Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Follow‐up of patients tested for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility

Background and objective: Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited disorder of skeletal muscle characterized by muscle contracture and hypermetabolic crisis following exposure to halogenated anaesthetics and depolarizing muscle relaxants. We planned this follow‐up to get more information about the safety of non‐triggering anaesthesia in susceptible patients; the safety of the use of trigger agents in non‐susceptible patients and any minor sequelae following the biopsy. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 244 patients tested for susceptibility between 1998 and 2004 enquiring about sequelae from the biopsy, subsequent experience with anaesthesia and difficulties encountered because of the investigation. Results: Replies were received from 129 patients. Thirty‐four complained about sequelae from the biopsy: 10 reported headache and nausea; 16 experienced pain and a lack of strength in the biopsed leg and 8 found the scar less than satisfactory. Ten patients found it difficult to find a diagnostic centre. Eighteen reported problems and/or delay when they had needed a subsequent anaesthetic. Fourteen patients found the anaesthesiologist reluctant to anaesthetize them and four experienced a delay. Forty‐three patients received anaesthesia since their biopsy. Complete medical records were available for 24 anaesthetic exposures in 23 patients. No documented perioperative complications occurred. Only three non‐susceptible patients received one trigger agent. Conclusions: It is safe to use trigger‐free anaesthesia in susceptible patients. The difficulties encountered by patients to be anaesthetized and the management of the majority of non‐susceptible patients during general anaesthesia show the need of more accurate educational programmes and methods for promoting patient‐centred care.
Federal Reserve Bank of New York Staff Reports Shock Identification of Macroeconomic Forecasts Based on Daily Panels Shock Identification of Macroeconomic Forecasts Based on Daily Panels

This paper presents preliminary findings and is being distributed to economists and other interested readers solely to stimulate discussion and elicit comments. The views expressed in the paper are those of the authors and are not necessarily reflective of views at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or the Federal Reserve System. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the authors. Abstract This paper proposes a new procedure for shock identification of macroeconomic forecasts based on factor analysis. Our identification scheme for information shocks relies on data reduction techniques for daily panels and the recognition that macroeconomic releases exhibit a high level of clustering. A large number of data releases on a single day is of considerable practical interest not only for the estimation but also for the identification of the factor model. The clustering of cross-sectional information facilitates the interpretation of the forecast innovations as real or as nominal information shocks. An empirical application is provided for Swiss inflation. We show that (i) the monetary policy shocks generate an asymmetric response to inflation, (ii) the pass-through for consumer price index inflation is weak, and (iii) the information shocks to inflation are not synchronized. valuable discussion. The authors also acknowledge the software from www.dynfactors. org. Tobias Grässli provided valuable assistance in data support. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Federal Reserve System, or the Swiss National Bank. 'Forecasts are like newspapers. Just as last week's newspaper is of little value in understanding today's news, last month's forecast is of little value in determining today's policy stance. '
MEASURING LEARNING IN THE AFFECTIVE DOMAIN USING REFLECTIVE WRITING ABOUT A VIRTUAL INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE EXPERIENCE

Agricultural educators are familiar with the three domains of learning: 1) cognitive, 2) affective, and 3) psychomotor. When teaching agricultural content, the instructional and assessment strategies are typically focused on the cognitive domain of learning because of the difficulty in measuring gains in the affective domain. The purpose of this study was to measure affective learning after viewing an asynchronously delivered simulation, reflecting (metacognition), and writing about the experience. Research in agricultural education is devoid of writing as an assessment tool to measure learning in the affective domain. Content analysis of 83 reflective writing samples was used to analyze affective learning at the levels of receiving, responding, valuing, organization, and characterization. It was evident in the reflective writing that all students participated at the receiving and responding levels. It is much more difficult to assess students at the higher levels of the affective domain (valuing, organizing, and characterizing). From the analysis of reflective writing, the researchers recognized and determined that some students expressed affective learning at higher levels of the affective taxonomy and increased their level of reflective writing in the process.
Pharmacological treatment of sexually aggressive forensic psychiatric patients

Abstract This paper deals with pharmacotherapy for sexual offenders. Findings published in the international literature on the effectiveness of libido-suppressing medication and some of our first (limited) experiences with pharmacological treatment of sexual offenders in a Dutch forensic psychiatric hospital are described. In line with the literature, our preliminary clinical experiences with anti-androgen medication suggest that it brought about a reduction in the number of sexual incidents in the hospital as well as a decline in other types of disruptive inpatient behaviour (e.g. aggression), but the number of patients treated (n=4) was too few to allow adequate statistical testing. On the basis of the literature, however, it seems fair to conclude that in cases posing a high risk of re-offending into hands-on sexual crimes, anti-androgen medication can be effective in combination with regular cognitive-behavioural treatment.
The impact of interpretation versus comparison mindsets on knowledge accessibility effects.

