Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Apomorphine: An underutilized therapy for Parkinson's disease

Apomorphine was the first dopaminergic drug ever used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. While powerful antiparkinsonian effects had been observed as early as 1951, the potential of treating fluctuating Parkinson's disease by subcutaneous administration of apomorphine has only recently become the subject of systematic study. A number of small scale clinical trials have unequivocally shown that intermittent subcutaneous apomorphine injections produce antiparkinsonian benefit close if not identical to that seen with levodopa and that apomorphine rescue injections can reliably revert off‐periods even in patients with complex on–off motor swings. Continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusions can reduce daily off‐time by more than 50% in this group of patients, which appears to be a stronger effect than that generally seen with add‐on therapy with oral dopamine agonists or COMT inhibitors. Extended follow‐up studies of up to 8 years have demonstrated long‐term persistence of apomorphine efficacy. In addition, there is convincing clinical evidence that monotherapy with continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusions is associated with marked reductions of preexisting levodopa‐induced dyskinesias. The main side effects of subcutaneous apomorphine treatment are related to cutaneous tolerability problems, whereas sedation and psychiatric complications play a lesser role. Given the marked degree of efficacy of subcutaneous apomorphine treatment in fluctuating Parkinson's disease, this approach seems to deserve more widespread clinical use.
Spatial prediction of rainfall-induced shallow landslides using hybrid integration approach of Least-Squares Support Vector Machines and differential evolution optimization: a case study in Central Vietnam

ABSTRACT This study represents a hybrid intelligence approach based on the differential evolution optimization and Least-Squares Support Vector Machines for shallow landslide prediction, named as DE–LSSVMSLP. The LSSVM is used to establish a landslide prediction model whereas the DE is adopted to search the optimal tuning parameters of the LSSVM model. In this research, a GIS database with 129 historical landslide records in the Quy Hop area (Central Vietnam) has been collected to establish the hybrid model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to assess the performance of the newly constructed model. Experimental results show that the proposed model has high performances with approximately 82% of AUCs on both training and validating datasets. The model’s results were compared with those obtained from other methods, Support Vector Machines, Multilayer Perceptron Neural Networks, and J48 Decision Trees. The result comparison demonstrates that the DE–LSSVMSLP deems best suited for the dataset at hand; therefore, the proposed model can be a promising tool for spatial prediction of rainfall-induced shallow landslides for the study area.
SpeCam: sensing surface color and material with the front-facing camera of a mobile device

SpeCam is a lightweight surface color and material sensing approach for mobile devices which only uses the front-facing camera and the display as a multi-spectral light source. We leverage the natural use of mobile devices (placing it face-down) to detect the material underneath and therefore infer the location or placement of the device. SpeCam can then be used to support discreet micro-interactions to avoid the numerous distractions that users daily face with today's mobile devices. Our two-parts study shows that SpeCam can i) recognize colors in the HSB space with 10 degrees apart near the 3 dominant colors and 4 degrees otherwise and ii) 30 types of surface materials with 99% accuracy. These findings are further supported by a spectroscopy study. Finally, we suggest a series of applications based on simple mobile micro-interactions suitable for using the phone when placed face-down.
The PCR-based detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in the faeces of Triatoma infestans fed on patients with chronic American trypanosomiasis gives higher sensitivity and a quicker result than routine xenodiagnosis

Abstract In the xenodiagnosis (XD) of American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), Trypanosoma cruzi in the triatomine bugs fed on the patient can now be detected using PCR (XD-PCR) as well as by microscopy (XD-M). In a study to compare XD-PCR with XD-M, triatomine bugs were fed on 50 cases of chronic American trypanosomiasis, of whom only 25 were ever found positive by XD-M. Overall, the bugs fed on 34 of the patients (all 25 cases found positive by XD-M and nine of the other patients) were found PCR-positive, giving a 330-bp fragment corresponding to part of the hyper variable region of the kinetoplast DNA of T. cruzi. Of the 25 patients who were ever found positive by XD-M, 20 gave bugs that were smear-positive on day 90 and a similar number (24; P=0.125) gave bugs that were PCR-positive at this time. On day 30, however, the bugs fed on only 11 of these 25 patients were found positive by microscopy, whereas 23 of these patients were found positive by XD-PCR (P=0.0016). Thus, not only was XD-PCR more sensitive than XD-M but it was also quicker, revealing more cases within 30 days than detected using XD-M over a period of 90 days.
Uncommon opportunistic fungi: new nosocomial threats.

