Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs modify outcome of patients treated for chronic subdural hematoma? Still a controversial issue.

BACKGROUND Anticoagulants(ACs) and antiplatelet aggregation agents(AAAs) seem to be correlated to a higher incidence of chronic subdural hematoma(CSDH) but whether or not they contribute to its recurrence is debated. Few data are available on clinical outcomes and indications for the management of this therapy are not so well defined. We investigated the role of ACs and AAAs in modifying patients clinical outcomes treated for CSDH, especially for re-bleedings. METHODS This retrospective study, enrolled patients treated for CSDH. Patients characteristics were recorded including drugs used (antiplatelet/anticoagulant) and clinical conditions (Modified Rankin Scale-mRS) upon admission. Patients underwent surgery(burrhole vs minicraniectomy) with subdural drainage positioning. Clinical/radiological follow-ups were performed at one and six months. Chi square/Fisher exact test were used to compare variables and stepwise backward logistic regression analysis was used for defining their impact on complications, risk of re-bleeding and reoperation. RESULTS 230 patients (45 on ACs, 76 on AAAs and 9 on both)were enrolled. Higher mRS scores were significantly associated with a higher risk of general complications (OR = 3.78, CI 95% 1.66- 8.62, p=0.002), higher risk of rebleeding (OR =15.82, CI 95% 4.33-57.90, p <0.001) and re- operation (OR=11.39, CI 95% 3.35-37.56, p<0.0001). No statistically significant association was found between AAAs or ACs and complications or re- bleedings or risk of reoperation. CONCLUSIONS AAAs and ACs alone do not seem to worsen the clinical outcome or increase re- bleedings. mRS may be a predicting factor, since patients with higher scores showed a worse outcome and an increased risk of re-bleeding, general complications and reoperation.
Bio-inspired heuristics hybrid with interior-point method for active noise control systems without identification of secondary path

In this study, hybrid computational frameworks are developed for active noise control (ANC) systems using an evolutionary computing technique based on genetic algorithms (GAs) and interior-point method (IPM), following an integrated approach, GA-IPM. Standard ANC systems are usually implemented with the filtered extended least mean square algorithm for optimization of coefficients for the linear finite-impulse response filter, but are likely to become trapped in local minima (LM). This issue is addressed with the proposed GA-IPM computing approach which is considerably less prone to the LM problem. Also, there is no requirement to identify a secondary path for the ANC system used in the scheme. The design method is evaluated using an ANC model of a headset with sinusoidal, random, and complex random noise interferences under several scenarios based on linear and nonlinear primary and secondary paths. The accuracy and convergence of the proposed scheme are validated based on the results of statistical analysis of a large number of independent runs of the algorithm.
Fast detection method of quick response code based on run-length coding

Quick response (QR) code, one of the two-dimensional barcodes, is now being widely used in all fields. The effectiveness of decoding, however, needs to be improved in real-time application. In most cases, the decoding procedure is time consuming, in which the detection of QR code plays an essential part. Therefore, this study proposes a fast detection method of QR code based on run-length coding: firstly, a novel approach is proposed to detect the minimum region containing position detection pattern (PDP) in QR code. Second, coordinates of central PDP in QR code are calculated by using run-length coding. The highlight in this step is the calculation, which utilises modified Knuth-Morris-Pratt algorithm. By this means, the computational complexity can be reduced tremendously. Finally, QR code can be detected successfully with the coordinates. The experimental results show that the proposed method is time saving and suitable for real-time application.
How does Parallax Scrolling Influence User Experience? A Test of TIME (Theory of Interactive Media Effects)

ABSTRACT Parallax scrolling is a popular web technique used widely in product presentation websites, but its effect on user experience is unknown. Parallax scrolling allows the object displayed in the foreground to move faster than the object displayed in the background, so as to create a 3D effect. Dimensionality and scrolling (modality interactivity) are two major characteristics of this technique. A 2 (dimension) × 2 (modality interactivity) between-subjects (N = 295) online experiment revealed that parallax scrolling influences user engagement through two routes: the cue route (perceived coolness, perceived vividness) and the action route (natural mapping, perceived ease of use). User engagement is in turn associated with positive attitudes and behavioral intentions toward the website and the product. The theoretical contribution of the study is it examined interface feature of parallax scrolling on both user perceptions and user actions using the theory of interactive media effects (TIME). The practical contribution of the study is it provides a roadmap to web developers to emphasize affective factors (i.e., vividness, coolness) rather than cognitive factors (i.e., natural mapping, perceived usefulness) when it comes to improving the user experience of the product presentation websites.
Operationalizing person-centered care practices in long-term care: recommendations from a “Resident for a Day” experience

