Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic review of motor vehicle crash risk in persons with sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To determine whether drivers with sleep apnea are at increased risk of motor vehicle crash; whether disease severity, daytime sleepiness, or both disease severity and daytime sleepiness affect this risk, and whether treatment of sleep apnea reduces crash risk. DESIGN Systematic review of published literature. SETTING N/A. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS Patients with sleep apnea. INTERVENTIONS N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Forty pertinent studies were identified. For studies investigating whether noncommercial drivers with sleep apnea have increased crash rates, the majority (23 of 27 studies and 18 of 19 studies with control groups) found a statistically significant increased risk, with many of the studies finding a 2 to 3 times increased risk. Methodologic quality of the studies did not influence this relationship (p = .22). For commercial drivers, only 1 of 3 studies found an increased crash rate, with this association being weak (odds ratio of 1.3). The evidence was mixed regarding whether the risk of crash involvement is proportional to the severity of the sleep apnea, with about half of the studies finding a statistically significant increased risk with increased severity. Correlation with subjective daytime sleepiness and crash risk was also found in only half of the studies reviewed. Treatment of sleep apnea consistently improved driver performance (including crashes) across all studies. CONCLUSIONS Noncommercial drivers with sleep apnea are at a statistically significant increased risk of involvement in motor vehicle crashes. Studies did not consistently find that daytime sleepiness and the severity of sleep apnea were correlated with crash risk. Successful treatment of sleep apnea improves driver performance. Clinicians should educate their patients with sleep apnea about the importance of treatment adherence for driving safety.
A Multilevel Point-Cluster-Based Discriminative Feature for ALS Point Cloud Classification

Point cloud classification plays a critical role in point cloud processing and analysis. Accurately classifying objects on the ground in urban environments from airborne laser scanning (ALS) point clouds is a challenge because of their large variety, complex geometries, and visual appearances. In this paper, a novel framework is presented for effectively extracting the shape features of objects from an ALS point cloud, and then, it is used to classify large and small objects in a point cloud. In the framework, the point cloud is split into hierarchical clusters of different sizes based on a natural exponential function threshold. Then, to take advantage of hierarchical point cluster correlations, latent Dirichlet allocation and sparse coding are jointly performed to extract and encode the shape features of the multilevel point clusters. The features at different levels are used to capture information on the shapes of objects of different sizes. This way, robust and discriminative shape features of the objects can be identified, and thus, the precision of the classification is significantly improved, particularly for small objects.
Effect of surgical approach on erectile function recovery following bilateral nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy: an evaluation utilising data from a randomised, double‐blind, double‐dummy multicentre trial of tadalafil vs placebo

To report pre‐specified and exploratory results on the effect of different surgical approaches on erectile function (EF) after nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy (nsRP) obtained from the multicentre, randomised, double‐blind, double‐dummy REACTT trial of tadalafil (once a day [OaD] or on‐demand [pro‐re‐nata, PRN]) vs placebo.
Transgenic Eimeria tenella Expressing Enhanced Yellow Fluorescent Protein Targeted to Different Cellular Compartments Stimulated Dichotomic Immune Responses in Chickens

Eimeria tenella, one of the seven species of chicken coccidia, elicits protective immunity against challenge infection with both homologous and heterologous strains. We endeavor to use recombinant E. tenella as a vaccine vehicle for expressing and delivering pathogen Ags and investigate immune responses against these foreign Ags. In this study, two lines of transgenic E. tenella expressing a model Ag, enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP), targeted to the micronemes and to the cytoplasm of the recombinant parasites were constructed to study the impact of Ag compartmentalization on immunogenicity. The MTT assay, intracellular cytokine staining, and real-time PCR were performed to detect the EYFP-specific proliferation and effector functions of splenic lymphocytes of immunized chickens. ELISA was used to measure anti-EYFP IgG and IgA responses. The results showed that both lines of transgenic parasites stimulated EYFP-specific lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ expression in CD4 and CD8 T cells, whereas a higher level of Ag-specific lymphocyte proliferation was elicited by the transgenic line expressing microneme-targeted EYFP. Furthermore, this line stimulated stronger IgA response than the one expressing cytoplasm-targeted EYFP after the second immunization. Our findings are encouraging for further investigation of the effect of Ag compartmentalization in transgenic Eimeria on immunogenicity and for the development of a eukaryotic vaccine vector using genetically modified Apicomplexa parasites.
A cytostatic drug improves control of HIV-1 replication during structured treatment interruptions: a randomized study