Abstract Many models of social judgment assert that both the interpretation of a perceived target stimulus and the comparison of this stimulus to a relevant standard are important components of the impression formation process. The present research examines the consequences of the activation of mindsets corresponding to these components for the use and impact of accessible knowledge on subsequent judgments. The findings of three studies support the hypothesis that accessible knowledge is more likely to produce assimilative interpretation effects when an interpretation goal is activated, whereas contrastive comparison effects occur when a comparison goal is activated. These goal × knowledge priming effects occurred without perceivers being aware of having or working toward these mindsets during the target task. Implications for models of knowledge accessibility effects and other social phenomena are discussed.
Effects of methotrexate on differentiation of monocytes and production of cytokine inhibitors by monocytes.

OBJECTIVE To examine the potential of methotrexate (MTX) to act as a differentiation-stimulating factor for monocytes, which could explain the antiinflammatory properties of this agent in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis was used to measure the changes in antigen expression (CD11b/c, CD16, CD64, CD14, CD68, and CD95) in response to MTX, 1,25-OH-cholecalciferol (1,25-OH-CCF), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the human monoblastic leukemia cell line U937, bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), tumor necrosis factor a, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR) p55 and p75 during the differentiation in vitro was assessed by immunoassay in the culture supernatants. RESULTS MTX alone and in combination with 1,25-OH-CCF markedly stimulated the differentiation of the monocytic U937 cells and simultaneously increased Fas-antigen expression. Differentiation was associated with enhanced IL-1Ra and sTNFR p75 release from U937 cells. MTX had fewer effects on phenotypic differentiation of human BMMC and PBMC, but did stimulate IL-1Ra release and inhibit IL-1beta synthesis in BMMC. CONCLUSION MTX acts as a strong differentiation factor for immature and undifferentiated monocytic cells. Differentiation in vitro is associated with an increase in natural cytokine inhibitor release and a simultaneous down-regulation of IL-1beta. These findings may explain the marked clinical antiinflammatory effects of MTX when used in the treatment of RA.
Effect of epidermal growth factor on spermatogenesis in the cryptorchid rat.

PURPOSE Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is secreted mainly from the submandibular glands. Submandibular gland ablation causes a marked decrease in male fertility, which suggests that EGF influences spermatogenesis. We investigated the effect of EGF in combination with orchiopexy on cryptorchid rat testes in which tubular deterioration had become partially irreversible. MATERIALS AND METHODS Unilaterally cryptorchid rats were obtained by daily administration of 7.5 mg flutamide (Nihonkayaku, Tokyo, Japan), an androgen receptor antagonist, to pregnant rats. At age 10 weeks the unilaterally cryptorchid rats underwent orchiopexy with or without EGF administered into the cryptorchid testis. EGF solution (10 microg/ml) was delivered into the seminiferous tubules by retrograde perfusion through the rete testis. At 14 days testicular recovery was assessed based on the maturity of spermatogenesis using a modified Johnsen score and from the number of apoptotic germ cells per seminiferous tubule. RESULTS Mean Johnsen score +/- SEM was significantly higher in the orchiopexy with EGF than in the orchiopexy without EGF group (7.85 +/- 0.12 vs 7.12 +/- 0.13, p <0.001). The number of apoptotic germ cells tended to be smaller in the orchiopexy with EGF group than in the orchiopexy without EGF group (0.16 +/- 0.05 vs 0.28 +/- 0.08). CONCLUSIONS Although orchiopexy for cryptorchidism partly improved spermatogenesis, recovery was limited. EGF administered in combination with orchiopexy was more effective for spermatogenesis than orchiopexy alone. This may be applicable in patients with cryptorchidism.
Mechanisms of hernia recurrence after preperitoneal mesh repair. Traditional and laparoscopic.

