Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder in pregnant and postpartum women: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Although pregnant and postpartum women are presumed to be at greater risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than the general population, the evidence has been inconclusive. This meta-analysis provides an estimate of OCD prevalence in pregnant and postpartum women and synthesizes the evidence that pregnant and postpartum women are at greater risk of OCD compared to the general population. DATA SOURCES An electronic search of Google Scholar, PsycINFO, PsychARTICLES, and PubMed was performed by using the search terms OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, pregnancy, postpartum, prevalence, and epidemiology. We supplemented our search with articles referenced in the obtained sources. The search was conducted until August 2012 without date restrictions. STUDY SELECTION We included English-language studies reporting OCD prevalence (diagnosed according to DSM-III-R, DSM-IV, or ICD-10 criteria) in pregnant (12 studies) or postpartum (up to 12 months; 7 studies) women using structured diagnostic interviews. We also included a sample of regionally matched control studies (10 studies) estimating 12-month prevalence in the general female population for comparison. The control studies were limited to those conducted during the same time frame as the pregnant and postpartum studies. DATA EXTRACTION We extracted author name, year of publication, diagnostic measure, sample size, diagnostic criteria, country, assessment time, subject population, and the point prevalence of OCD. RESULTS Mixed- and random-effects models revealed an increase in OCD prevalence across pregnancy and the postpartum period with the lowest prevalence in the general population (mean = 1.08%) followed by pregnant (mean = 2.07%) and postpartum women (mean = 2.43%). An exploratory analysis of regionally matched risk-ratios revealed both pregnant (mean = 1.45) and postpartum (mean = 2.38) women to be at greater risk of experiencing OCD compared to the general female population, with an aggregate risk ratio of 1.79. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant and postpartum women are more likely to experience OCD compared to the general population.
SRLG-diverse routing with the star property

The notion of Shared Risk Link Groups (SRLG) has been introduced to capture survivability issues where some links of a network fail simultaneously. In this context, the diverse routing problem is to find a set of pairwise SRLG-disjoint paths between a given pair of end nodes of the network. This problem has been proved NP-complete in general and some polynomial instances have been characterized. In this paper, we investigate the diverse routing problem in networks where the SRLGs are localized and satisfy the star property [1]. This property states that a link may be subject to several SRLGs, but all links subject to a given SRLG are incident to a common node. We first provide counterexamples to the polynomial time algorithm proposed in [1] for computing a pair of SRLG-disjoint paths in networks with SRLGs satisfying the star property, and then prove that this problem is in fact NP-complete. Then, we devise polynomial time algorithms for practically relevant subcases, in particular when the number of SRLGs is constant, the maximum degree of the vertices is at most 4, and when the network is a directed acyclic graph. Finally we consider the problem of finding the maximum number of SRLG-disjoint paths in networks with SRLGs satisfying the star property. We prove that such problem is NP-hard and hard to approximate. Then, we provide exact and approximation algorithms for relevant subcases.
Evaluating ERP as a Composition of Different Functionalities from Key Stakeholder Perspectives

The field of evaluation of information systems (IS) success has a long and established history. However, models in the field usually evaluate success on the level of the whole IS while neglecting the differences in impacts of specific IS functionalities on IS success. Moreover, evaluation models often focus only on technological or only on social perspective neglecting that IS should be considered a socio-technical system and that all key stakeholders’ perspectives should be evaluated. Thus, three main perspectives of IS evaluation have to be recognized, namely user/social, technological and managerial perspectives. In this paper we present a novel model for evaluation of ERP success considering all key stakeholder perspectives. The proposed model provides the evaluation of individual functionalities from these perspectives in contrast to established models that consider system as a whole. The model has been tested in a case study in a company from the nautical industry. The results confirmed the usefulness of the evaluation model, especially its ability to provide specific new information to management on the influence of the individual functionalities on ERP success.
Determination of Colonoscopy Indication From Administrative Claims Data

Background:Colonoscopy outcomes, such as polyp detection or complication rates, may differ by procedure indication. Objectives:To develop methods to classify colonoscopy indications from administrative data, facilitating study of colonoscopy quality and outcomes. Research Design:We linked 14,844 colonoscopy reports from the Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative, a national repository of endoscopic reports, to the corresponding Medicare Carrier and Outpatient File claims. Colonoscopy indication was determined from the procedure reports. We developed algorithms using classification and regression trees and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to classify colonoscopy indication. Predictor variables included ICD-9CM and CPT/HCPCS codes present on the colonoscopy claim or in the 12 months prior, patient demographics, and site of colonoscopy service. Algorithms were developed on a training set of 7515 procedures, then validated using a test set of 7329 procedures. Results:Sensitivity was lowest for identifying average-risk screening colonoscopies, varying between 55% and 86% for the different algorithms, but specificity for this indication was consistently over 95%. Sensitivity for diagnostic colonoscopy varied between 77% and 89%, with specificity between 55% and 87%. Algorithms with classification and regression trees with 7 variables or LDA with 10 variables had similar overall accuracy, and generally lower accuracy than the algorithm using LDA with 30 variables. Conclusions:Algorithms using Medicare claims data have moderate sensitivity and specificity for colonoscopy indication, and will be useful for studying colonoscopy quality in this population. Further validation may be needed before use in alternative populations.
About biologically plausible trajectory generators