During the past two decades opportunistic fungal infections have emerged as important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with severe underlying illnesses and compromised host defenses. While Aspergillus and Candida spp. collectively account for the majority of these infections, recent epidemiological trends indicate a shift towards infections by Aspergillus spp. , nonalbicans Candida spp. , as well as previously uncommon opportunistic fungi. Apart from an expanding number of different Zygomycetes, previously uncommon hyaline filamentous fungi (such as Fusarium species, Acremonium species, Paecilomyces species, Pseudallescheria boydii, and Scedosporium prolificans), dematiaceous filamentous fungi (such as Bipolaris species, Cladophialophora bantiana, Dactylaria gallopava, Exophiala species, and Alternaria species) and yeast-like pathogens (such as Trichosporon species, Blastoschizomyces capitatus, Malassezia species, Rhodotorula rubra and others) are increasingly encountered as causing life threatening invasive infections that are often refractory to conventional therapies. On the basis of past and current trends, the spectrum of fungal pathogens will continue to evolve in the settings of an expanding population of immunocompromised hosts, selective antifungal pressures, and shifting conditions in hospitals and the environment. An expanded and refined drug arsenal, further elucidation of pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms, establishment of in vitro/in vivo correlations, incorporation of pharmacodynamics, combination- and immunotherapies offer hope for substantial progress in prevention and treatment.
Tillage-induced CO 2 loss across an eroded landscape

Soil carbon (C) losses and soil translocation from tillage operations have been identified as causes of soil degradation and soil erosion. The objective of this work was to quantify the variability in tillage-induced carbon dioxide (CO2) loss by moldboard (MP) and chisel (CP) plowing across an eroded landscape and relate the C loss to soil properties. The study site was a 4 ha wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Marshall) field with rolling topography and five soil types in the Svea-Barnes complex in west central Minnesota (N. Latitude = 458410W, Longitude = 958430). Soil properties were measured at several depths at a 10 m spacing along north–south (N–S) and west–east (W–E) transects through severely eroded, moderately eroded and non-eroded sites. Conventional MP (25 cm deep) and CP (15 cm deep) equipment were used along the pre-marked transects. Gas exchange measurements were obtained with a large, portable chamber within 2 m of each sample site following tillage. The measured CO2 fluxes were largest with the MP > CP > not tilled (before tillage). The variation in 24 h cumulative CO2 flux from MP was nearly 3-fold on the N–S transect and 4-fold on the W–E transect. The surface soil organic C on the transects was lowest on the eroded knolls at 5.1 g C kg 1 and increased to 19.6 g C kg 1 in the depositional areas. The lowest CO2 fluxes were measured from severely eroded sites which indicated that the variation in CO2 loss was partially reflected by the degradation of soil properties caused by historic tillage-induced soil translocation with some wind and water erosion. The spatial variation across the rolling landscape complicates the determination of non-point sources of soil C loss and suggests the need for improved conservation tillage methods to maintain soil and air quality in agricultural production systems. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Effect of statins versus untreated dyslipidemia on serum uric acid levels in patients with coronary heart disease: a subgroup analysis of the GREek Atorvastatin and Coronary-heart-disease Evaluation (GREACE) study.

BACKGROUND Little is known about the effect of dyslipidemia on serum uric acid (SUA) levels, and less is known about the effect of statin treatment on them. The GREek Atorvastatin and Coronary-heart-disease Evaluation study suggested that a mean atorvastatin dose of 24 mg/d achieves the National Cholesterol Educational Program treatment goals and significantly reduces morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) in comparison to the usual care. Here, we report the time course of SUA levels in usual-care patients undertreated for their dyslipidemia (12% were administered statins) in comparison to structured-care patients treated with atorvastatin in the vast majority (98%). METHODS Mean on-study SUA levels (up to 48 months) were compared with those at baseline by using analyses of variance to assess differences over time within and between treatment groups. Cox multivariate analysis was used to investigate whether changes in SUA levels during the study were clinically relevant. RESULTS All patients had normal renal function at baseline; serum creatinine (SCr) levels less than 1.3 mg/dL (<115 micromol/L) and moderately elevated SUA levels (mean, 7.1 +/- 0.9 [SD] mg/dL [425 +/- 52 micromol/L]; upper normal limit, 7.0 mg/dL [415 micromol/L]). Usual-care patients (n = 800) showed an increase in SUA levels by 3.3% ( P < 0.0001). Structured-care patients (n = 800) had an 8.2% reduction in SUA levels ( P < 0.0001). In all patients not administered diuretics (n = 1,407), SUA level changes showed a positive correlation with changes in SCr levels ( r = 0.82; P < 0.0001) and an inverse correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate ( r = -0.77; P < 0.0001). After adjustment for 19 predictors of all CHD-related events, Cox multivariate analysis involving backward stepwise logistic regression showed a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78 to 0.96; P = 0.03) with every 0.5-mg (30-micromol/L) reduction in SUA level, an HR of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.62 to 0.89; P = 0.001) with every 1-mg (60-micromol/L) reduction, an HR of 1.14 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.27; P = 0.02) with every 0.5-mg increase, and an HR of 1.29 (95% CI, 1.17 to 1.43; P = 0.001) with every 1-mg increase in SUA levels. CONCLUSION Data suggest that SUA level is an independent predictor of CHD recurrent events. Atorvastatin treatment significantly reduces SUA levels in patients with CHD, thus offsetting an additional factor associated with CHD risk.
The effect of limited English proficiency on falls risk and falls prevention after stroke.

