Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Short-term efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept depending on angiographic classification of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Background/aims To compare the short-term efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept treatment according to the subtypes of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) based on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Methods Twenty-nine patients (29 eyes) with treatment-naïve subfoveal PCV were consecutively enrolled in this institutional study. The subjects were classified into two subtypes (type 1, polypoidal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), 16 eyes; and type 2, idiopathic PCV, 13 eyes) based on the presence or absence of both feeder and draining vessels on ICGA. Intravitreal aflibercept was administered at baseline and at 1, 2 and 4 months. The primary outcome was the polyp regression percentage after 3 monthly injections. Changes in the best-corrected visual acuity and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) were evaluated at 3 and 6 months. Results The complete polyp regression percentage was higher in type 1 than type 2 patients after 3 monthly injections (81% vs 30%, p=0.008). Type 1 patients showed better visual improvement at 3 months (−0.34 vs −0.08 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), p=0.050) and 6 months (−0.30 vs −0.10 logMAR, p=0.168) than type 2 patients. Although subfoveal CT was significantly decreased after injections in both groups, type 2 patients with a thicker choroid at baseline showed a greater decrease than type 1 patients (p=0.032). Conclusions There was a difference in early treatment response with aflibercept between two subtypes of PCV. Type 1 polypoidal CNV showed better visual improvement with a higher percentage of polyp regression than type 2 idiopathic PCV. Trial registration number NCT02597855, Results.
Advertising power consumption of bluetooth low energy systems

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a 2.4 GHz wireless technology which has been widely adopted in consumer devices. Available in most modern smartphones, it is a popular choice for connecting battery powered devices like sensors or beacons to mobile handsets. A low energy consumption, while being beneficial for all BLE applications, becomes a key requirement for applications containing larger numbers of BLE devices like smart home sensors or beacons in indoor localization due to the high cost of battery replacement. In this paper, we investigate the energy consumption of different BLE System on Chips (SoCs) which provide the foundation to most BLE devices. Based on extensive measurements, we present a vendor-independent model for BLE power consumption which allows energy consumption prediction from key design parameters. This helps in the tradeoff between engergy consumption and BLE performance. We concentrate on advertising mode which governs the energy consumption in popular applications like beacons.
Amide proton hydrogen exchange rates for sperm whale myoglobin obtained from 15N‐1H NMR spectra

The hydrogen exchange behavior of exchangeable protons in proteins can provide important information for understanding the principles of protein structure and function. The positions and exchange rates of the slowly‐exchanging amide protons in sperm whale myoglobin have been mapped using 15N‐1H NMR spectroscopy. The slowest‐exchanging amide protons are those that are hydrogen bonded in the longest helices, including members of the B, E, and H helices. Significant protection factors were observed also in the A, C, and G helices, and for a few residues in the D and F helices. Knowledge of the identity of slowly‐exchanging amide protons forms the basis for the extensive quench‐flow kinetic folding experiments that have been performed for myoglobin, and gives insights into the tertiary interactions and dynamics in the protein.
Management of multidimensional aggregates for efficient online analytical processing

Proper management of multidimensional aggregates is a fundamental prerequisite for efficient OLAP. The experimental OLAP server CUBESTAR whose concepts are described, was designed exactly for that purpose. All logical query processing is based solely on a specific algebra for multidimensional data. However, a relational database system is used for the physical storage of the data. Therefore, in popular terms, CUBESTAR can be classified as a ROLAP system. In comparison to commercially available systems, CUBESTAR is superior in two aspects. First, the implemented multidimensional data model allows more adequate modeling of hierarchical dimensions, because properties which apply only to certain dimensional elements can be modeled context-sensitively. This fact is reflected by an extended star schema on the relational side. Second, CUBESTAR supports multidimensional query optimization by caching multidimensional aggregates. Since summary tables are not created in advance but as needed, hot spots can be adequately represented. The dynamic and partition-oriented caching method allows cost reductions of up to 60% with space requirements of less than 10% of the size of the fact table.
Theoretical Epidemiology: Principles of Occurrence Research in Medicine

