Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic contrast-enhanced three-dimensional MR imaging of liver parenchyma: source images and angiographic reconstructions to define hepatic arterial anatomy.

PURPOSE To assess the accuracy of an interpolated breath-hold T1-weighted three-dimensional (3D) gradient-echo (GRE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequence with near-isotropic pixel size (</=2.3 mm) for evaluation of hepatic arterial anatomy variants during dynamic liver parenchymal imaging and to report patterns of hepatic arterial anatomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Liver MR imaging, including an interpolated breath-hold 3D GRE sequence with fat suppression (4.2/1.8 [repetition time msec/echo time msec], 12 degrees flip angle), was performed in 207 consecutive patients before and after gadopentetate dimeglumine administration. Of the 207 patients, 202 (98%) had technically satisfactory studies clearly defining the hepatic arterial system. The first contrast material-enhanced GRE acquisition was timed for optimal arterial enhancement with a timing examination. In a retrospective review, hepatic arteries were evaluated on the basis of arterial phase images interpreted by two independent readers using transverse source images complemented by multiplanar reconstructions. Twenty-three patients also underwent digital subtraction angiography, which was a reference standard for comparison. RESULTS Conventional hepatic arterial anatomy was demonstrated in 135 (67%) of 202 patients. In the 23 patients with angiographic correlation, no discrepancy was noted between MR imaging and digital subtraction angiographic findings. CONCLUSION Hepatic arterial anatomy can be reliably demonstrated during liver parenchymal imaging with an optimally timed contrast-enhanced isotropic 3D GRE sequence.
An Early Warning System Based on Syndromic Surveillance to Detect Potential Health Emergencies among Migrants: Results of a Two-Year Experience in Italy

Profound geopolitical changes have impacted the southern and eastern Mediterranean since 2010 and defined a context of instability that is still affecting several countries today. Insecurity combined with the reduction of border controls has led to major population movements in the region and to migration surges from affected countries to southern Europe, especially to Italy. To respond to the humanitarian emergency triggered by this migration surge, Italy implemented a syndromic surveillance system in order to rapidly detect potential public health emergencies in immigrant reception centres. This system was discontinued after two years. This paper presents the results of this experience detailing its strengths and weaknesses in order to document the applicability and usefulness of syndromic surveillance in this specific context.
Reverse Mergers, Shell Value, and Regulation Risk in Chinese Equity Markets

Using a comprehensive sample of reverse merger (RM) transactions, we examine the effects of China's IPO regulations on the prices and returns of its publicly listed stocks. During 2007-2015, unlisted Chinese firms paid an average of 3 to 4 Billion RMB for each listed shell, an amount exceeding 2/3 of the median market capitalization of a listed firm. This large shell premium varies over time and is sensitive to regulatory shocks. In the cross-section, a portfolio that longs (shorts) the highest (lowest) estimated shell probability (ESP) firms earns substantial abnormal returns. Adding an ESP-based factor to five common factors improves return attribution and eliminates the notoriously large Size premium. Consistent with theory, ESP also explains the sensitivity of prices to corporate earnings, and predicts the likelihood of firms to undertake major asset restructurings (MARs). We conclude China's IPO regulations impose a high cost on the functional efficiency of its financial system.
Open comparative long-term study of vigabatrin vs carbamazepine in newly diagnosed partial seizures in children.

OBJECTIVE To compare vigabatrin with carbamazepine as monotherapy in newly diagnosed children with partial epilepsy in order to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of both drugs. DESIGN Open and randomized with a 2-year follow-up period. SETTING The Infantile Neuropsychiatric Division of the Regional Pediatric Hospital, Ancona, Italy. PATIENTS Seventy children with newly diagnosed partial epilepsy were treated with vigabatrin (38 patients) or carbamazepine (32 patients). INTERVENTION Vigabatrin, 50 to 60 mg/kg per day, or carbamazepine, 15 to 20 mg/kg per day, split into twice-a-day doses. OUTCOME MEASURES The efficacy and tolerability of vigabatrin were compared with those of the standard treatment (carbamazepine) for this patient group. RESULTS The efficacy of vigabatrin and carbamazepine was similar, with the suggestion of a better side effect profile with vigabatrin. CONCLUSIONS Vigabatrin monotherapy should be considered as a monotherapeutic treatment option in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy. However, more studies are needed to evaluate other issues of concern, such as the cognitive and behavioral adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs, to determine the most suitable therapy.
Self-control as a protective factor against overweight status in the transition from childhood to adolescence.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether more self-controlled children are protected from weight gain as they enter adolescence. DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal study. SETTING Ten sites across the United States from 1991 to 2007. PARTICIPANTS The 844 children in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development birth cohort who had height and weight information at 15 years of age in 2006. MAIN EXPOSURE A composite measure of self-control was created from mother, father, and teacher-reported ratings using items from the Social Skills Rating System. OUTCOME MEASURE Overweight status at 15 years of age. RESULTS Approximately one-third of the sample (n = 262) was overweight at 15 years of age. Compared with their nonoverweight peers, overweight adolescents aged 15 years were about a half standard deviation (SD) lower in self-control at 9 years of age (unstandardized difference, 0.15; pooled SD, 0.29; P < .001). Children rated higher by their parents and teachers in self-control at 9 years of age were less likely to be overweight at 15 years (relative risk, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.98), controlling for overweight status at 10 years of age, pubertal development, age, intelligence quotient, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and maternal overweight status. CONCLUSION More self-controlled boys and girls are less likely to become overweight as they enter adolescence. The ability to control impulses and delay gratification enables children to maintain a healthy weight, even in today's obesogenic environment.
Ensuring More Is Better: On the Simultaneous Application of Stock and Options Data to Estimate the GARCH Options Pricing Model