OBJECTIVE The authors provide an assessment of mechanisms leading to hernia recurrence after laparoscopic and traditional preperitoneal herniorrhaphy to allow surgeons using either technique to achieve better results. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA The laparoscopic and traditional preperitoneal approaches to hernia repair are analogous in principle and outcome and have experienced a similar evolution over different time frames. The recurrence rate after preperitoneal herniorrhaphy should be low (< 2%) to be considered a viable alternative to the most successful methods of conventional herniorrhaphy. METHODS Experienced surgeons supply specifics regarding the mechanisms of recurrence and technical measures to avoid hernia recurrence when using the preperitoneal prosthetic repair. Videotapes of laparoscopic herniorrhaphy in 13 patients who subsequently experienced a recurrence also are used to determine technical causes of recurrence. RESULTS Factors leading to recurrence include surgeon inexperience, inadequate dissection, insufficient prosthesis size, insufficient prosthesis overlap of hernia defects, improper fixation, prosthesis folding or twisting, missed hernias, or mesh lifting secondary to hematoma formation. CONCLUSIONS The predominant factor in successful preperitoneal hernia repair is adequate dissection with complete exposure and coverage of all potential groin hernia sites. Hematoma mesh lifting and inadequate lateral inferior and medial inferior mesh fixation represent the most common causes of recurrence for surgeons experienced in traditional or laparoscopic preperitoneal hernia repair.
Decentralized Laplacian Eigenvalues Estimation and Collaborative Network Topology Identification

In this paper we first study observability conditions on networks. Based on spectral properties of graphs, we state new sufficient or necessary conditions for observability. These conditions are based on properties of the Khatri-Rao product of matrices. Then we consider the problem of estimating the eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix associated with the graph modeling the interconnections between the nodes of a given network. Eventually, we extend the study to the identification of the network topology by estimating both eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the network matrix. In addition, we show how computing, in finite-time, some linear functionals of the state initial condition, including average consensus. Specifically, based on properties of the observability matrix, we show that Laplacian eigenvalues can be recovered by solving a local eigenvalue decomposition on an appropriately constructed matrix of observed data. Unlike FFT based methods recently proposed in the literature, in the approach considered herein, we are also able to estimate the multiplicities of the eigenvalues. Then, for identifying the network topology, the eigenvectors are estimated by means of a consensus-based least squares method.
Threat, Prejudice, and Stereotyping in the Context of Japanese, North Korean, and South Korean Intergroup Relations

Integrated threat theory, realistic conflict theory, and group justification (based on social identity theory) were evaluated in the international context of Japanese prejudice toward North Korea and South Korea. Military threat emerged as an important addition to the four threats outlined by integrated threat theory. Three perceived North Korean threats (realistic [domestic] threat; intergroup anxiety; military threat) predicted prejudice toward North Korea. North Korean prejudice predicted negative stereotypes, supporting group-justification theory. Perceived North Korean realistic [domestic] threat predicted prejudice toward South Korea. Prejudice toward South Korea predicted negative stereotypes of North Korea, suggesting a mechanism by which prejudice generalizes.
Anti‐hCG Vaccines are in Clinical Trials

Two vaccines inducing antibodies against human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have completed Phase I clinical trials, indicating the reversibility and safety of these vaccines. One is currently in Phase II efficacy trials in women in three major centres in India. The available data suggest that the vaccine prevents pregnancy above antibody titres of 50 ng/ml hCG bioneutralization capacity.
Dying with advanced dementia in the nursing home.

BACKGROUND Nursing homes are important providers of end-of-life care to persons with advanced dementia. METHODS We used data from the Minimum Data Set (June 1, 1994, to December 31, 1997) to identify persons 65 years and older who died with advanced dementia (n = 1609) and terminal cancer (n = 883) within 1 year of admission to any New York State nursing home. Variables from the Minimum Data Set assessment completed within 120 days of death were used to describe and compare the end-of-life experiences of these 2 groups. RESULTS At nursing home admission, only 1.1% of residents with advanced dementia were perceived to have a life expectancy of less than 6 months; however, 71.0% died within that period. Before death, 55.1% of demented residents had a do-not-resuscitate order, and 1.4% had a do-not-hospitalize order. Nonpalliative interventions were common among residents dying with advanced dementia: tube feeding, 25.0%; laboratory tests, 49.2%; restraints, 11.2%; and intravenous therapy, 10.1%. Residents with dementia were less likely than those with cancer to have directives limiting care but were more likely to experience burdensome interventions: do-not-resuscitate order (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.09-0.16), do-not-hospitalize order (adjusted OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.16-0.66), tube feeding (adjusted OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.51-3.23), laboratory tests (adjusted OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 2.01-3.18), and restraints (adjusted OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.23-2.61). Distressing conditions common in advanced dementia included pressure ulcers (14.7%), constipation (13.7%), pain (11.5%), and shortness of breath (8.2%). CONCLUSIONS Nursing home residents dying with advanced dementia are not perceived as having a terminal condition, and most do not receive optimal palliative care. Management and educational strategies are needed to improve end-of-life care in advanced dementia.
Developing the Competence of Representing the Topography by Discrete Colour Bands Method.

