Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aging, Memory, and Mild Cognitive Impairment

In recent years, patients who are at high risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) have become a focus of study. Several research groups have identified these patients, developed diagnostic criteria, and followed the patients longitudinally. These patients therefore constitute a clinical entity that is suitable for therapeutic interventions. In this article, we report our 5-year experience at the Mayo Clinic in characterizing a group of patients with mild cognitive impairment. These subjects were recruited from community-dwelling individuals who were receiving general medical care in the Department of Internal Medicine. They received the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment if they met the following criteria: (a) complaint of defective memory, (b) normal activities of daily living, (c) normal general cognitive function, (d) abnormal memory function for age, and (e) absence of dementia. In following more than 75 of these patients, some of whom have been studied for as long as 5 years, it appears that approximately 10% to 15% of the subjects evolve to AD each year. We therefore evaluated the cognitive profiles of these patients at the time of their initial diagnosis in an attempt to predict who would remain stable and who would evolve to AD. Certain features of learning and memory performance indicated patients who were more likely to progress, but the strongest predictor was their apolipoprotein E status. The patients who possessed an ε4 allele were more likely to convert to AD at a more rapid rate then those who were not carriers. Our results and similar data from other study groups indicate that diagnostic criteria can be defined for patients who are likely to convert to AD; the natural history of these patients is becoming apparent, and variables that predict ultimate conversion can be defined. Consequently, patients with mild cognitive impairment constitute an important group for study, particularly from the aspect of therapeutic interventions.
Epidural steroid injection in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy in Abuja, Nigeria

Objective: This prospective-controlled observational study looked at well-matched patients with spinal pain and radicular symptoms, caused by lumbar intervertebral disc herniation to compare the short-term clinical outcome of transforaminal and interlaminar epidural steroid injection (ESI) in a resource challenged tertiary institution in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: 49 patients with radicular symptoms who were matched for age, symptom duration, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and pre-injection revised Oswentry Disability Index (ODI) score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were assigned into ESI technique. The ODI and VAS score were analyzed immediately after an injection and upon follow-up (average 178.5 days), also with the need for repeated injections and surgical interventions over a 1-year follow-up interval. Result: In the transforaminal group (25 patients), there was a statistically significant improvement in the ODI scores from before the injection (ODI mean 62.4) to immediately after the injection (ODI mean 24.4, P < 0.01), and upon follow-up (ODI mean 20.8, P < 0.01). 9 patients (18.4%) required 1 or 2 repeated injections, 3 (6.1%) patients underwent surgery and 2 (4%) patients lost to follow-up. In the interlaminar group (24 patients), there was a statistically significant improvement in the ODI scores from before the injection (ODI mean 60.7) to immediately after the injection (ODI mean 30.1, P < 0.01), but not upon follow-up (ODI mean 43.2, P = 0.09). 11 (22.4%) patients required 1 or 2 repeated injection, 4 (8%) patients underwent surgery and 3 (6.1%) patients were lost to follow-up. There is an average of 2 fold improvement of transforaminal ESI over interlaminar ESI in a 40 point scale of ODI score on follow-up, which was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The VAS showed similar pattern with the ODI scores in the study. Conclusion: Transforaminal ESI to treat symptomatic lumbar disc herniation resulted in better short-term pain improvement and fewer long-term surgical interventions compared to interlaminar ESI.
Adipose tissue and metabolic alterations: regional differences in fat cell size and number matter, but differently: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE White adipose tissue can expand by increasing the size and/or number of fat cells. Although increased sc and visceral fat cell size associates with an adverse metabolic profile, the relationship with fat cell number in either depot is unknown. We hypothesized that adipocyte number and size displayed different relationships with clinically relevant metabolic variables. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 204 patients scheduled for gastric bypass surgery. Fat cell size and number were determined in visceral and abdominal sc adipose tissue and related to insulin sensitivity (by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp), fasting plasma levels of insulin, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. RESULTS Visceral and sc fat cell volumes were positively correlated with insulin and triglyceride levels and negatively with insulin sensitivity and HDL-cholesterol (P = .0020 or better). In contrast, although visceral fat cell number did not associate with any metabolic parameter, sc adipocyte number displayed a positive association with insulin sensitivity and HDL-cholesterol and a negative relationship with insulin and triglyceride levels (P = .0014 or better). All results were independent of body fat mass. CONCLUSIONS Variations in fat cell size and number correlate differently with metabolic parameters in obesity. Increased fat cell size in visceral and sc depots associates with a pernicious metabolic profile, whereas increased sc, but not visceral, fat cell number correlates with a more beneficial phenotype. Whether determination of sc fat cell number, in addition to adipocyte size, may have a predictive value for the risk of type 2 diabetes needs to be demonstrated in prospective or mechanistic studies.
Comparing Time-Series Clustering Algorithms in R Using the dtwclust Package

