. Forty-seven IgA deficient blood donors served as controls. Analyses of IgG antibodies against tTG and DGP as well as HLA typing were performed and a questionnaire was used to investigate adherence to gluten free diet. Available biopsy results were collected. Results Out of the 356 IgA deficient resampled adults, 67 (18.8%) were positive for IgG anti-tTG and 79 (22.2%) for IgG anti-DGP, 54 had biopsy confirmed CD. Among the 47 IgA deficient blood donors, 4 (9%) were positive for IgG anti-tTG and 8 (17%) for anti-DGP. Four were diagnosed with biopsy verified CD, however, 2 of the patients were negative for all markers. Sixty-eight of 69 individuals with positive IgG anti-tTG were HLA-DQ2/DQ8 positive whereas 7 (18.9%) of the 37 individuals positive for IgG anti-DGP alone were not. Conclusions IgG anti-tTG seems to be a more reliable marker for CD in IgA deficient adults whereas the diagnostic specificity of anti-DGP appears to be lower. High levels of IgG antibodies against tTG and DGP were frequently found in IgA deficient adults despite adhering to gluten free diet.
Temporal Glare: Real‐Time Dynamic Simulation of the Scattering in the Human Eye

Glare is a consequence of light scattered within the human eye when looking at bright light sources. This effect can be exploited for tone mapping since adding glare to the depiction of high‐dynamic range (HDR) imagery on a low‐dynamic range (LDR) medium can dramatically increase perceived contrast. Even though most, if not all, subjects report perceiving glare as a bright pattern that fluctuates in time, up to now it has only been modeled as a static phenomenon. We argue that the temporal properties of glare are a strong means to increase perceived brightness and to produce realistic and attractive renderings of bright light sources. Based on the anatomy of the human eye, we propose a model that enables real‐time simulation of dynamic glare on a GPU. This allows an improved depiction of HDR images on LDR media for interactive applications like games, feature films, or even by adding movement to initially static HDR images. By conducting psychophysical studies, we validate that our method improves perceived brightness and that dynamic glare‐renderings are often perceived as more attractive depending on the chosen scene.
Sequential Temporal Dependencies in Associations Between Symptoms of Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Application of Bivariate Latent Difference Score Structural Equation Modeling

Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly comorbid conditions that may arise following exposure to psychological trauma. This study examined their temporal sequencing and mutual influence using bivariate latent difference score structural equation modeling. Longitudinal data from 182 emergency room patients revealed level of depression symptom severity to be positively associated with changes in PTSD intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal over 3 time intervals, beginning shortly after the traumatic event. Higher scores on depression anticipated increases (or worsening) in PTSD symptom severity. The pattern of influence from PTSD symptom severity to change in depression symptom severity simply followed the general trend toward health and well-being. Results are discussed in terms of the dynamic interplay and associated mechanisms of posttrauma depression and PTSD symptom severity.
Effect of well dispersed amorphous silicon dioxide in flame retarded styrene butadiene rubber

Spherically shaped amorphous silicon dioxide with broad size particle distribution was used in combination with aluminium trihydroxide (ATH) in styrene butadiene rubber composites. The pyrolysis, flammability, fire properties, flame spread and gas diffusion were investigated. The kind and amount of ATH, but in particular the fine silicon dioxide chosen as an additive, influenced the thermal decomposition and fire behaviour of styrene butadiene rubber composites. Gravimetric gas sorption measurements showed that the gas diffusion was systematically lower with silicon dioxide. The initial pyrolysis gas release was hindered, increasing the temperature at which decomposition begins as well as the ignition time in fire tests. During combustion, ATH and silicon dioxide accumulate on the surface of the specimen, forming a residual protective layer. A reduced peak heat release rate and fire spread were observed. The addition of a special kind of silicon dioxide is proposed to play a key role in optimising fire retardancy.
Valuations of EQ-5D Health States: Are the United States and United Kingdom Different?

Purpose:We sought to compare directly elicited valuations for EQ-5D health states between the US and UK general adult populations. Methods:We analyzed data from 2 EQ-5D valuation studies where, using similar time trade-off protocols, values for 42 common health states were elicited from representative samples of the US and UK general adult populations. First, US and UK population mean valuations were estimated and compared for each health state. Second, random-effect models were used to compare the US and UK valuations while adjusting for known predictors of EQ-5D valuations (ie, age, sex, health state descriptors) and to investigate whether and how the valuations differ. Results:Population mean valuations of the 42 health states ranged from −0.38 to 0.88 for the United States and from −0.54 to 0.88 for the United Kingdom, with the US mean scores being numerically higher than the UK for 39 health states (mean difference: 0.11; range: −0.01 to 0.25). After adjusting for the main effects of known predictors, the average difference in valuations was 0.10 (P < 0.001). The magnitude of the difference in the US and UK valuations was not constant across EQ-5D health states; greater differences in valuations were present in health states characterized by extreme problems. Conclusions:Meaningful differences exist in directly elicited TTO valuations of EQ-5D health states between the US and UK general populations. Therefore, EQ-5D index scores generated using valuations from the US general population should be used for studies aiming to reflect health state preferences of the US general public.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease as a Risk Factor for Premature Coronary Artery Disease

