Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in Reducing Real Life Crashes and Injuries

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was introduced on the mass market in 1998. Since then, several studies showing the positive effects of ESC have been presented. Objective. In this study, data from crashes occurring in Sweden during 1998 to 2004 were used to evaluate the effectiveness of ESC on real life crashes. The effectiveness was analyzed for different road conditions, and some accident types and injury levels. Methods. The study used statistical analysis. To control for exposure, induced exposure methods were used, where ESC-sensitive to ESC-insensitive crashes and road conditions were matched in relation to cars equipped with and without ESC. Cars of similar or, in some cases, identical make and model were used to isolate the role of ESC. Results. The study shows a positive and consistent effect of ESC overall and in circumstances where the road has low friction. The overall effectiveness on all injury crash types, except rear end crashes, was 16.7 ± 9.3%, while for serious and fatal crashes; the effectiveness was 21.6 ± 12.8%. The corresponding estimates for crashes with injured car occupants were 23.0 ± 9.2% and 26.9 ± 13.9%. For serious and fatal loss-of-control type crashes on wet roads the effectiveness was 56.2 ± 23.5% and for roads covered with ice or snow the effectiveness was 49.2 ± 30.2%. It was estimated that for Sweden, with a total of 500 vehicle related deaths annually, that 80–100 fatalities could be saved annually if all cars had ESC. Conclusions. ESC was found to reduce crashes with personal injuries, especially serious and fatal injuries. The effectiveness ranged from at least 13% for car occupants in all types of crashes with serious or fatal outcome to a minimum of 35% effectiveness for single/oncoming/overtaking serious and fatal crashes on wet or icy road surface. No difference in deformation pattern was found for cars with or without ESC.
Conserved Oligopeptide Permeases Modulate Sporulation Initiation in Clostridium difficile

ABSTRACT The anaerobic gastrointestinal pathogen Clostridium difficile must form a metabolically dormant spore to survive in oxygenic environments and be transmitted from host to host. The regulatory factors by which C. difficile initiates and controls the early stages of sporulation in C. difficile are not highly conserved in other Clostridium or Bacillus species. Here, we investigated the role of two conserved oligopeptide permeases, Opp and App, in the regulation of sporulation in C. difficile. These permeases are known to positively affect sporulation in Bacillus species through the import of sporulation-specific quorum-sensing peptides. In contrast to other spore-forming bacteria, we discovered that inactivating these permeases in C. difficile resulted in the earlier expression of early sporulation genes and increased sporulation in vitro. Furthermore, disruption of opp and app resulted in greater virulence and increased the amounts of spores recovered from feces in the hamster model of C. difficile infection. Our data suggest that Opp and App indirectly inhibit sporulation, likely through the activities of the transcriptional regulator SinR and its inhibitor, SinI. Taken together, these results indicate that the Opp and App transporters serve a different function in controlling sporulation and virulence in C. difficile than in Bacillus subtilis and suggest that nutrient availability plays a significant role in pathogenesis and sporulation in vivo. This study suggests a link between the nutritional status of the environment and sporulation initiation in C. difficile.
Neurocognitive function before and after surgery for insular gliomas.

