Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postpolio syndrome.

Keywords Disease name and synonyms Diagnostic criteria/Definition Differential diagnosis Prevalence Risk indicators Clinical description Management including treatment Etiology Diagnostic methods Unresolved questions References Abstract Post-poliomyelitis syndrome or post-polio syndrome (PPS) is the commonly accepted term to describe the neuromuscular symptoms that may develop many years after acute paralytic poliomyelitis. The prevalence estimates of late onset neuromuscular symptoms in prior polio patients vary between 25 and 74%. PPS patients are diagnosed on the basis of a confirmed history of paralytic poliomyelitis, followed by partial to fairly complete neurological recovery and functional stability for at least 15 years. After this recovery period, new or increased muscle weakness or abnormal muscle fatigability (decreased endurance), with or without generalized fatigue, muscle atrophy, or muscle and joint pain, appear usually gradually. PPS diagnosis is made by exclusion. Laboratory tests are used to show evidence of prior polio and to exclude other diseases: electromyography (EMG) displays signs of reinnervation and denervation both in symptomatic and non-symptomatic muscles. Muscle biopsy findings include type-grouping of muscle fibres as the result of reinnervation, and hypertrophy of muscle fibres as a compensation for the loss of muscle fibres. No curative treatment is available for PPS. Management is preferably multidisciplinary and aims both at reducing muscle overuse and rebalancing muscular capacities and demands. It consists of exercise, assistive devices and life style changes. The etiology of PPS is still unclear. It is currently hypothesized that muscle fibres undergo denervation again due to distal degeneration of axons of enlarged motor units.
Public, patient and carers’ views on palliative and end‐of‐life care in India

AIM To systematically review the existing evidence on the Indian public, patient and carers' perspectives on palliative and end-of-life care. BACKGROUND With a growing population of terminally ill people across the world, there is also an increasing awareness among international health policy makers of the need to improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients. Understanding service users' (patients, family and public) perspectives is crucial in developing and sustaining successful community-centred palliative nursing policies and service models especially in countries like India with diverse population. METHODS An integrative review was performed on five databases, using hand searches of key journals and reference citation tracking for empirical studies published in English from 1990 to 2015. A thematic analysis framework was used to analyse and identify key themes. RESULTS Analysis of the six eligible studies revealed five themes. Themes describe how social, economic, cultural, religious, spiritual and traditional factors influenced the palliative and end-of-life care perspectives and experiences among Indians. They also illustrated preferences relating to place of care, as well as benefits and challenges of family caregiving during the last days of life. CONCLUSIONS Although we found minimal evidence on user perspectives, nurses need to aware of those unique components of context-specific palliative and end-of-life care practices in India - socioeconomic, cultural and religious factors - on their nursing encounters. Nurses need to advocate same in policy development to enable accessibility and utility of palliative and end-of-life care services, which are scant in India. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY Nurses can be central in gathering the contextual evidence that advocate users' perspectives to inform further studies and national palliative care policies in India. Emerging policies in nursing education need to focus on integrating family-centred palliative and end-of-life care within curricula, whereas nursing practice may promote nurse-led community models to address the patchy palliative and end-of-life service provision in India.
CEP Discussion Paper No 826 October 2007 Information Technology , Organization , and Productivity in the Public Sector : Evidence from Police Departments

We examine how information technology (IT) contributes to organizational change, labor demand, and improved productivity in the public sector using a new panel data set of police departments covering 1987-2003. While IT adoption is associated with increased administrative and organizational complexity and use of more highly educated officers, IT itself does not appear to enhance crimefighting effectiveness. These results are robust to various methods for controlling for agency-level characteristics and the endogeneity of IT use. IT investments do, however, appear to improve police productivity when complemented with particular management practices–in this case, those associated with the Compstat program.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation studies in the Miller Fisher syndrome: evidence of corticospinal tract abnormality

OBJECTIVES To evaluate serial central motor conduction time in the Miller Fisher syndrome. METHOD Three patients with classic Miller Fisher syndrome were evaluated clinically. They had serial central motor conduction times measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation and nerve conduction studies. Motor evoked potentials were recorded from the first dorsal interossei and abductor hallucis muscles. RESULTS All three patients showed reduction in central motor conduction times in tandem with gradual clinical improvement at each review. CONCLUSIONS There is electrophysiological evidence of a central reversible corticospinal tract conduction abnormality in the Miller Fisher syndrome.
A Novel Series of Thiazoles and 1,3,4-Thiadiazoles Bearing Thiazole Moiety as Anticancer Agents: Synthesis, Spectral Studies, Biological Evaluation and Structure Activity relationship

