Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generalized Poisson Distribution: the Property of Mixture of Poisson and Comparison with Negative Binomial Distribution

We prove that the generalized Poisson distribution GP(θ, η) (η ≥ 0) is a mixture of Poisson distributions; this is a new property for a distribution which is the topic of the book by Consul (1989). Because we find that the fits to count data of the generalized Poisson and negative binomial distributions are often similar, to understand their differences, we compare the probability mass functions and skewnesses of the generalized Poisson and negative binomial distributions with the first two moments fixed. They have slight differences in many situations, but their zero‐inflated distributions, with masses at zero, means and variances fixed, can differ more. These probabilistic comparisons are helpful in selecting a better fitting distribution for modelling count data with long right tails. Through a real example of count data with large zero fraction, we illustrate how the generalized Poisson and negative binomial distributions as well as their zero‐inflated distributions can be discriminated. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The college years as a mini-life cycle: developmental tasks and adaptive options.

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the four years of an undergraduate college experience in terms of discrete developmental tasks which are optimally addressed in an ordered temporal sequence. The central developmental tasks for each period of the college life cycle are characterized as: 1) divestment (of childhood ties) and investment (in college life) during the freshman transition from home to college; 2) consolidation (of the separation task) and choice (of interests and goals) during the sophomore year; 3) mastery of and commitment to work during the junior year; and 4) anticipation of the future during the senior transition. Adaptive responses to these tasks are identified and typical maladaptive task-avoidant defenses employed by college students who seek counseling are described. It is suggested that by formulating a college student's developmental tasks in terms of the concrete issues posed by the student's social reality, a more precise understanding of his developmental conflicts can b.
Safety of amiodarone in the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the safety of amiodarone in the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation. METHODS A search of the medical literature was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials of prophylactic amiodarone use in cardiothoracic surgery. Studies were independently reviewed by three investigators and selected for inclusion if they met the following three criteria: (1) randomized controlled trial of amiodarone versus placebo or routine treatment, (2) patients underwent coronary artery bypass graft or valvular surgery, and (3) reported data on the frequency of at least one of the following safety endpoints: bradycardia, hypotension, heart block, nausea, cerebral vascular accident, myocardial infarction, and death. Both random- and fixed-effects models were used to determine any significant associations between amiodarone and safety endpoints. RESULTS Eighteen trials were analyzed. A total of 3408 patients were enrolled in these trials (1736 received amiodarone and 1672 received placebo). Amiodarone increased the odds of developing bradycardia (odds ratio [OR], 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-2.74) and hypotension (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.04-2.54). The administration of i.v. amiodarone, an average daily dose exceeding 1 g, and postoperative amiodarone administration were each associated with a greater likelihood of hemodynamic adverse effects. Amiodarone did not appear to affect other safety endpoints. CONCLUSION Meta-analysis showed amiodarone to be associated with an increased risk of developing bradycardia and hypotension when used for the prophylaxis of postoperative atrial fibrillation. The greatest risk in the occurrence of these adverse events arose when using regimens containing i.v. amiodarone, initiating prophylaxis during the postoperative period, and using regimens with average daily doses exceeding 1 g.
Juvenile bilateral lens dislocation and glaucoma associated with a novel mutation in the fibrillin 1 gene.

PURPOSE To describe the clinical, ocular, and genetic findings in multiple members of a family with early-onset and bilateral lens dislocation, clinical corneal guttae, and glaucoma. METHODS All family members underwent complete physical and ophthalmic examinations. After informed consent was given, DNA was obtained from eleven family members, eight of whom were affected. Three polymorphic markers near the fibrillin 1 (FBN1) locus were genotyped and the results analyzed using the VITESSE program. Amplification of the 65 exons and flanking intronic sequences of FBN1 was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE). Then, all fragments with mobility variations were sequenced. RESULTS Pedigree analysis revealed a three generation family with eight of eleven individuals affected by early onset lens dislocation, high myopia, typical facies, frontal bossing, flexion contractures, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint thickening, clinical corneal guttae, and glaucoma. Genetic linkage analysis using polymorphic markers near FBN1 demonstrated an LOD score of 1.78 (maximum possible LOD score 1.78). Conformation sequence gel electrophoresis analysis suggested a sequence variation in exon 3. Sequencing revealed a C965G substitution, resulting in an S322C coding change. This sequence variant segregated with affection status and was not identified in 154 control chromosomes. CONCLUSIONS This syndrome is consistent with a novel mutation in the FBN1 gene. FBN1 mutations have been previously described as causative for Marfan syndrome. The early-onset of complete lens dislocation, progressive corneal guttae, and glaucoma is unusual for Marfan syndrome. This study expands the Marfan phenotype and demonstrates a possible link between guttae, glaucoma, and fibrillin 1 disorders.
Hybrid Selective Harmonic Elimination PWM for Common-Mode Voltage Reduction in Three-Level Neutral-Point-Clamped Inverters for Variable Speed Induction Drives

