Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Supporting Hospital Doctors in the Middle East by Email Telemedicine: Something the Industrialized World Can Do to Help

Background Since 1999, the Swinfen Charitable Trust has operated an email referral system between doctors in the developing world and specialists in the industrialized world. Since 2001, it has expanded its operation into the Middle East, in particular Iraq, an area of considerable conflict. Objectives The aim was to compare referral patterns to the Trust from the Middle East with those received from the rest of the developing world and to look for qualitative evidence of health gain. Methods We analyzed referrals to the Swinfen Charitable Trust between July 2004 and June 2007 and compared these by speciality with those received from elsewhere during the same 3-year period. We asked two referring doctors for their views of the process, and we analyzed the total Middle Eastern referrals made to a single specialty (neurology). Results Between July 2004 and June 2007, 283 referrals were received from four countries in the Middle East (Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kuwait) and 500 cases were received from 22 other countries. The 283 cases resulted in 522 separate queries to specialists. The median time to specialist reply for the queries relating to the 283 Middle Eastern cases was 24.3 hours (interquartile range 6.1-63.3). There was a significant difference in case mix between the Middle East and the rest of the world (P < .001), with more obstetric referrals and fewer referrals in medical specialties and radiology. The referring doctors were helped greatly by the service. The neurologist was confident of the diagnosis in 20 of 26 referrals received (77%). Both referring doctors and the specialist were able to cite referred cases where management was improved as a result of the service. Conclusions Email telemedicine can be used in areas of conflict such as the Middle East. Perhaps surprisingly, trauma referrals are not increased but obstetric referrals are. Supporting individual doctor-patient encounters in this way is therefore often beneficial and is easily expandable. As well as improving care for individuals, email telemedicine provides effective case-based learning for local doctors, leading to improved care for subsequent similar patients.
Plasma total homocysteine levels, dietary vitamin B6 and folate intake in AD and healthy aging.

PURPOSE To study the association between Alzheimer s disease (AD) and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), dietary folate and vitamin B6. METHODS 64 AD patients were matched by gender, age, and smoking status to 64 healthy controls. tHcy was determined using an automated immunoassay. Dietary patterns for three age periods (20-39, 40-59, and 60 + yrs) were assessed using a questionnaire adapted from the Block Health Habits and History Questionnaire. Respondents (cases by proxy) reported food frequencies, which were translated into estimated daily nutrient intakes. APOE genotype, cognitive performance (CDR, MMSE), blood lipids, and albumin were obtained for patients and controls. RESULTS tHcy did not differ significantly between controls (11.5 +/- 3.7 mmol/L) and AD patients (12.3 +/- 4.3 mmol/L)(p=0.25). tHcy levels were not related in AD patients or controls to education, CDR, MMSE, blood lipids, albumin or ApoE genotype (p>0.15). There was a negative correlation between plasma tHcy and triglyceride levels in AD patients (p=0.023), but not in controls. AD patients consumed significantly less dietary vitamin B6 (p=0.05) and folate (p=0.001) after age 60 than controls. CONCLUSIONS Although plasma tHcy levels were higher in cases than controls, this difference was not significant. tHcy levels were not related to cognitive status. Plasma tHcy was inversely correlated with triglyceride levels in AD patients but not in controls.
Survival and Polyethylene Wear of Porous-Coated Acetabular Components in Patients Less than Fifty Years Old: Results at Nine to Fourteen Years

Background: Younger patients (those who are less than fifty years old) have been shown to have a high rate of failure of cemented acetabular components following total hip arthroplasty. In this report, we present the results associated with the use of an uncemented acetabular component in young patients who were evaluated at a minimum of nine years postoperatively. Methods: Between December 1984 and December 1989, the senior author performed 174 primary total hip arthroplasties with use of a single design of porous-coated acetabular component. Seventy-one of these procedures were performed in fifty-six patients who were younger than fifty years old. Fifty-six of the seventy-one hips were available for radiographic and clinical analysis after a mean duration of follow-up of eleven years. All hips had been treated with a Harris-Galante-I porous-coated acetabular component that had been placed with a line-to-line fit and fixed with a mean of four screws. Clinical analysis was performed with use of the Harris hip score. Standardized anteroposterior radiographs were analyzed with regard to migration, radiolucent lines, pelvic osteolysis, and two-dimensional linear wear of the polyethylene. Results: No metal shell was revised because of aseptic loosening, and no shell was loose at the time of the latest follow-up. A nonprogressive radiolucent line was seen in one zone in ten hips (18%) and in two zones in six hips (11%). No hip had a radiolucent line in all three zones. Pelvic osteolysis was noted in thirteen hips (23%); the osteolysis was observed in the ischium in eleven hips and around the screws in two. Survivorship analysis revealed that the probability of survival of the metal shell was 98% (95% confidence interval, 96.9% to 99.9%) at ten years. The mean rate of linear polyethylene wear (and standard deviation) was 0.15 ± 0.10 mm/yr (range, 0.02 to 0.59 mm/yr). The wear rate was significantly increased in patients with an excellent Harris hip score (p = 0.004) and a younger age (less than thirty-eight years) (p = 0.026). With the numbers available, no relationship could be detected between the wear rate and the gender or weight of the patient, the polyethylene thickness, the abduction angle, or the femoral neck length. Conclusions: The fixation and survival of porous-coated acetabular metal shells in patients less than fifty years old was excellent after a mean duration of follow-up of eleven years. The high rate of linear polyethylene wear and the high prevalence of pelvic osteolysis are of serious concern in this patient population. Continued follow-up will be necessary to evaluate the influence of these findings on the longevity of the fixation of this prosthesis.
Search‐based model transformations