The most common approach in fitting option pricing models to market data is first to make an assumption about the underlying asset’s returns process and then develop an option pricing model for that process that is tested against market option prices. The returns process is estimated from historical data, option values are computed, and then compared against a cross-section of prices from the options market. Unfortunately, this often does not work well, and plainly it is inefficient in its use of the data. However, efforts to combine returns data from the asset market and prices from the options market into a single estimation have also not had much success. In this article, Chang, Cheng, and Fuh propose a new procedure to combine data from both markets in the estimation, in which options are assumed to be subject to random pricing noise relative to model values. The additional slack gives the estimator better ability to match prices in both markets. The article contrasts the performance of the full model approach with an approach that only uses stock prices or options prices to fit an option pricing model based on an underlying GARCH process. The value of the combined approach is demonstrated both theoretically as an asymptotic result in the model and also in a Monte Carlo simulation.
[Analysis of prognostic factors after radical resection in 628 patients with stage II or III colon cancer].

OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinicopathologic factors related to recurrence and metastasis of stage II or III colon cancer after radical resection. METHODS The clinical and pathological data of 628 patients with stage II or III colon cancer after radical resection from Jan. 2005 to Dec. 2008 in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS The overall recurrence and metastasis rate was 28.5% (179/628). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 70.3% and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 78.5%. Univariate analysis showed that age, smoking intensity, depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, gross classification, histological differentiation, blood vessel tumor embolus, tumor gross pathology, multiple primary tumors, preoperative and postoperative serum concentration of CEA and CA19-9, and the regimen of adjuvant chemotherapy were correlated to recurrence and metastasis of colon cancer after radical resection. Multivariate analysis showed that regional lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, the regimen of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and preoperative serum concentration of CEA and CA19-9 were independent factors affecting the prognosis of colon cancer patients. CONCLUSION Regional lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, elevated preoperative serum concentration of CEA and CA19-9, the regimen of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with single fluorouracil type drug are independent risk factors of recurrence and metastasis in patients with stage II-III colon cancer after radical resection.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in a pediatric patient receiving extracorporeal support and treated with argatroban

Introduction: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is rare in the pediatric population, with a majority occurring in the pediatric intensive care unit setting. All reported cases have been associated with the use of unfractionated heparin. Because unfractionated heparin is the anticoagulant of choice for extracorporeal life support, the development of HIT in these patients can be devastating. We report a case of HIT with evidence of small-vessel arterial thromboembolism in a 17-month-old child receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement therapy successfully treated with argatroban. Case: The patient was a 17-month-old boy with severe respiratory failure secondary to asthma and mucus plugging that failed conventional and unconventional ventilation. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated, and within 24 hrs, there was a precipitous decrease in the platelet count, with the development of cutaneous ischemia involving his lower limbs. Heparin-associated antibodies were positive. Argatroban was started, and the child maintained on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement therapy, with resolution of the cutaneous ischemia and rebound of the thrombocytopenia. Discussion: HIT is rare in the pediatric population. Recognition of HIT is vital because withdrawal of heparin is the first and most important therapy. For patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or continuous renal replacement therapy who develop HIT, synthetic thrombin inhibitors (hirulogs) have been reported as an alternative. However, little information on their use in extracorporeal life support has been published, particularly in the pediatric population. Conclusion: This report documents a pediatric case of HIT successfully treated with argatroban, allowing continuation of the venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement therapy, with resolution of the thromboembolic ischemia and thrombocytopenia.
Retrotransposons and ethyl methanesulfonate-induced diversity in hexaploid wheat and Triticale

