Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disparities and Temporal Trends in the Use of Anticoagulation in Patients With Ischemic Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation.

Background and Purpose- Ischemic stroke (IS) secondary to atrial fibrillation (AF) is largely preventable with the use of anticoagulation. We sought to identify race-ethnicity and sex disparities with the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), aspirin, and warfarin in IS patients with AF and to identify temporal trends in the utilization of these medications. Methods- The FLiPER-AF Stroke Study (Florida Puerto Rico Atrial Fibrillation) included 24 040 IS cases enrolled in the Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Registry from 2010 to 2016. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the effect of race-ethnicity and sex on utilization of DOACs, aspirin, and warfarin for stroke prevention in AF after adjustment for sociodemographic, hospital, and clinical factors. Results- Among 24 040 IS cases, 54% were women and 10% black, 12% FL-Hispanics, 4% PR-Hispanic, and 74% whites. From 2010 to 2016, DOAC use increased from 0% to 36%, warfarin use decreased from 51% to 17%, and aspirin use remained relatively stable (42%-40%). After adjustment, blacks had higher odds of warfarin (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.07-1.40) prescription at discharge compared with whites. Men had higher rates of aspirin (42.1% versus 38.8%), warfarin (33.6% versus 28.9%), and DOAC (21.3% versus 19.3%) use compared with women. After adjustment, women had lower odds of being discharged on aspirin (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.98) or warfarin (odds ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84-0.99). There was no sex difference in use of DOACs. Conclusions- Our study confirmed the increasing use of DOACs, downtrending use of warfarin, whereas aspirin use remained similar over the years. There are sex and race-ethnicity disparities in anticoagulation use in IS patients with AF. It is critical to understand underlying drivers of these disparities to develop better practice strategies for stroke prevention in patients with AF. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials. gov . Unique identifier: NCT03627806.
Convex matrix sparsity for demixing with an application to graphical model structure estimation. (Parcimonie matricielle convexe pour les problèmes de démixage avec une application à l'apprentissage de structure de modèles graphiques)

En apprentissage automatique on a pour but d'apprendre un modele, a partir de donnees, qui soit capable de faire des predictions sur des nouvelles donnees (pas explorees auparavant). Pour obtenir un modele qui puisse se generaliser sur les nouvelles donnees, et eviter le sur-apprentissage, nous devons restreindre le modele. Ces restrictions sont generalement une connaissance a priori de la structure du modele. Les premieres approches considerees dans la litterature sont la regularisation de Tikhonov et plus tard le Lasso pour induire de la parcimonie dans la solution. La parcimonie fait partie d'un concept fondamental en apprentissage automatique. Les modeles parcimonieux sont attrayants car ils offrent plus d'interpretabilite et une meilleure generalisation (en evitant le sur-apprentissage) en induisant un nombre reduit de parametres dans le modele. Au-dela de la parcimonie generale et dans de nombreux cas, les modeles sont structurellement contraints et ont une representation simple de certains elements fondamentaux, comme par exemple une collection de vecteurs, matrices ou tenseurs specifiques. Ces elements fondamentaux sont appeles atomes. Dans ce contexte, les normes atomiques fournissent un cadre general pour estimer ce type de modeles. periodes de modeles. Le but de cette these est d'utiliser le cadre de parcimonie convexe fourni par les normes atomiques pour etudier une forme de parcimonie matricielle. Tout d'abord, nous developpons un algorithme efficace base sur les methodes de Frank-Wolfe et qui est particulierement adapte pour resoudre des problemes convexes regularises par une norme atomique. Nous nous concentrons ensuite sur l'estimation de la structure des modeles graphiques gaussiens, ou la structure du modele est encodee dans la matrice de precision et nous etudions le cas avec des variables manquantes. Nous proposons une formulation convexe avec une approche algorithmique et fournissons un resultat theorique qui enonce les conditions necessaires pour recuperer la structure souhaitee. Enfin, nous considerons le probleme de demixage d'un signal en deux composantes ou plus via la minimisation d'une somme de normes ou de jauges, encodant chacune la structure a priori des composants a recuperer. En particulier, nous fournissons une garantie de recuperation exacte dans le cadre sans bruit, basee sur des mesures d'incoherence.
Transplanted children's experiences of daily living: Children's narratives about their lives following transplantation

