Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic evaluation of targeted treatments of invasive aspergillosis in adult haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients in the Netherlands: a modelling approach.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of a targeted treatment model of antifungal treatment strategies for adult haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients in the Netherlands from a hospital perspective, using a decision analytic modelling approach. METHODS The economic evaluation of desoxycholate amphotericin B, liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole and caspofungin was undertaken. These drugs could be used alone, in various combinations or sequentially. In our model, first-line therapy consisted of either voriconazole or liposomal amphotericin B. If necessary, treatment was switched to a second-line treatment, including combination antifungal therapy. The theoretical population in this model consisted of adult HSCT recipients with proven or probable invasive aspergillosis (IA). Long-term survival was extrapolated from survival after 12 weeks of treatment and life expectancy. RESULTS First-line antifungal treatment strategies with voriconazole were both more effective and less costly over first-line strategies employing liposomal amphotericin B at a dosage of 4 mg/kg/day. The strategy of voriconazole followed by caspofungin (voriconazole/caspofungin) was dominant over the strategies of voriconazole followed by liposomal amphotericin B (voriconazole/liposomal amphotericin B) or desoxycholate amphotericin B (voriconazole/desoxycholate amphotericin B). However, the voriconazole followed by the combination of liposomal amphotericin B and caspofungin strategy (voriconazole/liposomal amphotericin B+caspofungin) was more effective though more expensive than the voriconazole/caspofungin strategy resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of about euro107,000 for a life-year saved. At a dosage of 1 mg/kg/day of liposomal amphotericin B, the voriconazole/caspofungin strategy was more effective but more costly than the voriconazole/desoxycholate amphotericin B strategy with an ICER of euro10,000 for each extra life-year saved. Between the voriconazole/liposomal amphotericin B+caspofungin and the voriconazole/caspofungin strategies, the ICER was euro40,000. CONCLUSIONS Probabilistic analyses on net monetary benefit showed that the voriconazole/caspofungin strategy had the highest probability of being the most cost-effective strategy.
Maternal herpes simplex virus type 2 coinfection increases the risk of perinatal HIV transmission: possibility to further decrease transmission?

Objectives:To evaluate the association between maternal herpes simplex virus type 2 seropositivity and genital herpes simplex virus type 2 shedding with perinatal HIV transmission. Study design:Evaluation of women who participated in a 1996–1997 perinatal HIV transmission prevention trial in Thailand. Methods:In this nonbreastfeeding population, women were randomized to zidovudine or placebo from 36 weeks gestation through delivery; maternal plasma and cervicovaginal HIV viral load and infant HIV status were determined for the original study. Stored maternal plasma and cervicovaginal samples were tested for herpes simplex virus type 2 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunoassay and for herpes simplex virus type 2 DNA by real-time PCR, respectively. Results:Among 307 HIV-positive women with available samples, 228 (74.3%) were herpes simplex virus type 2 seropositive and 24 (7.8%) were shedding herpes simplex virus type 2. Herpes simplex virus type 2 seropositivity was associated with overall perinatal HIV transmission [adjusted odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–6.7)], and herpes simplex virus type 2 shedding was associated with intrapartum transmission (adjusted odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–8.5) independent of plasma and cervicovaginal HIV viral load, and zidovudine treatment. Median plasma HIV viral load was higher among herpes simplex virus type 2 shedders (4.2 vs. 4.1 log10copies/ml; P = 0.05), and more shedders had quantifiable levels of HIV in cervicovaginal samples, compared with women not shedding herpes simplex virus type 2 (62.5 vs. 34.3%; P = 0.005). Conclusion:We found an increased risk of perinatal HIV transmission among herpes simplex virus type 2 seropositive women and an increased risk of intrapartum HIV transmission among women shedding herpes simplex virus type 2. These novel findings suggest that interventions to control herpes simplex virus type 2 infection could further reduce perinatal HIV transmission.
A 640 µW frequency synthesizer dedicated to implantable medical microsystems in 90-nm CMOS

This paper presents a 90-nm CMOS, ultra-low power frequency synthesizer dedicated to implantable smart medical devices. A new supply regulated LC-VCO that reduces the impact of process variations and temperature on current consumption and phase noise is proposed, as well as a new single-ended charge pump architecture that offers very high output impedance over a wide output voltage range. The frequency synthesizer operates in the 902–928 MHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band. It allows the selection of 7 channels 3.4 MHz in bandwidth and provides the differential, I/Q versions of the RF carrier. The measured power dissipation of the frequency synthesizer is 640 µW.
Meat consumption and colorectal cancer risk: Dose‐response meta‐analysis of epidemiological studies

