Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circadian variation in clinical features and outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage: The INTERACT studies

ABSTRACT Previous studies consistently reported a diurnal variation in the occurrence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), with a morning peak. However, limited knowledge exists on the circadian pattern of ICH severity and outcome. This study aimed to determine possible associations between ICH onset time and admission severity and 90-day outcomes using the combined data set of the pilot and main-phase Intensive blood pressure (BP) reduction in an acute cerebral hemorrhage trial (INTERACT). The ICH onset time was categorized into three groups (1: 00:00–07:59; 2: 08:00–15:59; and 3: 16:00–23:59). We found an association between onset time and low Glasgow Coma Scale score: aOR (time 1: 1.72, 95% CI 1.12–2.66; time 3: 1.95, 95% CI 1.31–2.89, p = 0.003; in comparison to time 2). There was no association between onset time and volume of ICH (adjusted p = 0.354) or 90-day outcomes of death or major disability, and death and major disability separately (all adjusted p > 0.4). The results showed that more severe cases of ICH patients, defined by a reduced level of consciousness, had late afternoon to early morning stroke onset, but this was unrelated to baseline hematoma volume or location. There was no circadian influence on ICH clinical outcome.
CTG18.1 and ERDA-1 CAG/CTG Repeat Size in Bipolar Disorder

Several groups have reported association between large CAG/CTG repeat sequences in the genome and bipolar disorder using the Repeat Expansion Detection (RED) method. Unfortunately, the RED method cannot identify the specific repeat(s) responsible for these findings but it has recently been proposed that around 90% of the large CAG/CTG repeats detected by RED can be explained by repeat size at either CTG18.1, which maps to 18q21.1, or ERDA-1 (also known as Dir 1), which maps to 17q21.3. These data suggest that the previous associations between bipolar disorder and large CAG/CTG repeats might be explained at least in part by a specific association between bipolar disorder and either or both of these loci. However, using a case control study design, we find no evidence for such associations. Thus we conclude that in our sample, the previous RED associations are not a result of large CAG/CTG repeats at CTG18.1 or ERDA-1.
Evidence for Recent Acquisition and Successful Transmission of blaCTX-M-15 in Salmonella enterica in South Korea

ABSTRACT We identified two distinct blaCTX-M-bearing and five distinct blaCMY-2-bearing genetic structures located on plasmids from Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli isolates (n = 35) collected from chickens in South Korea. All Salmonella plasmids shared a common replicon, blaCTX-M-15 transposon, and core resistance phenotype, while E. coli blaCTX-M-15 plasmids included four distinct replicons.
Q-learning-based optimal digital feedback control with computation time delay of linear discrete-time systems

In embedded computers, there are delays due to computation time. Unless they are considered, a controlled system may be unstable. If the system is unknown, Q-learningbased optimal control is one of the useful approaches. Applying it to a system, we can obtain the optimal feedback gain for the unknown system. In this paper, we propose Q-learning-based optimal feedback control taking the delay into consideration. First, we assume that all states can be observed and consider a state feedback controller. The input at the next time is estimated by the current state and the input. Then an optimal feedback gain is provided by sequences of pairs of the state and the input. Next, we show an output feedback controller. If the system is observable, the state can be reconstructed by the last L input and output data, where L is an integer equal to or larger than the observability index of the system. An optimal feedback gain is provided by these sequences. Finally, we apply the proposed adaptive state feedback controller to a quadrotor and show its efficiency by simulation.
Exploring classification heterogeneity with IPA

The approach to construct predictive models of heterogeneous data is based on decomposition of a classification problem into subproblems. Applicability of this approach depends on the success in discovering the homogeneous regions in data and their coverage by the local predictive models. The importance Profile Angle (iPA) may provide an additional indication of heterogeneity considering profiles of feature importance in subproblems. in this paper iPA is evaluated on several variations of heterogeneity. The experimental study on the data sets with known data characteristics related to heterogeneity has shown that iP A is applicable when the feature merit measures are identified adequately. indication of heterogeneity provided by iP A has been verified via the gains in classification accuracy obtained in subproblems after decomposition.
Pain Acceptance and Pain-Related Disability Predict Healthcare Utilization and Medication Intake in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Spinal Pain