Abstract: Transplantation is often an appropriate choice of treatment for children with end‐stage renal, liver, heart or lung disease. Over the last decade, mortality and morbidity figures have been relatively stable and quality of life fairly good in children who have undergone organ transplantation. Few studies however, have focused on the experiences of transplantation from the child's perspective. The child's view is an important factor when evaluating the ‘true’ outcome and quality of life after transplantation. The aim of the present study was to illuminate the meaning of transplanted children's experiences of daily living. Unstructured interviews were carried out with 18 children and adolescents, aged 4–18 yr, who had undergone organ transplantation. Their narratives were transcribed and interpreted using a phenomenologic–hermeneutic method inspired by the philosophy of Ricoeur. Two main themes emerged: Being satisfied with life, with the themes: being able to live a normal life; someone who cares; coping with one's new life; and being dissatisfied with life, with the themes: not being able to live a normal life; lacking someone who cares; not being respected; existential thoughts. Most of the children and adolescents were of the opinion that they lived a normal life while the rest strived to achieve a normal life. Social support and mental support were of great importance and, when lacking, had negative consequences. Multi‐disciplinary co‐operation between healthcare professionals and between the healthcare system, the school and the family is crucial in order to optimize the outcome and quality of life after organ transplantation in children.
Playing Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Among Australian Football League Players From 1999 to 2013

Background: Achieving preinjury levels of athletic performance has been challenging for elite athletes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Although a recent study found that 77% of Australian Football League (AFL) players who underwent ACL reconstruction from 1999 to 2013 returned to play at the highest level, the study did not indicate how consistently or well they were able to play. Purpose: To identify the number of AFL players who returned to play consistently over 2 seasons after ACL reconstruction, compare their playing performance in these seasons with preinjury performance, and evaluate factors associated with returning to preinjury levels of performance. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Analysis included 104 AFL players who underwent ACL reconstruction between 1999 and 2013. All had played at least 10 AFL matches in 1 season before ACL injury. Ranking points, as devised by AFL statisticians, were used to measure individual playing performance. Results: Of the 104 players who played at least 10 matches in 1 season before ACL injury, 53 (51%) returned to play at least 10 matches in 2 seasons after surgery. Of these 53 players, 36 (68%) returned to their preinjury levels of performance. The 17 remaining players who did not return to their preinjury performance still performed comparably to the AFL average level after surgery. Players <25 years old (odds ratio = 2.9, P = .01) or <90 kg (odds ratio = 2.7, P = .03) had greater odds of returning to their preinjury levels of performance. Conclusion: Returning to play on a consistent basis was a substantial challenge for AFL players after ACL reconstruction. However, among players who did return to play consistently over 2 seasons, their postsurgery average performance was comparable with the AFL average level of performance, and two-thirds returned to their preinjury levels of performance. Younger and lighter players were more likely to return to their preinjury levels of performance, possibly given the nature of AFL club playing list management decisions.
Complications related to entry techniques for laparoscopy in 159 dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE To report the frequency and risk factors of complications related to 3 entry techniques for laparoscopy in small animals. STUDY DESIGN Single-institution retrospective case series. ANIMALS 159 client-owned dogs and cats. METHODS Medical records were reviewed for dogs and cats undergoing laparoscopic surgery with carbon dioxide (CO2 ) insufflation between 2006 and 2018. Data including entry site, entry technique, signalment, body conformation, complications, and operating surgeon/resident were analyzed by univariate regression analysis. Factors with P < . 25 were included in multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS Complications occurred in 33 of 159 (21%) surgeries and were considered minor (CO2 leaks, omental insufflation, repeated entry) in 30 of 33 (91%) cases. The Ternamian visual entry, modified Hasson, and Veress needle entry techniques were associated with complications in 7 (9%), 17 (26%), and 9 (60%) surgeries, respectively. Major complications occurred in 3 of 159 (2%) surgeries, in which entry-related hemorrhage prompted conversion to an open technique (2 [13%] entries with Veress needle) and 1 [1%] with the Ternamian visual). Entry location and entry technique remained significant in the final multivariate model. Complications were 11.7 times more likely after a paramedian entry than after a midline entry; the odds ratio of complications were 5 and 28 times higher after modified Hasson and Veress needle entries, respectively, than after Ternamian visual entry. CONCLUSION In this study, a Ternamian visual entry technique and midline entry site appeared associated with fewer complications than 2 other techniques. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The findings in this study are preliminary, and superiority of any entry technique must be reevaluated in a prospective randomized controlled study.
Reduced production of interleukin 2 and interferongamma and enhanced helper activity for IgG synthesis by cloned CD4+ T cells from patients with AIDS

