Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Falls and Psychotropic Drug Consumption in Long-Term Care Residents: Is There an Obvious Association?

Institutional long-term care is an integrated part of primary health care. People qualifying to enter a long-term care facility must exhibit a high degree of dependency, caused either by physical or/and mental impairment. It must be obvious that the problem cannot be dealt with in the community. The type of the residents in institutions largely depends on the ability to provide proper services to elderly living in the community. This also implies that fall-related risk factors may vary. Residents living permanently in a long-term care facility (n = 118) were observed during a 6-month period with respect to fall episodes. Prior to the study, gender, age, mental capacity, mobility, the ability to go to the toilet, to eat, and to communicate, and all drugs prescribed on a regular schedule were recorded. Subsequently the various elements were compared for fallers and non-fallers. There were 49 fallers. There was no difference between the two groups regarding gender, age, or drug use. Mental impairment and restricted mobility were independently associated with increased risk of falling (odds ratios 3.4 and 4.8, respectively). Falling was also associated with the degree of mental impairment (linear trend p = 0.01). A stratified Mantel-Haenszel test showed a significantly higher tendency to fall among residents using antipsychotics. Residents with restricted mobility using anxiolytics/hypnotics or antidepressants had a lower tendency to fall than non-users. They were also less prone to fall repeatedly. Anxiety and depressive states may possibly contribute to falling. Negative associations between falling and drug use are commonly studied. Possible beneficial effects are by and large disregarded.
Carvacrol induces cytotoxicity in human cervical cancer cells but causes cisplatin resistance: Involvement of MEK–ERK activation

Carvacrol has been shown to possess anticancer activity, but the mechanism is unknown, as well as the possibility of interaction with anticancer drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling in carvacrol‐induced human cervical cancer HeLa cell cytotoxicity. In addition, we studied sensitization of HeLa cells to cisplatin (CP) by carvacrol. Both carvacrol and CP showed dose‐dependent cytotoxicity against HeLa cells and activated ERK1/2. The MEK inhibitor PD325901 suppressed ERK expression and further increased cytotoxicity of carvacrol but increased viability of CP‐treated cells by modulating apoptosis. The MEK inhibitor also increased microtubule‐associated protein 1A/1B‐light chain 3 beta expression in CP treatment. Cotreatment with CP and carvacrol resulted in increased viability of the cancer cells compared with CP treatment, which was associated with the suppression of apoptosis. MEK inhibition decreased the cell viability, without changes in apoptosis. Concomitantly, carvacrol increased CP‐induced expression of light chain 3 beta, which was enhanced by MEK inhibition. The results of the current study suggest the opposite role of ERK1/2 in carvacrol and CP‐induced HeLa cell cytotoxicity. Interestingly, carvacrol induced CP resistance in HeLa cells through ERK1/2‐independent suppression of apoptosis and ERK1/2‐dependent modulation of autophagy.
Relaxed Dominance Relations among Female Moor Macaques (Macaca maurus) in Their Natural Habitat, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Field observations were made of the social behaviour of moor macaques (Macaca maurus), one of several species of macaques that live in Sulawesi, Indonesia. The present study was designed to characterise the expression of their relaxed dominance style among females in their natural habitat and to examine the factors influencing the evolution of the dominance style. The dominance rank order among adult females in the study group was linear, and it was essentially stable during the study period of 4 years. Intense aggression, including biting, was rare. Few interventions in agonistic interactions by a third individual were observed. Social relationships among adult females appeared to be egalitarian but nepotistic. During moving or feeding, encounters within 1 m between adult females were frequently observed and approaches by subordinates were not infrequent. Intragroup spacing patterns during moving or feeding and those during resting were not correlated. In wild groups, differences of dominance styles seemed to be found most apparently in intragroup spacing during feeding. The ecological model of van Schaik does not provide an adequate explanation for the egalitarian relations among female moor macaques.
Impact of Atrial Fibrillation During ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction on Infarct Characteristics and Prognosis