SIR—Language barriers disadvantage the health care of people with limited English proficiency (LEP) [1]. For people with stroke, having LEP has been associated with increased length of hospital stay [2] and underutilisation of anticoagulants [3]. There remain many gaps in the evidence regarding health care for stroke patients with LEP as researchers frequently exclude this group from studies. Falling is an adverse event for many stroke survivors. Up to 73% of people with stroke fall during the first 6 months after discharge home [4, 5]. Despite recent interest in falls prevention for people with stroke, [6] falls risk and falls prevention after stroke for people with LEP has not been specifically explored. The objective of this sub-study analysis of a randomised controlled trial was to determine if having LEP affected overall falls risk, falls risk factors, falls prevention strategies or planned health and support service use for community-dwelling people at risk of recurrent falls after stroke.
Exposure , Uptake , Distribution and Toxicity of Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials present unique challenges when assessing possible short and long term toxicity in humans and yet with the exponential growth of new nanomaterials and their application to products it is essential that these challenges are met by a robust scientific and regulatory strategy that minimises cost and use of animal testing and still provide sufficient reassurance to the public and workers who encounter these materials to ensure they are adequately protected. Because materials change their chemical, physical and biological properties when reduced to nanoscale, toxicicity cannot simply be extrapolated from studies using the same materials in solution or as powders in suspension. However, some lessons on how small particles behave on entering the body of humans and animals can be obtained from experience gained over the last 100 years in the occupational setting with dust exposures and, more recently the new findings on the impact of vehicle-derived particulate pollutants on human health.
Evaluation of risk factors in patients diagnosed with bronchial asthma.

UNLABELLED Bronchial asthma is a public health problem with gradually increasing importance, affecting more than 100 million individuals worldwide and found independently of the level of development of the country. Factors related to lifestyle and the environment form the basis for the increase in the prevalence of the disease. AIM To evaluate our patients being followed-up with a diagnosis of bronchial asthma at the Allergy Clinic for risk factors and to determine their sociodemographic characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHOD The risk factors of 3025 patients followed-up with a diagnosis of bronchial asthma at the Allergy Clinic of the Ministry of Health, Ankara Diskapi Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital between January 1995 and March 2000 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS A high percentage of our patients suffered from both asthma and allergic rhinitis and 45% of our asthmatic patients had allergic rhinitis while 93.5% of those with allergic rhinitis were also asthmatic. Asthma was more common in males and those born in the summer months. 57.6% of the patients had a history of atopy. Passive smoking was observed at a high rate and cigarette smoke was the most important factor increasing the symptoms. The symptoms increased during the winter. 92.8% of the patients lived in the city. The average Ig E level was high and 60.9% of the patients were atopic on the skin prick test. RESULTS Asthma seems to be an important health problem in our country. Recognizing the risk factors is important for the diagnosis and prevention of the disease.
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration is inversely associated with mucosal inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND Vitamin D exerts anti-inflammatory actions both in vitro and in murine models of colitis. In previous studies, we demonstrated that vitamin D protects against the development of colitis by maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate whether deficient serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations are associated with increased mucosal inflammation, a loss of epithelial junctional proteins, and an increase in mucosal inflammatory cytokines in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). DESIGN We prospectively enrolled 230 subjects with UC. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were compared with the Mayo endoscopic score, the total Mayo score, and histologic activity. Colonic mucosal expression concentrations of vitamin D receptor (VDR), E-cadherin, zonula occluden 1 (ZO-1), occludin, claudin-2, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) were compared between dichotomous groups with low or high serum 25(OH)D concentrations. RESULTS The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 21.8 ng/mL. Subjects stratified by concentrations included 12.6% ≥30 ng/mL, 45.6% ≥20 to <30 ng/mL, 37.4% ≥10 to <20 ng/mL, and 4.4% <10 ng/mL. There was an inverse association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and mucosal inflammation as assessed by the Mayo endoscopy score (P = 0.01), disease activity as indicated by the total Mayo score (P = 0.001), and histologic activity (P = 0.02). A serum 25(OH)D concentration <20 ng/mL was associated with decreased mucosal transcript and protein expression concentrations of VDR, E-cadherin, and occludin as well as decreased protein expression of ZO-1, whereas TNF-α and IL-8 mucosal transcript expression concentrations were increased. CONCLUSIONS In UC patients, serum 25(OH)D concentration is inversely correlated with mucosal inflammation and disease activity. These results, coupled with the findings that serum 25(OH)D concentrations correlate with the mucosal expression of VDR as well as epithelial junction proteins and inversely with proinflammatory cytokines, suggest that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to UC inflammation by disrupting epithelial barrier function.
A longitudinal study of VDT work and health

