Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Older Adults With Occult Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Objectives The aims of the study were to determine whether mild, occult sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) moderates the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) in older adults and to explore whether CBTI reduces the number of patients eligible for positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. Methods Data were analyzed for 134 adults 60 years or older with insomnia and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of less than 15 who were randomized to a larger study of CBTI versus a sleep education control. Sleep outcomes (sleep onset latency, total wake time, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were compared between CBTI and control at 6 months using repeated-measures analysis of variance adjusted for baseline values. AHI of 5 or greater versus less than 5 was included as an interaction term to evaluate changes in sleep outcomes. The number of participants at baseline and 6 months with mild SDB for whom insomnia was their only other indication for PAP was also compared between CBTI and control. Results AHI status (AHI ≥ 5 [75.5% of participants] versus AHI < 5) did not moderate improvements in sleep associated with CBTI (all p values ≥ .12). Nine (45.0%) of 20 participants with mild SDB for whom insomnia was their only other indication for PAP therapy at baseline no longer had another indication for PAP at 6 months, with no significant difference between CBTI and control. Conclusions CBTI improves sleep in older veterans with insomnia and untreated mild SDB. Larger trials are needed to assess whether CBTI reduces the number of patients with mild SDB eligible for PAP.
Poster: Automatically Adapting Programs for Mixed-Precision Floating-Point Computation

As scientific computation continues to scale, efficient use of floating-point arithmetic processors is critical. Lower precision allows streaming architectures to perform more operations per second and can reduce memory bandwidth pressure on all architectures. However, using a precision that is too low for a given algorithm and data set leads to inaccurate results. We present a framework that uses binary instrumentation and modification to build mixed-precision configurations of existing binaries that were originally developed to use only double-precision. Initial results with the Algebraic MultiGrid kernel demonstrate a nearly 2χ speedup.
Trichotillomania and its treatment: a review and recommendations

Trichotillomania (TTM) is characterized as an impulse control disorder in which individuals fail to resist urges to pull out their own hair, and is associated with significant functional impairment and psychiatric comorbidity across the developmental spectrum. Onset in childhood or adolescence appears to be the norm, yet the research literature involving pediatric samples is particularly sparse. Efficacious treatments have been developed, in particular cognitive–behavioral interventions involving procedures collectively known as habit reversal training, yet relapse in adults appears to be common. Recent developments in pharmacotherapies for TTM and in combining cognitive–behavioral therapy approaches with medication hold promise, and efforts to examine their relative and combined efficacy are needed. Dissemination of information about TTM and its treatment is a critical next step in the field, since many affected individuals and families cannot find local treatment providers with sufficient knowledge to deliver interventions known to reduce hair pulling behavior.
Ultrasonographic Characteristics of the Common Extensor Tendon of the Elbow in Asymptomatic Individuals: Thickness, Color Doppler Activity, and Bony Spurs

Background: Ultrasonography (US) of the common extensor tendon (CET) of the elbow is often part of the assessment of patients with lateral epicondylitis. This US assessment is currently based on general tendinopathy references and not well-defined US entities. Purpose: To describe CET thickness, color Doppler activity, and bony spurs on US in asymptomatic volunteers and to investigate the influence of sex, age, height, body mass index (BMI), weight, and elbow dominance on the measurements. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Tendon thickness, color Doppler activity, and bony spurs of the CET were measured sonographically in 264 adults (50% women) aged 20 to 96 years. Two different tendon-thickness measuring techniques were applied, labeled the “plateau measure” and the “1-cm measure. ” Color Doppler activity was based on a 0 to 4 rating scale (negative, grades 0 and 1; positive, grades 2-4). A bony spur was defined as a bony outgrowth (≥0.3 mm) arising at the insertional site of the CET. Results: With both tendon-thickness measuring techniques, the CET in the dominant elbow was thicker than that in the nondominant elbow, and male tendons were thicker than female tendons (all P ≤ .03). In regression analysis, tendon thickness correlated with weight, color Doppler activity, and arm dominance for both measuring techniques in multiple regression analysis. In addition, the plateau measure correlated with height and the presence of bony spurs. No correlations were observed regarding BMI, sex, or age. Positive color Doppler activity was found in 9% of examined elbows, with no difference between the sexes regarding dominant versus nondominant elbows (all P ≥.20). Bony spurs were found to increase with age, from 23% for people in their 20s to 74% in people older than 70 years. Bony spurs were more common in the dominant elbow (P ≤ .01). Women had a higher prevalence of bony spurs than men, but only in the dominant elbow (P = .03). Conclusion: This study presents the US characteristics and normal values of the CET. In 264 asymptomatic participants, the CET was found to be thicker in men and in the dominant elbow. No difference in tendon thickness could be demonstrated with regard to different age groups. Color Doppler activity was found to be positive in nearly 1 of 10 asymptomatic subjects. Bony spurs were a common finding; they increased in prevalence with every decade in age and were considered part of the aging process. Normal variations in CET morphologic characteristics should therefore be considered when implementing US in trials and clinical practice.
Complications of paediatric cochlear implantation: experience in Izmir