Purified T lymphocytes (E rosetting cells) isolated from peripheral blood (PB) of four patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) were cloned under culture conditions (phytohemagglutinin plus interleukin 2) which allow clonal expansion of most T lymphocytes. A total number of 101 T cell clones (37 CD4+ and 64 CD8+) from PB of AIDS patients and of 188 T cell clones (115 CD4+ and 73 CD8+) from PB of four normal controls were obtained and tested for their helper function as well as for their capacity to release lymphokines. Unstimulated CD4+ TCC from patients with AIDS showed enhanced helper function for IgG synthesis in vitro in both autologous and normal allogeneic B cells in comparison to clonable CD4+ T cells of normal donors. Such activity was further potentiated by addition to the cell cultures of anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody. The majority of CD4+ T cell clones from AIDS patients showed a reduced ability to produce interleukin 2 and interferon‐γ in response to activation with phytohemagglutinin. However, most of them released greater amounts of soluble factor(s) able to promote B cell proliferation of anti‐IgM‐activated normal B cells and to induce the differentiation of normal B lymphocytes into IgG‐secreting cells.
Comparison of the ligand binding specificity and transcript tissue distribution of estrogen receptors alpha and beta.

The rat estrogen receptor (ER) exists as two subtypes, ER alpha and ER beta, which differ in the C-terminal ligand binding domain and in the N-terminal transactivation domain. In this study we investigated the messenger RNA expression of both ER subtypes in rat tissues by RT-PCR and compared the ligand binding specificity of the ER subtypes. Saturation ligand binding analysis of in vitro synthesized human ER alpha and rat ER beta protein revealed a single binding component for 16 alpha-iodo-17 beta-estradiol with high affinity [dissociation constant (Kd) = 0.1 nM for ER alpha protein and 0.4 nM for ER beta protein]. Most estrogenic substances or estrogenic antagonists compete with 16 alpha-[125I]iodo-17 beta-estradiol for binding to both ER subtypes in a very similar preference and degree; that is, diethylstilbestrol > hexestrol > dienestrol > 4-OH-tamoxifen > 17 beta-estradiol > coumestrol, ICI-164384 > estrone, 17 alpha-estradiol > nafoxidine, moxestrol > clomifene > estriol, 4-OH-estradiol > tamoxifen, 2-OH-estradiol, 5-androstene-3 beta, 17 beta-diol, genistein for the ER alpha protein and dienestrol > 4-OH-tamoxifen > diethylstilbestrol > hexestrol > coumestrol, ICI-164384 > 17 beta-estradiol > estrone, genistein > estriol > nafoxidine, 5-androstene-3 beta, 17 beta-diol > 17 alpha-estradiol, clomifene, 2-OH-estradiol > 4-OH-estradiol, tamoxifen, moxestrol for the ER beta protein. The rat tissue distribution and/or the relative level of ER alpha and ER beta expression seems to be quite different, i.e. moderate to high expression in uterus, testis, pituitary, ovary, kidney, epididymis, and adrenal for ER alpha and prostate, ovary, lung, bladder, brain, uterus, and testis for ER beta. The described differences between the ER subtypes in relative ligand binding affinity and tissue distribution could contribute to the selective action of ER agonists and antagonists in different tissues.
Continuous non-invasive optical monitoring of cerebral blood flow and oxidative metabolism after acute brain injury

