Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Real-time elderly activity monitoring system based on a tri-axial accelerometer

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to develop an automatic human movement classification system for the elderly using single waist-mounted tri-axial accelerometer. Methods. Real-time movement classification algorithm was developed using a hierarchical binary tree, which can classify activities of daily living into four general states: (1) resting state such as sitting, lying, and standing; (2) locomotion state such as walking and running; (3) emergency state such as fall and (4) transition state such as sit to stand, stand to sit, stand to lie, lie to stand, sit to lie, and lie to sit. To evaluate the proposed algorithm, experiments were performed on five healthy young subjects with several activities, such as falls, walking, running, etc. Results. The results of experiment showed that successful detection rate of the system for all activities were about 96%. To evaluate long-term monitoring, 3 h experiment in home environment was performed on one healthy subject and 98% of the movement was successfully classified. Conclusions. The results of experiment showed a possible use of this system which can monitor and classify the activities of daily living. For further improvement of the system, it is necessary to include more detailed classification algorithm to distinguish several daily activities.
Unpacking Body Image Concerns and Disordered Eating for Transgender Women: The Roles of Sexual Objectification and Minority Stress

Synthesizing both objectification theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997) and minority stress theory (Meyer, 2003), the present study used a pantheoretical model of dehumanization (Moradi, 2013) to examine body image concerns and disordered eating symptomatology with 205 transgender women from the United States. Objectification theory constructs (i.e., sexual objectification, internalization of sociocultural standards of attractiveness, body surveillance, body dissatisfaction) and minority stress-related variables (i.e., antitransgender discrimination) were examined as direct and indirect predictors of disordered eating. Results of a latent variable SEM (with a higher-order dehumanization factor comprised of sexual objectification and discrimination) generally provided support for our hypothesized direct and indirect relations. As expected, dehumanization was related directly to internalization and disordered eating and had significant indirect links to body surveillance, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating via internalization. Potential implications of a pantheoretical model for future research with transgender women are discussed.
Randomized controlled single‐blinded clinical trial of functional voice outcome after vascular targeting KTP laser microsurgery of early laryngeal cancer

Local control rate (LCR) of early glottic cancer is high after radiation therapy or transoral laser microsurgery (TLM). The aim of this study was to investigate functional voice outcome after TLM using a microvessel‐ablative potassium‐titanyl‐phosphate (KTP) laser in comparison with a gold standard cutting CO2 laser.
Frequency of alpha oscillation predicts individual differences in perceptual stability during binocular rivalry