For me and many of my colleagues, Miettinen's unpublished course text of the early 1970s was the first systematic introduction to theoretical epidemiology we saw; indeed, it was the only such text available (outside of some specialized infectious disease treatises) until the 1980s. This text embodied a landmark in epidemiologic thinking, if only because it synthesized so many previously disconnected theoretical developments (many of them Miettinen's) into a coherent, unitary theory. In 1981, Miettinen began writing an entirely new book, and the final finished product bears little resemblance to the 1970s text in either form or substance—although the inimitable (or inimical, depending on one's camp) Miettinen style remains intact. I suspect this new book will not be as much of a landmark as the first text, if only because the latter succeeded too well in its groundbreaking: the type of theory covered in both texts—highly abstract and often mathematical in
Sexual behaviour, contraceptive practice and reproductive health outcomes among Nigerian university students

Context: The continued poor reproductive health behaviour and outcomes among youths informed the investigation of the knowledge, attitudes, sexual behaviour, outcomes and care-seeking among university students in Zaria, north western Nigeria. Methods: Using a cross-sectional descriptive study design, self-administered structured questionnaires were administered to a sample of 400 undergraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University students drawn by multi-staged sampling to collect information on their reproductive health knowledge and behaviour. Findings: Knowledge of most aspects of reproductive health was high. However, gaps where found in some specific areas. Apart from ethnicity and faculty of study, no significant associations were found between knowledge and other demographic variables. Attitudes to reproductive health were generally negative. Overall, 64.1% of the respondents had had sexual intercourse; 65.4% of the males and 60.2% of the females students sexually experienced. The mean age at sexual exposure for females and males were 17.8 and 19.2 years, respectively. The mean number of lifetime sexual partners was 3.4 for males and 2.4 for the females. Of the 54.7% currently sexually active respondents, 53.5% of the males and 48.0% of the females were involved in multiple sexual relationships. Only 32.4% of the sexually exposed respondents had ever used or were currently using a method of contraception. Condom use was only 30% among the sexually active respondents with use higher among the males; however, the use was inconsistent. Use of effective contraceptives was very low. Overall, 23.3% of the respondents had experienced symptoms suggestive of sexually transmitted infections within six months preceding the study, and self medication was the predominant method of treatment. Utilization of the university health services for their reproductive health needs was found to be abysmally low. Conclusion: The gaps in reproductive health knowledge, negative attitudes, high prevalence of risky sexual activity and poor reproductive health care seeking behaviour call for mounting of educational intervention programmes and development of youth-friendly reproductive health services on campus. KEY WORDS: University students; Reproductive health knowledge; Sexual behaviour; Contraceptive use; Reproductive health outcomes Journal of Community Medicine & Primary Health Care Vol.16(2) 2004: 8-16
Attitudes and beliefs of doctors towards medication error reporting

A sample of 15 hospital doctors, from four clinical specialties within an acute hospital trust, was interviewed. Doctors were questioned on definition of medication errors, causes and methods to reduce errors, importance and knowledge of existing reporting systems and barriers to reporting. All doctors believed that reporting errors were important in order to learn from mistakes but this was not borne out in practice. Clinical incident forms were considered too time‐consuming to complete and “fell into a black hole”, since no feed back was provided. Disciplinary action was not felt to be a barrier to reporting and the need for honesty was essential. Overwork and lack of information led to errors as well as pharmacists making junior doctors lazy prescribers. Where mistakes were made, doctors perceived that, despite a support ethic amongst peers, there was not a no blame culture outside the hospital. The study concluded that errors should be a learning experience but only if relevant and timely feedback is .
The Macular Photostress Test

ABSTRACT Methods of assessing macular function by timing the recovery of visual acuity after adaptation to an intense light source have been called macular photostress tests. These tests have been demonstrated to be of clinical value but there is no widely accepted instrument or method of administering a macular photostress test. Several alternatives for a clinical photostress test are discussed in this paper and a protocol is proposed that would allow the test to be applied easily in private practice using existing equipment.
Improving quality of life in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: a therapeutic view

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease with abscess formation and scarring predominantly in the inverse areas. The disease is often difficult to treat and patients experience a decreased quality of life (QoL) and related psychosocial morbidity. Current knowledge on improving QoL in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa is therefore reviewed. The literature is limited but indicates that there are two ways of improving patients’ QoL: therapy of the somatic disease or psychosocial interventions.
Soviet Socialized Medicine: An Introduction