Background— Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently observed in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction and associated with worse clinical outcome. However, the mechanisms for this increased risk are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of the presence of AF to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) derived myocardial salvage and damage as well as clinical outcomes. Methods and Results— This multicenter CMR study enrolled 786 patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. CMR parameters (infarct size, myocardial salvage index, microvascular obstruction, and myocardial function) were assessed 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 2–4) days post-ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction and compared between patients with or without AF during hospitalization. Major adverse cardiac events were assessed as a composite of all-cause death, reinfarction, and new congestive heart failure at 12 months. AF was documented in 48 (6.1%) patients. There was no significant difference in infarct size (18 [IQR, 9–29]% versus 17 [IQR, 9–25]% of left ventricular mass; P=0.340), myocardial salvage index (51 [IQR, 34–69] versus 51 [IQR, 33–69]; P=0.830), or microvascular obstruction (0.6 [IQR, 0–2.0]% versus 0.0 [IQR, 0–1.8]% of left ventricular mass; P=0.340) between groups. Patients with AF had significantly lower left ventricular (47 [IQR, 34–54]% versus 51 [IQR, 44–58]%; P=0.003) and left atrial (42 [IQR, 17–57]% versus 53 [IQR, 45–59]%; P<0.001) ejection fraction. AF was associated with major adverse cardiac events, even when adjusting for clinical risk factors (odds ratio, 2.48 [95% confidence interval, 1.22–5.03]; P=0.0120) or CMR prognosis markers (odds ratio, 3.77 [95% confidence interval, 1.83–7.79]; P=0.001). Conclusions— This CMR study found no major differences in myocardial salvage, infarct size, or microvascular damage in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction or without AF. AF was, however, associated with cardiac dysfunction and independently related to major adverse cardiac events. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00712101.
Biofeedback vs. game scores for reducing trunk compensation after stroke: a randomized crossover trial

Abstract Background Compensatory movements are commonly employed by stroke survivors, and their use can have negative effects on motor recovery. Current practices to reduce them rely on strapping a person to a chair. The use of technology to substitute or supplement this methodology has not being thoroughly investigated. Objective To compare the use of Scores + Visual + Force and Visual + Force feedback for reducing trunk compensation. Methods Fourteen hemiparetic stroke survivors performed bimanual reaching movements while receiving feedback on trunk compensation. Participants held onto two robotic arms and performed movements in the anterior/posterior direction toward a target displayed on a monitor. A motion-tracking camera tracked trunk compensation; the robots provided force feedback; the monitor displayed the visual feedback and scores. Kinematic variables, a post-test questionnaire, and system usability were analyzed. Results Both conditions reduced trunk compensation from baseline: Scores + Visual + Force: 51.7% (40.8), p = 0.000; Visual + Force: 55.2% (40.9), p = 0.000. No statistically significant difference was found between modalities. Secondary outcome measures were not improved. Most participants would like to receive game scores to reduce trunk compensation, and the usability of the system was rated “Good. ” Conclusions Multimodal feedback about stroke survivors’ trunk compensation levels resulted in reduced trunk displacement. No difference between feedback modalities was obtained. The positive effects of including game scores might not have been observed in a short-term intervention. Longer studies should investigate if the use of game scores could result in trunk compensation improvements when compared to trunk restraint strategies. Clinical Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02912923, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02912923? term=reaching+in+stroke&rank=2.
Imatinib‐induced psoriasiform eruption in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia

A 32-year-old woman with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) presented for evaluation of a new diffuse cutaneous eruption that developed within one month of initiating therapy with imatinib mesylate at 400 mg daily. The patient endorsed associated pruritus and scaling of the scalp. Notably, the rash improved during a one-week trial off of imatinib and recurred when imatinib was re-initiated. Her only other medication was dexlansoprazole for chronic gastro-esophageal reflux disease. The patient reported no prior personal or family history of skin disease. She achieved a complete hematological response to imatinib for her CML, which she continued to take. Physical examination revealed multiple well-demarcated, thin pinkto-violaceous plaques with hyperkeratotic white scale distributed symmetrically over the dorsal hands (Image 1), bilateral elbows, bilateral lower extremities, and posterior neck, along with scaling and crusting of the scalp and the conchal bowls. Her clinical presentation was consistent with a psoriasiform eruption and the temporal relationship of rash onset with initiation of imatinib was consistent with an imatinib-induced psoriasiform eruption. The patient was treated with topical clobetasol ointment twice daily for two weeks, followed by triamcinolone ointment twice daily for two weeks, while continuing on imatinib for her CML. The lesions demonstrated marked resolution within three weeks of topical therapy. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as imatinib mesylate, nilotinib, and dasatinib are associated with a range of cutaneous adverse effects. Cutaneous reactions to imatinib occur in up to 69% of patients, with the most common being superficial edema and erythematous maculopapular rash. Less commonly, hypoand hyper-pigmentation, lichenoid eruptions, psoriasis and psoriasiform eruptions, pityriasis rosea-like rashes, and Stevens–Johnson syndrome can result, among others. It is thought that cutaneous reactions to imatinib are dose-dependent, as these adverse IMAGE 1 Pink-to-violaceous plaques with hyperkeratotic white scale symmetrically distributed on the (A) dorsal hands and (B) palmar hands and wrists
Utility of dengue NS1 antigen rapid diagnostic test for use in difficult to reach areas and its comparison with dengue NS1 ELISA and qRT‐PCR

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the utility of dengue virus (DENV) non structural protein 1 (NS1) based rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for use in tribal and difficult to reach areas for early dengue (DEN) diagnosis in acute phase patients and evaluate its sensitivity and specificity against DENV NS1 enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) and real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The DENV NS1 RDT was used for preliminary diagnosis during outbreaks in difficult to reach rural and tribal areas. The diagnosis was confirmed by DENV NS1 ELISA in the laboratory. The samples were also tested and serotyped by qRT‐PCR. The results were evaluated using statistical tests. The DENV NS1 RDT showed 99.2% sensitivity and 96.0% specificity when analyzed using DENV NS1 ELISA as standard. The specificity and sensitivity of the RDT when compared with qRT‐PCR was 93.6% and 91.1%, respectively. The serotype specific evaluation showed more than 90% sensitivity and specificity for DENV‐1, 2, and 3. The RDT proved a good diagnostic tool in difficult to reach rural and tribal areas. Further evaluation studies with different commercially available RDTs in different field conditions are essential, that will help clinicians and patients for treatment and programme managers for timely intervention.
On generalized weighted completion time deviation model

This paper considers a generalized version of n job one machine sequencing problem. The objective is to find the optimal sequence to minimize a generalized weighted completion time deviation function. It is shown that this objective can mathematically reduce to many well studied non-regular measures in the literature. For the problem in the general form, it is proved that its optimal solution is antithetical to that of Generalized Weighted Waiting Time problem. This relationship generalizes the proof in [1] on second order. When all job processing times are identical, the problem becomes polynomial time tractable regardless of the order on weight. In addition, the optimal schedule(s) must possess a unique, “spiral-shaped” structure which is seldomly observed in scheduling literature. Such result formalizes and extends the observation made by [2] on the second order model. When all job weights are identical, it is proved that the largest job must locate at the first position. This extends validity of result in [3] to arbitrary order. In addition, it is shown that, for an arbitrary tight feasible solution, there exist a “dual sequence” in the solution space that shares the same objective function value. Finally, when neither processing time nor weights are allowed to be identical, it is shown that LPT (Longest Processing Time) is optimal when α = 1 and job weight is directly proportional to processing time.
Asthma status is an independent risk factor for herpes zoster in children: a population-based cohort study