Most clustering strategies have not changed considerably since their initial definition. The common improvements are either related to the distance measure used to assess dissimilarity, or the function used to calculate prototypes. Time-series clustering is no exception, with the Dynamic Time Warping distance being particularly popular in that context. This distance is computationally expensive, so many related optimizations have been developed over the years. Since no single clustering algorithm can be said to perform best on all datasets, different strategies must be tested and compared, so a common infrastructure can be advantageous. In this manuscript, a general overview of shapebased time-series clustering is given, including many specifics related to Dynamic Time Warping and other recently proposed techniques. At the same time, a description of the dtwclust package for the R statistical software is provided, showcasing how it can be used to evaluate many different time-series clustering procedures.
Length polymorphism at the avpr 1 a locus is correlated with male reproductive behavior in 1 a natural population of prairie voles ( Microtus ochrogaster ) 2 3

Laboratory studies have shown that vasopressin can influence sociosexual behavior 15 through its action on the vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR). There is substantial evidence that the 16 length of a microsatellite in the gene (avpr1a) encoding for the V1aR can affect social 17 attachment to females and paternal behavior in male prairie voles under laboratory conditions. 18 However, previous field studies of prairie voles have failed to detect a strong effect of the length 19
Application of model predictive control for a thermal process using STM32 microcontroller

Model Predictive Control (MPC) is increasingly being proposed for real time application to provide flexible device monitoring and it has become an advanced development trend of embedded technologies. In this paper, practical application of predictive algorithm is proposed to control a thermal system in real time using the high performance processor STM32. The control algorithm is obtained by the implementation of the MPC in this industrial standard hardware, using Keil development tools designed for ARM processor-based microcontroller devices. Based on experimental results, a comparative analysis proves the effectiveness and the advantages of the MPC algorithm compared to PI controller.
The impact of gender on the frequency of syncope provoking factors and prodromal signs in patients with vasovagal syncope.

Introduction According to the ESC guidelines, syncope is a transient loss of consciousness caused by transient, general cerebral hypoperfusion, characterized by rapid onset, short duration and spontaneous recovery. Objectives The aim of the study was a comparative analysis of syncope provoking factors and prodromal signs in patients with vasovagal syncope with consideration given to gender. Materials and Methods We investigated 80 patients, aged 18-74 years with previously diagnosed vasovagal cause of syncope. Special attention was paid to the frequency of triggering factors and prodromal signs. Results In the studied group the mean age at first syncope was significantly lower in women (23.2±10.7) as compared to men (30.7±17.4). The mean total number of syncopal and presyncopal episodes was significantly higher in women (13.3±11.0 vs. 7.8±6.6; 26.6±12.9 vs. 13.8±6.9). In the group of men syncopal episodes were more frequent after urination and defecation. The remaining circumstances related to syncope were more prevalent in women, but only the occurrence of a syncopal episode during walking achieved statistical significance. All the prodromal signs that were analysed occurred more frequently in the group of women compared to men. Statistical significance was achieved for the analysed signs such as generalized weakness, dyspnea, heart palpitations, cold sweats, feeling of cold or heat, visual disturbances, tinnitus, headache. Conclusions Syncope provoking factors and prodromal signs occur more frequently in women.
Age-related differences in the rate and diagnosis of 30-day readmission after hospitalization for acute ischemic stroke

Background Little is known about the association between age and readmission within 30 days after hospitalization for acute ischemic stroke. Aim To examine the age-related differences in rate and principal reason of 30-day readmissions in patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke. Methods In this retrospective, population-based cohort study using State Inpatient Databases from eight US states, we identified all adults hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke. We grouped the patients into four age categories: < 65, 65–74, 75–84, and ≥85 years. Outcomes were any-cause readmission within 30 days of discharge from the index hospitalization for acute ischemic stroke and the principal diagnosis of 30-day readmission. Results We identified 620,788 hospitalizations for acute ischemic stroke. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 16.6% with an increase with advanced age. Compared to patients aged <65 years, the readmission rate was significantly higher in age 65–74 years (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.16–1.21), in age 75–84 years (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.27–1.31), and in ≥ 85 years (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.22–1.27; all P<0.001). There was heterogeneity in the age-readmission rate association between men and women (Pinteraction < 0.001). Overall, 45.8% of readmissions were assigned stroke-related conditions or rehabilitation care. Compared to younger adults, older adults were more likely to present with non-stroke-related conditions (46.1% in < 65 years, 50.6% in 65–74 years, 57.1% in 75–84 years, and 62.9% in ≥ 85 years; P<0.001). Conclusions Advanced age was associated with a higher 30-day readmission rate after acute ischemic stroke. Compared with younger adults, older adults were more likely to be readmitted for non-stroke-related conditions.
Exploring potential mechanisms in alarm treatment for primary nocturnal enuresis