A novel series of thiazole based-1,3,4-thiadiazoles were designed and prepared via the reaction of the 2-(4-methyl-2-phenylthiazole-5-carbonyl)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide with the appropriate hydrazonoyl chlorides. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established based on spectroscopic evidences and their alternative syntheses. Thirteen new 1,3,4-thiadiazoles have been evaluated for their anticancer activity against liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2). Also, their structure activity relationship (SAR) was studied. The 1,3,4-thiadiazoles 12d, 12c, 6g,18b, 6c, and 6f(IC50 = 0.82, 0.91, 1.06, 1.25, 1.29 and 1.88 µM, respectively) have promising antitumor activity against liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2).
Early Administration of Small-Molecule Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors Before Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Insights From Randomized Clinical Trials

Background: Current guidelines recommend abciximab (ReoPro) as an adjunctive pharmacologic agent to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, small-molecule glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors (smGPIs), such as tirofiban (aggrastat) and eptifibatide (integrilin), are more commonly used in clinical practice. Method and Result: We performed a meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of early administration of smGPIs versus abciximab before PPCI. The literature was scanned by formal searches of electronic databases from January 1990 to April 2009. A total of 4 randomized trials meeting the prespecified criteria were analyzed, involving 2040 patients. Rates of initial Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Study (TIMI) 3 flow before procedure as well as complete ST resolution after PPCI were not inferior in smGPIs group compared with abciximab group (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, P = .31; and OR 1.05, P = .66, respectively). There was no significant difference in the risk of 30-day (OR 0.83, P = .54) or 8-month mortality (OR 0.78, P = .43) between smGPI and abciximab group. With regard to the safety end points, neither the major nor the minor bleeding complications in smGPIs group differed significantly from those in abciximab group (OR 1.32, P = .43; and OR 0.82, P = .37, respectively). Conclusion: This meta-analysis shows that early administration of smGPIs is as effective as abciximab in the setting of PPCI for STEMI, without an increase in bleeding complications.
Optimization of the interfaces of encapsulated OPV devices

In order to limit the flexible organic photovoltaic devices degradation induced by moisture andoxygen, the solar cells are encapsulated between two gas-barrier films. Despite the importanceof the encapsulation processes and their potential influence on the initial performances as well asduring aging of the devices, they are scarcely described in the literature. Furthermore, severalfield aging studies showed that mechanical degradation could limit the devices lifetime beforetheir photo-chemical stability became an issue. Thus, adhesion between the different layerscomposing the devices is a critical factor in order to develop flexible OPV devices reliable aftertheir manufacturing and during their use.In this work, two encapsulation protocols were studied: the roll-to-roll lamination of apressure sensitive adhesive and the vacuum lamination of a hotmelt thermoplastic. In order toquantify the adhesion strength of every interface comprised in the samples, the 180° peelingtest mechanical characterization was adapted for and then applied to the flexible devices. Inaddition, non-destructive imaging characterization techniques were developed: the laser-beaminduced-current mapping and the luminescence emission imaging under optical and electricalexcitation. Thank to these techniques, the hypothesis of a mechanical degradation occurringduring the roll-to-roll lamination process was made. Answers allowing for the improvement ofthe interfaces identified as weak were searched for and evaluated with respect to the photovoltaicperformances of the reference devices. The imaging techniques previously developed were alsoapplied along the accelerated aging of encapsulated cells. A mechanism was proposed, whichallows one to explain the localization of the degradation but also the failure type, either opticalor electrical, occurring during each aging step.
Non-cell-autonomous microRNA165 acts in a dose-dependent manner to regulate multiple differentiation status in the Arabidopsis root

In the development of multicellular organisms, cell fate is usually determined by exchanging positional information. Animals employ a class of intercellular signaling molecules that specify different cell fates by their dosage, but the existence of an equivalent system has not been demonstrated in plants, except that the growth regulator auxin has been proposed to act in a similar manner in certain developmental contexts. Recently, it has been reported that, in the Arabidopsis root meristem, endodermis-derived microRNA (miR) 165/166 non-cell-autonomously suppress the expression of the Class III HD-ZIP transcription factor PHABULOSA (PHB) in the peripheral stele, thereby specifying xylem differentiation. Here, we show that the miR165/166-dependent suppression of PHB is required not only for xylem specification, but also for differentiation of the pericycle, as well as for ground tissue patterning. Furthermore, using a plant system that allows quantitative control of miR165 production in the ground tissue, we show that endodermis-derived miR165 acts in a dose-dependent manner to form a graded distribution of PHB transcripts across the stele. These results reveal a previously unidentified role of miR165 in the differentiation of a broad range of root cell types and suggest that endodermis-derived miR165 acts in a dose-dependent manner to control multiple differentiation status in the Arabidopsis root.
Network Calculus Delay Bounds in Multi-Server Queueing Networks with Stochastic Arrivals and Stochastic Services