The present study describes a teaching experiment aimed at the integrated development of competences at various study subjects. According to the curriculum, the students in Cartography at the Faculty of Geography (University of Bucharest) should learn how to make a hypsometric map by using the computer as early as the first semester of the 1 year of study. However, when using the software, they are not able to understand the interpolation algorithm lying “behind” the command. Besides, the teaching experience of the authors shows that most students use the various commands of the GIS software or computer-assisted cartography programs only because they exist, without considering the use of a particular command or algorithm. Although the hypsometric map is widely used, many cartographic representations of this kind contain errors that are derived from the superficial understanding of the basic concepts. Consequently, we made an experiment aimed at correlating a number of notions, concepts and procedures. Using the same basemap (a spot elevation map), the students were able to develop the competence of interpolating and manually drawing contour maps (during the Land Surveying class). Subsequently, once they understood these principles, they developed the competence of making a digital hypsometric map by using the tinting method, starting from spot elevations and not from contour lines (at Methods and Techniques of Cartographic Representation). The advantage was that the students were able to understand the fundamentals of a particular program algorithm, to apply the various procedures based on understanding them and to correlate their knowledge. All these are premises for creativity, for a correct use of procedures (irrespective of the involved topography) and for raising the quality of the geographic higher education.
On the Broadcast Latency in Finite Cooperative Wireless Networks

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of cooperation on system delay, quantified as the number of retransmissions required to deliver a broadcast message to all intended receivers. Unlike existing works on broadcast scenarios, where distance between nodes is not explicitly considered, we examine the joint effect of small scale fading and propagation path loss. Also, we study cooperation in application to finite networks, i.e. when the number of cooperating nodes is small. Stochastic geometry and order statistics are used to develop analytical models that tightly match the simulation results for non-cooperative scenario and provide a lower bound for delay in a cooperative setting. We demonstrate that even for a simple flooding scenario, cooperative broadcast achieves significantly lower system delay.
Interferon gamma for diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusions

BACKGROUND A study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic value of pleural fluid concentrations of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) as a marker of tuberculosis. METHODS Patients admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between April 1997 and January 1998 with a lymphocytic exudative pleural effusion were enrolled into the study. The pleural fluids were examined for cytology, staining for acid fast bacilli, and mycobacterial culture. Pathological examination and mycobacterial culture were performed on each pleural biopsy specimen. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was made when one of the following criteria was met: (1) Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from either the pleural fluid or pleural tissue; (2) granulomas were demonstrated in the pleural tissue which stained positive for acid fast bacilli (AFB); or (3) in the presence of granulomas negative on staining for AFB in pleural tissue there was a response to antituberculous treatment on follow up. All pleural fluid samples were stored at –70°C and the IFN-γ level was measured by immunoassay. Analysis was made using sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio for a positive test result. The best cut off point was determined by the highest likelihood ratio and receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS A total of 66 patients were enrolled and tuberculosis was confirmed in 39 of them. The diagnoses in the non-tuberculous group included malignancy (15), paramalignancy (11), and chronic pleuritis secondary to infective endocarditis (1). The mean (SE) IFN-γ level in the pleural fluid was significantly higher in the tuberculous group than in the non-tuberculous group (1493.3 (131.3) pg/ml versus 80.1 (50.4) pg/ml, p<0.001). The overlap between the two groups was minimal. At the cut off value of 240 pg/ml the sensitivity was 94.9% (95% CI 86.6 to 100), the specificity was 96.3% (95% CI 89.2 to 100), and the likelihood ratio for a positive test result was 25.6. CONCLUSIONS The pleural fluid concentration of IFN-γ is a good and useful diagnostic marker of tuberculosis presenting as a lymphocytic exudative pleural effusion.
Potential Neuroprotective Effects of Adiponectin in Alzheimer’s Disease

The adipocyte-secreted protein adiponectin (APN) has several protective functions in the peripheral tissues including insulin sensitizing, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects that may benefit neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition, dysregulation of cerebral insulin sensitivities and signaling activities have been implicated in AD. Emerging insights into the mechanistic roles of adiponectin and AD highlight the potential therapeutic effects for AD through insulin signaling.