Considering the biological or artificial trajectory generation problem, we propose a biologically plausible model of the link between the (i) local "where-to-go-next" local mechanism in a locus map and the (ii) global trajectory generation problem. This explains how the well known hippocampal related areas containing place fields with local mechanisms are also very likely able to solve the global problem, providing the neural map activity is related to harmonic potentials. Such representation assume that obstacles to avoid (or constraints not to violate) correspond to maxima of a so-called potential, while the goal corresponds to its minimum. The corresponding algorithm thus behaves as if one throws a sheet onto this state space, this hyper-surface relief being elevated on obstacles, with a hole at the goal location. Finding a trajectory thus reduces to "roll down" along this relief, in the direction of the potential gradient. The originality of the present work is to build an harmonic potential (thus without local minimum) from a sparse adaptive combination of elementary place fields, as inspired by the biological modelization of the hippocampal structures. This leads to an internal representation of the problem as a non-topographical map, incrementally built during the system exploration. As such, it provides a key element for a biologically plausible model of the related hippocampus mechanisms in coherence with usual biological assumptions about such behavior.
Interference by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) RNA is governed by a seed sequence

Prokaryotic clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas (CRISPR-associated sequences) systems provide adaptive immunity against viruses when a spacer sequence of small CRISPR RNA (crRNA) matches a protospacer sequence in the viral genome. Viruses that escape CRISPR/Cas resistance carry point mutations in protospacers, though not all protospacer mutations lead to escape. Here, we show that in the case of Escherichia coli subtype CRISPR/Cas system, the requirements for crRNA matching are strict only for a seven-nucleotide seed region of a protospacer immediately following the essential protospacer-adjacent motif. Mutations in the seed region abolish CRISPR/Cas mediated immunity by reducing the binding affinity of the crRNA-guided Cascade complex to protospacer DNA. We propose that the crRNA seed sequence plays a role in the initial scanning of invader DNA for a match, before base pairing of the full-length spacer occurs, which may enhance the protospacer locating efficiency of the E. coli Cascade complex. In agreement with this proposal, single or multiple mutations within the protospacer but outside the seed region do not lead to escape. The relaxed specificity of the CRISPR/Cas system limits escape possibilities and allows a single crRNA to effectively target numerous related viruses.
A Remarkable New Species of Liparis (Orchidaceae) from China and Its Phylogenetic Implications

In the present study, we formally describe Liparis pingxiangensis as a new species from Guangxi, China on the basis of morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. It is easily distinguished from closely related species by strongly curved column without column wings, and broadly rhombic-elliptic lip with 2 uncinate calli at the base. In particular, it differs most markedly from its congeners in possessing two pollinia attached by long and prominent caudicles (not stipes), to a distinct sticky disc. This type of pollinarium, as far as we know, is not found in any other species of Liparis, and is also unique among the orchids with waxy pollinia. We then proceeded to a phylogenetic analysis to ascertain the systematic position of this enigmatic species. Molecular study based on nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid matK DNA sequence data supports L. pingxiangensis as a distinct species, which forms an independent lineage sister to L. nervosa and its allies (93% BS, 1.00 BPP). In the light of previous work, the findings have important implications for a better understanding of the well-supported pattern mainly based on vegetative features in Malaxideae.
Sleep‐Disordered Breathing and Cardiovascular Disease

Sleep apnea is defined as repetitive episodes of decreased or total cessation of respiratory airflow during sleep, leading to a fall in oxygen saturation of ≥4% and sleep fragmentation. Sleep apnea can be central or obstructive. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is characterized by apneas secondary to diminution or cessation of thoraco-abdominal respiratory movements (due to dysfunction of central respiratory control mechanisms). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by upper airway collapse during inspiration and is accompanied by strenuous breathing efforts. When defined as >5 episodes of apnea or hypopnea per hour of sleep, OSA is relatively common, affecting 24% and 9% of middle-aged men and women, respectively.1 CSA is primarily seen in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), although it occasionally may occur in healthy normal subjects, in people at high altitudes, and in association with central neural lesions. Sleep apnea constitutes a major public health problem because of its high prevalence and its emerging association with cardiovascular morbidity. ### Central Sleep Apnea CSA is especially relevant to CHF. The prevalence of CSA in CHF patients is dependent on various factors, such as heart failure etiology, gender, age, ejection fraction, and hemodynamic status, and has been estimated at 40% to 60%. 2,3 Cheyne-Stokes respiration occurs during CSA and is a distinct pattern of periodic breathing with alternating crescendo-decrescendo sequences of hyperventilation and apnea (ie, complete breathing cessation). CSA may have an important influence on prognosis, in that its presence is associated with increased mortality in CHF patients.3 This effect appears to be independent of other known risk factors, such as left ventricular ejection fraction or peak oxygen consumption. Although the association of CSA with CHF has been recognized for decades, it is unclear whether CSA directly affects CHF pathophysiology and can therefore be causally linked to prognosis, or whether it is rather …
Effect of Inhaled Steroids on Bone Mineral Density: A Meta‐Analysis