When ambiguous visual stimuli have multiple interpretations, human perception can alternate between them, producing perceptual multistability. There is a large variation between individuals in how long stable percepts endure, on average, between switches, but the underlying neural basis of this individual difference in perceptual dynamics remains obscure. Here, we show that in one widely studied multistable paradigm–binocular rivalry–perceptual stability in individuals is predicted by the frequency of their neural oscillations within the alpha range (7–13 Hz). Our results suggest revising models of rivalry to incorporate effects of neural oscillations on perceptual alternations, and raise the possibility that a common factor may influence dynamics in many neural processes.
Risk Factors for Infection After Intramedullary Nailing of Open Tibial Shaft Fractures in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Objectives: (1) To determine the infection rate after fixation of open tibial shaft fractures using the Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) intramedullary nail in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and (2) to identify risk factors for infection. Design: Prospective cohort study using an international online database. Setting: Multiple hospitals in LMICs worldwide. Patients/Participants: A total of 1061 open tibia fractures treated with the SIGN nail in LMICs between March 2000 and February 2013. Intervention: Intravenous antibiotic administration, surgical debridement, and definitive intramedullary nailing within 14 days of injury. Main Outcome Measurements: Deep or superficial infection at follow-up, implant breakage/loosening, angular deformity >10 degrees, repeat surgery, radiographic union, weight bearing, and ability to kneel. Results: The overall infection rate was 11.9%. Infection rates by the Gustilo and Anderson classification were type 1: 5.1%, type II: 12.6%, type IIIa: 12.5%, type IIIb: 29.1%, and type IIIc: 16.7% (P = 0.001 between groups). Patients who developed infection had a longer mean time from injury to definitive surgery (4.7 vs. 3.9 days, P = 0.03) and from injury to wound closure (13.7 vs. 3.6 days, P < 0.001). Distal fractures had a higher infection rate than midshaft fractures (13.3% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.03). Infection rates were not associated with time from injury to initial debridement, time from injury to initial antibiotic administration, or total duration of antibiotics. Conclusions: Open tibia fractures can be managed effectively using the SIGN intramedullary nail in LMICs with an overall infection rate of 11.9%. Risk factors for infection identified include more severe soft-tissue injury, delayed nailing, delayed wound closure, and distal fracture location. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Pulse wave velocity and other indicators of arterial stiffness in hypertension comorbidity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AIM The aim is to study pulse wave velocity (PWV) and other parameters of arterial stiffness in patients with comorbid arterial hypertension (AH) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS 32 patients with a combination of AH and COPD (group 1), 30 patients with isolated hypertension (group 2), 18 patients with isolated COPD (group 3), 30 healthy subjects (control group) were examined. Applanation tonometry and pulse wave contour analysis at the carotid-femoral segment were made by SphygmoCor (AtCor Medical). RESULTS Aortic systolic blood pressure in patients with the combination of hypertension and COPD was higher compared to the group of the patients with isolated hypertension by 9.83% (p=0.02), and the patients with COPD by 41.5% (p = 0.000042), respectively. Central pulse pressure in the first group was higher compared to the second group by 29.58% (p=0.00022), in the third group - by 53.4% (p=0.0029). The combination of hypertension and COPD (β=0.42, p=0.00019), age (β=0.39, p=0.0002) and the level of aortic pulse pressure (β=0.54, p=0.001) were marked as independent factors of PWV increasing according to the multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSION In patients with a combination of hypertension and COPD the increase in PWV, systolic and pulse pressure in the ascending aorta was observed, compared to patients with isolated hypertension, isolated COPD and the control group during applanation tonometry.
Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Purpose: To assess whether omega-3 fatty acid (FA) supplementation is more efficacious than placebo in amelioration of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. We included randomized clinical trials comparing omega-3 FA supplementation with placebo in patients with dry eye disease. The outcome measures were dry eye symptoms, breakup time (BUT), Schirmer test, and corneal fluorescein staining. The pooled effect sizes were estimated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Q and I2 tests. Sensitivity analysis and assessment of publication bias were performed. Meta-regression was performed to evaluate the source of heterogeneity. Results: Seventeen randomized clinical trials involving 3363 patients were included. Compared with placebo, omega-3 FA supplementation decreased dry eye symptoms [standardized difference in mean values (SDM) = 0.968; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.554–1.383; P < 0.001] and corneal fluorescein staining (SDM = 0.517; 95% CI, 0.043–0.991; P = 0.032), whereas it increased the BUT (SDM = 0.905; 95% CI, 0.564–1.246; P < 0.001) and Schirmer test values (SDM = 0.905; 95% CI, 0.564–1.246; P < 0.001). No evidence of publication bias was observed, and sensitivity analyses indicated the robustness of results obtained. Meta-regression analysis showed a higher improvement of dry eye symptoms and BUT in studies conducted in India. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides evidence that omega-3 FA supplementation significantly improves dry eye symptoms and signs in patients with dry eye disease. Therefore, our findings indicate that omega-3 FA supplementation may be an effective treatment for dry eye disease.
Posttraumatic Growth, Personality Factors, and Social Support Among War-Experienced Young Georgians