The hypothesis that consumption of red and processed meat increases colorectal cancer risk is reassessed in a meta‐analysis of articles published during 1973–99. The mean relative risk (RR) for the highest quantile of intake vs. the lowest was calculated and the RR per gram of intake was computed through log‐linear models. Attributable fractions and preventable fractions for hypothetical reductions in red meat consumption in different geographical areas were derived using the RR log‐linear estimates and prevalence of red meat consumption from FAO data and national dietary surveys. High intake of red meat, and particularly of processed meat, was associated with a moderate but significant increase in colorectal cancer risk. Average RRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the highest quantile of consumption of red meat were 1.35 (CI: 1.21–1.51) and of processed meat, 1.31 (CI: 1.13–1.51). The RRs estimated by log‐linear dose‐response analysis were 1.24 (CI: 1.08–1.41) for an increase of 120 g/day of red meat and 1.36 (CI: 1.15–1.61) for 30 g/day of processed meat. Total meat consumption was not significantly associated with colorectal cancer risk. The risk fraction attributable to current levels of red meat intake was in the range of 10–25% in regions where red meat intake is high. If average red meat intake is reduced to 70 g/week in these regions, colorectal cancer risk would hypothetically decrease by 7–24%. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What's the Use of Faculty Development? Program Evaluation Using Retrospective Self-Assessments and Independent Performance Ratings

Background: The assessment of the effectiveness of faculty development programs is increasingly important in medical schools and academic medical centers but is difficult to accomplish. Purpose: We investigated the usefulness of retrospective self-assessments by program participants in combination with independent ratings of teaching performance by their trainees. Methods: We used a single sample, prepost intervention design using multiple measures. Our assessment instruments were based on our institution's accepted teaching competencies. We measured participants' self-assessments of their teaching competencies before the program and their retrospective self-assessed improvements in these competencies after the program. We also used independent ratings of the participants' teaching competencies before and after their involvement in the program, as rated by their own trainees (fellows, residents, and medical students). Selected teaching competencies comprised the intended learning outcomes of the faculty development program. Results: Participants' preprogram self-assessments showed that the program was appropriately matched to several topics identified as needy, but also included topics that participants did not identify as needs. The retrospective self-assessments showed improvements in teaching skills that previously were identified as needs, as well as those in which participants originally felt quite competent. The independent ratings by trainees showed overall positive improvements (some significantly). The retrospective self-assessed improvements correlated positively with the independent ratings by their trainees (p <. 01). Conclusions: This evaluation strategy showed that the faculty development program improved the teaching competencies of the participants. Both the program participants' retrospective self-assessments and the independent ratings by their trainees showed postprogram improvements and were positively intercorrelated. The use of these multiple measures is a viable approach to evaluate the impact of a faculty development program. Potentially either approach could be used, but in combination, they provide a feasible, valid, and reliable evaluation.
S Effectiveness of Behavioral Stuttering Treatment : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

61 1092-5171/06/3301-0061 ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the research relating to behavioral stuttering treatment. Detailed descriptions of the information retrieval, inclusion criteria, study coding, and effect size computations are provided. A total of 375 citations were identified for potential inclusion using electronic and hand-search strategies. Of the 12 included studies, six reported outcomes for treated versus nontreated participants, yielding a significant effect size of 0.91. The remaining six studies compared the effectiveness of two different treatments and yielded a nonsignificant effect size of 0.21. These data support the claim that intervention for stuttering results in an overall positive effect. Additionally, the data show that no one treatment approach for stuttering demonstrates significantly greater effects over another treatment approach.
Evaluation of the correlation between body mass index and endometriosis among Iranian fertile women

Abstract Aims: The investigations have revealed an inverse correlation between body mass index (BMI) and endometriosis. Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease among women of reproductive age, which is defined as the implantation of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus. In this respect, we aimed to study the correlation between endometriosis and BMI in Iranian fertile women. Methods: In a case-control design, 46 fertile women with endometriosis and 53 matched controls were recruited. All of the patients had a laparoscopy or laparotomy surgery and histologically confirmed endometriosis. The control group was selected from healthy volunteers who referred to gynecologist for tubal ligation or surgery of benign gynecological diseases. The participants were interviewed based on a structured questionnaire which covered inquiries regarding demographics, reproductive and menstrual history. Results: Statistical analysis was performed by categorizing the BMI to four main groups: >30, 25–29.9, 18.5–24.9 and <18.5. The results showed a significant inverse correlation between BMI and endometriosis (p = 0.039). BMI over 30 was observed in 26% of healthy controls versus 13% of endometriosis patients. On the other hand, BMI under 18.5 were detected in 3 individuals, all of them belonged to the endometriosis group. Discussion: Recent investigations have emphasized the role of BMI in endometriosis. The results of this study suggest that lower BMI is associated with an increased risk of endometriosis. As a parameter easily obtained, BMI may be useful for risk assessment of endometriosis.
Influence of seed rates and levels of NPK fertilizers on dry matter accumulations and yield performance of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.)

