Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A common reference-based indirect comparison meta-analysis of intravenous valproate versus intravenous phenobarbitone for convulsive status epilepticus

ObjectiveTo compare intravenous valproate (IV-VPA) with intravenous phenobarbitone (IV-PB) in the treatment of established generalised convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE). Efficacy and safety were estimated using a common-reference based indirect comparison metaanalysis (CRBMA) methodology.MethodsRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of IV-VPA or IV-PB versus intravenous phenytoin (IV-PHT) for GCSE were identified by a systematic search of the literature. A random effects model was used to estimate Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios (ORs) for efficacy and safety of IV-VPA or IV-PB versus IV-PHT in a standard meta-analysis. Adjusted indirect comparisons were then made between VPA and PB using the obtained results.ResultsCRBMA showed that VPA does not lead to significantly higher seizure cessation (OR 1.00; 95% CI: 0.36–2.76) compared to PB, although it exhibits fewer adverse effects (OR 0.17; 95% CI: 0.04–0.71). Results of this CRBMA are consistent with results of a recently published head-to-head comparison of IV-VPA and IV-PB.ConclusionThere is insufficient evidence to demonstrate superiority of IV-VPA over IV-PB for the treatment of GCSE in terms of efficacy. Somedirect and indirect comparisons suggest that VPA has a better safety profile than PB. However, the limited numbers of underpowered RCTs included in this meta-analysis are not sufficient to justify a change in clinical practice. More rigorous and appropriately powered RCTs are therefore required to definitively determine the efficacy and tolerability of VPA for the treatment of GCSE.
Novel candidate disease for gene therapy: metachromatic leukodystrophy

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare, fatal, inherited, autosomal recessive, lysosomal storage disorder, characterized by severe and progressive demyelination affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Despite some initial expectations in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and despite the ameliorated supportive therapy, MLD remains a life-threatening disease, with an extremely poor quality of life and a severe prognosis for all affected patients. Prospectively, in children affected by MLD, who have no other therapeutic option and an extremely poor prognosis, the potential risks associated with the use of a novel technology, such as gene therapy, might be well balanced by the potential benefit of a positive outcome. Thus, MLD might be considered an optimal candidate disease for testing innovative and potentially efficacious therapeutic approaches. Some of the gene therapy approaches discussed here, such as hematopoietic stem cells gene therapy, are likely to enter clinical testing in the near future.
Author's reply [to comments on 'On Routh-Pade model reduction of interval systems']

The paper is reply to the article by Shih-Feng Yang (see ibid., p.273-4, 2005). Previously (Dolgin and Zeheb, 2003), it was shown that the existing generalization of the direct Routh table truncation method for interval systems fails to produce a stable system. Additionally, it was shown how to extend the method to ensure the stability of the resulting interval system. Although the main statement of Dolgin and Zeheb (2003) is correct, there is, however, an omission in the proposed algorithm of building interval Routh table:the newly calculated line in the table may be inconsistent with the last existing line. Two additional conditions should be formulated to avoid this situation. The main idea is to shrink the uncertainty of the elements of the last existing line of the table, in the procedure of building the new line.
Apocrine carcinoma of the breast containing foam cells. An electron microscopic and immunohistological study

The detailed light and electron microscopic and immunohistological features of an invasive apocrine carcinoma of the breast developing in a 78‐year‐old woman are presented. The stroma of the tumour contained non‐neoplastic lipid‐filled (foam) cells. To our knowledge, these cells have not been described before in invasive breast carcinoma. Their electron microscopic and immunohistological features confirm their histiocytic nature.
The physical demands of Super League rugby: Experiences of a newly promoted franchise

Abstract The physical match demands for a newly promoted European Super League (ESL) squad were analysed over a full season using global positioning systems. Players were classified into four positional groups: outside backs (OB), pivots (PIV), middle unit forwards (MUF) and wide running forwards (WRF). MUF covered less total distance (4318 ± 570 m) than WRF (6408 ± 629 m), PIV (6549 ± 853) and OB (7246 ± 333 m) (P < 0.05) and less sprint distance (185 ± 58 m) than WRF (296 ± 82 m), PIV (306 ± 108) and OB (421 ± 89 m; P < 0.05), likely attributable to less playing time by MUF (47.8 ± 6.6 min) compared with WRF (77.0 ± 9.0 min), PIV (72.8 ± 10.6 min) and OB (86.7 ± 3.4 min; P < 0.05). Metres per minute were greater for MUF (90.8 ± 2.2 m.min–1) compared with OB (83.6 ± 2.8 m.min–1) and WRF (83.4 ± 2.4 m.min–1; P = 0.001) although not different from PIV (90.2 ± 3.3 m.min–1; P > 0.05). WRF (36 ± 5) and MUF (35 ± 6) were involved in more collisions than OB (20 ± 3) and PIV (23 ± 3; P < 0.05). The high-speed running and collision demands observed here were greater than that previously reported in the ESL, which may reflect increased demands placed on the lower ranked teams. The present data may be used to inform coaches if training provides the physical stimulus to adequately prepare their players for competition which may be especially pertinent for newly promoted franchises.
PTPN22 Polymorphism is Related to Autoimmune Disease Risk in Patients with Turner Syndrome