Objective: To study the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with and without hydroxyurea (HU) on changes in plasma viral load (VL) set-point, and on HIV-1-specific responses, after five cycles of structured treatment interruptions (STI). Methods: A group of 20 patients taking HAART for chronic HIV infection with VL < 20 copies/ml were randomized to continue HAART or HAART plus HU for 24 weeks followed by five STI cycles. HU was also stopped in cycles 1–3 but continued in cycles 4 and 5. The number of individuals maintaining a VL set-point < 5000 copies/ml during the fifth interruption were determined. Results: VL remained < 5000 copies/ml in eight out of nine patients in the HU group and in four out of ten patients in the HAART group after a median 48 weeks of follow-up after the fifth interruption (P = 0.039). By STI cycle 5, there was a significant increase in the neutralizing activity (NA), in both magnitude and breadth of the total cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response and in lymphoproliferative response (LPR) from baseline. No significant differences were observed between HAART and HU groups in NA, CTL and LPR at any time-point. There were no differences in the NA titers at any time-point between responder and non-responder patients. There was a trend for higher CTL and LPR levels in responder patients (P = 0.10). Conclusions: In this randomized, controlled study of STI with cycles of HAART or HAART plus HU, a lower peak VL rebound and a lower VL set-point was achieved in patients continuing HU while other drugs were discontinued. HU did not blunt anti-HIV-1-specific responses; however, control of VL did not correlate with anti-HIV-1-specific cellular immune responses.
Body mass index and waist circumference in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of anthropometric indexes (body mass index and waist circumference) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and its association with insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome (MS) and histological findings. METHODS From August 2003 to July 2004 a case series of 81 outpatients with clinic and/or histological diagnosis of NAFLD were selected at the Bahia University Gastro-Hepatology Clinic, Brazil. Liver function tests, lipid profile, glucose and insulin were performed in all patients. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were determined according to WHO criteria. IR was measured by means of the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and IR was considered with HOMA > or =3. MS was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). Liver biopsy was performed in 37 cases. RESULTS Body mass index > or = 30 kg m(-2) (obesity) was found in 39% of the cases and BMI > or = 25-29.9 kg m(-2) (overweight) in 53%. BMI was correlated with IR (r = 0.29; P = 0.02) and WC with ALT (r = 0.02; P = 0.03). Increased WC also was related to IR and to MS. The presence of steatohepatitis with fibrosis on liver biopsy was associated with overweight (68%) and increase of WC (41%). CONCLUSIONS Body mass index and WC are frequent associated with MS, IR and histological findings (steatohepatitis and fibrosis) in patients with NAFLD.
Broca's region revisited: Cytoarchitecture and intersubject variability

The sizes of Brodmann's areas 44 and 45 (Broca's speech region) and their extent in relation to macroscopic landmarks and surrounding areas differ considerably among the available cytoarchitectonic maps. Such variability may be due to intersubject differences in anatomy, observer‐dependent discrepancies in cytoarchitectonic mapping, or both. Because a reliable definition of cytoarchitectonic borders is important for interpreting functional imaging data, we mapped areas 44 and 45 by means of an observer‐independent technique. In 10 human brains, the laminar distributions of cell densities were measured vertical to the cortical surface in serial coronal sections stained for perikarya. Thousands of density profiles were obtained. Cytoarchitectonic borders were defined as statistically significant changes in laminar patterns. The analysis of the three‐dimensional reconstructed brains and the two areas showed that cytoarchitectonic borders did not consistently coincide with sulcal contours. Therefore, macroscopic features are not reliable landmarks of cytoarchitectonic borders. Intersubject variability in the cytoarchitecture of areas 44 and 45 was significantly greater than cytoarchitectonic differences between these areas in individual brains. Although the volumes of area 44 differed across subjects by up to a factor of 10, area 44 but not area 45 was left‐over‐right asymmetrical in all brains. All five male but only three of five female brains had significantly higher cell densities on the left than on the right side. Such hemispheric and gender differences were not detected in area 45. These morphologic asymmetries of area 44 provide a putative correlate of the functional lateralization of speech production. J. Comp. Neurol. 412:319–341, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tooth loss is associated with increased blood pressure in adults--a multidisciplinary population-based study.

OBJECTIVES To investigate whether tooth loss is associated with increased blood pressure among adults after controlling for socioeconomic, health, and lifestyle confounders. We also assessed the interactions between tooth loss and smoking status and tooth loss and age on systolic blood pressure (SBP). MATERIAL AND METHODS A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with 1720 adults from Florianópolis, Brazil. Data collection included blood pressure, anthropometric measures, and a questionnaire on socio-demographics, self-rated health, diabetes, self-reported number of natural teeth, and dental prosthesis. We used linear multivariable regression models for the association of blood pressure with tooth loss adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Edentulous subjects had a SBP 8.3 mmHg (95% CI 0.1; 16.7) higher than those with more than 10 teeth in both arches after adjustment for potential confounders. We found interaction between tooth loss and smoking status. Moderate/heavy smokers were associated with considerably higher SBP than light, former or non-smokers among edentulous and also partly among dentate with less than 10 teeth in at least one arch, but there was no real association between smoking and SBP among those with 10 or more teeth in both arches. CONCLUSIONS Total tooth loss is associated with increased levels of SBP in this adult population.
Non‐selective beta‐blockers may reduce risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta‐analysis of randomized trials