Designed primarily for laymen, this introduction to the Soviet health services serves as the to a comprehensive work intended for scholars in the field of medical organization and administration. The author is a sociologist who has impressive knowledge of the historical background of Soviet sociology, especially as it pertains to the Soviet health service. His dispassionate objectivity provides a refreshing contrast to the obvious overtones of some who discussed the system in relationship to recent socioeconomic changes in American medicine. For the American physician concerned with the future of American medicine, it provides a brief history, description, and review of a system entirely different from his own. The system is not judged as good or bad but only as reasonably effective in fulfilling the mission assigned to medicine in Soviet ideology and planning. The author broadly outlines the rationale of its possibly greater appeal than the American system to underdeveloped
Inter-relationship between visual symptoms, activity limitation and psychological functioning in patients with diabetic retinopathy

Aims We explored the direct and indirect impact of restrictions in daily living activities on the relationship between perceived visual symptoms associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and psychological functioning. Methods In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 514 tertiary patients with DR (mean age±SD, 60.4±12.6 years; 64% male) answered questions related to nine domains of DR-specific quality of life. These were classified into the following predictor, mediating and outcome variables: visual symptoms (predictor variable); activity limitation, driving, lighting, social restriction, inconvenience, mobility (mediating variables); and emotional distress and concerns (outcome variables). Direct and indirect relationships between study variables were assessed using path analysis, using interval-level person measures derived from Rasch analyses of the study questionnaires. Results We found no direct effect of DR-related visual symptoms on emotional distress or concerns. Rather, the association between visual symptoms and emotional distress was mediated (all p<0.05) by mobility (indirect effect=0.07), inconvenience (indirect effect=0.28), activity limitation (indirect effect=0.13) and social restriction (indirect effect=0.11). Similarly, the relationship between DR-related visual symptoms and concerns was mediated by inconvenience (indirect effect=0.36) and social restriction (indirect effect=0.11). Lighting and driving did not have a mediating role. Conclusions The link between vision and psychological functioning outcomes such as emotional distress and concern is complex in patients with DR and mediated by limitations in daily living activities and social factors. Interventions to enhance daily functioning and social interaction may be effective in reducing emotional distress associated with DR-related vision impairment.
The Fibroid Registry for Outcomes Data (FIBROID) for Uterine Embolization: Short-Term Outcomes

Objective: To investigate the short-term safety of uterine embolization for leiomyomata in a large cohort of patients treated in a variety of clinical settings. Methods: Examining the FIBROID Registry, a multicenter prospective voluntary registry of patients undergoing uterine embolization for leiomyomata, we studied the frequency of adverse events and predictors of adverse events within 30 days of the procedure. We also report on the technical aspects of the procedure, including details of periprocedural care, technique, and short-term recovery. All adverse events were recorded and classified using standard definitions, both in terms of type and severity. Summary statistics were used to describe the data set, and univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine which factors might influence the incidence of adverse events. Results: Of the 3,160 patients enrolled at 72 contributing sites, major in-hospital complications occurred in 0.66%, and postdischarge major events occurred in 4.8% within the first 30 days. The most common adverse event after discharge was inadequate pain relief requiring additional hospital treatment (2.4%). Thirty-one patients required additional surgical intervention within 30 days after treatment, 3 of whom required hysterectomy (0.1%). There were no deaths. Multivariate analysis showed modest increased odds for an adverse event for African Americans, smokers, and those with prior leiomyoma procedures. There were no differences in outcome based on the practice site experience, practice type, or any procedure-related factors. Conclusion: Uterine embolization for leiomyomata is a low-risk procedure with little variability in short-term outcome based on either patient demographics or practice setting. Level of Evidence: II-3
Burnout amongst Physiotherapists in Ishikawa Prefecture

