Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association Between Initial Use of e-Cigarettes and Subsequent Cigarette Smoking Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance The public health implications of e-cigarettes depend, in part, on whether e-cigarette use affects the risk of cigarette smoking. Objective To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies that assessed initial use of e-cigarettes and subsequent cigarette smoking. Data Sources PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, the 2016 Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco 22nd Annual Meeting abstracts, the 2016 Society of Behavioral Medicine 37th Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions abstracts, and the 2016 National Institutes of Health Tobacco Regulatory Science Program Conference were searched between February 7 and February 17, 2017. The search included indexed terms and text words to capture concepts associated with e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes in articles published from database inception to the date of the search. Study Selection Longitudinal studies reporting odds ratios for cigarette smoking initiation associated with ever use of e-cigarettes or past 30-day cigarette smoking associated with past 30-day e-cigarette use. Searches yielded 6959 unique studies, of which 9 met inclusion criteria (comprising 17 389 adolescents and young adults). Data Extraction and Synthesis Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool, respectively. Data and estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures Among baseline never cigarette smokers, cigarette smoking initiation between baseline and follow-up. Among baseline non–past 30-day cigarette smokers who were past 30-day e-cigarette users, past 30-day cigarette smoking at follow-up. Results Among 17 389 adolescents and young adults, the ages ranged between 14 and 30 years at baseline, and 56.0% were female. The pooled probabilities of cigarette smoking initiation were 30.4% for baseline ever e-cigarette users and 7.9% for baseline never e-cigarette users. The pooled probabilities of past 30-day cigarette smoking at follow-up were 21.5% for baseline past 30-day e-cigarette users and 4.6% for baseline non–past 30-day e-cigarette users. Adjusting for known demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral risk factors for cigarette smoking, the pooled odds ratio for subsequent cigarette smoking initiation was 3.62 (95% CI, 2.42-5.41) for ever vs never e-cigarette users, and the pooled odds ratio for past 30-day cigarette smoking at follow-up was 4.28 (95% CI, 2.52-7.27) for past 30-day e-cigarette vs non–past 30-day e-cigarette users at baseline. A moderate level of heterogeneity was observed among studies (I2 = 60.1%). Conclusions and Relevance e-Cigarette use was associated with greater risk for subsequent cigarette smoking initiation and past 30-day cigarette smoking. Strong e-cigarette regulation could potentially curb use among youth and possibly limit the future population-level burden of cigarette smoking.
Characteristics of cochlear microphonics in infants and young children with auditory neuropathy

Abstract Conclusions: Cochlear microphonics (CMs) play an important role in the diagnosis of auditory neuropathy (AN). It is necessary and helpful to diagnose the sites-of-lesion in infants and children with AN by analyzing the patterns of CM amplitudes and I/O functions together. Objectives: To investigate the characteristics and clinical significance of CMs in the diagnosis of AN among infants and children. Methods: A total of 36 infants and children (16 males and 20 females) were divided into two groups. Group A included 15 children (30 ears) with auditory brainstem response (ABR) absent and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) present and group B included 21 children (30 ears) with ABR absent and DPOAEs absent. Fifteen normal-hearing infants (30 ears) made up the control group. Click eliciting CMs were recorded at stimulus levels of 100, 90, 80, and 70 dB nHL for each ear using a button electrode placed at the top of the forehead. A tube-clamping method was used to distinguish CMs from artifacts, and an averaging algorithm was used to obtain a clear CM waveform. The time delay and amplitude of CMs were measured in both children with AN and normal-hearing infants on (C–R)/2 waveforms, and an I/O function curve for each group was plotted with the stimulating level as input and the CM amplitude as output. Results: The largest identifiable CMs were generally found between 0.5 and 0.8 ms after stimulation with mean delay of 0.63 ± 0.04 ms in both group A and the control group, and 0.63 ± 0.07 ms in group B. There was no significant difference between the AN group and the control group in CM time delay. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between group A (AN with OAEs present, 0.47 ± 0.15 μV) and the control group (0.45 ± 0.13 μV) in CM amplitude, while CM amplitudes in children with AN with DPOAEs absent (0.24 ± 0.08 μV) were significantly lower than those in either the control group or group A (p < 0.01). The amplitude of CMs reduced with stimulus intensity in all the subjects. There was obvious nonlinearity in group A and the control group, while there was a more linear tendency in amplitude increasing on the I/O function curve in group B.
Phagocytic Clearance of Apoptotic Neurons by Microglia/Brain Macrophages In Vitro