A longitudinal study on the use of visual display terminals (VDTs) was conducted with questionaire data obtained 1981 and in 1987–1988 from a cohort of office workers. The use of VDTs became more widespread in these offices during the intervening time period, but the time spent by individuals working at VDTs showed no general increase. The data suggested that VDT use was related to the risk of developing eye discomforts and hand and wrist problems. For skin problems and headache, risks for VDT and non‐VDT users were fairly similar, but indications of increased risks were found for certain groups and situations. The risks of developing neck, shoulder, shoulder joint, or upper arm problems were high for both VDT and non‐VDT users, but there were, in this study, no convincing suggestions that these risks were higher for VDT users compared to nonusers.
Optimisation of Si

This paper investigates the optimal process and device architecture for Sio.7Geo. 3 channel for 0.15/0.18j. 1m CMOS. For the first time, impact of the SiGe layer on both N and P MOSFETs is analysed. It clearly shows the big potential of the SiGe channels for boosting PMOS transistors, but indicates the necessity of very careful design at the NMOS side. The necessary revisions are proposed to the process (thermal budget, LDD implant and spacer etch) in order to conserve the SiGe layer properties and consequently to maximise performances and to minimise the leakages. This revisions are mandatory for successful integration of this SiGe architecture within a sub 0.18 j.Im CMOS technology.
Complete Solid State Dissolved Oxygen Sensor Using Hemin Electrocatalyst and Palladium-Reusable Reference Electrode

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is essential for aquatic life, but is consumed during the decomposition process of the organic matter in water. It is used as a primary indicator of water quality, and is also crucial for the efficiency of the waste water treatment process. Hence, a sensitive, long term reliable, in-line DO sensor is essential for sustainability of water ecosystems and management of water resources. This paper introduces a low-cost, all-solid state DO sensing device by the integration of polyhemin-based DO sensitive electrode and Pd/H reference electrode. Low cost electrodeposition techniques are applied in both the DO sensitive electrode and the Pd/H reference electrode synthesis. First, the operation parameters of the Pd/H reference electrode was characterized to obtain the adequate lifetime and response time of reference for DO sensing application. The regeneration procedure of the reference electrode is also investigated to achieve multi-usage of this Pd/H electrode. Consequently, this DO sensing device has a sensitivity of 1.3 ( $\mu \text{A}$ /cm2)/(mg/L) over a DO concentration range of 1.5 – 20 mg/L. The DO sensing applications in various water samples including tap water, simulated surface water and wastewater are also demonstrated. The all solid-state feature allows this sensing device to be applied as a long-term DO sensor for continuous, in-situ water monitoring.
Gömülü Sistem Mühendisliğinde Kullanılan Yazılım Modellemesi ve Model Güdümlü Teknikler Anketi: Türkiye Sonuçları

Özet. Gömülü sistemler gün geçtikçe hayatımızın vazgeçilmez bir parçası haline gelmektedir. Bu sistemlerin performans ve kalite kriterleri diğer yazılım sistemlerinden farklı olduğundan, donanım ve yazılım alt parçalarının birlikte tasarlanmasını, geliştirilmesini ve sınanmasını gerektirir. Bu zorlukla artan karmaşıklığın daha iyi yönetilebilmesi için sıkça kullanılan bir yöntem, yüksek seviyede soyutlama ile kolaylık sağlayan yazılım modellemesidir. Farklı uygulama alanlarında farklı amaçlarla kullanılan modelleme yaklaşımları, bunların neden, nasıl ve hangi sıklıkla kullanıldığını da değiştirmektedir. Verimlilik, taşınabilirlik ve sürdürülebilirlik ve gibi birçok kazanımı birlikte getirdiği iddia edilen bu yaklaşımlar için kullanım sıklığı, amacı ve yaygınlığı gibi veriler yeterince bulunmamaktadır. Bu makalede anlatılan çalışma, gömülü sistemlerde kullanılan modellemenin şu anki durumunu anlayabilmek amacıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Böyle bir çalışma, sadece dünyada bu alandaki en son kullanımı ortaya çıkarmakla kalmayacak, ulusal anlamda bu alandaki ilk çalışma olacaktır. Bu çalışmadaki anket verimiz toplam 642 katılımcıdan Türkiye için aldığımız 261 cevabı içermektedir.