Surgery for cochlear implantation (CI) bears the risks of complication associated with all major surgery, in addition to the particular risks associated with implanting a foreign body into the peripheral auditory system. Here we present a retrospective study involving 227 cochlear implant operations in 205 children to evaluate the rate of intra- and post-operative complications. Complications were defined as major complications, requiring explantation of the device or further operation, causing a significant medical problem, or leading to any degree of facial paralysis or requiring additional hospitalization for treatment; or defined as minor complications, namely those that settled spontaneously, with conservative treatment, with local care and/or with medication alone. In our study there were 15 (6.6 per cent) minor and 28 (12.33 per cent) major complications. The most frequent minor complication was dizziness and vomiting (3.08 per cent), followed by transient hemifacial oedema (1.76 per cent), head pain (1.32 per cent) and mild ataxia (0.4 per cent). The most frequent major complication was trauma to the device (9.69 per cent), followed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) gusher (2.2 per cent) and facial paresis (0.4 per cent). All of the device trauma cases were re-implanted. There were neither any life-threatening complications nor any facial nerve paralysis in our implanted children. This study confirms that CI is relatively safe and that major complications are few and within acceptable limits.
The association between flexibility and running economy in sub-elite male distance runners.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between nine measures of limb and trunk flexibility and running economy. Within a week prior to running economy assessment, and after 10 min of jogging at 3.13 m.s-1, 19 well-trained male sub-elite distance runners underwent two complete sets of lower limb and trunk flexibility assessments. Runners then completed two 10-min running economy assessment sessions on consecutive days at 4.13 m.s-1 following two 30-min sessions of treadmill accommodation at 4.13 m.s-1. Intraclass correlation coefficients indicated that the repeated flexibility measurements were highly reliable (X R = 0.92 +/- 0.09), as were the two running economy appraisals (R = 0.99). Correlational analyses revealed that dorsiflexion (r = 0.65) and standing hip rotation (r = 0.53) were significantly (P < or = 0.05) associated with the mean aerobic demand of running, such that runners who were less flexible on these measures were more economical. Although speculative, these results suggest that inflexibility in certain areas of the musculoskeletal system may enhance running economy in sub-elite male runners by increasing storage and return of elastic energy and minimizing the need for muscle-stabilizing activity.
The spleen as a diagnostic specimen

Few studies have examined the yield of the diagnostic splenectomy, and the relevance of these studies to the management of patients with unexplained splenomegaly or a splenic mass are limited by low number of cases, the use of selection criteria, and the lack of modern terminology and modern ancillary studies. The current study correlates clinical intent with preoperative clinical and radiologic studies and histologic findings in an assessment of the diagnostic yield of splenectomy.
Local Temperature Regulation of Microtissue Clearance from Rat Skeletal Muscle

The influence of local temperature changes on the effective blood flow in the rat spinotrapezius muscle was investigated by the extension of the microtissue clearance technique originally used for frog mesentery. The clearance of water blue from microinjection sites in rat skeletal muscle at 37 C. agrees favorab1y with the clearance of other crystalloid labels from gross injection sites in skeletal muscle of mammalian forms. The data show a direct relationship between clearance rates and temperature over a range of 25 to 45 C. The μ value for clearance agrees with the μ value computed from forearm muscle blood flow measurements, at corresponding temperature ranges.
HORNED LARK BREEDING BIOLOGY AT CAPE ST. MARY'S, NEWFOUNDLAND

The Homed Lark (Eremophila alpestris) occupies a variety of barren habitats in Europe, North America (Vaurie 1959, Bent 1963) and Colombia. A number of studies have been made of this species in North America, mostly in the central part of the continent (Pickwell 1931; Garrett 1948; Beason 1970; Beason and Franks 1973, 1974; Boyd 1976). Little work has been done in the northern and eastern regions of the continent, however, other than that of Sutton and Parmelee (1955), who worked on Baffin Island, and Drury (1961) whose study area was Bylot Island.
Microvascularity in benign prostatic hyperplasia

The vascular density of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has not been characterized. Previously we reported vessel density (vv/mm2) in prostatic carcinoma was twice that of normal prostate [Bigler et al.: Hum Pathol 24:220–226 1993]. To further characterize vessel density in benign prostate tissue we examined 15 cases of BPH obtained by open prostatectomy. Vessels were stained with antibodies to Factor VII‐related antigen, and vessel density was measured using computer‐assisted image analysis.
Cell‐specific effects of variants of the 68‐base pair tandem repeat on prodynorphin gene promoter activity