Abstract: Microglia, the tissue macrophages of the brain, play a crucial role in recognition and phagocytic removal of apoptotic neurons. The microglial receptors for recognition of apoptotic neurons are not yet characterized. Here we established a co‐culture model of primary microglia and cerebellar granule neurons to examine the receptor systems involved in recognition/uptake of apoptotic neurons. Treatment with 100 μM S‐nitrosocysteine induced apoptosis of cerebellar neurons as indicated by nuclear condensation and phosphatidylserine exposure to the exoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane. Microglial cells were added to neurons 2 h after apoptosis induction and co‐cultured for 6 h in the presence of ligands that inhibit recognition by binding to respective receptors. Binding/phagocytosis was determined after combined 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole/propidium iodide (for apoptotic/necrotic neurons) and lectin staining (for microglia). Uptake of apoptotic neurons was reduced by N‐acetylglucosamine or galactose, suggesting that recognition involves asialoglycoprotein‐like lectins. Furthermore, the inhibition of microglial binding/uptake of apoptotic neurons by RGDS peptide suggests a role of microglial vitronectin receptor. As microglia selectively bind lipid vesicles enriched in phosphatidylserine and O‐phospho‐L‐serine interfered with the uptake of apoptotic neurons, an involvement of phosphatidylserine receptor is rather likely. Apoptotic neurons do not release soluble signals that serve to attract or activate microglia. Collectively, these results suggest that apoptotic neurons generate a complex surface signal recognized by different receptor systems on microglia.
Polymorphisms in antithrombin and in tissue factor pathway inhibitor genes are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss

Summary Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a multifactorial condition. The effect of antithrombin (SERPINC1), protein C (PROC), thrombomodulin (THBD) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the risk of RPL is thus far unknown. Our objective was to determine the association of SNPs in the above mentioned genes with RPL. We included 117 non-pregnant women with three or more consecutive losses prior to 20 weeks of pregnancy without a previous history of carrying a fetus to viability, and 264 healthy fertile non-pregnant women who had at least two term deliveries and no known pregnancy losses. The PROC (rs1799809 and rs1799808), SERPINC1 (rs2227589), THBD (rs1042579) and TFPI (rs10931292, rs8176592 and rs10153820) SNPs were analysed by Real Time PCR. Genotype frequencies for PROC 2418A>G, PROC 2405C>T, THBD 1418C>T, TFPI (T-33C and TFPI C-399T) SNPs were similar in cases and controls. The carriers of SERPINC1 786A allele (GA + AA genotypes) had an increased risk for RPL (odds ratio [OR]: 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05 – 3.00, p= 0.034) while women carrying the TFPI –287C allele (TC + CC genotypes) had a protection effect on having RPL (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.26 – 0.83, p= 0.009). The TCC haplotype for TFPI T-33C/ TFPI T-287C/ TFPI C-399T SNPs was less frequent in cases (5.7%) than in controls (11.6%) (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.23 – 0.90, p= 0.025). In conclusion, our data indicate that SERPINC1 786G>A variant increases the risk for RPL, while TFPI T-287C variant is protective; however, further studies are required to confirm our findings.
Recombinant esterase from Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in DNA and subunit recombinant vaccines partially protects mice against challenge

Purpose. We tested the efficacy of the esterase encoded by cp1002_RS09720 from Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in recombinant subunit and DNA caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) vaccines. This target was predicted as one of the best CLA vaccine candidates by mature epitope density analysis. Methodology. Gene cp1002_RS09720 was cloned into two different vectors (pAE for subunit vaccine and pTARGET for DNA vaccine). Four groups of 15 mice each were immunized with the recombinant esterase rCP09720 associated with aluminium hydroxide adjuvant (G1), pTARGET/cp09720 DNA vaccine (G2), a naked pTARGET (G3) or PBS as a negative control (G4). Immunization occurred in two doses intercalated by a 21 day interval. Twenty‐one days after the last dose administration, animals were challenged with a virulent C. pseudotuberculosis MIC‐6 strain. Results. G1 showed high levels of IgG1 and IgG2a on days 21 and 42 post‐immunization and a significant level of IFN‐&ggr; (P<0.05), suggesting a Th1 response. The protection levels obtained were 58.3 and 16.6% for G1 and G2, respectively. Conclusion. The subunit vaccine composed of the recombinant esterase rCP09720 and Al(OH)3 is a promising antigenic formulation for use against CLA.
How efficient is extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy with modern lithotripters for removal of ureteral stones?