Despite much research on adult posttraumatic growth in recent decades, few studies have focused on posttraumatic growth in the young and especially after experiencing war. This study examined personality factors and different types and sources of social support as key correlates of posttraumatic growth in war-experienced children and adolescents. Participants were 242 individuals from settlements for internally displaced people in Georgia with a mean age of 13.22 years (SD = 2.73). Relations between variables were examined with correlations, standard multiple regressions, and mediation analyses. Results showed that the main predictors of posttraumatic growth were extraversion, conscientiousness, and social support. In addition, informational type of support from peers related significantly to posttraumatic growth. Moreover, general social support mediated the link between personality factors and posttraumatic growth. Conclusions are drawn on the mechanisms underlying posttraumatic growth in young persons.
Revisiting the Syndrome of “Obsessional Slowness”

Obsessional slowness (OS) denotes a rare condition of disablingly slow motor performance. It was originally described in patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder as a “primary” condition; however, subsequent reports have included heterogeneous clinical populations. We wished to reassess patients with this diagnosis at our own institution and also revisit the literature to provide an overview of this condition.
Characteristics, distribution, source apportionment, and potential health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban street dust of Kerman metropolis, Iran

ABSTRACT In this study, the concentrations of street dust-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Kerman metropolis as a typical arid urban area were determined to investigate the contamination, molecular composition, toxicity, and sources of PAHs. Sixteen individual PAHs on the United States Environmental Protection Agency priority list were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in street dust samples from 30 sites. ∑PAHs ranged between 165 and 5314.7 µg·kg−1 with a mean of 770.8 µg·kg−1. The most abundant individual PAHs were fluoranthene, phenanthrene, pyrene, and chrysene, respectively. High molecular weight PAHs (4-6 rings) made 74.8% of ∑PAHs mass and were dominant in all sites. Source apportionment was performed using ring classification, diagnostic ratios, and principal component analysis-multiple linear regression. The results indicated that primary contributors of PAHs in the street dust of Kerman could be liquid fossil fuel combustion, natural gas combustion, and petrogenic sources, accounting for 82.4%, 11.5%, and 6.1%, respectively. The calculated incremental lifetime cancer risk is 8.13 × 10−4 for children and 6.27 × 10−4 for adults. Hence, both children and adults in Kerman are potentially exposed to a high carcinogenic risk via ingestion and dermal contact.
Using sets of feature vectors for similarity search on voxelized CAD objects

In modern application domains such as multimedia, molecular biology and medical imaging, similarity search in database systems is becoming an increasingly important task. Especially for CAD applications, suitable similarity models can help to reduce the cost of developing and producing new parts by maximizing the reuse of existing parts. Most of the existing similarity models are based on feature vectors. In this paper, we shortly review three models which pursue this paradigm. Based on the most promising of these three models, we explain how sets of feature vectors can be used for more effective and still efficient similarity search. We first introduce an intuitive distance measure on sets of feature vectors together with an algorithm for its efficient computation. Furthermore, we present a method for accelerating the processing of similarity queries on vector set data. The experimental evaluation is based on two real world test data sets and points out that our new similarity approach yields more meaningful results in comparatively short time.
An examination of financial capacity and neuropsychological performance in chronic acquired brain injury (CABI)

ABSTRACT Primary Objective: Financial Capacity (FC) is known to be impaired in the acute and subacute stages of brain injury. The current study sought to examine FC in the context of chronic, moderate to severe acquired brain injury (CABI). Research Design: The Financial Competence Assessment Inventory (FCAI), developed in Australia, was adapted to examine the integrity of FC in an American sample. Methods and Procedures: Healthy comparison (HC) participants were recruited from the community, whereas participants with CABI were recruited from a community-based rehabilitation center. Participants completed the FCAI and a neuropsychological battery. FCAI performance in the current study was compared against previously published Australian data. Multiple regression analyses examined group (CABI vs. HC) as a predictor of FC. Bivariate correlations examined the cognitive correlates of FCAI in the CABI group. Main Outcomes and Results: The HC group in the current study obtained similar mean scores as those in the Australian sample. CABI group membership predicted lower performance on each FCAI dimension. In the CABI group, attention, working memory, delayed verbal memory, abstract reasoning and impulsivity were uniquely associated with FCAI dimensions. Conclusions: Findings underscore the importance of continued monitoring of FC even after the subacute stage of injury, and identify cognitive impairments that may be particularly detrimental for specific dimensions of FC.
Imaging of a Clinically Relevant Stroke Model: Glucose Hypermetabolism Revisited