As the senior population continues to age, long-term care is positioned for growth and care recipients are demanding more person-centered care. While long-term care leaders may understand and believe in the value of person-centered care, sometimes operationalizing practices to ensure its delivery can be challenging. Using an ethnographic approach, over three years, 159 long-term care administrator-in-training practicum students each lived as a resident for 24 hours in a nursing home. Following the experienc e, using the Picker Institute’s framework, each participant identified and justified an Always Experience® – an optimal experience they believed should routinely occur for every long-term care resident. They then developed an action plan that identified several specific operational practices and measures to ensure that Always Experiences® could always occur for residents. A thematic analysis of these Always Experience® action plans was conducted. As a result, six amalgam exemplar Always Experience® action plans – for Admissions, Care Planning, Care, Dining, Activities, and Responsiveness – with desired objectives, specific operational practices, and relevant measures to evaluate outcomes were developed. These easy-to-implement action plans can help long-term care administrators put necessary practices into place to ensure they are consistently delivering high quality, patient-centered care to long-term care residents.
cOSPREY: A Cloud-Based Distributed Algorithm for Large-Scale Computational Protein Design

Finding the global minimum energy conformation (GMEC) of a huge combinatorial search space is the key challenge in computational protein design (CPD) problems. Traditional algorithms lack a scalable and efficient distributed design scheme, preventing researchers from taking full advantage of current cloud infrastructures. We design cloud OSPREY (cOSPREY), an extension to a widely used protein design software OSPREY, to allow the original design framework to scale to the commercial cloud infrastructures. We propose several novel designs to integrate both algorithm and system optimizations, such as GMEC-specific pruning, state search partitioning, asynchronous algorithm state sharing, and fault tolerance. We evaluate cOSPREY on three different cloud platforms using different technologies and show that it can solve a number of large-scale protein design problems that have not been possible with previous approaches.
Discovery of AG-120 (Ivosidenib): A First-in-Class Mutant IDH1 Inhibitor for the Treatment of IDH1 Mutant Cancers

Somatic point mutations at a key arginine residue (R132) within the active site of the metabolic enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) confer a novel gain of function in cancer cells, resulting in the production of d-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), an oncometabolite. Elevated 2-HG levels are implicated in epigenetic alterations and impaired cellular differentiation. IDH1 mutations have been described in an array of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Here, we report the discovery of AG-120 (ivosidenib), an inhibitor of the IDH1 mutant enzyme that exhibits profound 2-HG lowering in tumor models and the ability to effect differentiation of primary patient AML samples ex vivo. Preliminary data from phase 1 clinical trials enrolling patients with cancers harboring an IDH1 mutation indicate that AG-120 has an acceptable safety profile and clinical activity.
Palmitoylation determines the function of Vac8 at the yeast vacuole

Palmitoylation stably anchors specific proteins to membranes, but may also have a direct effect on the function of a protein. The yeast protein Vac8 is required for efficient vacuole fusion, inheritance and cytosol-to-vacuole trafficking. It is anchored to vacuoles by an N-terminal myristoylation site and three palmitoylation sites, also known as the SH4 domain. Here, we address the role of Vac8 palmitoylation and show that the position and number of substrate cysteines within the SH4 domain determine the vacuole localization of Vac8: stable vacuole binding of Vac8 requires two cysteines within the N-terminus, regardless of the combination. Importantly, our data suggest that palmitoylation adds functionality to Vac8 beyond simple localization. A mutant Vac8 protein, in which the palmitoylation sites were replaced by a stretch of basic residues, still localizes to vacuole membranes and functions in cytosol-to-vacuole transport, but can only complement the function of Vac8 in morphology and inheritance if it also contains a single cysteine within the SH4 domain. Our data suggest that palmitoylation is not a mere hydrophobic anchor required solely for localization, but influences the protein function(s).
PHD-GIFs: Personalized Highlight Detection for Automatic GIF Creation