Abstract Backgrounds: Literatures regarding the effects of childhood asthma on the risk of herpes zoster (HZ) is very limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the risks of children developing HZ with asthma. Methods: From the National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 300,649 patients who had asthma between 2000 and 2007 as an asthma cohort. We identified another matched non-asthma cohort. All subjects were followed until the end of 2008. A Cox model was used to estimate the association of asthma on the risk of HZ. Results: Asthma cohort had significantly higher risk of developing HZ than the comparison cohort (HR=1.15; 95 % CI =1.06-1.26). However, compared to those without regular controller, asthma cohort with regular inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment had slightly increased risk for HZ (HR=1.14; 95% CI=1.01-1.27) but decreased risk for HZ in those with regular combined ICS and Montelukast (HR=0.83; 95% CI=0.69-0.98). Uncontrolled asthma with more than 3-4 times ED visits and admissions per year had 3.72 (CI =1.86-7.47) and 20.5 (CI =10.2-41.2) greater risks for HZ than those without asthma, respectively. Conclusions: Asthma poses an increased risk of zoster, therefore control of asthma is important to minimize risk of HZ.
Thermodilution vs Estimated Fick Cardiac Output Measurement in Clinical Practice: An Analysis of Mortality From the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking (VA CART) Program and Vanderbilt University

Importance Thermodilution (Td) and estimated oxygen uptake Fick (eFick) methods are widely used to measure cardiac output (CO). They are often used interchangeably to make critical clinical decisions, yet few studies have compared these approaches as applied in medical practice. Objectives To assess agreement between Td and eFick CO and to compare how well these methods predict mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants This investigation was a retrospective cohort study with up to 1 year of follow-up. The study used data from the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking (VA CART) program. The findings were corroborated in a cohort of patients cared for at Vanderbilt University, an academic referral center. Participants were more than 15 000 adults who underwent right heart catheterization, including 12 232 in the Veterans Affairs cohort between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2013, and 3391 in the Vanderbilt cohort between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2014. Exposures A single cardiac catheterization was performed on each patient with CO estimated by both Td and eFick methods. Cardiac output was indexed to body surface area (cardiac index [CI]) for all analyses. Main Outcomes and Measures All-cause mortality over 90 days and 1 year after catheterization. Results Among 12 232 VA patients (mean [SD] age, 66.4 [9.9] years; 3.3% female) who underwent right heart catheterization in this cohort study, Td and eFick CI estimates correlated modestly (r = 0.65). There was minimal mean difference (eFick minus Td = −0.02 L/min/m2, or −0.4%) but wide 95% limits of agreement between methods (−1.3 to 1.3 L/min/m2, or −50.1% to 49.4%). Estimates differed by greater than 20% for 38.1% of patients. Low Td CI (<2.2 L/min/m2 compared with normal CI of 2.2-4.0 L/min/m2) more strongly predicted mortality than low eFick CI at 90 days (Td hazard ratio [HR], 1.71; 95% CI, 1.47-1.99; &khgr;2 = 49.5 vs eFick HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.22-1.64; &khgr;2 = 20.7) and 1 year (Td HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.39-1.69; &khgr;2 = 71.5 vs eFick HR, 1.35; 1.22-1.49; &khgr;2 = 35.2). Patients with a normal CI by both methods had 12.3% 1-year mortality. There was no significant additional risk for patients with a normal Td CI but a low eFick CI (12.9%, P = .51), whereas a low Td CI but normal eFick CI was associated with higher mortality (15.4%, P = .001). The results from the Vanderbilt cohort were similar in the context of a more balanced sex distribution (46.6% female). Conclusions and Relevance There is only modest agreement between Td and eFick CI estimates. Thermodilution CI better predicts mortality and should be favored over eFick in clinical practice.
Oh, the places they'll go! A survey of phytopathogen effectors and their host targets

Phytopathogens translocate effector proteins into plant cells where they sabotage the host cellular machinery to promote infection. An individual pathogen can translocate numerous distinct effectors during the infection process to target an array of host macromolecules (proteins, metabolites, DNA, etc.) and manipulate them using a variety of enzymatic activities. In this review, we have surveyed the literature for effector targets and curated them to convey the range of functions carried out by phytopathogenic proteins inside host cells. In particular, we have curated the locations of effector targets, as well as their biological and molecular functions and compared these properties across diverse phytopathogens. This analysis validates previous observations about effector functions (e.g. immunosuppression), and also highlights some interesting features regarding effector specificity as well as functional diversification of phytopathogen virulence strategies.
Behavioral and Cognitive Effects Produced by Electrical Stimulation in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex:An Experimental Model for High Cortical Activation