Background and Purpose— Ischemic stroke has been shown to cause hypermetabolism of glucose in the ischemic penumbra. Experimental and clinical data indicate that infarct-related systemic hyperglycemia is a potential therapeutic target in acute stroke. However, clinical studies aiming for glucose control in acute stroke have neither improved functional outcome nor reduced mortality. Thus, further studies on glucose metabolism in the ischemic brain are warranted. Methods— We used a rat model of stroke that preserves collateral flow. The animals were analyzed by [2-18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging during 90-minute occlusion of the middle cerebral artery and during 60 minutes after reperfusion. Results were correlated to magnetic resonance imaging of cerebral blood flow, diffusion of water, lactate formation, and histological data on cell death and blood–brain barrier breakdown. Results— We detected an increased [2-18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake within ischemic regions succumbing to infarction and in the peri-infarct region. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed impairment of blood flow to ischemic levels in the infarct and a reduction of cerebral blood flow in the peri-infarct region. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed lactate in the ischemic region and absence of lactate in the peri-infarct region. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed apoptosis and blood–brain barrier breakdown within the infarct. Conclusions— The increased uptake of [2-18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose in cerebral ischemia most likely reflects hypermetabolism of glucose meeting increased energy needs of ischemic and hypoperfused brain tissue, and it occurs under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions measured by local lactate production. Infarct-related systemic hyperglycemia could serve to facilitate glucose supply to the ischemic brain. Glycemic control by insulin treatment could negatively influence this mechanism.
Monogenic mimics of Behçet's disease in the young.

OBJECTIVES Monogenic autoinflammatory disorders (AID) and primary immunodeficiencies can present early in life with features that may be mistaken for Behçet's disease (BD). We aimed to retrospectively describe the clinical and laboratory features of 11 paediatric cases referred for suspected BD who turned out to have an alternative, monogenic disease mimicking BD. METHODS Retrospective, paediatric BD specialist multicentre case series. Next generation sequencing (NGS) or conventional candidate gene screening approaches were utilized, facilitated in some cases by functional assays. RESULTS Eleven children referred with suspected BD underwent genetic screening because of atypical BD features, and/or presentation before age 5 years. Eight patients (73%) were Caucasian, two were Pakistani and one was Turkish; 55% were female. A positive family history of BD was reported in 54% cases. The median age of disease onset was 0.6 (range 0.2-2.3) years. All had systemic inflammation and oral ulceration; 5/11 had genital ulceration; 3/11 had ocular involvement; and 9/11 had cutaneous manifestations. Nine/11 had known disease-causing genetic mutations in: TNFAIP3 (n = 2), WDR1 (n = 2), NCF1, AP1S3, LYN, MEFV and GLA. The remaining two cases each had novel variants in STAT1 and TNFRSF1A. CONCLUSION Rare monogenic diseases can mimic BD, particularly when presenting early in life. These observations are now informing a strategy to explore screening for genetic mimics of BD in a UK cohort of children and adults to better understand the proportion of UK BD patients who may in fact have an underlying monogenetic diagnosis.
Randomized cross-over study and a qualitative analysis comparing virtual microscopy and light microscopy for learning undergraduate histopathology