PURPOSE To analyze results of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for treatment of ureteral stones with two modern lithotripters. PATIENTS AND METHODS A consecutive series of 598 patients with ureteral stones was treated with the Modulith SLX Classic and Modulith SLX-F2 lithotripters. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 54 (17) years, and the mean (SD) stone surface area was 42 (34) mm2. Results were available for 580 patients. RESULTS Stone-free ureters were recorded in 563 (97.1%) patients. Stone-free rates were 96.1%, 97.8%, and 97.9%, for the proximal, middle, and distal ureter, respectively. The average number of SWL sessions needed was 1.31. For the proximal, middle, and distal ureter, one SWL session was sufficient in 73.1%, 66.7%, and 83.2% of patients, respectively. Assisting auxiliary procedures were used in 102 patients (18%). The total mean (SD) treatment time was 48 (26) minutes and the mean (SD) number of shockwaves was 3266 (2258). SWL for stones located in the proximal, middle, and distal ureter was carried out in the prone position in 38%, 88%, and 9%, respectively. For 90 patients primarily treated with a large focus, the re-treatment rate was the same as for patients treated with a standard focus. A stone treatment index used to assess the efforts, results, and complications was similar for the two lithotripters and for all stone locations. Thus both lithotripters had similar efficacy. CONCLUSION With consistent use of SWL, a stone-free rate of more than 97% can be attained, with a reasonable re-treatment rate and only modest use of assisting auxiliary procedures.
The Manchester Child Attachment Story Task: relationship with parental AAI, SAT and child behaviour

The Manchester Attachment Story Task (MCAST) is a new method for eliciting the internal working model (IWM) of attachment representations in children between 5 and 7 years. The instrument is described in the companion paper, ‘A New Method of Evaluating Attachment Representations’. This paper reports initial findings on a non-clinical sample comparing the MCAST with concurrent maternal attachment representation, measures of child temperament and behaviour, and concurrent ratings on the Separation Anxiety Test (SAT). Ratings of disorganized attachment on the MCAST show association with Unresolved status on concurrent maternal Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) and with independent teacher ratings of classroom behaviour. Child temperament shows an effect on the style of engagement with the interview but not the attachment ratings. Possible alternative explanations for the phenomena seen are discussed, along with potential applications of the instrument and directions for future research.
Thrombolysis in patients with prior stroke within the last 3 months

Patients with prior stroke within 3 months have been mostly excluded from randomized thrombolysis trials mainly because of the fear of an increased rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). The aim of this study was to compare baseline characteristics and clinical outcome of thrombolyzed patients who had a previous stroke within the last 3 months with those not fulfilling this criterion (comparison group).
Ability of lower-extremity injury severity scores to predict functional outcome after limb salvage.

BACKGROUND Lower-extremity injury severity scoring systems were developed to assist surgeons in decision-making regarding whether to amputate or perform limb salvage after high-energy trauma to the lower extremity. These scoring systems have been shown to not be good predictors of limb amputation or salvage. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical utility of the five commonly used lower-extremity injury severity scoring systems as predictors of final functional outcome. METHODS We analyzed data from a cohort of patients who participated in a multicenter prospective study of clinical and functional outcomes after high-energy lower-extremity trauma. Injury severity was assessed with use of the Mangled Extremity Severity Score; the Limb Salvage Index; the Predictive Salvage Index; the Nerve Injury, Ischemia, Soft-Tissue Injury, Skeletal Injury, Shock, and Age of Patient Score; and the Hannover Fracture Scale-98. Functional outcomes were measured with use of the physical and psychosocial domains of the Sickness Impact Profile at both six months and two years following hospital discharge. Four hundred and seven subjects for whom the reconstruction regimen was considered successful at six months were included in the analysis. We used partial correlation statistics and multiple linear regression models to quantify the association between injury severity scores and Sickness Impact Profile outcomes with the subjects' ages held constant. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was thirty-six years (interquartile range, twenty-six to forty-four years); 75.2% were male and 24.8% were female. The median Sickness Impact Profile scores were 15.2 and 6.0 points at six and twenty-four months, respectively. The analysis showed that none of the scoring systems were predictive of the Sickness Impact Profile outcomes at six or twenty-four months to any reasonable degree. Likewise, none were predictive of patient recovery between six and twenty-four months postoperatively as measured by a change in the scores in either the physical or the psychosocial domain of the Sickness Impact Profile. CONCLUSIONS Currently available injury severity scores are not predictive of the functional recovery of patients who undergo successful limb reconstruction.
Etiological and clinical features of childhood psychotic symptoms: results from a birth cohort.