Individuals with Turner syndrome (TS) clearly have an increased risk for autoimmune diseases. Recently, an allelic variation (C1858T) of the PTPN22 gene was revealed to be associated with the development of autoimmunity. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism in women with Turner syndrome (TS) compared to controls. Case–control study comprises 142 women with TS (cases) and 180 healthy and fertile women without a history of autoimmune disease (controls). Detection of the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism (rs2476601) was performed by TaqMan real‐time PCR. The chi‐square test was used to compare allele and genotype frequencies between groups and to estimate the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. All P‐values were two‐tailed, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Genotypes CC, CT and TT of the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism presented frequencies of, respectively, 67.6%, 28.2% and 4.2% in the TS, and 82.8%, 16.1% and 1.1% in the control group (P = 0.0043). Alleles C and T were present in, respectively, 81.7% and 18.3% of the patients with TS (P = 0.001, OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.39‐3.54) and in 90.8% and 9.2%, respectively, of the controls. The data suggest that in Brazilian patients with TS, the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism may be an important genetic factor predisposing to autoimmune disease risk.
Characterization of isolated amyloid myopathy

Amyloid myopathy frequently occurs in the setting of systemic amyloidosis and less commonly in isolation (isolated amyloid myopathy). Anoctaminopathy‐5 and dysferlinopathy were recently recognized as causes of isolated amyloid myopathy. The present study aimed to characterize the isolated amyloid myopathy and to compare it with amyloid myopathy associated with systemic amyloidosis.
Street youth in Accra city: sexual networking in a high-risk environment and its implications for the spread of HIV / AIDS.

HIV is transmitted in Ghana mainly through unprotected sexual intercourse between heterosexuals. 250 street-involved adolescents and youths of median age 20.1 years in the range of 10-24 years were sampled August 11-27 1992 in the center of Accra in a questionnaire survey and focus group discussions to gain insight into the nature of their sexual networking and the attendant implications for the spread of HIV. The sample was 70% male. Approximately half of the respondents slept at home but virtually all spent most of their time on the streets working for themselves or their parents. Males were likely to be porters 47.4% while the largest proportion of females 33.3% were in the sex trade. This paper describes the socioeconomic characteristics of these youths their attitude and knowledge about human sexuality and their sexual behavior and perceptions about sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS. A section examines sexual networking within their environment. Furthermore the possible spread of HIV from this environment is discussed followed by prevention and control recommendations.
Prevalence and Risk Indicators of Erosion in Thirteen- to Fourteen-Year-Olds on the Isle of Man

Aims: The aim was to determine the prevalence of erosion in 13- to 14-year-old children on the Isle of Man and to investigate the strength of association with dietary risk factors. Methods: Exposed dentine was assessed on smooth surfaces of incisors/canines and occlusal surfaces of first molars. A questionnaire assessed the consumption frequency of foodstuffs. Results: Of 629 children examined, 124 (20%) had dentine exposed labially, palatally or occlusally. More males had dentine exposed on these surfaces (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2–2.6). Palatal dentine exposure was present in 3% of the children and occlusal dentine exposure in 18%. In bivariate analyses, drinking fizzy drinks more than once a day was associated with erosion (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1–2.3). The mean DMFT scores were not statistically different for the children with smooth surface/occlusally exposed dentine (1.37) compared to those without (1.58). Multiple regression analysis showed age, gender and toothbrushing to be significant predictors of erosion. Conclusion: This study has found a higher proportion of 13- to 14-year-old children with exposed dentine in molars than previous studies. The results corroborate previous reports that males have more erosion than females.
Clinical Mange of the Black Bear (Ursus americanus) Caused by Sarcoptes scabiei (Acarina, Sarcoptidae)