Background Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both systemic chronic diseases that alter bowel physiology. The central process in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the associated manifestations are the result of B-cell production of IgG autoantibodies directed against self-antigens in various organ systems including coronary endothelium. Previous studies have demonstrated significant micro-vascular endothelial dysfunction in patients with IBD compared to patients not affected by the disease. We sought to analyze the relation, if any, between IBD and the development of premature coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods We queried our hospital database to find IBD patients admitted to the hospital from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008. Patients with traditional cardiovascular (CV) disease risk factors including hypertension, congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes, age ≥ 65, hyperlipidemia, family history, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and greater than five pack-year smoking history were excluded from the study cohort. The charts of the remaining 300 patients with diagnosed IBD were then analyzed for the incidence of CV disease events including acute myocardial infarction (MI), unstable angina, positive stress testing, and any cardiac intervention including coronary angioplasty and/or intracoronary stent implantation. Results Of the 300 patients included, only one patient had a CV disease event. This patient had a positive exercise stress thallium test. Otherwise, the remaining 299 patients (99.7%) did not have any reported CV disease events over the 2-year follow-up period. Conclusion Most of the clinical sequelae of CV disease events are the result of inflammatory changes at the vascular level. While IBD is associated with a chronic inflammatory state as reflected by high sedimentation rates, C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine levels, etc., our data seem to indicate that chronic inflammation in the absence of traditional risk factors is not associated with an increased risk of premature CV disease events. More wide-scale prospective studies should be performed to elucidate the relationship, if any, between chronic inflammation and CV disease risk.
Morphology and tensile properties of high‐density polyethylene/natural rubber/thermoplastic tapioca starch blends: The effect of citric acid‐modified tapioca starch

The effect of citric acid on the tensile properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/natural rubber (NR)/thermoplastic tapioca starch (TPS) blends was investigated. The ratio between HDPE/NR was fixed at 70/30 and used as the matrix system. TPS loadings, after modification with citric acid (TPSCA) and without modification (TPS), were varied from 0 to 30 wt %. The morphologies and tensile properties of HDPE/NR blends were evaluated as a function of TPS loadings. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break were found to decrease with increasing TPS loading. However, a slight improvement in the tensile strength of HDPE/NR/TPSCA blends at 5 and 10 wt % TPS loadings were observed. TPS can be partly depolymerised to produce a low viscosity product when processed with citric acid. TPS with low viscosity can easily disperse in the thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) system and reduce the surface tension at the interphase of TPS-HDPE/NR as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Vasodilatory Effect of the Stable Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Analog RO 25-1553 in Murine and Rat Lungs

Rationale Stable analogs of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) have been proposed as novel line of therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on their bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects. We speculated that VIP analogs may provide additional benefits in that they exert vasodilatory properties in the lung, and tested this hypothesis in both ex vivo and in vivo models. Methods In isolated perfused mouse lungs and in an in vivo rat model, pulmonary blood vessels were preconstricted by hypoxia and hemodynamic changes in response to systemic (ex vivo) or inhaled (in vivo) administration of the cyclic VIP analog RO 25-1553 were determined. Results In mouse lungs, RO 25-1553 reduced intrinsic vascular resistance at normoxia, and attenuated the increase in pulmonary artery pressure in response to acute hypoxia. Consistently, inhalation of RO 25-1553 (1 mg·mL−1 for 3 min) caused an extensive and sustained (> 60 min) inhibition of the pulmonary arterial pressure increase in response to hypoxia in vivo that was comparable to the effects of inhaled sildenafil. This effect was not attributable to systemic cardiovascular effects of RO 25-1553, but to a lung specific reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance, while cardiac output and systemic arterial hemodynamics remained unaffected. No adverse effects of RO 25-1553 inhalation on pulmonary gas exchange, ventilation-perfusion matching, or lung fluid content were detected. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that inhaled delivery of the stable VIP analog RO 25-1553 induces a potent and sustained vasodilatory effect in the pulmonary circulation with no detectable adverse effects. Therapeutic inhalation of RO 25-1553 may provide vascular benefits in addition to its reported anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects in COPD, yet caution is warranted given the overall poor results of vasodilator therapies for pulmonary hypertension secondary to COPD in a series of recent clinical trials.
Role of anxiety sensitivity subfactors in suicidal ideation and suicide attempt history