Rapid detection of ischemic conditions at the bedside can improve treatment of acute brain injury. In this observational study of 11 critically ill brain-injured adults, we employed a monitoring approach that interleaves time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy (TR-NIRS) measurements of cerebral oxygen saturation and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) with diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Using this approach, we demonstrate the clinical promise of non-invasive, continuous optical monitoring of changes in CBF and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2). In addition, the optical CBF and CMRO2 measures were compared to invasive brain tissue oxygen tension (PbtO2), thermal diffusion flowmetry CBF, and cerebral microdialysis measures obtained concurrently. The optical CBF and CMRO2 information successfully distinguished between ischemic, hypermetabolic, and hyperemic conditions that arose spontaneously during patient care. Moreover, CBF monitoring during pressor-induced changes of mean arterial blood pressure enabled assessment of cerebral autoregulation. In total, the findings suggest that this hybrid non-invasive neurometabolic optical monitor (NNOM) can facilitate clinical detection of adverse physiological changes in brain injured patients that are otherwise difficult to measure with conventional bedside monitoring techniques.
Relationship between haemodynamic changes and outcomes of intracranial aneurysms after implantation of the pipeline embolisation device: a single centre study

Background Intracranial aneurysms are increasingly being treated by the placement of flow diverters; however, the factors affecting the outcome of aneurysms treated using flow diverters remain unclarified. Methods The present study investigated 94 aneurysms treated with pipeline embolisation device placement, and used a computational fluid dynamics method to explore the factors influencing the outcome of aneurysms. Results Seventy-six completely occluded aneurysms and 18 incompletely occluded aneurysms were analysed. Before treatment, inflow jets were found in 13 (72.2%) aneurysms in the incompletely occluded group and 34 (44.7%) in the completely occluded group (P = 0.292). After deployment of the pipeline embolisation device, inflow jets remained in nine (50%) aneurysms in the incompletely occluded group and nine (11.8%) in the completely occluded group (P = 0.001). In the incompletely occluded group, regions with inflow jets after treatment corresponded with the patent areas shown on follow-up digital subtraction angiography. The mean reduction ratios of velocity in the whole aneurysm and on the neck plane were lower in the incompletely occluded than in the completely occluded group (P = 0.003; P = 0.017). Multivariate analysis revealed that the only independent risk factors for incomplete aneurysm occlusion were the reduction ratios of velocity (in the whole aneurysm, threshold 0.362, P = 0.005; on the neck plane, threshold 0.273, P = 0.015). Conclusions After pipeline embolisation device placement, reduction ratios of velocity in the whole aneurysm of less than 0.362 and on the neck plane of less than 0.273 are significantly associated with a greater risk of aneurysm incomplete occlusion. In addition, the persistence of inflow jets in aneurysms is associated with incomplete occlusion in the inflow jet area.
A service Robot Acceptance Model: User acceptance of humanoid robots during service encounters

This research examines human-robot acceptance during service encounters. Based on role theory and the technology acceptance model (TAM), we argue that users draw on various categories of expectations, which in turn, leads to a user's acceptance of frontline service robots (FSR). Results of a qualitative study with 63 participants reveal that users form their expectations toward FSR based on three categories: (1) their ideal imagination of a service, (2) their expectations toward a human frontline employee, and (3) their expectations toward a self-service technology. The theoretically developed Robot- Acceptance-Model (RAM) is tested in an experimental services setting with 82 users and service frontline robots.
The Survival Advantage of Milk and Dairy Consumption: an Overview of Evidence from Cohort Studies of Vascular Diseases, Diabetes and Cancer