Model transformations are an important cornerstone of model‐driven engineering, a discipline which facilitates the abstraction of relevant information of a system as models. The success of the final system mainly depends on the optimization of these models through model transformations. Currently, the application of transformations is realized either by following the apply‐as‐long‐as‐possible strategy or by the provision of explicit rule orchestrations. This implies two main limitations. First, the optimization objectives are implicitly hidden in the transformation rules and their orchestration. Second, manually finding the best orchestration for a particular scenario is a major challenge due to the high number of possible combinations.
Performance of High-Sensitivity Nano-SQUIDs Based on Niobium Dayem Bridges

Measurements and noise performances of integrated nano superconducting quantum interference devices (nano-SQUIDs) are presented. The nano-sensors are based on nanometric niobium constrictions (Dayem bridges) inserted in a square loop having a side length of 200 nm. Integrated micrometric niobium coils located close to the sensor allow both an easy tuning/calibration and the optimization of the working point. Improved measurements of voltage-flux characteristic, flux to voltage transfer factor and noise performances are reported. In small signal mode, the sensors have shown a magnetic flux noise spectral density of 1.5 muPhi0/Hz1/2. Furthermore, preliminary measurements concerning the critical current vs. temperature dependence and the switching probability of the critical current are shown.
Convex analysis in decentralized stochastic control and strategic measures

This paper is concerned with the properties of the sets of strategic measures induced by admissible team policies in decentralized stochastic control and the convexity properties in dynamic team problems. To facilitate a convex analytical approach, strategic measures for team problems are introduced. Properties such as convexity, and compactness and Borel measurability under weak convergence topology are studied, and sufficient conditions for each of these properties are presented. These lead to existence of and structural results for optimal policies. It will be shown that the set of strategic measures for teams which are not classical is in general non-convex, but the extreme points of a relaxed set consist of deterministic team policies, which lead to their optimality for a given team problem under an expected cost criterion. Externally provided independent common randomness for static teams or private randomness for dynamic teams do not improve the team performance. The problem of when a sequential team problem is convex is studied and necessary and sufficient conditions for problems which include teams with a non-classical information structure are presented. Implications of this analysis in identifying probability and information structure dependent convexity properties are presented.
Parenting and the development of conduct disorder and hyperactive symptoms in childhood: a prospective longitudinal study from 2 months to 8 years.

BACKGROUND This study investigated the early processes involved in the development of symptoms of conduct disorder and hyperactivity. METHOD The study employed a prospective design, over a period from 2 months to 8 years. Detailed observational data of early and later mother-child interactions were collected, infant prefrontal function (the A not B task) was assessed, and symptoms of child conduct disorder and hyperactivity were rated by maternal report at age 5 and 8 years. RESULTS The principal findings of the study were that emotional dysregulation on the A not B task at 9 months predicted symptoms of conduct disorder at 5 and 8 years, and delayed object reaching times on the same task predicted hyperactive symptoms at 5 years. These two developmental trajectories were associated with distinct patterns of early parenting that were strongly influenced by infant gender. Thus, in boys early emotional dysregulation was predicted by rejecting and coercive parenting, and delayed reaching on the A not B task by coercive parenting, whereas in girls only continuity from earlier infant behaviour could be demonstrated. There was strong continuity between these early infant behaviours and later child disturbance that was partially mediated by parenting for conduct disorder symptoms (maternal hostile parenting in boys, and maternal coercive parenting in girls), but not for hyperactive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS These data would suggest that only in boys was there evidence for the existence of a sensitive period for the development of hyperactive symptoms, and to a lesser extent, conduct disorder symptoms.
Selective elimination of double‐positive immature thymocytes by a thymic epithelial cell line