This paper proposes a hybrid selective harmonic elimination pulsewidth modulation (SHEPWM) scheme for common-mode voltage reduction in three-level neutral-point-clamped inverter-based induction motor drives. The scheme uses the conventional SHEPWM (C-SHEPWM) to control the inverter at high frequency (≥ 0.9 motor rated frequency) and uses the modified SHEPWM (M-SHEPWM) to control the inverter at low frequency. It also uses a scheme to ensure the smooth transition between the two SHEPWM schemes. As a result, at high frequency, the C-SHEPWM provides the required high modulation index for the motor, while at low frequency, when a passive filter is less effective for common-mode voltage reduction, the M-SHEPWM is used to suppress the common-mode voltage. Experimental results show that the proposed hybrid SHEPWM scheme could meet the modulation index need of the motor and reduce the common-mode voltage in the drive, and the two SHEPWM schemes could transition smoothly.
Determination of regional rate constants from dynamic FDG-PET studies in Parkinson's disease.

UNLABELLED Dynamic [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET was used in Parkinson's disease patients and normal controls to determine kinetic rate constants for FDG. The goal was to assess whether the metabolic decreases observed in Parkinson's disease are associated with transport or phosphorylation processes or both. METHODS Fluorine-18-FDG was administered to 18 Parkinson's disease and 15 normal control subjects. Dynamic PET scanning was performed for 1 h and rate constants were obtained by nonlinear, least-squares analysis. Regional glucose metabolic rate was calculated from the individually fitted rate constants and by two standard static scan analyses. RESULTS Global CMRglu was decreased in Parkinson's disease (mean reduction 22%), reaching statistical significance in all regions investigated. K1 was significantly reduced in parietal cortex, temporal cortex and striatum while k3 was significantly reduced only in parietal cortex. The rate constant k2 was unchanged. CONCLUSION K1, k3 and CMRglu all demonstrated greater deficits across the brain with progression of disease and development of dementia, particularly in the parietal an occipital cortex. This suggested that the metabolic disturbance may be a global dysfunction throughout the brain. Because altered rate constants are specifically taken into account, dynamic measurements has shown to provide higher sensitivity for detecting diminished glucose utilization in Parkinson's disease than static approaches.
Community health workers in health systems strengthening: a qualitative evaluation from rural Haiti

Background:Haiti is among the countries facing serious shortages in human resources for healthcare. In rural Haiti, the need for daily, long-term adherence to medication for HIV and TB was initially the driving factor for recruitment of community health workers (CHW) during scale-up of HIV services. Their role became broader over time. This qualitative study evaluated the role of CHW in the health system as a whole in both HIV and non-HIV-related services in rural Haiti and investigated the challenges and facilitating factors for their work. Methods:We used qualitative methods including focus group discussions and group interviews in four sites in rural Haiti. Data from 462 CHW were analysed for themes and content according to standard ethnographic methods. Results:CHW contributed to a wide range of primary health services and non-HIV-related activities. Recognition from the community, status, satisfaction of contributing to the well-being of others and remuneration were facilitating factors to performing their work. Challenges included insufficient materials to cope with the obstacles on the ground, lack of diagnostic and treatment roles in their activities, high work load, and desire for ongoing training and a higher salary. Conclusion:CHW initially hired for HIV care represent an important part of the health system in rural Haiti in both HIV-related and primary healthcare services. CHW programmes have important potential for building capacity in the health workforce and thereby contributing to strengthening of the health system as a whole. Attention must be paid to adequate remuneration, training and provision of materials.
Treatment of Endometrial Cancer in Patient with Malignant Obesity