Inhaled corticosteroids are currently considered first‐line agents for the treatment of asthma. Medium‐ to long‐term administration of inhaled steroids may be associated with bone loss. Various studies have evaluated their effect on bone mineral density (BMD); some have shown loss of BMD with steroid treatment, but others have failed to do so. The present meta‐analysis was undertaken to determine the possible effect of inhaled steroids on bone density. Literature was collected using computerized (MEDLINE) and manual searches using index medicus and checking cross‐references of the published articles. The studies identified were screened for inclusion/exclusion criteria. Grouped means (XT/XC) and pooled standard deviations (SDT/SDC) for the treatment group (XT [95% CI] = 1.144 [1.019–1.269]; SDT = 0.163, g/cm2) and control group (XC [95% CI] = 1.193 [1.073–1.313]; SDC = 0.157, g/cm2) were worked out respectively for the selected studies. Finally, a comparison between grouped means of steroid‐treated and control groups was done by two‐sample t‐test at the 5% level of significance. The results of the meta‐analysis showed that although the mean BMD of the steroid‐treated group was reduced by 4.1% as compared to the control group, this failed to achieve statistical significance (p = 0.8; 95% CI for the mean difference between two groups = 0.028 − 0.070 g/cm2). It is concluded that inhaled steroids for the treatment of asthma can be considered safe with respect to their effect on bone loss.
Source Space Estimation of Oscillatory Power and Brain Connectivity in Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of an internally generated sound that is postulated to emerge as a result of structural and functional changes in the brain. However, the precise pathophysiology of tinnitus remains unknown. Llinas’ thalamocortical dysrhythmia model suggests that neural deafferentation due to hearing loss causes a dysregulation of coherent activity between thalamus and auditory cortex. This leads to a pathological coupling of theta and gamma oscillatory activity in the resting state, localised to the auditory cortex where normally alpha oscillations should occur. Numerous studies also suggest that tinnitus perception relies on the interplay between auditory and non-auditory brain areas. According to the Global Brain Model, a network of global fronto—parietal—cingulate areas is important in the generation and maintenance of the conscious perception of tinnitus. Thus, the distress experienced by many individuals with tinnitus is related to the top—down influence of this global network on auditory areas. In this magnetoencephalographic study, we compare resting-state oscillatory activity of tinnitus participants and normal-hearing controls to examine effects on spectral power as well as functional and effective connectivity. The analysis is based on beamformer source projection and an atlas-based region-of-interest approach. We find increased functional connectivity within the auditory cortices in the alpha band. A significant increase is also found for the effective connectivity from a global brain network to the auditory cortices in the alpha and beta bands. We do not find evidence of effects on spectral power. Overall, our results provide only limited support for the thalamocortical dysrhythmia and Global Brain models of tinnitus.
Linear‐Time Algorithms for Scattering Number and Hamilton‐Connectivity of Interval Graphs

We prove that for all k≤−1 an interval graph is −(k+1) ‐Hamilton‐connected if and only if its scattering number is at most k. This complements a previously known fact that an interval graph has a nonnegative scattering number if and only if it contains a Hamilton cycle, as well as a characterization of interval graphs with positive scattering numbers in terms of the minimum size of a path cover. We also give an O(n+m) time algorithm for computing the scattering number of an interval graph with n vertices and m edges, which improves the previously best‐known O(n3) time bound for solving this problem. As a consequence of our two results, the maximum k for which an interval graph is k‐Hamilton‐connected can be computed in O(n+m) time.
New generations of dihydropyridines for treatment of hypertension

Since the calcium channel blocker (CCB) has become one of the most prescribed agents for antihypertensive monotherapy in the world, this brief review will focus on the recent research and development of the dihydropyridine (DHP) CCB, addressing pharmacological mechanisms for the clinical efficacy of the third and fourth generations of the DHP CCBs, especially on their possible central mechanisms underlying lowering blood pressure.
Calcium Requirements and Metabolism in Chinese-American Boys and Girls