A cloned epithelial cell line, TEL‐2, has been established from the stroma tissues of normal mouse thymus. Incubation of mouse thymocytes on TEL‐2 cells resulted in the selective elimination of double‐positive (CD4+CD8+ cells from the culture, whereas single‐positive (CD4+ CD8− or CD4−CD8) thymocytes remaining in the culture were concentrated in non‐integrated cell population. The CD3− or CD3 low‐positive thymocytes were also eliminated by the TEL‐2 cells from the culture, followed by the concentration of CD3 high‐positive cells in the culture. Only intact viable thymocytes were integrated into TEL‐2 cells. Electron microscopic examination showed that the integrated cells into TEL‐2 cytoplasm were gradually degenerated. Mature single‐positive T cells, mature B cells or double‐negative thymocytes were not integrated into TEL‐2 cells. The TEL‐2 cell may provide information on the mechanism of selective disappearance of double‐positive immature cells from the thymus.
Evidences for amelioration of reserpine-induced fibromyalgia in rat by low dose of gamma irradiation and duloxetine

Abstract Objective: Fibromyalgia is a prevalent disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain and complex symptoms. This study was conducted to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of low-dose irradiation (LDI) alone or in combination with duloxetine on the reserpine-induced fibromyalgia in rats. Methods: Fibromyalgia was induced by administration of reserpine (1 mg/kg/s.c) for 3 consecutive days. Duloxetine (30 mg/kg, p.o) was administered 60 min before a forced swimming test (FST), and rats were exposed to a single dose of γ-radiation (0.5 Gy) 1 day before the FST. Results: Reserpine significantly increased immobility time in the FST, decreased the amount of 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, and norepinephrine in cerebral cortex. It also increased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and reduced glutathione contents in brain tissue. LDI alone or combined with duloxetine completely antagonized reserpine-induced fibromyalgia as assessed by the measured parameters. One of the most significant findings in this study was that the therapeutic effect of duloxetine was more pronounced by its combination with LDI. A possible mechanism of action of LDI and duloxetine responsible for their therapeutic effect was discussed. Conclusion: On the basis of the presented evidences, it could be concluded that LDI alone or combined with duloxetine could be of value in the management of fibromyalgia.
A rat tail temporary static compression model reproduces different stages of intervertebral disc degeneration with decreased notochordal cell phenotype

The intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus (NP) has two phenotypically distinct cell types—notochordal cells (NCs) and non‐notochordal chondrocyte‐like cells. In human discs, NCs are lost during adolescence, which is also when discs begin to show degenerative signs. However, little evidence exists regarding the link between NC disappearance and the pathogenesis of disc degeneration. To clarify this, a rat tail disc degeneration model induced by static compression at 1.3 MPa for 0, 1, or 7 days was designed and assessed for up to 56 postoperative days. Radiography, MRI, and histomorphology showed degenerative disc findings in response to the compression period. Immunofluorescence displayed that the number of DAPI‐positive NP cells decreased with compression; particularly, the decrease was notable in larger, vacuolated, cytokeratin‐8‐ and galectin‐3‐co‐positive cells, identified as NCs. The proportion of TUNEL‐positive cells, which predominantly comprised non‐NCs, increased with compression. Quantitative PCR demonstrated isolated mRNA up‐regulation of ADAMTS‐5 in the 1‐day loaded group and MMP‐3 in the 7‐day loaded group. Aggrecan‐1 and collagen type 2α‐1 mRNA levels were down‐regulated in both groups. This rat tail temporary static compression model, which exhibits decreased NC phenotype, increased apoptotic cell death, and imbalanced catabolic and anabolic gene expression, reproduces different stages of intervertebral disc degeneration. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:455–463, 2014.
Use of gay Internet sites and views about online health promotion among men who have sex with men

In May–June 2002, 4,974 men who have sex with men (MSM), average age 31 years, completed a self-administered questionnaire online accessed through two popular gay Internet sites in the UK (gaydar and gay.com UK). Most men were white (95%), employed (83%), lived in the UK (91%) and self-identified as gay (85%). Nearly half (46%) had not been tested for HIV, while 6% said they were HIV-positive. One-third (31%) reported high-risk sexual behaviour in the previous three months, i.e. unprotected anal intercourse with a partner of unknown or discordant HIV status. Nearly all the men (82%) had looked for a sexual partner on the Internet and three-quarters had been doing so for more than a year. Almost half the men (47%) said they preferred to meet men through the Internet rather than in bars or other ‘offline’ venues. Although nearly 40% of men said the most important reason for using these Internet sites was to find sexual partners, a further 17% said they primarily used them to have contact with other men, 16% because they were bored, 12% for entertainment, 4% because they were lonely and 3% because they were addicted to it. The majority of men in this survey had favourable attitudes towards online health promotion. Most men thought that Internet sites should allow health workers into chat-rooms (75%); would click on a banner to find out about sexual health (78%); and said if they met a health worker in a chat-room they would find out what they had to say (84%). In multivariate analysis, being HIV-positive, older age and high-risk sexual behaviour were all independently associated with an increased frequency of using the Internet to look for sex (p<0.05). The Internet has emerged as an important meeting place for men who have sex with men. As online HIV prevention initiatives are developed it will be important to monitor the extent to which the favourable attitudes seen here are reflected in preventive behaviours.
The 'sleeve' anastomosis method for hemodialysis shunts: an eleven-year follow-up study.