Received for publication 2 December 1985. tion is observed in the spring following a winter of arrested development. Williams et al. (1983, op. cit.) did acknowledge that considerable variations in the incidence of either the type I or type II disease syndromes might occur based on the diversities of physiographic and climatic conditions, as well as cattle management strategies. It is quite possible that the epidemiobogical conditions in the habitat occupied by this deer in the piedmont region of Georgia were suitable for the development of ostertagiosis type II during April as in northern temperate climates. Alternatively, it is possible that inhibition of larvae did occur in March, but was interrupted after a few weeks due to some immunosuppressive factor such as concomitant disease or nutritional stress. Because 0. ostertagi is a pathogen in domestic livestock, Prestwood and Pursglove (1981, In Diseases and Parasites of White-tailed Deer, Davidson et a! . (eds.), Tall Timbers Res. Sta. Pub. No. 7, Tallahassee, Florida, pp. 318-350) suggested that under unusual conditions it may be a pathogen for deer. Ostertagia ostertagi does not occur commonly in deer, and experimental evidence shows white-tailed deer to be a poor host for this parasite (McGhee, 1981, J. Parasitol. 67: 969-970). Thus, the discovery of ostertagiosis due to 0. ostertagi in a free-ranging white-tailed deer is unusual and unexpected. Whether there were any synergistic effects of the rickettsial-type organism, bacteria, or ticks with 0. ostertagi is unknown. This study was supported by an appropriation from the Congress of the United States to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia. Funds were administered and research was coordinated under the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Act (50 Stat. 917) and through Contract Number 14-16-0004-85007, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
On path loss measurement and modeling for millimeter-wave 5G

This paper addresses the derivation of path loss models and model parameters based on measurement data, in particular with a view to current modeling work for 5G millimeter-wave systems. In order to ensure accurate and comparable results, which are independent from the measurement hardware, it is of utmost importance to incorporate a sufficiently large data set and use a coherent data processing including spatial averaging.
CAD mutations and uridine-responsive epileptic encephalopathy

Unexplained global developmental delay and epilepsy in childhood pose a major socioeconomic burden. Progress in defining the molecular bases does not often translate into effective treatment. Notable exceptions include certain inborn errors of metabolism amenable to dietary intervention. CAD encodes a multifunctional enzyme involved in de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. Alternatively, pyrimidines can be recycled from uridine. Exome sequencing in three families identified biallelic CAD mutations in four children with global developmental delay, epileptic encephalopathy, and anaemia with anisopoikilocytosis. Two died aged 4 and 5 years after a neurodegenerative disease course. Supplementation of the two surviving children with oral uridine led to immediate cessation of seizures in both. A 4-year-old female, previously in a minimally conscious state, began to communicate and walk with assistance after 9 weeks of treatment. A 3-year-old female likewise showed developmental progress. Blood smears normalized and anaemia resolved. We establish CAD as a gene confidently implicated in this neurometabolic disorder, characterized by co-occurrence of global developmental delay, dyserythropoietic anaemia and seizures. While the natural disease course can be lethal in early childhood, our findings support the efficacy of uridine supplementation, rendering CAD deficiency a treatable neurometabolic disorder and therefore a potential condition for future (genetic) newborn screening.
SNRIs: The Pharmacology, Clinical Efficacy, and Tolerability in Comparison with Other Classes of Antidepressants

Abstract The class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) now comprises three medications: venlafaxine, milnacipran, and duloxetine. These drugs block the reuptake of both serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine with differing selectivity. Whereas milnacipran blocks 5-HT and norepinephrine reuptake with equal affinity, duloxetine has a 10-fold selectivity for 5-HT and venlafaxine a 30-fold selectivity for 5-HT. All three SNRIs are efficacious in treating a variety of anxiety disorders. There is no evidence for major differences between SNRIs and SSRIs in their efficacy in treating anxiety disorders. In contrast to SSRIs, which are generally ineffective in treating chronic pain, all three SNRIs seem to be helpful in relieving chronic pain associated with and independent of depression. Tolerability of an SNRI at therapeutic doses varies within the class. Although no direct comparative data are available, venlafaxine seems to be the least well-tolerated, combining serotonergic adverse effects (nausea, sexual dysfunction, withdrawal problems) with a dose-dependent cardiovascular phenomenon, principally hypertension. Duloxetine and milnacipran appear better tolerated and essentially devoid of cardiovascular toxicity.
A real-time system for video surveillance of unattended outdoor environments

This paper describes a visual surveillance system for remote monitoring of unattended outdoor environments. The system, which works in real time, is able to detect, localize, track, and classify multiple objects moving in a surveilled area. The object classification task is based on a statistical morphological operator, the statistical pecstrum (called specstrum), which is invariant to translations, rotations, and scale variations, and it is robust to noise. Classification is performed by matching the specstrum extracted from each detected object with the specstra extracted from multiple views of different real object models contained in a large database. Outdoor images are used to test the system in real functioning conditions. Performances about good classification percentage, false and missed alarms, viewpoint invariance, noise robustness, and processing time are evaluated.
A Novel Equivalent Circuit Model for Separate Absorption Grading Charge Multiplication Avalanche Photodiode (APD)-Based Optical Receiver