Non‐selective beta‐blockers (NSBB) are used in patients with cirrhosis and oesophageal varices. Experimental data suggest that NSBB inhibit angiogenesis and reduce bacterial translocation, which may prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We therefore assessed the effect of NSBB on HCC by performing a systematic review with meta‐analyses of randomized trials.
Expression Profiling of Translation-associated Genes in Sporulating Bacillus subtilis and Consequence of Sporulation by Gene Inactivation

A DNA microarray technique was used to demonstrate global changes in the transcription pattern of translation-associated genes that encode fifty-four ribosomal proteins including a putative ribosomal gene, and eleven translation factors in sporulating B. subtilis. We found that the mRNA levels of nine genes involved in the translation system, which include the genes for three ribosomal proteins (rpmA, rpmGB, and ctc) and two translation factors (efp, and frr), were maintained at a high level at the onset of sporulation. The ypfD gene, which encodes the ribosomal protein S1 homologue, was also found to be expressed significantly during the early sporulation stage. In order to demonstrate the significance of these genes for sporulation, mutants were constructed using the pMutinT3 disruption vector. We detected an impaired sporulation in the mutants of rpmA (gene for the ribosomal protein L27), efp (elongation factor P), frr (ribosome recycling factor), and ypfD. The effect was especially pronounced in the efp mutant, sporulation of which was entirely abolished without affecting growth. The reduced expression of rpmGB (ribosomal protein L33) resulted in an impaired sporulation only at a high temperature (47°C). Only the rplI mutant, which encodes the ribosomal protein L9, could not be obtained, implying that its function is essential for viability. Thus, we successfully demonstrated the significance of several translation-associated genes in sporulation by using the results of the gene expression profiling.
Social, Neuroradiologic, Medical, and Neuropsychologic Correlates of Sexually Aberrant Behavior After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Controlled Study

Objective:To identify social, neuroradiological, medical, and neuropsychological correlates of sexually aberrant behavior (SAB) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design:A controlled study using a retrospective file review. Setting:A brain injury unit providing inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. Participants:A sample of males (n = 25) exhibiting SABs and a control group (n = 25) matched for gender, severity of injury, age at injury, and time after injury. Main Outcome Measures:A protocol that recorded data on demographic, injury, radiological, medical, and neuropsychological variables. Results:The SAB group had a significantly higher incidence of postinjury psychosocial disturbance in areas of nonsexual crime and failure to return to work than the matched TBI group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of premorbid psychosocial disturbance or postinjury radiological, medical, or neuropsychological variables. Conclusions:The study results caution against simplistic explanations of SAB as the product of damage to the frontal-lobe systems or premorbid psychosocial disturbance. Furthermore, the results suggest that a wide-ranging assessment of people with TBI who exhibit SABs is required, because results of neuropsychological examination alone cannot be considered conclusive. Future research into the etiology of SABs could examine additional factors such as lack of insight, lack of empathy, and premorbid history of family dysfunction.
Myelopathy mimicking subacute combined degeneration in a Down syndrome patient with methotrexate treatment for B lymphoblastic leukemia: Report of an autopsy case

We report clinicopathological features of a 23‐year‐old woman with Down syndrome (DS) presenting with subacute myelopathy treated with chemotherapy, including intravenous and intrathecal administration of methotrexate (MTX), and with allogenic bone‐marrow transplantation for B lymphoblastic leukemia. Autopsy revealed severe demyelinating vacuolar myelopathy in the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord, associated with macrophage infiltration, marked axonal loss and some swollen axons. Pathological changes of posterior and lateral columns were observed from the medulla oblongata to lumbar cord. Proximal anterior and posterior roots were preserved. Cerebral white matter was relatively well preserved. There were no vascular lesions or meningeal dissemination of leukemia. Longitudinal extension of cord lesions was extensive, unlike typical cases of subacute combined degeneration (SACD), but distribution of lesions and histological findings were similar to that of SACD. DS patients show heightened sensitivity to MTX because of their genetic background. Risk factors for toxic myelopathy of DS are discussed, including delayed clearance of MTX despite normal renal function, alterations in MTX polyglutamation and enhanced folic acid depletion due to gene dosage effects of chromosome 21. Alteration of folate metabolism and/or vitamin B12 levels through intravenous or intrathecal administration of MTX might exist, although vitamin B12 and other essential nutrients were managed using intravenous hyperalimentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an autopsy case that shows myelopathy mimicking SACD in a DS patient accompanied by B lymphoblastic leukemia. The case suggests a pathophysiological mechanism of MTX‐related myelopathy in DS patients with B lymphoblastic leukemia mimicking SACD.
Epidemiology of leukemia in children with Down syndrome