Objective. In the treatment of childhood nocturnal enuresis the enuresis alarm has consistently proved effective. However, the various proposals advanced to explain its therapeutic mechanism generally lack empirical support. In this clinical trial we investigated the hypothesis that the alarm promotes reduced nocturnal urine production through increased urine concentration (enabling the child to sleep through the night). Material and methods. Measurements of urinary vasopressin and osmolality were made pre- and post-alarm treatment in a group (n=12) of outpatient children (aged 7–12 years) with severe (more than four times a week) nocturnal enuresis. Results. Of the study group, 75% achieved the success criteria, with 89% predominantly sleeping through the night on dry nights, confirming that arousability is unlikely to be the principal mode of action. All those becoming dry showed an increase in urine concentration post-treatment. For half this was associated with an increase in post-treatment vasopressin whilst for the rest, although increases in osmolality were observed, there was no associated increase in vasopressin. Conclusions. Although based on a small sample this study offers an insight into possible therapeutic mechanisms of an enuresis alarm. It suggests that most children who become dry sleep through the night and that increased nocturnal urine concentration (and thus reduced urine volume) is likely to be the means whereby this is achieved. Furthermore, the study suggests two possible mechanisms whereby nocturnal urine concentration is achieved: either increased production of vasopressin or enhanced water transport across the urothelium.
The Syrian Refugee Crisis: Regional and Human Security Implications

The Refugee Population: An Overview Defined as the “worst humanitarian disaster since the end of the cold war,”1 the Syrian civil war has to date claimed over 200,000 casualties, including over 8,000 documented killings of children under eighteen years of age.2 In a country of approximately 22 million people, the bloody and prolonged conflict has resulted in 7.6 million internally displaced persons and an additional 3.2 million refugees, as well as approximately 12.2 million people (more than 1 in 2 Syrians) in need of humanitarian aid to survive.3 Over 700,000 Syrians have registered as refugees with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2014 alone, with an average of approximately 70,000 Syrians fleeing their country every month.4 Even though the average monthly number of new refugees has declined since 2013, the regional crisis is by no means subsiding, especially as it becomes clear that returning to Syria will not be a viable option in the short or medium term. To date, the humanitarian cost of the crisis has been paid mainly by Syria’s neighbors, with Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey currently hosting over 600,000, 1.14 million, and 1.6 million refugees, respectively, and with a smaller number of Syrians seeking shelter in Egypt (over 140,000) and Iraq (over 220,000). 5 In reality, the number of Syrians present in these countries is higher than the official UNHCR figure of registered refugees, as a number of Syrians choose not to register, for reasons that range from fearing the consequences of having their names in official records, to lacking either proper information or access to the registration points.
Antibiotic Resistance in Food Animals in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES This study critically reviewed the published literature and performed a meta-analysis to determine the overall burden of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food animals in Africa. METHODS English and French published articles indexed in EBSCOhost, PubMed, Web of Science, and African Journals Online were retrieved, with searches being conducted up to August, 2015. Data were pooled and meta-analysis performed using a random-effects model, and the results are described as event rates. RESULTS According to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 articles out of the 852 retrieved were eligible for the qualitative and quantitative analysis. The studies included were mainly conducted in Nigeria, with Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. , and Campylobacter spp. being the main bacteria. The pooled estimates showed high level of antibiotic resistance (ABR) (86%; p < 0.001) and multidrug resistance (73%; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that ABR is substantively prevalent and poses a serious threat for food safety and security in Africa. These findings shed light on areas for future research concerning antibiotic-resistant and multidrug-resistant bacteria in food animals as etiological agents of infectious diseases in humans. They further yielded some interesting findings on the burden of ABR that could be useful in developing measures to contain this threat in the farm-to-plate continuum in Africa.
The Effects of Auditor Experience and Professional Commitment on Acceptance of Underreporting Time: A Moderated Mediation Analysis

SUMMARY: Underreporting time is a common ethical dilemma in auditing. We examine the effects of professional commitment and experience on auditor acceptance of underreporting time with a sample of 110 practicing auditors at two large national accounting firms. Using a moderated mediation research model, we find that auditor experience moderates the negative relationship between professional commitment and acceptance of underreporting time, such that professional commitment is associated with underreporting acceptance only among less experienced auditors. We discuss the contributions, limitations, and practical implications of our findings. Data Availability: Please contact the first author.
Digital Cervicography by Simply Portable Device as an Alternative Test for Cervical Cancer Screening in Rural Area of Thailand