Highlight detection models are typically trained to identify cues that make visual content appealing or interesting for the general public, with the objective of reducing a video to such moments. However, this "interestingness" of a video segment or image is subjective. Thus, such highlight models provide results of limited relevance for the individual user. On the other hand, training one model per user is inefficient and requires large amounts of personal information which is typically not available. To overcome these limitations, we present a global ranking model which can condition on a particular user's interests. Rather than training one model per user, our model is personalized via its inputs, which allows it to effectively adapt its predictions, given only a few user-specific examples. To train this model, we create a large-scale dataset of users and the GIFs they created, giving us an accurate indication of their interests. Our experiments show that using the user history substantially improves the prediction accuracy. On a test set of 850 videos, our model improves the recall by 8% with respect to generic highlight detectors. Furthermore, our method proves more precise than the user-agnostic baselines even with only one single person-specific example.
Resident-to-resident physical aggression leading to injury in nursing homes: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND resident-to-resident aggression (RRA) is an understudied form of elder abuse in nursing homes. OBJECTIVE the purpose of this systematic review was to examine the published research on the frequency, nature, contributing factors and outcomes of RRA in nursing homes. METHODS in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement, this review examined all original, peer-reviewed research published in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish between 1st January 1949 and 31st December 2013 describing incidents of RRA in nursing homes. The following information was extracted for analysis: study and population characteristics; main findings (including prevalence, predisposing factors, triggers, nature of incidents, outcomes and interventions). RESULTS eighteen studies were identified, 12 quantitative and 6 qualitative. The frequency of RRA ranged from 1 to 122 incidents, with insufficient information across the studies to calculate prevalence. RRA commonly occurred between exhibitors with higher levels of cognitive awareness and physical functionality and a history of aggressive behaviours, and female targets who were cognitively impaired with a history of behavioural issues including wandering. RRA most commonly took place in the afternoon in communal settings, was often triggered by communication issues and invasion of space, or was unprovoked. Limited information exists on organisational factors contributing to RRA and the outcomes for targets of aggression. CONCLUSIONS we must continue to grow our knowledge base on the nature and circumstances of RRA to prevent harm to an increasing vulnerable population of nursing home residents and ensure a safe working environment for staff.
Association between psychotropic medications and presence of sleep bruxism: A systematic review

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature for studies that investigated the association between use of psychotropic medications and presence of sleep bruxism (SB). Observational studies were selected in a two-phase process. Searches were performed on six electronic databases, and a grey literature search was conducted on three databases. SB diagnosis was based on questionnaires or clinical examinations; no polysomnography examinations were performed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. Overall quality of evidence was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. Five analytical cross-sectional studies were included, evaluating antidepressants, anticonvulsants and psychostimulants. One study was judged as low risk of bias, three as moderate risk and one high risk. Antidepressants were evaluated in adult populations only; duloxetine (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.16; 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] = 1.12-4.17), paroxetine (OR = 3.63; 95% CI = 2.15-6.13) and venlafaxine (OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.34-3.86) were positively associated with SB risk. No increased odds of SB were observed considering use of citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, mirtazapine and sertraline. With regard to anticonvulsants, only barbiturates were associated with SB in children (OR = 14.70; 95% CI = 1.85-116.90), while no increased odds were observed for benzodiazepine, carbamazepine and valproate. The only psychostimulant evaluated was methylphenidate, and an association with SB was observed in adolescents (OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.03-2.68). Findings from this SR suggested that medications such as duloxetine, paroxetine, venlafaxine, barbiturates and methylphenidate might be associated with SB; however, overall quality of evidence was considered very low, and therefore, caution is recommended.
EFFECTS OF SPERMIDINE ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF MARSILEA MINUTA LINN. UNDER CADMIUM STRESS

Summary: Marsilea minuta Linn. , an aquatic fern species was grown in nutrient solution with varying concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 200 µM) of cadmium (Cd) along with 2 mM spermidine (Spd) as supplementation. The accumulation of Cd in the root tissues showed concentrationdependent relationship. Moreover, significant changes of tissue organization in petiole were also observed by scanning electron micrographs (SEM). Cd was identified using electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and found mostly in the cortical tissues as well as in the peripheral zones. Dissolution of the inner wall of cortical cells and distortion of xylem lumens were maximum at the highest Cd concentration (200 µM) as compared to control (0 µM). Treatment with Spd significantly mitigated those damages accompanied by lowering of Cd absorption. At the cellular level, a significant rise of proline accumulation was accompanied by an increase of γ-glutamyl kinase (γ-GK) and γ-glutamyl phosphate reductase (γ-GPR) activity. Spd also retrieved the proline accumulation by modulation of the enzyme activities involved in its biosynthesis. Nitrate reductase (NR) activity both in shoot and root showed a similar declining trend at all concentrations of Cd tested. The activity of NADH-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) in shoot and root was quite discriminatory at the different Cd concentrations. For NADPH-dependent GDH, the activity remained subdued irrespective of shoots and roots. In that case, the application of Spd was significantly effective in up regulation of activities in root only, but not in shoot. The activity of glutamate synthase (GS) initially showed an increase and thereafter declined in both shoots and roots. Cellular responses of the Marsilea plants for metal hyper-accumulation are discussed with their evaluation as biomarkers under Cd toxicity in aquatic environment.
Substrate Specificity of Cysteine Proteases Beyond the S2 Pocket: Mutagenesis and Molecular Dynamics Investigation of Fasciola hepatica Cathepsins L