Studies of multi-server networks are usually conducted on the assumptions of independent servers and specific arrivals, which may not capture the characteristics of realistic networks. In this paper, we propose a novel stochastic network calculus approach to perform delay analysis for a general multi-server network. The stochastic network service curves are derived in two ways with different assumptions. After that, we use these service curves to derive queueing delay bounds including delay bound distribution and mean delay bound for a specific scenario of which the classical M/M/N model is a subset. Compared with previous studies, it is worth highlighting that our analysis contains the cases where the arrival and service processes as well as the servers can either be independent or correlated. In addition, the accuracy of the analytical delay bounds are verified by comparing with the queueing theory results in an M/M/N model.
Socio-economic status of workers of building construction industry

Background: Informal/unorganised sector covers 92% of the total work force in India. About 50% of the construction industrial workers belonged to informal/unorganised sector. Material and Methods: The present study was undertaken to know the socio-economic status of construction worker and availing of the social security measures by this working group. Results and Conclusion: The study covered 150 subjects with an average age of 32 years and mean duration of work was nine years. They were poorly paid with an average income of Rs. 4956/-per month. Though the literacy rate was high (79%) yet most of them were addicted to different habits like drinking alcohol, smoking bidi, tobacco chewing etc., Abusing the family members were noted in (30%) of the cases. Their regular intake of food, usually inadequate in quantity and was mainly consisted of rice, pulses, vegetables. Though most of the subjects (73%) were living in kacha houses yet the latrine facilities were available to 62% of total covered houses. Majority of them were unaware of the different social security schemes/measures. The details have been discussed here.
Investigations of the Mode of Action and Resistance Development of Cadazolid, a New Antibiotic for Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infections

ABSTRACT Cadazolid is a new oxazolidinone-type antibiotic currently in clinical development for the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Here, we report investigations on the mode of action and the propensity for spontaneous resistance development in C. difficile strains. Macromolecular labeling experiments indicated that cadazolid acts as a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis, while inhibition of DNA synthesis was also observed, albeit only at substantially higher concentrations of the drug. Strong inhibition of protein synthesis was also obtained in strains resistant to linezolid, in agreement with low MICs against such strains. Inhibition of protein synthesis was confirmed in coupled transcription/translation assays using extracts from different C. difficile strains, including strains resistant to linezolid, while inhibitory effects in DNA topoisomerase assays were weak or not detectable under the assay conditions. Spontaneous resistance frequencies of cadazolid were low in all strains tested (generally <10−10 at 2× to 4× the MIC), and in multiple-passage experiments (up to 13 passages) MICs did not significantly increase. Furthermore, no cross-resistance was observed, as cadazolid retained potent activity against strains resistant or nonsusceptible to linezolid, fluoroquinolones, and the new antibiotic fidaxomicin. In conclusion, the data presented here indicate that cadazolid acts primarily by inhibition of protein synthesis, with weak inhibition of DNA synthesis as a potential second mode of action, and suggest a low potential for spontaneous resistance development.
Assessing the potential effectiveness of food and beverage taxes and subsidies for improving public health: a systematic review of prices, demand and body weight outcomes

Taxes and subsidies are increasingly being considered as potential policy instruments to incentivize consumers to improve their food and beverage consumption patterns and related health outcomes. This study provided a systematic review of recent U.S. studies on the price elasticity of demand for sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs), fast food, and fruits and vegetables, as well as the direct associations of prices/taxes with body weight outcomes. Based on the recent literature, the price elasticity of demand for SSBs, fast food, fruits and vegetables was estimated to be −1.21, −0.52, −0.49 and −0.48, respectively. The studies that linked soda taxes to weight outcomes showed minimal impacts on weight; however, they were based on existing state‐level sales taxes that were relatively low. Higher fast‐food prices were associated with lower weight outcomes particularly among adolescents, suggesting that raising prices would potentially impact weight outcomes. Lower fruit and vegetable prices were generally found to be associated with lower body weight outcomes among both low‐income children and adults, suggesting that subsidies that would reduce the cost of fruits and vegetables for lower‐socioeconomic populations may be effective in reducing obesity. Pricing instruments should continue to be considered and evaluated as potential policy instruments to address public health risks.
Open Problems in Universal Induction & Intelligence