The bulk of large plant genomes consists of retrotransposons. Retrotransposons are able to integrate into a multitude of loci in the genome, and can thereby generate insertional polymorphism between individuals, as well as mutations and new characteristics. Retrotransposons are largely quiescent during development, but become more active in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, which cause them to produce larger pools of transcripts. The present study assesses the structural dynamics and putative transcriptional activation of BARE-1 and WIS 2-1A retrotransposons in ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-induced hexaploid wheat and Triticale sphaerococcum mutants, via an RT-PCR approach that utilized the retrotransposon based markers SSAP, IRAP and REMAP. Our results demonstrate a polymorphic pattern distribution of BARE-1/WIS 2-1A members, and identify new insertions. The WIS 2-1A retrotransposon members have a modulated transcriptional profile, which strongly suggests that EMS treatment encourages their activation Retrotransposon-based methods are efficient for fingerprinting and genetic polymorphism studies of sphaerococcum mutant forms, and can illuminate the genome dynamics affecting the genes responsible for the sphaerococcum phenotype.
Strategies to Prepare and Support Preceptors and Students for Preceptorship: A Systematic Review

T his systematic review critically appraised and synthesized evidence for effective strategies to recruit, support, and retain preceptors and to enhance student learning in a preceptored experience. Electronic databases were searched for studies that described interventions and reported outcomes applicable to health sciences students. From 7,162 citations reviewed, 47 studies met inclusion criteria. Although limited inference can be drawn about effectiveness of any particular strategy, this review revealed some directions for preceptorship programming. Preceptorship is an individual teaching/learning method in which an inexperienced person (student) is assigned to a more experienced person (preceptor) so that the inexperienced person can participate in day-to-day practice with a role model and resource person immediately available within the practice setting. Preceptorship has become an essential component of educational programs for nurses and other health professionals. This systematic review was completed to critically appraise and synthesize the best available evidence for effective strategies to recruit, support, and retain preceptors and to enhance student learning in a preceptored experience. The practical aim was to formulate a guiding framework and tool kit of resources for developing a comprehensive, evidence-based preceptorship program.
Incidence of lymphohematopoietic malignancies among styrene-exposed workers of the reinforced plastics industry.

OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to determine the risk of lymphohematopoietic malignancies for workers exposed to styrene. METHODS This was a historical cohort study. The observed numbers of newly diagnosed cases of lymphohematopoietic malignancies in the study population were compared with expected numbers based on the national rates. The study took place in the Danish reinforced plastic industry, in which high exposure levels of styrene occur frequently in an environment free of most other suspected carcinogens. Altogether 36,525 male employees of 386 companies producing reinforced plastics and 14,254 nonstyrene exposed employees of similar industries were studied. RESULTS An insignificantly increased standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 1.22 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.88-1.65] was found for leukemia among all employees of the reinforced plastics industry. Workers employed in the 1960s (the period with the highest recorded styrene levels) or in companies with the highest exposure probability showed increased SIR values of 1.54 (95% CI 1.04-2.19) and 1.38 (95% CI 0.75-2.32), respectively. Both estimates increased when a 10-year latency period was considered. CONCLUSIONS An increased risk of leukemia was shown for workers in the early phase of the reinforced plastics industry in Denmark. If this association is not due to chance or confounding, the most likely cause is styrene exposure.
Vagal withdrawal during hot flashes occurring in undisturbed sleep

Objective Little is known about the impact of hot flashes on cardiac autonomic regulation, particularly vagal control. Therefore, we assessed the cardiac autonomic profile associated with physiological hot flashes occurring in undisturbed sleep. Methods Eleven perimenopausal women (45-56 y) had overnight laboratory recordings of polysomnography, electrocardiography, and skin conductance. Eighteen hot flashes that occurred in stable non–rapid eye movement sleep undisturbed by arousals were analyzed. Heart rate variability measures were obtained for three consecutive 2-minute windows starting from 4 minutes before (baseline and preflash periods) to 2 minutes after the onset of hot flashes (hot flash period). Results Heart rate increased by, on average, 4 beats/minute with the occurrence of a hot flash compared with both baseline (P < 0.001) and preflash (P < 0.001). High-frequency power was reduced, reflecting a decrease in vagal activity, at the onset of a hot flash compared with baseline (P < 0.001) and preflash (P < 0.001). There was no change in sympathovagal balance with the onset of a hot flash. The magnitude of the hot flash (ie, skin conductance amplitude) was associated with increased heart rate (r = 0.78, P < 0.001) and decreased vagal tone (r = −0.56, P = 0.014). Conclusions Physiological hot flashes per se, recorded during undisturbed sleep periods and independent of any arousals, are associated with increased heart rate and decreased cardiac autonomic vagal activity. These data support the hypothesis that the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is involved in the cardiac response to a hot flash.
Differential age‐related changes in motor unit properties between elbow flexors and extensors