Objective: Various screening methods for cervical cancer are proved to be effective in reducing such type of cancer. We aims to introduce a new portable device as an alternative method for cervical cancer screening. The performance of device was tested on the assessment of cervical lesions using cervicograph score with the cervical cytology. Methods: 325 non-pregnant women were tested from March 2013 to August 2015. The cervical and vaginal cells from the sample were collected for cytology, then all of them received the digital cervicography conducted with our new device and scored using cervicograph score. Small pieces of cervical tissues were also collected for histologic examination. SPSS software version 18.0 was used for the statistical analysis. Results: We grouped cytology results and cervicograph scores to 2 subgroups, ≤ ASC-US and ≥ LSIL, and 0-3 points and 4-6 points, respectively. The data then correlated with histology results which sub-grouped to ≤ CIN 1 and ≥ CIN 2. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of cervicograph scores 4-6 points to detect CIN 2+ were 92%, 72.41%, 97%, and 84%, respectively which were not inferior to Pap smear did. Conclusion: The digital cervicography device provides similar accuracy to Pap cytology screening and is suitable to use in the area that lacks cytoscreeners. Large scale use and generalization are required for this new device.
Effects of beta-pinene on yeast membrane functions

The effects of beta-pinene on yeast cells were studied. This terpene inhibited respiration with glucose or ethanol as the substrate. The inhibition depended on the ratio of the terpene to the amount of yeast cells; for a fixed concentration of pinene, inhibition decreased as the amount of yeast cells increased. Pinene also inhibited the pumping of protons and K+ transport, but this inhibition was more marked with with ethanol than with glucose as the substrate, indicating the mitochondrial localization of the inhibition. The studies on isolated mitochondria showed a series of effects, starting with the disappearance of the respiratory control and deenergization of the organelles and followed by an inhibition of respiration at higher concentrations of the terpene. The effect on respiration could be localized to the cytochrome b region of the electron transport chain. No effect could be detected on the activity of ATPase. The effects can be ascribed to a localization of pinene on membranes which was also accompanied by a decrease in the fluorescence polarization of diphenyl hexatriene, probably meaning an increase in the fluidity of the membrane, localized preferentially to the mitochondria.
Radial bone mineral density in pre‐ and perimenopausal women: A prospective study of rates and risk factors for loss

Radial bone mineral density (BMD) of 217 white women aged 22–54 years from a single rural community was evaluated in 1984 using single‐photon absorptiometry. BMD was measured at a site one‐third the distance from the wrist to the elbow, a site that represents predominantly cortical bone tissue. Most of these women (181; 83%) were reexamined 5 years later. The overall average 5 year radial BMD loss was ‐5.6%. The average rate of loss was ‐4.5% for women retaining positive estrogen status at follow‐up (n = 108) and ‐7.4% for women who were in negative estrogen status at follow‐up (n = 73). Baseline radial BMD measures were highly predictive of the follow‐up BMD values (r = 0.80). Women with positive estrogen status and greater baseline BMD also had less BMD change. Greater baseline BMD did not predict the amount of change in women with negative estrogen status. The bone turnover markers osteocalcin and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase were significantly associated with BMD change in women with negative, but not positive estrogen status. There was no conclusive evidence of a “peak age” in the baseline and follow‐up BMD measures. Based on rates of BMD change, “peak” bone mineral content appears to occur before age 25 years. Factors significantly associated with lower levels of BMD were menopause without estrogen replacement, nulliparity, smoking, and age at first pregnancy. Factors associated with more bone loss were menopause without estrogen replacement, smoking, shorter duration of oral contraceptive use, and older age. Quetelet index, muscle area, number of lost pregnancies, ever breast‐feeding, or calcium intake were not associated with BMD level or its 5 year rate of loss. Physical activity and alcohol intake were not associated with BMD level or change after data were adjusted for age or estrogen status.
New integrated full-range MEMS speaker for in-ear applications

This paper reports the concept, fabrication and characterization of a new kind of MEMS loudspeaker for in-ear applications. The piezoelectrically driven device is designed to operate without a closed membrane, which significantly improves the acoustic performance, efficiency, manufacturability and miniaturization capability. Measurements performed on prototypes mounted to an artificial ear simulator have revealed high sound pressure levels (SPL) of about 110 dB. In contrast to standard state-of-the-art in-ear speakers the SPL can be maintained up to 20 kHz leading to an extraordinarily flat frequency response using electronic equalization. Furthermore, low total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 2 % and good energy efficiency of more than 105 dB/mW have been observed over almost the entire audio range.