Specialized intelligent systems can be found everywhere: finger print, handwriting, speech, and face recognition, spam filtering, chess and other game programs, robots, et al. This decade the first presumably complete mathematical theory of artificial intelligence based on universal induction-prediction-decision-action has been proposed. This informationtheoretic approach solidifies the foundations of inductive inference and artificial intelligence. Getting the foundations right usually marks a significant progress and maturing of a field. The theory provides a gold standard and guidance for researchers working on intelligent algorithms. The roots of universal induction have been laid exactly half-a-century ago and the roots of universal intelligence exactly one decade ago. So it is timely to take stock of what has been achieved and what remains to be done. Since there are already good recent surveys, I describe the state-of-the-art only in passing and refer the reader to the literature. This article concentrates on the open problems in universal induction and its extension to universal intelligence.
Finding a voice through ‘The Tree of Life’: A strength-based approach to mental health for refugee children and families in schools

The Child and Family Refugee Service at the Tavistock Centre in London has run a series of ‘Tree of Life’ groups for both parents and children in schools. The groups were developed in response to a concern about the majority of psychological treatments, which focus predominantly on vulnerability factors in refugee populations, and the effect that this can have on those they are attempting to help. In addition, these are modelled on western assumptions, which do not adequately take account of culture. The Tree of Life groups have provided an alternative to traditional mental health services, which many refugee families find hard to access because of perceived stigma and lack of knowledge about what is on offer. The groups employed a strength-based narrative methodology, using the tree as a creative metaphor, which enabled parents and children to develop empowering stories about their lives, which were rooted in their cultural and social histories. From this secure base, participants were able to develop shared, culturally congruent solutions to their problems. The groups have been found to benefit parents and children alike, as well as the school communities in which they have taken place.
Dengue: an escalating problem

Dengue viruses, single stranded RNA viruses of the family Flaviviridae, are the most common cause of arboviral disease in the world. They are found virtually throughout the tropics (fig 1) and cause an estimated 50-100 million illnesses annually, including 250 000-500 000 cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever—a severe manifestation of dengue—and 24 000 deaths.1–3 More than two fifths of the world's population (2.5 billion) live in areas potentially at risk for dengue.1 Because travellers to endemic areas are also at risk, healthcare providers should have an understanding of the spectrum of infection, how to diagnose it, and what the appropriate treatment is. > Come then, let us play at unawares > > And see who wins in this sly game of bluff > > Man or mosquito > > D H Lawrence, The Mosquito #### Summary points Dengue is the most common cause of arboviral disease The disease is more prevalent now than at any other time, and its prevalence is expected to increase A severe manifestation of dengue is dengue haemorrhagic fever, which is more common after a secondary infection with dengue virus Dengue is a relatively common cause of fever in travellers to the tropics, but severe disease is rare A cost effective vaccine is needed for the prevention and control of dengue Our review was prepared from literature on dengue up to 15 April 2002. We searched Medline (for all English articles using the keyword “dengue”), comprehensive textbooks, the Cochrane Library, the internet, and our own files. Four dengue virus serotypes are recognised. Infection with one serotype is thought to produce lifelong immunity to that serotype but only a few months immunity to the others. 1 4 Humans and mosquitoes are the principal hosts of dengue virus; the mosquito remains infected for life, but the viruses are only known to cause illness in …
Short-circuit power dissipation formulae for CMOS gates

Short-circuit power dissipation contributes significantly to the overall power dissipation in integrated circuits. A new formula is developed for the estimation of short-circuit power dissipation in CMOS logic gates based on /spl alpha/-power law model that includes velocity saturation effects of short-channel MOSFETs. A technique is developed for the measurement of short-circuit current and power dissipation of CMOS logic gates for use in circuit simulation. SPICE (simulation program with IC emphasis) simulation results are used to determine the accuracy of the new formula. <<ETX>>
Discussion on infrared accurate temperature‐measuring technology of composite insulators for overhead lines

Through analysing the infrared temperature measurement data obtained from composite insulators for overhead lines in actual operation state and atmospheric environment, detection requirements of infrared accurate temperature-measuring technology of composite insulators for overhead lines were discussed, such as the detector, detection environment, and position. According to the local detection, two kinds of insulators' local heating, caused by insulation deterioration and damp contamination on the surface, were researched. A judgment method was proposed, and overheat of the electric equipment, which was caused by voltage effect, should be judged from both the contrast of similar equipment and the thermal image characteristic. This method can greatly reduce the insulators overheat error rate, improve the detection efficiency of composite insulators, and enhance the accuracy of composite insulators' insulation defects judgment.