Longitudinal research is needed to determine predictive factors of healthcare utilization and medication intake in people with non-specific spinal pain. This study aims to prospectively examine the predictive value of sex, age, work status, pain intensity, pain acceptance, disability, depression, pain anxiety, and catastrophizing in relation to healthcare utilization and medication intake in people with non-specific spinal pain. Participants were 79 patients with non-specific spinal pain of 6 to 9 months’ duration. They were followed-up at 6 months and 12 months. At enrolment they were administered a battery of questionnaires assessing the predictive variables. Healthcare utilization and medication intake were assessed at follow-ups 1 and 2. At follow-up 1, higher pain acceptance was associated with less healthcare utilization and less medication intake, while male sex was associated with less medication intake. At follow-up 2, higher pain-related disability was associated with higher healthcare use, and pain intensity was associated with higher medication intake. These results suggest that during the early stages of non-specific spinal pain chronification, pain acceptance and the avoidance of pain-related disability—understood as giving up normal activities—can lead to reductions in healthcare utilization and medication intake.
An intermediate cell in thymocyte differentiation that expresses CD8 but not CD4 antigen

Thymocytes of CD4-,CD8+,OX-44- phenotype have been shown to be an intermediate of thymopoiesis that give rise to cells of CD4+, CD8+, OX- 44- normal cortical thymocyte phenotype both in vitro and in vivo during thymic regeneration.
Extracorporeal photopheresis performed on the CELLEX® compared with the UVAR‐XTS® instrument is more efficient and better tolerated in children with steroid‐refractory graft‐versus‐host disease

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an effective therapy in children with refractory graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). The two most frequently used instruments are UVAR‐XTS® and CELLEX®. We performed a retrospective chart review of ten patients who underwent ECP with both UVAR‐XTS® and CELLEX® instruments for steroid‐refractory acute or chronic GVHD to compare instrument run times, percentages of cells treated, and complication rates. We found that compared to the UVAR‐XTS® instrument, use of the CELLEX® instrument resulted in shorter run times, increased percentage of mononuclear cells treated, reduced incidence of line occlusions requiring TPA treatment, and decreased incidence of patient‐related complications. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1485–1488. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Exchange Biases in Epitaxial FePt-FeMn Multilayers With Different Crystalline Orientations

A systematic study of in-plane and out-of-plane exchange biases in FePt/FeMn multilayers epitaxially deposited onto MgO(100), MgO(110), MgO(111) substrates by ion beam sputter-deposition system was performed. It is found that the surface and volume anisotropy constants are largest when samples are growth in (100) direction. While the FePt thickness dependence of the blocking temperature show a similar behavior for samples grown with different crystalline orientations, the dependences of exchange bias field and the unidirectional anisotropy constant on FePt thickness behave differently for different orientations. The ratio of in-plane and out-of-plane exchange biases is not only strongly dependent on crystalline orientation but also on thickness of FePt layers suggesting that the spin structure at the interface in multilayer thin films may not be the same as that of the antiferromagnetic bulk.
Effect of an Integrated Healthcare Program for Korean Rural Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Studies have been conducted on the development of healthcare programs for older adults in rural areas, not only in Asia but also in Europe and the United States. However, these reports have been limited by largely non-comprehensive results, lack of demand surveys, or programs with no systematic development. The purpose of this study was to develop an integrated healthcare program for rural older adults and investigate the effects of the program. A nonequivalent control group pretest–posttest design was used. Subjects were aged over 65 and lived in the rural community. The integrated healthcare program involved 12 three-hour sessions over 12 weeks. Compared with the control group, the experimental group demonstrated significant differences in both upper extremities strengths (t = 2.74, p = 0.008; t = 2.03, p = 0.047), static balance (z = −2.38, p = 0.017), dynamic balance (t = −4.82, p < 0.001), loneliness (t = −3.02, p = 0.003), and role self-efficacy (t = 2.39, p = 0.020), but no differences for ego integration (t = 1.51, p = 0.137). To improve physical, mental, and social health of the rural older adults, we developed an integrated healthcare program. The program improved physical functions, loneliness, and role self-efficiency of the rural older adults. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare professionals actively apply this program in primary healthcare institutes and elsewhere.
Investigation of the cleanliness of dentures in a university hospital.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine denture cleanliness of a population sample, as well as to investigate denture cleaning habits and attitudes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two hundred thirty-four denture-wearing patients were surveyed via a questionnaire to identify types and frequency of use of denture cleaning methods. Patients were also clinically examined to determine denture cleanliness. Dentures were classified as clean, dirty, or extremely dirty based on the level of debris and stain present. The oral mucosa was also examined and rated. RESULTS The most common regimen employed was brushing with toothpaste (40.59% of patients), while only 1 patient reported soaking the denture in mouthwash. Results showed that 38.9% of patients were not satisfied with their cleansing methods, and 82.9% of patients claimed their dentists did not inform them how to clean their dentures. Only 11.9% of patients had clean dentures. Older dentures tended to be dirtier than newer ones (P = .0001) and had a higher incidence rate of accompanying denture stomatitis (P= .0001). CONCLUSION In this population sample, most denture wearers did not clean their dentures satisfactorily.
Anxiolytic Properties of Valeriana officinalis in the Zebrafish: A Possible Role for Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors

Abstract Valerian extract is used in complementary and alternative medicine for its anxiolytic and sedative properties. Our previous research demonstrated valerian interactions with glutamate receptors. The purpose of this study was to determine if valerian anxiolytic properties are mediated by metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) such as mGluR (1/5) (mGluR I) and mGluR (2/3) (mGluR II). Adult wild-type zebrafish (Danio rerio) prefer the black compartment and avoid the white compartment in the dark/light preference task. Zebrafish exposed to 1 mg/mL of valerian extract or 0.00117 mg/mL valerenic acid increased their residence time in the white side by 84.61 ± 6.55 % and 58.30 ± 8.97 %, respectively. LAP3 (mGluR I antagonist) and EGLU (mGluR II antagonist) significantly inhibited the effects of valerian and valerenic acid. These results demonstrated that valerian and valerenic acid have anxiolytic properties in the zebrafish. Moreover, the selective interaction of valerian with mGluR I and II represent an alternative explanation for the anxiolytic properties of this plant and support the role of mGluR in anxiety.
Variance component estimation on female fertility traits in beef cattle

The purpose of this review is to define possible breeding objectives for Southern African beef cattle farmers and to review different means of expressing genetic reproductive merit. The breeding objective considered was to maximize the number of calves born or weaned for a given number of cows in a herd under prevailing environmental and management conditions. This is a complex trait that has many components. While this trait is clearly a function of the reproductive ability of each cow, it is also affected by the age structure of the herd. A number of auxiliary or index traits are used to assess this objective and their merits, shortfalls and requirements in terms of data collection are discussed. It was evident that the trait of choice was influenced by the management system. Fewer component traits can be measured and incorporated as variables in a genetic model in more extensive systems. Since South African beef cattle production systems tend to be semi-extensive or extensive, traits to consider include calving rate, calving success, calf survival, days to calving, age at first calving, calving date, calving ease and calving interval. African Journal of Animal Science, Vol 31, Issue 3, Oct - Dec: pp. 131-141
What is the optimal timing for bilateral cochlear implantation in children?

Abstract Bilateral cochlear implants (CIs) have been provided to children who are deaf in both ears with intent to promote binaural hearing. If it is possible to establish binaural hearing with two CIs, these children would be able to make use of interaural level and timing differences to localize sound and to distinguish between sounds separated in space. These skills are central to the ability to attend to one particular sound amidst a number of sound sources. This may be particularly important for children because they are typically learning and interacting in groups. However, the development of binaural processing could be disrupted by effects of bilateral deafness, effects of unilateral CI use, or issues related to the child's age at onset of deafness and age at the time of the first and second cochlear implantation. This research aims to determine whether binaural auditory processing is affected by these variables in an effort to determine the optimal timing for bilateral cochlear implantation in children. It is now clear that the duration of bilateral deafness should be limited in children to restrict reorganization in the auditory thalamo-cortical pathways. It has also been shown that unilateral CI use can halt such reorganization to some extent and promote auditory development. At the same time, however, unilateral input might compromise the development of binaural processing if CIs are provided sequentially. Mismatches in responses from the auditory brainstem and cortex evoked by the first and second CI after a long period of unilateral CI use suggest asymmetry in the bilateral auditory pathways which is significantly more pronounced than in children receiving bilateral implants simultaneously. Moreover, behavioural responses to level and timing differences between implants suggest that these important binaural cues are not being processed normally by children who received a second CI after a long period of unilateral CI use and at older ages. In sum, there may be multiple sensitive periods in the developing auditory system, which must be considered when determining the optimal timing for bilateral cochlear implantation.
Rapid Measurement of Human Milk Macronutrients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background: Although it is well established that human milk varies widely in macronutrient content, it remains common for human milk fortification for premature infants to be based on historic mean values. As a result, those caring for premature infants often underestimate protein intake. Rapid precise measurement of human milk protein, fat, and lactose to allow individualized fortification has been proposed for decades but remains elusive due to technical challenges. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and precision of a Fourier transform (FT) mid-infrared (IR) spectroscope in the neonatal intensive care unit to measure human milk fat, total protein, lactose, and calculated energy compared with standard chemical analyses. Methods: One hundred sixteen breast milk samples across lactation stages from women who delivered at term (n = 69) and preterm (n = 5) were analyzed with the FT mid-IR spectroscope and with standard chemical methods. Ten of the samples were tested in replicate using the FT mid-IR spectroscope to determine repeatability. Results: The agreement between the FT mid-IR spectroscope analysis and reference methods was high for protein and fat and moderate for lactose and energy. The intra-assay coefficients of variation for all outcomes were less than 3%. Conclusion: The FT mid-IR spectroscope demonstrated high accuracy in measurement of total protein and fat of preterm and term milk with high precision.
Efficacy of Yoga and Medical Treatment in Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis

DOI: 10.21276/sjams.2017. 5.9. 34 Abstract: Osteocalcin is a bone specific protein and is considered as an important marker in bone turn-over. The purpose of the study was to verify in post-menopausal women, the effect of yoga and medical treatment on osteocalcin. 45 post-menopausal women [59.6±5.9 years] are divided into 2 groups: yoga group [n = 20] and medical treatment group [n = 25]. Yoga and medical treatment were given for 3 months and preand postserum osteocalcin levels were measured by ELISA using microplate ELISA kits. Statistical analysis was done using paired‘t’ and unpaired ‘t’ test and mean serum osteocalcin level before and after yoga were 31.82±6.48 and 20.46±10.15 with a p-value < 0.05 and mean serum osteocalcin levels before and after medical treatment were 33.49±3.24 and 21.70±7.56 with a p-value of < 0.05. Serum osteocalcin levels were found to be increased osteoporosis and were significantly decreased after yoga and medical treatment. But comparing the post serum osteocalcin levels between yoga and medical treatment have an insignificant difference. Hence yoga and medical treatment can be used in combination for management of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.
Surgical treatment of epilepsy in Sturge-Weber syndrome in children.

OBJECT The authors sought to analyze the success rate of surgery in the management of medically intractable epilepsy in children with Sturge-Weber syndrome and to determine whether the extent and timing of surgery affected seizure and developmental outcomes. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective review of 27 children who underwent surgery at their institution for medically resistant epilepsy, and they examined the outcomes with regard to epilepsy control and neuropsychological development. Seventeen children (63%) experienced onset of their epilepsy when they were younger than 1 year of age. These patients were significantly more likely to have hemiparesis (p < or =0.001) and status epilepticus (p < or = 0.001) and be developmentally delayed (p < or = 0.025) than children whose epilepsy started later in life. Eight patients underwent a hemispherectomy (either anatomical or functional), and complete resolution of epilepsy was noted in all. Of the 19 patients in whom a focal resection was performed, 11 (58%) became seizure free. The 10 children in whom there was residual disease were more likely to have continuing epilepsy than the nine whose lesions were completely excised (p< or = 0.05). Seventeen children exhibited improvement in their developmental status following surgery. This improvement was significantly affected by completeness of resection (p< or = 0.05) and age at surgery (p< or = 0.009). Seizure freedom per se was not affected by the timing of surgery. CONCLUSIONS Medically intractable epilepsy in children can be treated effectively by surgery. The degree of resection or disconnection of diseased tissue, but not patient age at the time of surgery, is an important factor in achieving epilepsy control. Early surgery is more likely to improve developmental outcome.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of isolated colonic Crohn's disease

Background: Clinical, serological, and molecular data support the existence of discrete subsets of Crohn's disease (CD) defined by location of disease. Little is known about the epidemiology and natural history of isolated CD of the colon (Montreal Classification L2) because most studies have not accurately distinguished it from ileocolonic disease. Our objectives were to describe the clinical features and natural history of isolated colonic CD in a rigorously characterized patient cohort and to investigate the association of polymorphisms in a number of genes with colonic location of disease and disease behavior. Methods: Patients with L2 disease were identified from a database of 675 CD patients. Only patients with a normal small bowel enema (70%), ileoscopy alone (30%), or both (20%) were included. Genotyping was performed using PCR‐SSP or the iPLEX platform. Results: In all, 135 patients were classified with L2 disease. L2 disease was more common in women (74.0% versus 58.0%; P = 0.0004; odds ratio [OR] = 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36–3.26) and in never smokers (48.9% versus 36.9%; P = 0.008; OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.09–2.45); 20.7% underwent colonic resection for severe disease. We confirmed that carriage of the HLA‐DRB1*0103 allele is strongly associated with isolated colonic CD (14.9% versus 4.0%; P = 0.000016; OR 4.6, 95% CI 2.25–9.47) and report the novel association of this allele with time to first surgical event (log rank P = 0.001). There was no association with any of the known CD susceptibility loci (NOD2, IBD5, NOD1, IL23R, ATG16L1) and isolated colonic CD. A nonsynonymous polymorphism in MEKK1 (rs832582) was associated with CD susceptibility overall (15% versus 19%; P = 0.0083; OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.07–1.54). The association was strongest in those patients not carrying a NOD2 mutation and had no effect on disease location. Conclusions: This study describes the clinical features of isolated colonic CD and demonstrates the importance of the HLA region in determining the molecular basis of colonic inflammation.