A study was carried out in the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Old Brahmaputra Flood Plains Soil (AEZ-9) during December 2001 to April 2002 to find out the effect of seed rates and NPK levels on dry matter accumulation and grain yield of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.). Four seed rates viz., 8,10,12, and 14 kg/ha and five levels of NPK fertilizers viz., N 0 P 0 K 0 , N 10 P 8 K 5 , N 20 P 16 K 10 , N 30 P 24 K 15 , and N 40 P 32 K 20 were included in a split plot design with three replications. Dry matter accumulation pattern was determined by harvesting 10 plants randomly at 30, 60, 80, and 102 DAS (days after swing). The yield and yield contributing characters of foxtail millet were influenced by seed rates and NPK levels except tillers per plant and 1000-grain weight significantly. Generally its production rate was 0.86 t/ha when it was grown in char lands in sandy loam soils, the highest grain yield (1.62 t/ha) was produced by 10 kg seeds/ha, which was identical with 12 kg seeds/ha. In case of NPK levels, the treatment was N 30 P 24 K 10 . In case of interaction, the treatment combination 12 kg seeds/ha and N 30 P 24 K 15 produced the highest grain yield (1.77 t/ha. In case of interaction, the treatment combination 12 kg seeds/ha and N,sub>30P 24 K 15 /ha gave the highest grain yield. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i4.19661 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(4): 689-704, December 2013
Constructing a scientific paper: Howell's prothrombin laboratory notebook and paper

Scientists generally record their laboratory activities and experimental results in notebooks, from which they construct scientific papers. The Johns Hopkins physiologist William Henry Howell kept a laboratory notebook from 1913 to 1914, in which he recorded experiments on the blood clotting factor prothrombin. In 1914 he published a paper using this notebook, to justify his theory of prothrombin activation. Howell's paper is reconstructed, in terms of its narrative and argument elements, from the laboratory activities and experimental results recorded in the notebook. This reconstruction reveals an intimate connection between the two texts and the process by which Howell constructed a scientific paper. The generation of scientific knowledge by Howell is then evaluated, especially in terms of theory formation and justification.
Cumulative or sequential assessment during hermit crab shell fights: effects of oxygen on decision rules

Agonistic interactions between animals are often settled by the use of repeated signals which advertise the resource–holding potential of the sender. According to the sequential assessment game this repetition increases the accuracy with which receivers may assess the signal, but under the cumulative assessment model the repeated performances accumulate to give a signal of stamina. These models may be distinguished by the temporal pattern of signalling they predict and by the decision rules used by the contestants. Hermit crabs engage in shell fights over possession of the gastropod shells that they inhabit. During these interactions the two roles of signaller and receiver may be examined separately because they are fixed for the duration of the encounter. Attackers rap their shell against that of the defender in a series of bouts whereas defenders remain tightly withdrawn into their shells for the duration of the contest. At the end of a fight the attacker may evict the defender from its shell or decide to give up without first effecting an eviction; the decision for defenders is either to maintain a grip on its shell or to release the shell and allow itself to be evicted. We manipulated fatigue levels separately for attackers and defenders, by varying the oxygen concentration of the water that they are held in prior to fighting, and examined the effects that this has on the likelihood of each decision and on the temporal pattern of rapping.We show that the vigour of rapping and the likelihood of eviction are reduced when the attacker is subjected to low oxygen but that this treatment has no effect on rates of eviction when applied to defenders. We conclude that defenders compare the vigour of rapping with an absolute threshold rather than with a relative threshold when making their decision. The data are compatible with the cumulative assessment model and with the idea that shell rapping signals the stamina of attackers, but do not fit the predictions of the sequential assessment game.
Subscripts g guidewire h hyperemia a aorta e proximal to stenosis r distal to stenosis myo myocardial b basal v venous m throat ( or region of minimum stenosis area ) N high Re flow