An electrical stimulation (ES) session with ten 30-second trains of sine-wave stimuli (30–100 µA, 60 Hz) separated by 30-second intervals was conducted daily in rats with electrodes implanted in the left or right or in both sides of the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC; B = + 2 mmA, + or –0.6 unilateral or 1 mmL bilateral, + 2.7 mmV). The unilateral and bilateral ES in the medial PFC produced abnormal behaviors such as circling spying, body stretching and immobility, and did not affect either the acquisition or the performance of delayed tasks in the 8-arm radial maze conducted 8–10 h after the ES session. However, animals that showed convulsions when the bilateral ES was applied in the medial PFC showed significant deficits in spatial learning and in the performance of short-term (5-second delay) and long-term (1-hour delay) working memory. The behavioral and cognitive effects induced by repeated episodic ES in the medial PFC provide an experimental model to study the effects of increased cortical activation on cognitive processes.
Application of a Time‐Resolved Fluoroimmunoassay for the Analysis of Normal Prion Protein in Human Blood and Its Components

Background and Objectives: To quantify the cellular isoform of prion protein (PrPc) in human blood using a new time‐resolved dissociation‐enhanced fluoroimmunoas‐say (DELFIA®). Materials and Methods: The DELFIA was optimised for human blood samples and applied to isolated cell and plasma fractions from blood donations. The physicochemical properties of PrPc were analysed. Results: 26.5% of blood PrPc was associated with the platelet fraction, 0.8% with polymorphonuclear leucocytes, 2.4% with mononuclear leucocytes, 1.8% with red cells and 68.5% with plasma (mean values from 4 processed donations). Conclusion: The majority of blood PrPc is found in the platelet and plasma compartments.
Toxocara pteropodis in Free-Ranging Indian Flying Foxes (Pteropus medius) in Sri Lanka

Abstract Toxocara pteropodis, an intestinal nematode, occurs in several captive and free-ranging pteropid bat species. We report infection in free-ranging Indian flying foxes (Pteropus medius) in Sri Lanka and contribute to our understanding of parasites in free-ranging P. medius.
Metasurface-Mediated Quantum Entanglement

Entanglement-based quantum science exploits subtle properties of quantum mechanics into applications such as quantum computing, sensing, and metrology. The emerging route for quantum computing applications, which calls for ultracompact, integrated, and scalable architecture, aims at on-chip entangled qubits. In this context, quantum entanglement among atomic qubits was achieved via cold-controlled collisions which are only significant at subwavelength separations. However, as other manifolds of quantum state engineering require single-site addressability and controlled manipulation of the individual qubit using diffraction-limited optics, entanglement of qubits separated by macroscopic distances at the chip level is still an outstanding challenge. Here, we report a novel platform for on-chip quantum state engineering by harnessing the extraordinary light-molding capabilities of metasurfaces. We theoretically demonstrate quantum entanglement between two qubits trapped on a chip and separated by macroscopic.
Long-term effect of niclosamide on inhibition of bacterial leaf blight in rice

Bacterial leaf blight is one of the major diseases in rice and affects yields. Thus, various methods have been applied to protect rice from this disease. Here, we show systemic translocation of the human drug niclosamide (5-chloro-N-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)2-hydroxybenzamide) in rice and its long-term effect on prevention of rice leaf blight. The development of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae-induced rice leaf blight was effectively inhibited in untreated systemic leaves as in niclosamide-treated leaves, although its effect gradually decreased in a time-dependent manner. Time-course examination after niclosamide treatment showed that the niclosamide level was highest after 3 h in non-treated distal leaves, suggesting fast systemic movement of niclosamide from the treated local site to untreated distal regions. Our data indicate that niclosamide controls rice leaf blight by its rapid systemic movement and that its effect is maintained for a long time.