OBJECT Insular gliomas can be resected with acceptable rates of neurological morbidity, but little is known with regard to impairment of higher-order neurocognitive functions. The frequency and functional impact of neurocognitive deficits in patients with gliomas has until recently been underappreciated. The authors therefore examined neurocognitive function in patients with insular gliomas and compared the findings in this group to those in a matched control group of patients with gliomas in nearby brain regions. METHODS Thirty-three patients with WHO Grade II or III insular gliomas participated in neuropsychological evaluations before and after resection. To establish whether the pattern of neurocognitive performance was different from that of other patients with tumors in neighboring areas, patients with insular tumors were matched with control patients for age, educational level, preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale score, tumor side, grade, and volume. The control group comprised patients in whom gliomas had been resected from frontal, temporal, and parietal areas near the insula. Baseline pre- and postoperative neurocognitive test results were compared between and within groups. RESULTS Preoperative neurocognitive impairment was common in both insular and control groups. Patients with insular tumors had significantly worse preoperative performance on naming tests. In both groups, postoperative decline occurred in most neurocognitive domains. There were no statistically significant differences between patients in the insular and control groups with regard to rates of postoperative decline on any test. However, there were trends suggesting differential cognitive performance postoperatively, because patients with insular tumors were more likely to experience greater decline in learning and memory. Neurological morbidity was similar to prior rates reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS Few statistically significant differences in cognitive function were observed between patients in the insular and control groups at either the pre- or postoperative evaluation, although there was a trend for patients with insular tumors to exhibit greater postoperative decline in learning and memory. Although technically more challenging, surgery for insular region glioma appears feasible without profound neurological or cognitive morbidity for many patients.
Challenging Anatomy Predicts Mortality and Complications After Endovascular Treatment of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Purpose: To analyze the effects of aortic anatomy and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) inside and outside the instructions for use (IFU) on outcomes in patients treated for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA). Methods: All 112 patients (mean age 73 years; 102 men) treated with standard EVAR for rAAA between 2000 and 2012 in 3 European centers were included in the retrospective analysis. Patients were grouped based on aortic anatomy and whether EVAR was performed inside or outside the IFU. Data on complications, secondary interventions, and mortality were extracted from the patient records. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess predictors of mortality and complications; results are presented as the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Of the 112 patients examined, 61 (54%) were treated inside the IFU, 43 (38%) outside the IFU, and 8 patients lacked adequate preoperative computed tomography scans for determination. Median follow-up of those surviving 30 days was 2.5 years. Mortality at 30 days was 15% (95% CI 6% to 24%) inside the IFU vs 30% (95% CI 16% to 45%) outside (p=0.087). Three-year mortality estimates were 33.8% (95% CI 20.0% to 47.5%) inside the IFU vs 56% (95% CI 39.7% to 72.2%) outside (p=0.016). At 5 years, mortality was 48% (95% CI 30% to 66%) inside the IFU vs 74% (95% CI 54% to 93%) outside (p=0.015). Graft-related complications occurred in 6% (95% CI 0% to 13%) inside the IFU and 30% (95% CI 14% to 42%) outside (p=0.015). The rate of graft-related secondary interventions was 14% (95% CI 4% to 22%) inside the IFU vs 35% (95% CI 14% to 42%) outside (p=0.072). In the multivariate analysis, neck length <15 mm (HR 8.1, 95% CI 3.0 to 21.9, p<0.001) and angulation >60° (HR 3.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 9.3, p=0.045) were independent predictors of late graft-related complications. Aneurysm neck diameter >29 mm (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.9, p=0.035) was an independent predictor of overall mortality. Conclusion: Long-term mortality and complications after rEVAR are associated with aneurysm anatomy. The role of adjunct endovascular techniques and the outcome of open repair in cases with challenging anatomy warrant further study.
Sexual and Physical Abuse: A Comparison Between Lesbians and Their Heterosexual Sisters

The purpose of this study was to investigate similarities and differences in the incidence and patterns of abuse experienced by lesbians and their heterosexual sisters. In a matched sample of 324 lesbian/heterosexual sister pairs, the lesbians reported a greater incidence than their sisters of childhood physical and sexual abuse, as well as adult sexual abuse. Both groups identified male relatives as the most common perpetrator of both childhood physical and sexual abuse. Male relatives were most commonly identified as perpetrators of adult physical abuse and male strangers were most commonly identified as adult sexual abusers. Our results demonstrate that both sexual and physical abuse are common experiences for lesbian and heterosexual women; however, since the context of these experiences is different, each group will have special needs for services and treatment.
Compositae dermatitis in a Danish dermatology department in 1 year

During our first year of routine testing with Compositae allergens and extracts, contact allergy to Compositae was frequently found in eczema patients (4.5%), especially in middle‐aged or elderly persons. Based on clinical patterns, patch test reactions and the long‐term course of the disease, 4 groups of patients were recognized: (a) a small group with localized eczema: (b) another with classic Compositae dermatitis of exposed skin; (c) a 3rd group, the largest, with localized eczema that suddenly one summer turned into a widespread dermatitis: (d) a 4th group with a vesicular hand eczema and more‐or‐less widespread dermatitis with seasonal variation from the beginning, 65% of the patients had vesicular hand eczema at some time, partly reflecting the frequency of atopy (25%) and metal allergy (44%). 75% of the patients had contact allergy to 5 ≥1 compounds besides Compositae Thus, Compositae allergy may be primary, e.g., in young patients with occupational plant contact, or secondary to other contact allergies, perhaps as a result of increased individual susceptibility. The clinical patterns in the latter patients were most often a widespread dermatitis with summer exacerbation. The variability in the clinical picture makes routine patch testing with Compositae allergens recommendable.
Characterisation of Arcuate Nucleus Kisspeptin/Neurokinin B Neuronal Projections and Regulation during Lactation in the Rat