ABSTRACT Our 60-year-old patient menarche in 13-year, two delivery, last menstruation in 53-year, without uterine bleeding or any kind of symptomatology. The gynecological transvaginal ultrasound examination showed hyperplasio endometrii (20mm). After curettage, pathological examination was diagnostic polypus carcinomatoides. The patient with HTA and obesity was admitted to and operated on at the Gynecological Department due to endometrial carcinoma (FIGO stage IA1). Because of her giant obesity, BMI – 71.50 kg/m2, weight 219 kg and height 175cm, surgery by the abdominal approach was very difficult to perform, so vaginal hysterectomy was carried out. The procedure was completed within 127 minutes without any intraoperative complications. Blood loss was less than 100ml. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 7. The patient was followed up for 6 months after surgery. No complications or recurrence were reported during the 6-month follow up.
Association between the ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS) and outcomes in acute severe ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND The Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) accounts for 86% of the variance between observers in the overall assessment of endoscopic severity, but has not been correlated with outcomes. METHODS Consecutive cases of acute severe colitis (ASC) defined by Truelove and Witts (TW) criteria were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic details, number of TW criteria, prior medical therapy, UCEIS and inpatient medical therapy were recorded. Pre-specified (adverse) endpoints included rescue therapy, colectomy and readmission. RESULTS Eighty-nine patients, 48 (54%) male, mean age 38 years, all received intravenous hydrocortisone 400mg/d (median 5 days [range 1-11]). Median follow-up was 14 months (2-33). Forty-eight (54%) were diagnosed the year prior to or at the time of admission. Thirty-six (40%) required rescue therapy (infliximab 25/36, ciclosporin 12/36, one receiving both). Twenty-one (24%) underwent colectomy on the index admission (9/21) or during follow-up (12/21). Median UCEIS score (possible range 0-8) was 5 (3-8). UCEIS was higher in patients requiring rescue therapy or colectomy (median score 6 [range 4-8] versus 5/8 [3-8], both p < 0.005). For UCEIS ≥5, 27/54 (50%) required rescue therapy, compared with 9/33 (27%) for UCEIS ≤4 (p = 0.037). When UCEIS was ≥5, 18/54 (33%) came to colectomy during follow-up, compared with 3/33 (9%) with UCEIS ≤4. Of 14 patients with UCEIS 7 or 8, 11/14 needed rescue therapy and 13/14 met any adverse endpoint. CONCLUSION Endoscopic severity is associated with a worse outcome in ASC. When the UCEIS is ≥7 on admission, almost all patients will need treatment with infliximab or ciclosporin beyond steroids. This may mark a threshold for an early decision to use infliximab or ciclosporin.
Ultrastrual cell cycle-specific nuclear and nucleolar changes of human leukemic lymphoblasts.

Summary To identify cell cycle-specific ultrastructural markers in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, we labeled bone marrow lymphoblasts with [ 3 H]thymidine, separated them according to cell size by velocity sedimentation at 1 × g , and then identified the pattern of changes within the nucleus of the cells according to phase of the cell cycle. The smallest and most slowly sedimenting cells (probably in G 0 phase) had prominent, condensed nuclear chromatin and adjacent small nucleoli with segregated substructure and a distinct focus of pars amorpha, which contained pyroantimonate-reactive cation. Slightly larger cells (probably in G 1 phase) contained a more irregular nuclear profile; dispersed nuclear chromatin; and large, round, centrally located nucleoli with increased granular component, dispersed foci of pars amorpha, dense fibrillar component, and decreased nucleolus-associated chromatin. During early S phase, [ 3 H]thymidine diffusely labeled the nucleus; the nucleoli, usually within the nuclear periphery, had increased nucleolus-associated chromatin. In late S-phase cells, [ 3 H]thymidine was incorporated into the peripheral chromatin and the nucleolus, which was irregularly shaped, contained moderate amounts of granular and dense fibrillar component, and was always surrounded and often penetrated by nucleolus-associated chromatin. Large, rapidly sedimenting cells in G 2 phase contained flattened nucleoli with penetrating nucleolar chromatin and various foci of nucleolar constituents, including pars amorpha. These results demonstrate that leukemic lymphoblasts can be identified at each phase of the cell cycle on the basis of their ultrastructural morphology.
Smooth muscle in lymph node capsule and trabeculae