Anxiety along with anxiety‐related risk factors has been increasingly implicated in suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. One such risk factor, anxiety sensitivity (AS), refers to fear of anxiety‐related sensations. Subfactors of AS, notably physical and cognitive concerns, seem to be relevant to acquired capability, a risk factor for death by suicide from Joiner's (2005) Interpersonal–Psychological Theory of Suicide.
CD56: a useful tool for the diagnosis of small cell lung carcinomas on biopsies with extensive crush artefact

Background/Aims: The diagnosis of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) on bronchial biopsy is often problematical as a result of intense crush artefact. Several antibodies are now available to help in the diagnosis of SCLC and their value was assessed in this clinical situation. Methods/Results: Twenty cases of SCLC and 10 control cases (one non-Hodgkin lymphoma, three non-small cell carcinomas, one follicular reactive hyperplasia, and five chronic non-specific inflammations) with extensive crush artefact were stained using antibodies to CD56, MNF116, thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), and CD45. All SCLCs showed strong positive staining for CD56 in 75–100% of recognisable tumour cells, even in areas where there was extensive crush artefact. Eighteen of 20 cases were positive for TTF-1 and 16 of 20 were positive for MNF116 in the tumour cells, but both of these antibodies showed little or no staining in areas of crush artefact. Control cases comprising lymphoid cells were positive for CD45 in areas of crush artefact, but all cases of SCLC were negative. Conclusion: CD56, along with markers for cytokeratins—TTF-1, and CD45—are useful in the diagnosis of SCLC in biopsies with extensive crush artefact and can help confirm the diagnosis in cases where features are equivocal.
A three-layer model of natural image statistics

An important property of visual systems is to be simultaneously both selective to specific patterns found in the sensory input and invariant to possible variations. Selectivity and invariance (tolerance) are opposing requirements. It has been suggested that they could be joined by iterating a sequence of elementary selectivity and tolerance computations. It is, however, unknown what should be selected or tolerated at each level of the hierarchy. We approach this issue by learning the computations from natural images. We propose and estimate a probabilistic model of natural images that consists of three processing layers. Two natural image data sets are considered: image patches, and complete visual scenes downsampled to the size of small patches. For both data sets, we find that in the first two layers, simple and complex cell-like computations are performed. In the third layer, we mainly find selectivity to longer contours; for patch data, we further find some selectivity to texture, while for the downsampled complete scenes, some selectivity to curvature is observed. Our paper belongs to the larger body of work on Bayesian perception. This theory of vision entails that the visual system is adapted to the properties of the world which it senses. In other words, it ''knows'' about the regularities within the visual stimuli Knowledge about the regularities can be mathematically expressed as knowledge about the probability distribution of the visual stimuli. Our goal here is to model this distribution and relate it to visual processing. One powerful class of models specifies the distribution in a top-down manner in terms of latent variables which explain the struc-Another class of models corresponds to a bottom-up approach where the visual stimuli are processed in multiple layers of computation (Osin-dero et al., 2006; Köster and Hyvärinen, 2010; Gutmann and Hyvärinen, 2012b). The model in this paper belongs to this latter class. It has been proposed that the layers should alternate between elementary selectivity and invariance, or tolerance computations (Fukushima, 1980; Riesenhuber and Poggio, 1999). In line with simple models for experimental data (see, for example, Hubel, 1995), the first layer should be selective to localized, oriented bandpass structure, and the second layer should be tolerant to variations in the localization of that structure. The idea is that after several layers of computations, high selectivity to specific structure could be combined with moderate tolerance to its possible variations. The combination of the opposing poles of selectivity and invariance …
An integrated visualization approach for smart grid attacks

As the world's demand for more and cleaner energy continuously grow, smart electric power grid has become a significant research area for scientists and engineers. In the past few years, smart grid security has become an emerging topic and many new attack and defense strategies have been proposed. However, many of the outcomes of such approaches are presented in complicated ways and lack visualization capability to understand the whole grid behavior under complex attacks. In this paper, we present an integrated visualization approach to understand the smart grid attack. We introduce the ESRI ArcGIS software as our visualization platform and develop an interface so that ArcGIS can effectively exchange information and communicate with MATLAB, where the power grid security attack and defense algorithms are simulated. This integrated approach provides an effective way to understand the power grid behavior with geographical details under complex attacks. Furthermore, it could help to develop new defense strategies to improve security and reliability of smart grid.