Lactation results in negative energy balance in the rat leading to decreased gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) release and anoestrus. Inhibited GnRH release may be a result of decreased stimulatory tone from neuropeptides critical for GnRH neuronal activity, such as kisspeptin (Kiss1) and neurokinin B (NKB). The present study aimed to identify neuronal projections from the colocalised population of Kiss1/NKB cells in the arcuate nucleus (ARH) using double‐label immunohistochemistry to determine where this population may directly regulate GnRH neuronal activity. Additionally, the present study further examined lactation‐induced changes in the Kiss1 system that could play a role in decreased GnRH release. The colocalised ARH Kiss1/NKB fibres projected primarily to the internal zone of the median eminence (ME) where they were in close proximity to GnRH fibres; however, few Kiss1/NKB fibres from the ARH were seen at the level of GnRH neurones in the preoptic area (POA). Arcuate Kiss1/NKB peptide levels were decreased during lactation consistent with previous mRNA data. Surprisingly, anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) Kiss1 peptide levels were increased, whereas Kiss1 mRNA levels were decreased during lactation, suggesting active inhibition of peptide release. These findings indicate ARH Kiss1/NKB and AVPV Kiss1 appear to be inhibited during lactation, which may contribute to decreased GnRH release and subsequent reproductive dysfunction. Furthermore, the absence of a strong ARH Kiss1/NKB projection to the POA suggests regulation of GnRH by this population occurs primarily at the ME level via local projections.
Ratios of activated matrix metalloproteinase‐9 to tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 in wound fluids are inversely correlated with healing of pressure ulcers

Previous analyses of fluids collected from chronic, nonhealing wounds found elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, elevated levels of proteinases, and low levels of growth factor activity compared with fluids collected from acute, healing wounds. This led to the general hypothesis that chronic inflammation in acute wounds produces elevated levels of proteinases that destroy essential growth factors, receptors, and extracellular matrix proteins, which ultimately prevent wounds from healing. To test this hypothesis further, pro‐ and activated matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2), and the ratios of MMPs/TIMPs were assayed in fluids and biopsies collected from 56 patients with chronic pressure ulcers. Specimens included ulcers treated for 0, 10, and 36 days with conventional therapy or with exogenous cytokine therapies. Quantitative assay data were correlated with the amount of healing. The average MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratio in fluids from 56 ulcers decreased significantly as the chronic pressure ulcers healed. Furthermore, the average MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratio was significantly lower for fluids collected on day 0 from wounds that ultimately healed well (≥85% reduction in initial wound volume) compared with wounds that healed poorly (<50% wound volume reduction). These data show that the ratio of MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 levels is a predictor of healing in pressure ulcers and they provide additional support for the hypothesis that high levels of MMP activity and low levels of MMP inhibitor impair wound healing in chronic pressure ulcers.
Global node selection for localization in a distributed sensor network

This work considers the problem of selecting the best nodes for localizing (in the mean squared (MS) position error sense) a target in a distributed wireless sensor network. Each node consists of an array of sensors that are able to estimate the direction of arrival (DOA) to a target. Different computationally efficient node selection approaches that use global network knowledge are introduced. Performance bounds based on the node/target geometry are derived, and these bounds help to determine the necessary communication reach of the active nodes. The resulting geolocation performance and energy usage, based on communication distance, is evaluated for a decentralized extended Kalman filter (EKF) that is exploiting the different selection approaches.
Spirometry to detect and manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma in the primary care setting

Most people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are unaware of the smoldering airway inflammation present in their lungs, which places them at increased risk for premature morbidity and mortality [1–3]. However, COPD is easily detected in its preclinical phase using office spirometry; and successful smoking cessation prevents further disease progression [4]. In the near future, other interventions may also be proven to reduce the rapid decline in lung function experienced by patients with chronic airflow limitation. When patients complain of intermittent cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, spirometry carried out when the symptoms remain current can often detect the reversible airflow limitation characteristic of asthma. Spirometry also helps to categorise the severity of asthma and confirms response to therapy [5]. Office spirometry is defined as spirometry performed in the primary care (general practitioner) setting. Office spirometry measures the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/vital capacity (VC) ratio (or surrogates like FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) or FEV1/forced expiratory volume in six seconds (FEV6)). This ratio is the most sensitive and specific test for detecting airflow limitation. Spirometry also measures the per cent predicted FEV1, which is the most widely accepted index of the severity of airway obstruction [6, 7]. General practitioners see the majority of adult smokers and patients with asthma, but fewer than half use an office spirometer regularly [8, 9]. Barriers include the perceptions that spirometers are expensive and difficult to use and maintain, that the test disturbs patients and takes too much time to complete, that the reports are too difficult to interpret, and that spirometry testing does not affect clinical outcomes.
Breast Intracystic Papillary Carcinoma: An Update