A novel equivalent circuit for separate absorption grading charge multiplication (SAGCM) APDs composed of basic circuit components is developed. The model is applied to simulate the frequency performance of APDs, and the simulating results show a well-reasonable agreement with the physical model calculation and experimental data. The influence of three important factors on frequency performance, including carrier transit time, avalanche buildup time, and parasitic elements (consisted of resistance, inductance, and capacitance of APDs) are investigated. Using this model, the cosimulation of the packaged APD\transimpedance amplifier (TIA)-module is also carried out. We found that the resonance of parasitic inductance and capacitance can be utilized to compensate the attenuation of high-speed APD\ TIA circuit board.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE RELATIVE AND ABSOLUTE ISOMETRIC ENDURANCE OF AN ISOLATED MUSCLE GROUP.

Abstract The study was concerned with devising a model to fit the relationships that were found to exist between isometric measures of strength and endurance, within a sample of 30 men. Two measurer of endurance were taken using different loading factors. The first measure used a common load of 5/8 of the mean of the maximum strengths recorded for the members of the sample and the scores thus obtained were termed the “absolute” endurance. The second measure used an individual load of 5/8 of the maximum strength recorded for each particular member of the group and the scores thus obtained were called the “relative” endurance. On the basis of the interrelationships of the measures, it was suggested that when intramuscular tension becomes sufficient to cause intramuscular vascular occlusion, isometric endurance is related to strength. When the tension produces only partial occlusion the local circulatory efficiency has to be considered and the relationship of endurance to strength becomes less until with ver.
SKN7 of Candida albicans: Mutant Construction and Phenotype Analysis

ABSTRACT The SKN7 two-component response regulator gene of Candida albicans was deleted, and the phenotype of the mutant was established. This mutant exhibited impaired growth on Spider agar and 10% serum agar compared to wild-type and gene-reconstituted strains. The skn7 mutant was sensitive to H2O2 in vitro, but its virulence was only mildly attenuated. A comparison of the Skn7p and Ssk1p response regulators of C. albicans is discussed.
Effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation in clinical practice post-FDA approval in the United States: results observed with the first 100 consecutive cases of depression at an academic medical center.

INTRODUCTION Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a US Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients who have not responded to 1 adequate antidepressant trial in the current episode. In a retrospective cohort study, we examined the effectiveness and safety of TMS in the first 100 consecutive patients treated for depression (full DSM-IV criteria for major depressive episode in either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder) at an academic medical center between July 21, 2008, and March 25, 2011. METHOD TMS was flexibly dosed in a course of up to 30 sessions, adjunctive to current medications, for 85 patients treated for acute depression. The primary outcomes were response and remission rates at treatment end point as measured by the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale (CGI-I) at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included change in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS); Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, self-report (QIDS-SR); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI); and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). Enduring benefit was assessed over 6 months in patients receiving maintenance TMS treatment. Data from 12 patients who received TMS as maintenance or continuation treatment after prior electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or TMS given in a clinical trial setting were also reviewed. RESULTS The clinical cohort was treatment resistant, with a mean of 3.4 failed adequate trials in the current episode. Thirty-one individuals had received prior lifetime ECT, and 60% had a history of psychiatric hospitalization. The CGI-I response rate was 50.6% and the remission rate was 24.7% at 6 weeks. The mean change was -7.8 points in HDRS score, -5.4 in QIDS-SR, -11.4 in BDI, -5.8 in BAI, and -6.9 in SDS. The HDRS response and remission rates were 41.2% and 35.3%, respectively. Forty-two patients (49%) entered 6 months of maintenance TMS treatment. Sixty-two percent (26/42 patients) maintained their responder status at the last assessment during the maintenance treatment. TMS treatment was well tolerated, with a discontinuation rate of 3% in the acute treatment phase. No serious adverse events related to TMS were observed during acute or maintenance treatment. CONCLUSIONS Adjunctive TMS was found to be safe and effective in both acute and maintenance treatment of patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Role of red blood cell flow behavior in hemodynamics and hemostasis

The primary role of red blood cells (RBCs) is to transport oxygen to the tissues, which is performed predominantly in the blood capillaries. However, RBCs have unique flow-affecting properties that play a key role in blood flow in all blood vessel types and sizes. While RBCs as oxygen carriers have been studied extensively, their hemodynamic function has been examined less comprehensively. This review aims to bridge this gap, focusing on the role of RBC flow properties in hemodynamics, hemostasis and thrombosis.