Calcium requirements of North American adolescents were set at 1300 mg/day based on data from white girls. Calcium requirements for Asian‐American adolescents have not been studied. Using metabolic balance protocols and a range in calcium intakes, skeletal calcium retention was determined in Chinese‐American adolescents. A sample of 29 adolescents, 15 boys aged 12 to 15 years and 14 girls aged 11 to 15 years, was studied twice on paired calcium intakes ranging between 629 to 1835 mg/day using a randomized‐order crossover design. Calcium absorption and bone turnover rates using double‐stable calcium isotope kinetic analysis on two calcium intakes per subject were measured and compared in boys and girls. Girls and boys had low habitual mean calcium intakes of 648 and 666 mg/day, respectively, and low mean serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations of 19.1 and 22.2 ng/mL, respectively. True fractional calcium absorption varied inversely with calcium load. Boys had significantly higher bone turnover rate than girls at the same calcium intake. Calcium retention increased with calcium intake; calcium intakes to achieve maximal calcium retention were 1100 mg/day in boys and 970 mg/day in girls. Recommendations for calcium requirements should be lowered for Chinese‐American adolescents. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Role of the ENPP1 K121Q Polymorphism in Glucose Homeostasis

OBJECTIVE— To study the role of the ENPP1 Q121 variant on glucose homeostasis in whites from Italy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We conducted case-control studies in 764 adults (from two independent samples of 289 nonobese and 485 obese individuals) and 240 overweight/obese children undergoing oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT). Early-phase insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity (the insulinogenic index and the insulin sensitivity index) and their interplay (the disposition index) were calculated. RESULTS— In adult subjects, glucose profiles during OGTT were significantly (P = 2 × 10−2) different across K121Q genotype groups and higher in QQ than KK individuals (P = 5 × 10−2). The insulinogenic index was significantly reduced in QQ (18.5 ± 3.4) compared with both KK (31.6 ± 1.0; P = 2.2 × 10−7) and KQ (30.5 ± 1.5; P = 3.2 × 10−6) individuals. KQ individuals also showed a reduced insulin sensitivity index compared with KK subjects (P = 3.6 × 10−2). The disposition index was lower in QQ carriers than in KQ and KK individuals (P = 8 × 10−3 and 4 × 10−4, respectively) and lower in KQ than in KK individuals (P = 3 × 10−2). Data obtained in overweight/obese children were very similar to those observed in adults, with QQ individuals showing (compared with KQ and KK subjects) a reduced insulinogenic index (P = 7 × 10−3 and 2 × 10−2, respectively) and disposition index (P = 2 × 10−2 and 7 × 10−3, respectively). CONCLUSIONS— Homozygous carriers of the ENPP1 Q121 variant are characterized by an altered glucose homeostasis. Reduced early-phase insulin secretion and inefficient interplay between insulin secretion and sensitivity, which occur at early ages, are major determinants of this defect.
Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, in medullary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) expression is upregulated in the majority of human tumors, where it stimulates proliferation, migration, and survival of endothelial cells. Studies have suggested that VEGF inhibitors can be used as an alternative therapy in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), but data about expression of VEGF-A and its receptor in this tumor are scarce. The aims of this study were to evaluate VEGF-A, VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-1, VEGFR-2, and microvessel density (MVD) expression in MTC samples and correlate it with clinical parameters. METHODS Paraffin-embedded samples from 38 MTC patients were evaluated for VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and MVD expression by immunohistochemistry. Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed in medical records. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients aged 31.8 +/- 17.1 years were enrolled. Twenty-seven patients had hereditary disease (71.1%). Twenty-five of them were found to have multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2A and two were found to have MEN 2B. VEGF-A immunohistochemical staining was detected in 95% (36/38), VEGFR-1 in 96% (36/37), and VEGFR-2 in 91% (31/34) of MTC samples. Age at surgery was positively correlated with VEGFR-2 (p = 0.003). There was no correlation between VEGF-A, VEGFR-2, and tumor stage (tumor node metastasis). Nevertheless, VEGFR-1 was found to be inversely correlated with tumor node metastasis (p = 0.034). We also observed a trend toward an association between VEGFR-1 signal intensity and cure of disease, although this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.054). Neither VEGF-A nor VEGFR-2 was associated with disease outcome after a median follow-up period of 5 years (p = 0.882 and p = 0.236, respectively). As expected, MVD was correlated with age at surgery (p = 0.005) and tumor size (p = 0.03). Patients with the hereditary form of the disease had a stronger intensity for VEGFR-1 (p = 0.039), whereas patients with sporadic disease displayed higher MVD counts (44 [27-63] vs. 21 [9-49], p = 0.018). CONCLUSION The VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 immunoreactive proteins are overexpressed in MTC lesions and might be implicated in tumor progression. It is not clear, however, if expression of these molecules provides prognostic information regarding the spread or outcome of MTC.