Background: Virtual microscopy (VM) use in teaching and learning is increasing worldwide. However, there is a paucity of information comparing it to light microscopy (LM) in learning undergraduate histopathology. We investigated whether VM or LM had a higher impact on student learning and performance in histopathology. In addition, we investigated whether students preferred VM over LM, and whether VM use provided a platform to fulfill the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies. Materials and Methods: We used a sequential exploratory mixed method study design. A qualitative phase inquiring about student preference for VM or LM was followed by a randomized cross-over study. Student preference was measured by an online survey based on a Likert scale. In the cross-over study, students were randomized to either the VM or the LM arm, and their mean scores in standardized exams were compared after using VM and LM. Results: A total of 152 students completed the qualitative study and a total of 64 students participated in the cross-over study. Eighty-three percent (83%) of the students preferred to use VM over LM. Students who used VM scored significantly (P < 0.001) higher [(87.1% vs. 72.4%) and (85.3% vs. 76.1%)], respectively, in both phases of the cross-over study compared to those who used LM. Conclusions: Using VM to learn histopathology has significantly increased student learning and performance compared to using LM.
Story-Sharing Intervention to Improve Depression and Well-Being in Older Adults Transitioning to Long-Term Care.

Older adults frequently experience depression and reduced well-being when transitioning to long-term care (LTC) that can lead to increased risk for mortality. In the current randomized controlled trial, older adults (N = 93) who were transitioning to LTC facilities in Southeast Florida were enlisted. It was hypothesized that when transitioning to LTC (a) story sharing (i.e., sharing stories in groups) could lead to reduced depression and improved well-being, and (b) baseline sociodemographic characteristics could predict depression and well-being. Baseline results revealed that participants were not depressed and had moderate well-being, and postintervention results indicated that there were no significant improvements in depression (p = 0.35) and well-being (p = 0.41). Some baseline sociodemographic characteristics predicted depression (p = 0.04) and well-being (p = 0.03). Future research should incorporate moderate depression as an inclusion criterion and more weeks of story-sharing sessions. Targets: Adults age 65 and older transitioning to LTC. Intervention Description: Two to three participants met as a group to share five stories over 3 weeks. Mechanisms of Action: Story sharing will improve well-being. Outcomes: Participant level of well-being will improve, and sociodemographic characteristics and factors related to the move will predict risk for depression and reduced well-being. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2019; 12(2):81-90. ].
Immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis of pelviureteric junction complexes in children with hydronephrosis

Aim: The study aimed to analyze the musculature and innervations of pelviureteric junction (PUJ) complex and upper ureter by morphometry and immunohistochemistry in surgically resected specimens of PUJ obstruction and compares the findings with normal controls. Materials and Methods: Specimens of the PUJ were obtained from twenty patients with hydronephrosis due to PUJ obstruction undergoing surgical treatment in this unit from 2013 to 2015. In the control group, seven PUJ complexes were taken from patients who had nephrectomy due to trauma and Wilms tumor. The sections were stained with H and E stain and elastic von Gieson stain. For immunohistochemistry, the tissue sections were immunostained by an indirect immunoperoxidase method for S-100 and neuron-specific enolase. Results: Histopathologically, the predominant arrangement of muscle fibers was layered, i.e., a thick circular layer surrounded by two longitudinal layers on either side in PUJ of obstruction patients. S-100 immunoreactivity in the muscle layer showed dense neural innervation in PUJ complex of obstructed patients. Conclusions: Circular enhanced musculature may cause a sphincter-like activity with holding up of urine. The higher density of neuronal expression in PUJ might be responsible for causing constant contraction and intrinsic obstruction.
Inhibition of Cav3.2 calcium channels: A new target for colonic hypersensitivity associated with low‐grade inflammation

Abdominal pain associated with low‐grade inflammation is frequently encountered in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during remission. Current treatments are not very effective and new therapeutic approaches are needed. The role of CaV3.2 channels, which are important in other chronic pain contexts, was investigated in a murine model of colonic hypersensitivity (CHS) associated with low‐grade inflammation.