A polymorphic 68‐bp tandem repeat has been identified within the promoter of the human prodynorphin (PDYN) gene. We found that this 68‐bp repeat in the PDYN promoter occurs naturally up to five times. We studied the effect of the number of 68‐bp repeats, and of a SNP (rs61761346) found within the repeat on PDYN gene promoter activity. Thirteen promoter forms, different naturally occurring combinations of repeats and the internal SNP, were cloned upstream of the luciferase reporter gene, transfected into human SK‐N‐SH, H69, or HEK293 cells. Cells were then stimulated with TPA or caffeine. We found cell‐specific effects of the number of 68‐bp repeats on the transcriptional activity of the PDYN promoter. In SK‐N‐SH and H69 cells, three or four repeats led to lower expression of luciferase than did one or two repeats. The opposite effect was found in HEK293 cells. The SNP also had an effect on PDYN gene expression in both SK‐N‐SH and H69 cells; promoter forms with the A allele had significantly higher expression than promoter forms with the G allele. These results further our understanding of the complex transcriptional regulation of the PDYN gene promoter.
Overlapping and segregated resting‐state functional connectivity in patients with major depressive disorder with and without childhood neglect

Many studies have suggested that childhood maltreatment increase risk of adulthood major depressive disorder (MDD) and predict its unfavorable treatment outcome, yet the neural underpinnings associated with childhood maltreatment in MDD remain poorly understood. Here, we seek to investigate the whole‐brain functional connectivity patterns in MDD patients with childhood maltreatment. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to explore intrinsic or spontaneous functional connectivity networks of 18 MDD patients with childhood neglect, 20 MDD patients without childhood neglect, and 20 healthy controls. Whole‐brain functional networks were constructed by measuring the temporal correlations of every pairs of brain voxels and were further analyzed by using graph‐theory approaches. Relative to the healthy control group, the two MDD patient groups showed overlapping reduced functional connectivity strength in bilateral ventral medial prefrontal cortex/ventral anterior cingulate cortex. However, compared with MDD patients without a history of childhood maltreatment, those patients with such a history displayed widespread reduction of functional connectivity strength primarily in brain regions within the prefrontal‐limbic‐thalamic‐cerebellar circuitry, and these reductions significantly correlated with measures of childhood neglect. Together, we showed that the MDD groups with and without childhood neglect exhibited overlapping and segregated functional connectivity patterns in the whole‐brain networks, providing empirical evidence for the contribution of early life stress to the pathophysiology of MDD. Hum Brain Mapp 35:1154–1166, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The leukaemic phase of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Introduction Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas differ from chronic lymphoid leukaemias in that the major or primary site of disease is usually lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues rather than the peripheral blood and bone marrow. However, it has long been recognised that lymphomas, like leukaemias, can have bone marrow infiltration and neoplastic cells can circulate in the peripheral blood. For this, the designation "lymphosarcoma cell leukaemia" was coined. When there are circulating lymphoma cells, diagnostic confusion with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and other lymphoid leukaemias can occur. Such cells may be present at diagnosis or may appear with disease progression. The likelihood of a leukaemic phase differs between different histological categories of lymphoma. If lymphoblastic and Burkitt's lymphomas are excepted, it is much more common with low grade than with high grade lymphomas. The presence of circulating lymphoma cells may be the feature which leads to a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Although diagnosis of this group of disorders is based predominantly on histological examination of tissues, the cytology and immunophenotype can suggest a specific diagnosis which in some cases can be confirmed by cytogenetic or molecular genetic analysis performed on the circulating lymphoma cells. The detection of circulating lymphoma cells may also have prognostic significance, particularly in high grade lymphomas. We shall discuss here the leukaemic phase of different subtypes of lymphoma using the disease classification and terminologies of the Kiel classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomal and the French-American-British (FAB) classification of the chronic lymphoid leukaemias. '
Metronomic chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer – a systematic review of the literature

Abstract Conventional chemotherapy is generally administered in high doses followed by a treatment-free period to give the body needful time to recover. This “maximum tolerated dose” approach results in high response rates. However, long periods between therapy cycles can lead to development of resistance mechanisms and consequently disease progression. One of the most interesting alternative strategies is metronomic chemotherapy. This concept relies on the continuous administration of chemotherapy at low doses and aims at targeting endothelial cells in the tumor bed as well. Recently, metronomic chemotherapy has been incorporated into the recommendations issued by the German AGO expert panel (www.ago-online.de). A systematic review of PubMed/Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov, the European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT) and the Cochrane Database was conducted. In the present review, we discuss the current evidence on metronomic chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer.
Reverse Engineering Finite State Machines from Rich Internet Applications