Objectives: To conduct a detailed evaluation, with meta-analyses, of the published evidence on milk and dairy consumption and the incidence of vascular diseases and diabetes. Also to summarise the evidence on milk and dairy consumption and cancer reported by the World Cancer Research Fund and then to consider the relevance of milk and dairy consumption to survival in the UK, a typical Western community. Finally, published evidence on relationships with whole milk and fat-reduced milks was examined. Methods: Prospective cohort studies of vascular disease and diabetes with baseline data on milk or dairy consumption and a relevant disease outcome were identified by searching MEDLINE, and reference lists in the relevant published reports. Meta-analyses of relationships in these reports were conducted. The likely effect of milk and dairy consumption on survival was then considered, taking into account the results of published overviews of relationships of these foods with cancer. Results: From meta-analysis of 15 studies the relative risk of stroke and/or heart disease in subjects with high milk or dairy consumption was 0.84 (95% CI 0.76, 0.93) and 0.79 (0.75, 0.82) respectively, relative to the risk in those with low consumption. Four studies reported incident diabetes as an outcome, and the relative risk in the subjects with the highest intake of milk or diary foods was 0.92 (0.86, 0.97). Conclusions: Set against the proportion of total deaths attributable to the life-threatening diseases in the UK, vascular disease, diabetes and cancer, the results of meta-analyses provide evidence of an overall survival advantage from the consumption of milk and dairy foods.
Experiences with a MOOC-platform - Who are our learners and what do they think about MOOCs?

iMooX, the first and currently only Austrian MOOC platform, has been hosting xMOOCs since 2014. Directly after the start a survey of the first three MOOCs was conducted and published in 2015. In the meantime, the MOOC platform contains more than 45 courses and serves many thousands of learners. Therefore, we are investigating, if there is a change towards the learners themselves, their expectations and experiences regarding learning with MOOCs as well as with the platform. Using the exact same survey as years before it can be shown that there are little changes in the right directions or maybe it can be concluded that learning with MOOCs became more common to a broader public, at least in the academic world.
Metamorphosis‐associated and region‐specific expression of calbindin gene in the posterior intestinal epithelium of Xenopus laevis larva

The present study used a molecular approach toward understanding the mechanism of hormone‐ and region‐dependent remodeling of the small intestine during metamorphosis of Xenopus laevis. A protein spot was noticed on a two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel as a protein whose expression was metamorphic stage‐ and region‐dependent. The protein was identified as the Xenopus homolog (Xcalbindin) of chick calbindin D28k. Xcalbindin expression in the intestine was restricted to absorptive cells in the posterior part, being detectable at stages 49–61, not detectable at stages 62–63, detectable again at stages 64–66, and finally becoming undetectable in the adult. During spontaneous metamorphosis, the level of Xcalbindin mRNA was significantly increased between stages 57 and 58, dramatically reduced at stage 59, and the mRNA was undetectable from stages 60–63, after which it was weakly re‐expressed until the end of metamorphosis. Such up‐ and down‐regulation of Xcalbindin mRNA was induced precociously by exogenous thyroid hormone. These results indicated that Xcalbindin is a specific marker of the differentiated absorptive cells of the intestine. Immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies against Xcalbindin demonstrated that precursor cells of adult intestinal epithelial cells expressed Xcalbindin. Considering these results, the origin of adult intestinal epithelial cells was discussed.
Spousal support and knowledge related to cervical cancer screening: Are Sub-Saharan African immigrant men interested?

Abstract Sub-Saharan African immigrant (SSAI) men have significant influence on the health-seeking behavior including cervical cancer screening uptake by their female partners/wives. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study with 21 SSAI men to explore knowledge, perceptions, and support related to cervical screening. Participants were aged 36 ± 9 years, college educated (88%), and 53% have lived in the U.S. > 5 years. Three themes emerged; inadequate cervical cancer knowledge, willingness and strategies for support, and shared versus autonomous decision making for screening. Social structure with emphasis on male leadership could be leveraged in cervical cancer screening promotion for SSAI women.