Myocardial fractional flow reserve (FFRmyo) and coronary flow reserve (CFR), measured with guidewire, and quantitative angiography (QA) are widely used in combination to distinguish ischemic from non-ischemic coronary stenoses. Recent studies have shown that simultaneous measurements of FFRmyo and CFR are recommended to dissociate conduit epicardial coronary stenoses from distal resistance microvascular disease. In this study, a more comprehensive diagnostic parameter, named as lesion flow coefficient, ~ c, is proposed. The coefficient, ~ c, which accounts for mean pressure drop, D ~ p, mean coronary flow, ~ Q, and percentage area stenosis, can be used to assess the hemodynamic severity of a coronary artery stenoses. Importantly, the contribution of viscous loss and loss due to momentum change for several lesion sizes can be distinguished using ~ c. FFRmyo, CFR and ~ c were calculated for pre-angioplasty, intermediate and post-angioplasty epicardial lesions, without microvascular disease. While hyperemic ~ c decreased from 0.65 for pre-angioplasty to 0.48 for post-angioplasty lesion with guidewire of size 0.35mm, FFRmyo increased from 0.52 to 0.87, and CFR increased from 1.72 to 3.45, respectively. Thus, reduced loss produced by momentum change due to lower percentage area stenosis decreased ~ c. For post-angioplasty lesion, ~ c decreased from 0.55 to 0.48 with the insertion of guidewire. Hence, increased viscous loss due to the presence of guidewire decreased ~ c compared with a lesion without guidewire. Further, ~ c showed a linear relationship with FFRmyo, CFR and percentage area stenosis for preangioplasty, intermediate and post-angioplasty lesion. These baseline values of ~ c were developed from fluid dynamics fundamentals for focal lesions, and provided a single hemodynamic endpoint to evaluate coronary stenosis severity. r 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Localization and cooperative communication methods for cognitive radio

We study localization of nearby nodes and cooperative communication for cognitive radios. Cognitive radios sensing their environment to estimate the channel gain between nodes can cooperate and adapt their transmission power to maximize the capacity of the communication between two nodes. We study the end-to-end capacity of a cooperative relaying scheme using orthogonal frequency-division modulation (OFDM) modulation, under power constraints for both the base station and the relay station. The relay uses amplify-and-forward and decodeand-forward cooperative relaying techniques to retransmit messages on a subset of the available subcarriers. The power used in the base station and the relay station transmitters is allocated to maximize the overall system capacity. The subcarrier selection and power allocation are obtained based on convex optimization formulations and an iterative algorithm. Additionally, decode-and-forward relaying schemes are allowed to pair source and relayed subcarriers to increase further the capacity of the system. The proposed techniques outperforms non-selective relaying schemes over a range of relay power budgets. Cognitive radios can be used for opportunistic access of the radio spectrum by detecting spectrum holes left unused by licensed primary users. We introduce a spectrum holes detection approach, which combines blind modulation classification, angle of arrival estimation and number of sources detection. We perform eigenspace analysis to determine the number of sources, and estimate their angles of arrival (AOA). In addition, we classify detected sources as primary or secondary users with their distinct second-orde one-conjugate cyclostationarity features. Extensive simulations carried out indicate that the proposed system identifies and locates individual sources correctly, even at -4 dB signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). In environments with a high density of scatterers, several wireless channels experience non-line-of-sight (NLOS) condition, increasing the localization error, even when the AOA estimate is accurate. We present a real-time localization solver (RTLS) for time-of-arrival (TOA) estimates using ray-tracing methods on the map of the geometry of walls and compare its performance with classical TOA trilateration localization methods. Extensive simulations and field trials for indoor environments show that our method increases the coverage area from 1.9% of the floor to 82.3 % and the accuracy by a 10-fold factor when compared with trilateration. We implemented our ray tracing model in C++ using the CGAL computational geometry algorithm library. We illustrate the real-time property of our RTLS that performs most ray tracing tasks in a preprocessing phase with time and space complexity analyses and profiling of our software.
A comparison of phone-based and on-site assessment of fidelity for assertive community treatment in Indiana.

OBJECTIVE This study investigated the reliability and validity of a phone-administered fidelity assessment instrument based on the Dartmouth Assertive Community Treatment Scale (DACTS). METHODS An experienced rater paired with a research assistant without fidelity assessment experience or a consultant familiar with the treatment site conducted phone-based assessments of 23 teams providing assertive community treatment in Indiana. Using the DACTS, consultants conducted on-site evaluations of the programs. RESULTS The pairs of phone raters revealed high levels of consistency [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=. 92] and consensus (mean absolute difference of .07). Phone and on-site assessment showed strong agreement (ICC=.87) and consensus (mean absolute difference of .07) and agreed within . 1 scale point, or 2% of the scoring range, for 83% of sites and within . 15 scale point for 91% of sites. Results were unaffected by the expertise level of the rater. CONCLUSIONS Phone-based assessment could help agencies monitor faithful implementation of evidence-based practices.