In the last years, rich Internet applications (RIAs) have emerged as a new generation of Web applications offering greater usability and interactivity than traditional ones. At the same time, RIAs introduce new issues and challenges in all the Web application lifecycle activities. As an example, a key problem with RIAs consists of defining suitable software models for representing them and validating reverse engineering techniques for obtaining these models effectively.This paper presents a reverse engineering approach for abstracting finite state machines representing the client-side behaviour offered by RIAs. The approach is based on dynamic analysis of the RIA and employs clustering techniques for solving the problem of state explosion of the state machine. A case study illustrated in the paper shows the results of a preliminary experiment where the proposed process has been executed with success for reverse engineering the behaviour of an existing RIA.
Whey Protein Ingestion Activates mTOR-dependent Signalling after Resistance Exercise in Young Men: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

The effect of resistance exercise with the ingestion of supplementary protein on the activation of the mTOR cascade, in human skeletal muscle has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the impact of a single bout of resistance exercise, immediately followed by a single dose of whey protein isolate (WPI) or placebo supplement, on the activation of mTOR signalling was analyzed. Young untrained men completed a maximal single-legged knee extension exercise bout and were randomized to ingest either WPI supplement (n = 7) or the placebo (n = 7). Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis before, and 2, 4 and 24 h post-exercise. WPI or placebo ingestion consumed immediately post-exercise had no impact on the phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473). However, WPI significantly enhanced phosphorylation of mTOR (Ser2448), 4E-BP1 (Thr37/46) and p70S6K (Thr389) at 2 h post-exercise. This study demonstrates that a single dose of WPI, when consumed in modest quantities, taken immediately after resistance exercise elicits an acute and transient activation of translation initiation within the exercised skeletal muscle.
Reactions of the eco RV restriction endonuclease with fluorescent oligodeoxynucleotides: identical equilibrium constants for binding to specific and non-specific DNA.

The EcoRV restriction endonuclease cleaves DNA specifically at its recognition sequence in the presence of magnesium ions, but several studies have indicated that it binds to DNA in the absence of Mg2+ without any preference for its recognition site. However, specific binding to the recognition site has also been reported. To distinguish between these reports, oligodeoxynucleotides were tagged with either dansyl or eosin fluorophores at their 5' termini and annealed to form duplexes of 12 to 16 base-pairs. For each length of duplex, one derivative had the EcoRV recognition sequence while another lacked this sequence. For the duplexes with the recognition site, the fluorophores had no effect on DNA cleavage rates by EcoRV in the presence of Mg2+. The binding of the specific and non-specific duplexes to EcoRV in the absence of Mg2+ was measured by fluorescence resonance energy transfer and by fluorescence depolarization. In both procedures, the signal from the specific complex differed from the complex with non-specific DNA, with the depolarization data indicating that non-specific DNA bound to EcoRV retains a higher rotational freedom than specific DNA. Even so, the equilibrium constant for the binding of specific DNA was identical, within error limits, to that for non-specific DNA.
Fluoroquinolines: Past, Present and Future of a Novel Group of Antibacterial Agents

PROLOGUE The fluoroquinolones are a group of antibiotics that have increased in numbers in recent years. Their usefulness has greatly expanded with the introduction of several new quinolones having improved properties compared to older members. This paper discusses the chemistry, mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, adverse effects and drug interactions of the fluoroquinolones. The advantages of the newer compounds in this group are emphasized. This paper includes material that is presented to second year medical and pharmacy students as part of a joint pharmacology course. The goal of this lecture is to help the student learn the fundamental properties of this important group of antibiotics.
Pneumococcal Surface Adhesin A (PsaA): A Review

Pneumococcal surface adhesin A (PsaA) is a surface-exposed common 37-kilodalton multi-functional lipoprotein detected on all known serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. This lipoprotein belongs to the ABC-type transport protein complex that transports Mn2+; it is also an adhesin that plays a major role in pneumococcal attachment to the host cell and virulence. PsaA is immunogenic and natural nasopharyngeal colonization of pneumococci elicits an increase in antibody towards PsaA. Hence, PsaA is being actively evaluated as a component of a vaccine in formulations composed of pneumococcal common proteins. PsaA has been expressed as an E. coli recombinant protein, purified, and evaluated in a phase one clinical trial. This article reviews PsaA, its structure and role in pneumococcal virulence, immunogenicity, and potential to reduce nasopharyngeal colonization (a major prerequisite for pneumococcal pathogenesis) as a component of a common pneumococcal protein vaccine.