Aim: Healthy adult ageing of the human neuromuscular system is comprised of changes that include atrophy, weakness and slowed movements with reduced spinal motor neurone output expressed by lower motor unit discharge rates (MUDRs). The latter observation has been obtained mostly from hand and lower limb muscles. The purpose was to determine the extent to which elbow flexor and extensor contractile properties, and MUDRs in six old (83 ± 4 years) and six young (24 ± 1 years) men were affected by age, and whether any adaptations were similar for both muscle groups.
Activity of Melatonin and Other Pineal Indoles on the In Vitro Synthesis of Cortisol, Cortisone, and Adrenal Androgens

The in vitro effects of 13 indole compounds on the synthesis of glucocorticoids and of adrenal androgens in sheep adrenal glands has been studied from 11 ‐deoxycortisol as a precursor. This work demonstrates the activating effect of some indole compounds on 11β‐hydroxylase and 17,20‐desmolase and the inhibitory effect of most of them on 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Three categories could be distinguished: 1) compounds without any effect (5‐hydroxytryptophan, 5‐hydroxytryptamine); 2) compounds moderately increasing (10—30% as compared with controls) Cortisol yields (tryptamine, melatonin, 6‐hydroxymelatonin, 5‐methoxytryptophol, indomethacin); and 3) compounds markedly increasing (80–100%) Cortisol yields (5‐methoxyindole acetic acid, 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid, 2‐methylindole, 5‐hydroxytryptophol, N‐acetyl‐5‐hydroxytryptamine). In fact, since most of the studied indoles reduced 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity, the actual activation of Cortisol synthesis was four to five times less. Lastly, all the studied compounds, but melatonin, increased the activity of 17,20 desmolase as seen from 11β‐hydroxyandrostenedione and 11‐ketoandrostenedione yields. The possible in vivo effects of the indoles for therapeutic use needs further studying.
A Derivation of Factors Influencing the Successful Integration of Corporate Volunteers into Public Flood Disaster Inquiry and Notification Systems

Flood hazards have become increasingly common and serious over the last few centuries. Volunteers can observe instant flood information in their local environment, which presents a great opportunity to gather flood information. The information provided by individual volunteers is too much for them to truly understand. Corporate volunteers can offer more accurate and truthful information due to their understanding of the roles and requirements of specific tasks. Past studies of factors influencing the success of corporate volunteers in flood disaster are limited. Thus, this research aims to derive the factors that enable corporate volunteers to successfully integrate the flood information to help reduce the number of injuries and deaths being caused by flood disasters. This research used the information success model and the public-private partnership (PPP) model to develop an analytic framework. The nature of flood disaster management problems is inherently complex, time-bound, and multifaceted. Therefore, we proposed a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to address the key influence factors and the cause-effect relationships between factors. An empirical study in Taiwanese public flood disaster inquiry and notification systems was used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The research results can serve as guidelines for improving the government’s policies and the public sector in the context of corporate volunteer involvement in flood disaster inquiry and notification and in relation to other natural and manmade disasters.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and culture negative neutrocytic ascites

Abstract Objective: Ascitic fluid infections (AFI) in cirrhotic patients can be classified into two groups: spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and culture-negative neutrocytic ascites (CNNA). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the two groups of patients with AFI. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of cirrhotic patients with AFI. We evaluated demographic data, clinical presentations of AFI, laboratory findings, liver function, and mortality rates. Results: Between January 2005 and December 2014, 533 patients with AFI were evaluated; 259 (48.6%) had SBP and 274 (51.4%) CNNA. Ascites neutrophil count (4410/mm3 versus 1046/mm3, p < .001) and the blood culture positive rate (38.1% versus 20.1%, p < .001) were higher in the SBP group, which also had a higher MELD score (24.29 versus 22.05, p = .004). Seven-day mortality was higher in the SBP group (9.4% versus 4.5%, p = .027) but there was no significant difference in 30-day (22.1% versus 17.5%) or 90-day mortality rate (36.1% versus 36.4%). Conclusions: Patients in the SBP group had a higher MELD score, ascites neutrophil count, and positive blood culture rate. Although seven-day mortality rate was higher in the SBP group, the 30-day and 90-day mortality rates were similar in the two groups.
Characterization of behavioral activation in non-pathological subjects through Heart Rate Variability monovariate and multivariate multiscale entropy analysis

The objective quantification of psychological traits through Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) biomarkers is of large interest for the clinical and bioengineering scientific communities. Standard procedures, in fact, rely only on subjective scores from interviews and questionnaires. Here we show that monovariate and multivariate multiscale entropy measures are able to characterize the dimension regulating the behavior towards something pleasant in subjects. Such a psychological dimension was quantified through the BIS/BAS scores and investigated with a complexity analysis of Heart Rate Variability and respiratory activity. Results gathered from 29 volunteers show a significant decrease of multiscale complexity in subjects with higher behavioral activation score during the resting condition, supporting the significant role of ANS nonlinear dynamics in cognitive regulation processes.