Cysteine proteases are widespread in all life kingdoms, being central to diverse physiological processes based on a broad range of substrate specificity. Paralogous Fasciola hepatica cathepsin L proteases are essential to parasite invasion, tissue migration and reproduction. In spite of similarities in their overall sequence and structure, these enzymes often exhibit different substrate specificity. These preferences are principally determined by the amino acid composition of the active site's S2 subsite (pocket) of the enzyme that interacts with the substrate P2 residue (Schetcher and Berger nomenclature). Although secreted FhCL1 accommodates aliphatic residues in the S2 pocket, FhCL2 is also efficient in cleaving proline in that position. To understand these differences, we engineered the FhCL1 S2 subsite at three amino acid positions to render it identical to that present in FhCL2. The substitutions did not produce the expected increment in proline accommodation in P2. Rather, they decreased the enzyme's catalytic efficiency toward synthetic peptides. Nonetheless, a change in the P3 specificity was associated with the mutation of Leu67 to Tyr, a hinge residue between the S2 and S3 subsites that contributes to the accommodation of Gly in S3. Molecular dynamic simulations highlighted changes in the spatial distribution and secondary structure of the S2 and S3 pockets of the mutant FhCL1 enzymes. The reduced affinity and catalytic efficiency of the mutant enzymes may be due to a narrowing of the active site cleft that hinders the accommodation of substrates. Because the variations in the enzymatic activity measured could not be exclusively allocated to those residues lining the active site, other more external positions might modulate enzyme conformation, and, therefore, catalytic activity.
The Boundaries of Walking Stability: Viability and Controllability of Simple Models

From which states and with what controls can a biped avoid falling or reach a given target state? What is the most robust way to do these? So as to help with the design of walking robot controllers, and perhaps give insights into human walking, we address these questions using two simple 2-D models: the inverted pendulum (IP) and linear inverted pendulum (LIP). Each has one state variable at mid-stance, i.e., hip velocity, and two state-dependent controls at each step, i.e., push-off magnitude and step length (IP) and step time and length (LIP). Using practical targets and constraints, we compute all combinations of initial states and control actions for the next step, such that the robot can, with the best possible future controls, avoid falling for <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$n$ </tex-math></inline-formula> steps or reach a target within <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$n$</tex-math> </inline-formula> steps. All such combinations constitute regions in the combined space of states and controls. Farther from the boundaries of these regions, the robot tolerates larger errors and disturbances. Furthermore, for these models, and thus possibly real bipeds, usually if it is possible to avoid falling, it is possible to reach the target, and if it is possible to reach the target, it is possible to do so in two steps.
Pressure distribution analysis in three wheelchairs cushions of subjects with spinal cord injury

Abstract Purpose: Pressure injuries are a complication due to spinal cord injury. The objective of the study is to compare the pressure distribution in the wheelchair seat of subjects with spinal cord injury using 3 pads (Roho®, Varilite® and Jay®). Methods: Pressure analysis was performed on 10 participants in two situations: (a) the participant sitting in static posture and (b) with the wheelchair being used for locomotion. Results: In the static position: Jay® showed the best rates for average pressure and also the contact area, the Roho® had the lowest average for the peak pressure. During the wheelchair moving, Jay® showed the best average pressure, Roho® had a lower average for peak pressure and Varilite® provided a highest means for the contact area of the buttocks and thighs. Conclusions: The use of appropriate cushion is an effective measure in people with spinal cord injury. Implications for Rehabilitation Pressure injuries are a complication due to spinal cord injury. Study to compare the pressure distribution in the wheelchair seat of subjects with spinal cord injury is important to minimize the injuries resulting from pressure injuries. The comfort resulting from the use of the cushion suited to the demands of the subjects with spinal cord injury is fundamental for the process of rehabilitation and social participation of the people affected. Understanding and minimizing pressure points can contribute to the appropriate rehabilitation process.