This study focuses on the confusion in existing literature concerning the presence of smooth muscle in the capsule and trabeculae of lymphnodes. Human and bovine nodes from several anatomical areas and several individuals of each species were examined by conventional light, electron and fluorescence microscopy. Smooth muscle cells, independent of blood vessels, were demonstrated in the trabeculae and capsules of lymph nodes of both species examined by all three techniques. The need for further study on the function of these cells is indicated.
The most distant, luminous, dusty star-forming galaxies: redshifts from NOEMA and ALMA spectral scans

We present 1.3- and/or 3-mm continuum images and 3-mm spectral scans, obtained using NOEMA and ALMA, of 21 distant, dusty, star-forming galaxies (DSFGs). Our sample is a subset of the galaxies selected by Ivison et al. (2016) on the basis of their extremely red far-infrared (far-IR) colours and low Herschel flux densities; most are thus expected to be unlensed, extraordinarily luminous starbursts at z ≳ 4, modulo the considerable cross-section to gravitational lensing implied by their redshift. We observed 17 of these galaxies with NOEMA and four with ALMA, scanning through the 3-mm atmospheric window. We have obtained secure redshifts for seven galaxies via detection of multiple CO lines, one of them a lensed system at z = 6.027 (two others are also found to be lensed); a single emission line was detected in another four galaxies, one of which has been shown elsewhere to lie at z = 4.002. Where we find no spectroscopic redshifts, the galaxies are generally less luminous by 0.3–0.4 dex, which goes some way to explaining our failure to detect line emission. We show that this sample contains amongst the most luminous known star-forming galaxies. Due to their extreme star-formation activity, these galaxies will consume their molecular gas in ≲ 100 Myr, despite their high molecular gas masses, and are therefore plausible progenitors of the massive, ‘red-and-dead’ elliptical galaxies at z ≈ 3.
Reduction in suicide mortality following a new national alcohol policy in Slovenia: an interrupted time-series analysis.

OBJECTIVES We assessed the impact on suicide mortality of a new national policy in Slovenia that limits the availability of alcohol. METHODS We obtained monthly total, male, and female suicide counts in Slovenia between January 1997 and December 2005 and then employed autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) techniques to model the effect of the alcohol policy (implemented in March 2003). RESULTS There was a significant decrease in the total number of monthly suicides following the policy's implementation. Subsequent analyses revealed this association to be caused solely by the impact on male suicides. Specifically, there was an immediate and permanent reduction of 3.6 male suicides per month (95% confidence interval = -0.4, -6.9), or approximately 10% of the preintervention average. The policy had no statistically significant effect on female suicides. CONCLUSIONS Our results show the effectiveness of this specific policy in reducing male suicides in Slovenia and also hint at the potential of public policy in reducing the public health burden of alcohol-related harm more generally.
Detecting Incomplete Effort with Digit Span from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Third Edition

The current study evaluated the utility of the Digit Span subtest in discriminating patients with mild head trauma from individuals referred for independent neuropsychological evaluation with objective evidence of poor effort. Various indices from the Digit Span subtest were evaluated to determine the best discriminator of brain injury from poor motivation patient groups: Digit Span Forward, Digit Span Backwards, Reliable Digit Span, Digit Span Age-Corrected Scaled Score, and the difference score between the Vocabulary and Digit Span scaled scores. The Digit Span scaled score was found to be the best discriminating index. A cutoff score of less than or equal to 7 accurately classified 75% of persons in the incomplete effort group and 69% of persons in the TBI group. Application of this cutoff score to a non-litigating mild brain injury group yielded a 77% correct classification rate. However, Digit Span scaled score accounted for a modest amount of variation and it is not recommended as a stand-alone validity measure.
Regulation of pineal melatonin in the Syrian hamster.