Studies suggest nearly a 20‐fold increased risk of leukemia in individuals with Down syndrome. Most of this increased risk appears in the first few decades of life, with the highest incidence in children less than 5 years of age. It is unknown why children with Down syndrome are at such an increased risk of leukemia. With respect to environmental exposures, it will be important to investigate risk factors associated with childhood leukemia in general (including diagnostic x‐rays, pesticides, and other occupational exposures) as well as experiences common to children with Down syndrome (including routine medical screening tests, increased susceptibility to infections, and increased vitamin deficiencies). © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predisposing factors for infection in spine surgery: a survey of 850 spinal procedures.

A retrospective survey of 850 spinal procedures was conducted to determine risk factors for postoperative spinal infection. Some 574 posterior and 276 anterior procedures were evaluated. Infections were classed as early (within 19 weeks postoperatively) and late (> or = 20 weeks postoperatively), as well as deep and superficial infections. Previously postulated risk factors (i.e., diabetes, corticosteroid therapy, previous spinal surgery, obesity, chronic infection, and smoking) were investigated. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that three additional factors: extended preoperative hospitalization, prolonged operation duration, and high blood loss were risk factors not previously considered. A postoperative infection was evident in 22 of 850 procedures (19 early/three late infections, four superficial/18 deep infections). Most infections (n = 21) occurred with posterior instrumentation. Previously described factors were proven as risk factors. Extended preoperative hospitalization (p < 0.04), high blood loss (p < 0.01), and prolonged operation time (p < 0.001) were additionally determined as risk factors. The results suggest that routine prophylactic antibiotics might be unnecessary in anterior surgery, whereas extended prophylactics should be considered in posterior instrumentation, especially when risk factors are apparent.
The Effects of Hydrotherapy on Anxiety, Pain, Neuroendocrine Responses, and Contraction Dynamics During Labor

Background: Hydrotherapy (immersion or bathing) is used worldwide to promote relaxation and decrease parturient anxiety and pain in labor, but the psychophysiological effects of this intervention remain obscure. Design: A pretest—posttest design with repeated measures was used to examine the effects of hydrotherapy on maternal anxiety and pain, neuroendocrine responses, plasma volume shift (PVS), and uterine contractions (CXs) during labor. Correlations among variables were examined at three time points (preimmersion and twice during hydrotherapy). Methods: Eleven term women (mean age 24.5 years) in spontaneous labor were immersed to the xiphoid in 37 °C water for 1 hr. Blood samples and measures of anxiety and pain were obtained under dry baseline conditions and repeated at 15 and 45 min of hydrotherapy. Uterine contractions were monitored telemetrically. Results: Hydrotherapy was associated with decreases in anxiety, vasopressin (V), and oxytocin (O) levels at 15 and 45 min (all ps < .05). There were no significant differences between preimmersion and immersion pain or cortisol (C) levels. Pain decreased more for women with high baseline pain than for women with low baseline levels at 15 and 45 min. Cortisol levels decreased twice as much at 15 min of hydrotherapy for women with high baseline pain as for those with low baseline pain. β-endorphin (βE) levels increased at 15 min but did not differ between baseline and 45 min. During immersion, CX frequency decreased. A positive PVS at 15 min was correlated with contraction duration. Conclusions: Hydrotherapy during labor affects neuroendocrine responses that modify psychophysiological processes.
Centre of pressure patterns in the golf swing: individual-based analysis

Weight transfer has been identified as important in group-based analyses. The aim of this study was to extend this work by examining the importance of weight transfer in the golf swing on an individual basis. Five professional and amateur golfers performed 50 swings with the driver, hitting a ball into a net. The golfer's centre of pressure position and velocity, parallel with the line of shot, were measured by two force plates at eight swing events that were identified from high-speed video. The relationships between these parameters and club head velocity at ball contact were examined using regression statistics. The results did support the use of group-based analysis, with all golfers returning significant relationships. However, results were also individual-specific, with golfers returning different combinations of significant factors. Furthermore, factors not identified in group-based analysis were significant on an individual basis. The most consistent relationship was a larger weight transfer range associated with a larger club head velocity (p < 0.05). All golfers also returned at least one significant relationship with rate of weight transfer at swing events (p < 0.01). Individual-based analysis should form part of performance-based biomechanical analysis of sporting skills.