CONTEXT It has been reported that childhood psychotic symptoms are common in the general population and may signal neurodevelopmental processes that lead to schizophrenia. However, it is not clear whether these symptoms are associated with the same extensive risk factors established for adult schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE To examine the construct validity of children's self-reported psychotic symptoms by testing whether these symptoms share the risk factors and clinical features of adult schizophrenia. DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal cohort study of a nationally representative birth cohort in Great Britain. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2232 twelve-year-old children followed up since age 5 years (retention, 96%). Main Outcome Measure Children's self-reported hallucinations and delusions. RESULTS Children's psychotic symptoms are familial and heritable and are associated with social risk factors (eg, urbanicity); cognitive impairments at age 5; home-rearing risk factors (eg, maternal expressed emotion); behavioral, emotional, and educational problems at age 5; and comorbid conditions, including self-harm. CONCLUSIONS The results provide a comprehensive picture of the construct validity of children's self-reported psychotic symptoms. For researchers, the findings indicate that children who have psychotic symptoms can be recruited for neuroscience research to determine the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. For clinicians, the findings indicate that psychotic symptoms in childhood are often a marker of an impaired developmental process and should be actively assessed.
Improving Executive Functioning in Children with ADHD: Training Multiple Executive Functions within the Context of a Computer Game. A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Trial

Introduction Executive functions (EFs) training interventions aimed at ADHD-symptom reduction have yielded mixed results. Generally, these interventions focus on training a single cognitive domain (e.g., working memory [WM], inhibition, or cognitive-flexibility). However, evidence suggests that most children with ADHD show deficits on multiple EFs, and that these EFs are largely related to different brain regions. Therefore, training multiple EFs might be a potentially more effective strategy to reduce EF-related ADHD symptoms. Methods Eighty-nine children with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD (aged 8–12) were randomized to either a full-active-condition where visuospatial WM, inhibition and cognitive-flexibility were trained, a partially-active-condition where inhibition and cognitive-flexibility were trained and the WM-training task was presented in placebo-mode, or to a full placebo-condition. Short-term and long-term (3-months) effects of this gamified, 25-session, home-based computer-training were evaluated on multiple outcome domains. Results During training compliance was high (only 3% failed to meet compliance criteria). After training, only children in the full-active condition showed improvement on measures of visuospatial short-term-memory (STM) and WM. Inhibitory performance and interference control only improved in the full-active- and the partially-active condition. No Treatment-condition x Time interactions were found for cognitive-flexibility, verbal WM, complex-reasoning, nor for any parent-, teacher-, or child-rated ADHD behaviors, EF-behaviors, motivational behaviors, or general problem behaviors. Nonetheless, almost all measures showed main Time-effects, including the teacher-ratings. Conclusions Improvements on inhibition and visuospatial STM and WM were specifically related to the type of treatment received. However, transfer to untrained EFs and behaviors was mostly nonspecific (i.e., only interference control improved exclusively in the two EF training conditions). As such, in this multiple EF-training, mainly nonspecific treatment factors – as opposed to the specific effects of training EFs—seem related to far transfer effects found on EF and behavior. Trial Registration trialregister.nl NTR2728. Registry name: improving executive functioning in children with ADHD: training executive functions within the context of a computer game; registry number: NTR2728.
When Not to Classify : Anomaly Detection of Attacks ( ADA ) on DNN Classifiers at Test Time 1

A significant threat to the recent, wide deployment of machine learning-based systems, including deep neural networks (DNNs), is adversarial learning attacks. The main focus here is on evasion attacks against (DNN-based) classifiers at test time. While much work has focused on devising attacks that make perturbations to a test pattern (e.g., an image) which are humanimperceptible and yet still induce a change in the classifier’s decision, until recently there has been relative paucity of work in defending against such attacks. Some works robustify the classifier to make correct decisions on perturbed patterns. This is an important objective for some applications involving evasion attacks and for “natural adversary” scenarios. However, we analyze the possible evasion attack mechanisms and show that, in some important cases, when the image has been attacked, correctly classifying it has no utility: i) when the image to be 1This work was supported in part by a gift from Cisco and a grant from the DDDAS program at AFOSR. ar X iv :1 71 2. 06 64 6v 2 [ cs . L G ] 2 8 Ju n 20 18 attacked is (even arbitrarily) selected from the attacker’s cache; ii) when the sole recipient of the classifier’s decision is the attacker. Moreover, in some application domains and scenarios it is highly actionable to detect the attack irrespective of correctly classifying in the face of it (with classification still performed if no attack is detected). We hypothesize that, even if humanimperceptible, adversarial perturbations are machine-detectable. We propose a purely unsupervised anomaly detector (AD) that, unlike previous works: i) models the joint density of a deep layer using highly suitable null hypothesis density models (matched in particular to the nonnegative support for RELU layers); ii) exploits multiple DNN layers; iii) leverages a “source” and “destination” class concept, source class uncertainty, the class confusion matrix, and DNN weight information in constructing a novel decision statistic grounded in the Kullback-Leibler divergence. Tested on MNIST and CIFAR-10 image databases under three prominent attack strategies, our approach outperforms previous detection methods, achieving strong ROC AUC detection accuracy on two attacks and better accuracy than recently reported for a variety of methods on the strongest (CW) attack. We also evaluate a fully white box attack on our system. Finally, we evaluate other important measures such as classification accuracy versus detection rate and multiple performance measures versus attack strength.