Abstract: Intracystic papillary carcinoma (IPC), a breast tumor mainly occuring in the elderly, has long been considered as a variant of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This is now debated since metastatic cases have been reported. In this study, surgical pieces of 20 IPCs were reassessed, and markers of myopepithelial layer (p63, CD10 and Smooth Muscle Actin) as well as estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PgR) and C‐erb‐B2 oncoprotein expression were systematically performed and quantified. In 10 cases, an associated unequivocal invasive component was found. In all 20 cases, no myoepithelial layer was found. Eighteen tumors were ER positive, 14 were PgR positive. Moreover, none of the tumors over‐expressed C‐erb‐B2 oncoprotein. Therefore this study showed that in all cases of IPC there were microscopic features of invasive carcinoma despite good clinical prognostic indicators, and that precise characterization of tumors requires extensive paraffin embedding of surgical pieces.
Community Reintegration of Sex Offenders of Children in New Zealand

Reintegration of offenders following incarceration is most successful if matched to the needs of offenders, victims, and the community. This study explored child sex offenders’ expectations for and experiences of reintegration into the community. A longitudinal design was used in which semistructured interviews covered issues identified in the literature as being related to reintegration. Nine offenders were interviewed within 1 week prior to release, 3 months post release, and 6 months post release. Interviews were analysed using thematic analyses producing six key themes. The interviews revealed that most of the participants feared their release from prison into the community and once released struggled to live in society. Overall, reintegration planning was simplistic and aimed primarily to manage risk factors rather than promote reintegration. Those participants who reported most satisfaction with their adjustment following release had more comprehensive reintegration plans, which enabled them to visualise what life would be like after release.
CAROTID REMODELING IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION: ROLE OF BLOOD PRESSURE, INDEXED PARAMETERS, AND ASSOCIATION WITH CARDIAC MASS AND AORTIC STIFFNESS

The role of blood pressure on carotid remodeling, using no indexed and indexed parameters, was studied in essential hypertension. Carotid parameters were also compared to cardiac mass and aortic stiffness. Forty untreated hypertensive men had echocardiography, carotid ultrasonography and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity measurements. Cross-sectional area index was associated essentially with the 24-hour systolic blood pressure whereas intima-media thickness was related especially to the 24-hour pulse pressure. Carotid intima-media thickness and cross-sectional area indexes were less related to blood pressure variables than non-indexed parameters. There is an independent association between 24-hour pulse pressure and left ventricular mass index and pulse wave velocity. To conclude, blood pressure, particularly pulse pressure, is associated with vascular and cardiac alterations. The indexation by the body surface area do not provide any additional information in the association between carotid and blood pressure parameters.
Nutritional Competence and Resilience among Hemodialysis Patients in the Setting of Dialysis Initiation and Hospitalization.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Dialysis patients have a high risk for inadequate nutrition. Their nutritional status is particularly susceptible to deterioration when faced with intercurrent events such as hospitalization. This study was conducted to improve the understanding of the temporal evolution of nutritional parameters as a foundation for rational and proactive nutritional intervention. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS A retrospective cohort study was performed to investigate the temporal evolution of nutritional parameters (serum albumin, serum phosphate, serum creatinine, equilibrated normalized protein catabolic rate, and interdialytic weight gain) and a composite nutritional score derived from these parameters, in two populations: (1) incident hemodialysis (HD) patients who started HD between January 2006 and December 2011 and were followed for up to 54 months (median 16.3), and (2) prevalent patients with HD vintage ≥2.5 years who were hospitalized between January 2006 and December 2011 and followed from 6 months before to 6 months after hospitalization. RESULTS In incident patients (n=126,964), each of the nutritional parameters improved after HD initiation, with a mean composite nutritional score at the 24th percentile at the start of HD and reaching a plateau at the 57th percentile toward the end of the second year on dialysis. Nutritional parameters increased more rapidly and reached higher values among patients who survived longer. In hospitalized patients (n=14,193), the nutritional parameters and the composite score began to decline 1-2 months before hospitalization, reached their lowest level in the month after hospitalization, and then partially recovered in the subsequent 5 months. The degree of recovery of the nutritional score was inversely related to the number of rehospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS This study increases the understanding of nutritional resilience and its determinants in HD patients. Application of the nutritional score, pending further validation, may facilitate targeted and timely interventions to avert the negative consequences of inadequate nutrition in chronic HD patients.