PURPOSE The problem of long form fistula for hemodialysis is well known among vascular surgeons because of frequent thromboses in anastomotic place. One of the pro-thrombotic factors is suture in the vessel's lumen. Since the 'sleeve' method prevents this, the patency rate should improve. METHODS One hundred and eighty-two (182) patients were operated using the "sleeve" method. The operation was done under local anaesthesia and the first step was the dissection of the cephalic vein and the radial artery. Using Prolene 7-0 the artery and the vein were connected as follows: the first suture was placed intramuraly about 5 mm from the artery edge to the vein edge. The second suture (placed in the same way) was on the opposite side. The end of the radial artery was placed into the lumen of the cephalic vein and the sutures were tied. Two additional sutures were placed between them. Finally, four sutures were added to keep the artery in the vein. RESULTS In our hands the patency rate of 'sleeve' arterio-venous fistulas was high: 95% after one month, 86% after one year, 64% after 5 years and 57% after 10 and 11 years. Every 'sleeve' fistula provided adequate blood flow, which increased during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS The authors consider the "sleeve" fistula method as the primary choice because of its simplicity and excellent long-term patency.
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis and Uveitis

The Department of Ophthalmology, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA, The Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA, The Francis I. Proctor Foundation, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School Singapore, Singapore, Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, and Centre for Ophthalmology, University Tuebingen, Schleichstrasse 12, Tuebingen, Germany
Cleaning products and short-term respiratory effects among female cleaners with asthma

Objective We evaluated the short-term effects of exposure to cleaning products on lung function and respiratory symptoms among professional cleaning women. Methods Twenty-one women with current asthma and employed as professional cleaners participated in a 15-day panel study. During 312 person-days of data collection, participants self-reported their use of cleaning products and respiratory symptoms in daily diaries and recorded their forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) three times per day using a handheld spirometer. We evaluated associations of cleaning product use with upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms using Poisson mixed regression models and with changes in FEV1 and PEF using linear mixed regression analyses. Results Participants reported using an average of 2.4 cleaning products per day, with exposure to at least one strong irritant (eg, ammonia, bleach, hydrochloric acid) on 56% of person-days. Among participants without atopy, lower respiratory tract symptoms were associated with the use of hydrochloric acid and detergents. Measurements of FEV1 and PEF taken in the evening were 174 mL (95% CI 34 to 314) and 37 L/min (CI 4 to 70), respectively, lower on days when three or more sprays were used. Evening and next morning FEV1 were both lower following the use of hydrochloric acid (−616 and −526 mL, respectively) and solvents (−751 and −1059 mL, respectively). Diurnal variation in FEV1 and PEF increased on days when ammonia and lime-scale removers were used. Conclusions The use of specific cleaning products at work, mainly irritants and sprays, may exacerbate asthma.
Gastric “Hunger” Contractions in Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a disorder characterized by loss of weight occurring as a result of a reduced intake of food; it may be aggravated by vomiting, excessive exercise or purgation. Females are affected much more commonly than males; the illness often begins during adolescence and one of its early manifestations is the cessation of menstruation.
First-principles calculation of the structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of gallium nitride and aluminum nitride.

First-principles pseudopotential calculations have been performed on GaN and AIN in the wurtzite and zinc-blende structures. The mixed-basis approach is employed due to the localized nature of the valence charge density in these materials. In the stress calculation within the mixed-basis set, a correction term is introduced to the stress expression in order to make it consistent with the pressure given by the total-energy calculations. The lattice constants in the wurtzite structure are in good agreement with the experimental data. The band gap appears to be direct except for zinc-blende AIN, which has the conduction-band minimum at the X point
Measuring Physical and Psychosocial Function in Patients with Low-Back Pain

Techniques for assessing daily function in Patients with back pain are generally crude and limited in scope. We therefore examined a “health status” questionnaire, the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) to assess its measurement characteristics in such patients. Eighty patients with mechanical low-back pain completed the SIP and a physical examination at a walk-in visit and again three weeks later. Test-retest reliability of the SIP was substantial. Biologic validity was confirmed by significant correlations with age, pain duration, spine flexion, straight leg raising, and pain severity. Validity of psychosocial subscales was confirmed by significant associations with patient anxiety and psychiatric problems. Scores changed in the expected directions when patients were evaluated three weeks later. The SIP is thus valid, reliable, sensitive to clinical changes, and comprehensively assesses a wide range of dysfunctions.