One purpose of this study was to determine if pineal melatonin is altered by chronic exposure to a lighting schedule which induces gonadal atrophy in the male Syrian hamster. Pineal melatonin in reproductively competent males was found to exhibit a daily rhythm; night values were 10-fold higher than day values. Exposure of males to a lighting cycle with a short photoperiod (10-h light, 14-h dark) caused gonadal atrophy but did not alter either the amplitude of the increase or the duration of the period melatonin was elevated. However, a difference in the phasing of the pineal melatonin rhythm relative to the time of day was seen between these groups. Although lights were turned on at the same time for both groups, pineal melatonin just before this time was basal in the animals exposed to the short photoperiod and maximal in animals exposed to the longer photoperiod (14-h light, 10-h dark). The second purpose of this study was to investigate the acute regulation of pineal melatonin. The nocturnal increase .
Increased Occurrence of Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis in Unfavorable Neuroblastomas

Neuroblastoma frequently shows spontaneous regression in which two distinct types of programmed cell death, ie, caspase-dependent apoptosis and H-Ras-mediated autophagic degeneration, have been suggested to play a key role. The current study was conducted to determine which of these cell suicide pathways predominated in this tumor regression. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and immunostaining for H-Ras and for the full-length and cleaved forms of caspase-3, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and lamin A were carried out on 55 archival tumor specimens. The incidence of caspase-dependent apoptosis in each tumor was quantified by cleaved lamin A staining and compared with clinicopathologic prognostic factors. Although a recent report has shown that neuroblastic cells undergoing autophagic degeneration were readily detectable by PAS and H-Ras staining, we could not confirm this result in any of our samples with the exception of one tumor. Instead, many of our neuroblastoma samples showed nonspecific PAS and Ras staining in areas of necrosis, suggesting that autophagic “degeneration” indeed corresponds to coagulation necrosis or oncosis. Unexpectedly, the incidence of caspase-dependent apoptosis was significantly correlated with indicators of a poor prognosis in these tumors, including Shimada's unfavorable histology, MYCN amplification, and a higher mitosis-karyorrhexis index, but not with factors related to tumor regression such as clinical stage and mass screening. These results indicate that neither caspase-dependent apoptosis nor autophagic “degeneration” may be involved in spontaneous neuroblastoma regression. This suggests that other mechanisms, perhaps such as tumor maturation, may be responsible for this phenomenon.
Detection and recovery of mycobacteria by a radiometric procedure

During a 6-month period, 5,375 clinical specimens were cultured on Middlebrook-Cohn 7H10 medium, on Lowenstein-Jensen medium, and in Middlebrook 7H12 medium containing [14C]palmitic acid. More mycobacteria were recovered when all three media were used than when either the conventional method with 7H10 agar and Lowenstein-Jensen slants or the radiometric method with 7H12 broth was used alone.
Notre expérience des traumatismes du cou en pratique civile : A propos de 45 cas

A travers ce travail, nous posons le probleme de l'integration efficiente des traumatismes du cou dans le systeme des Urgences Chirurgicales. Nous avons collige 45 dossiers de patients ayant presente un traumatisme du cou, dans la periode allant de janvier 1976 a decembre 2001. Il s'agissait de 42 hommes et de 3 femmes âges de 12 a 72 ans, Les plaies penetrantes cervicales etaient au premier plan (86 %). Les accidents et la tentative de suicide ont ete les premieres circonstances etiologiques, respectivement 37 et 29 %. Larme blanche etait le principal agent vulnerant (60 %). Les lesions cervicales interessaient essentiellement l'axe visceral median (70 %). Une cervicotomie exploratrice etait indiquee dans 86 % des cas et realisee dans un delai de 35 heures, en moyenne. Malgre la gravite des lesions et le retard du traitement les suites operatoires lointaines ont ete satisfaisantes. Nous avons releve 3 cas de deces (6 %). Les auteurs insistent sur la necessite d'une strategie et d'un plateau de travail permettant une prise en charge rapide et correcte de ces malades.