Professionals working in human-related services have been found to suffer burnout to an increasing degree, which, in turn, affects their work performance, and the reason for it is often due to excessive work-related pressure. Using the Japanese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (JMBI), this study investigated various factors associated with burnout among physiotherapists from the prefecture of Ishikawa in Japan, and the results were analysed to understand the relationship among these factors. Out of 243 practising physiotherapists surveyed throughout the prefecture, 163 met the established criteria for inclusion in the study. The scores for personal accomplishment were significantly lower than those of physiotherapists in the United States, but significantly higher than nurses in Japan (p<0.001). The factor analyses revealed that statements belonging to each factor described the specific concepts. A positive correlation was demonstrated between Factor 4 and age of the therapist and Factor 4 and therapist's number of years of practice (p<0.05), Factors 2 and 4 and the number of years at present employment (p<0.01), and Factor 4 and the therapist's time spent for clients (p<0.01). As for the gender difference for the JMBI, male respondents' scores were high for Factors 2 and 4 (p<0.01). Possible reasons for and implications of these findings are discussed in terms of recognition of the factors which contribute to burnout.
Personal best marathon performance is associated with performance in a 24-h run and not anthropometry or training volume

Objective: In this study, the influence of anthropometric and training parameters on race performance in ultra-endurance runners in a 24-h run was investigated. Design: Descriptive field study. Setting: 24-h run in Basel 2007. Participants: 15 male Caucasian ultra-runners (mean (SD) 46.7 (5.8 years), 71.1 (6.8 kg), 1.76 (0.07 m), body mass index 23.1 (1.84 kg/m2)). Interventions: None. Main outcome measures: Age, body mass, body height, length of lower limbs, skin-fold thicknesses, circumference of extremities, skeletal muscle mass, body mass, percentage of body fat, and training volume in 15 successful finishers were determined to correlate anthropometric and training parameters with race performance. Results: No significant association (p>0.05) was found between the reached distance and the anthropometric properties. There was also no significant association between the reached distance with the weekly training hours, running years, the number of finished marathons and the number of finished 24-h runs. The reached distance was significantly (p<0.05) positively correlated with the personal best marathon performance (r2 = 0.40) and the personal best 24-h run distance (r2 = 0.58). Furthermore, the personal best marathon performance was significantly and positively correlated (p<0.01) with the best personal 24-h run distance (r2 = 0.76). Conclusions: Anthropometry and training volume does not seem to have a major effect on race performance in a 24-h run. Instead, a fast personal best marathon time seems to be the only positive association with race performance in a 24-h run.
Mass ECG screening of young athletes

A recent article by Wilson and colleagues1 proposes the mandatory ECG screening of athletes as a means of reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death in this population. The idea of such screening originated with the studies of Dr Corrado and his colleagues in Italy.2 The concept has subsequently received support from several European groups, Dr Corrado being involved in some of these: the International Olympic Committee Medical Commission,3 the European Society of Cardiology4 and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). 5 A proper starting point for a consideration of this issue is Bayes’ theorem. This theorem makes clear that mass screening cannot be effective and will inevitably lead to a high proportion of false positive results if one is using a fallible test procedure when attempting to detect a rare risk. Wilson and associates1 attempted to increase the frequency of their positive outcomes by assessing the frequency with which their ECGs detected certain “abnormalities” such as the Wolff–Parkinson–White (WPW) syndrome, thought to be associated with an increased risk of sudden death. One …
Utilização de medicamentos durante a gravidez na cidade de Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

PURPOSE: to study the use of medicines by pregnant women during prenatal care in clinics of the national public health system in the city of Natal, Brazil. METHODS: a total of 610 pregnant women between the first and the third trimesters of pregnancy were interviewed in the public clinics of the four sanitary districts of Natal, from May to July 2006. The data were collected by a structured questionnaire, based in use-oriented and medicine-oriented questions. The drugs were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (ATC), in agreement with the gestation risk criteria from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). The statistical analysis was made by the c2 test. RESULTS: a total of 1,505 drugs were used, with an average of 2.4 medications per woman. The use of at least one drug was found in 86.6% of the women. The most frequently used drugs were anti-anemics (35.6%), analgesics (24.9%), drugs for gastrointestinal disorders (9.1%) and vitamins (7%). According to the FDA classification, 42.7% belonged to category A risk, 27.1% to category B, 29.3% to category C, 0.3% to category D and none to category X. The use of medicines during the first trimester of pregnancy amounted to 43.6%. The rate of drug use increased with higher schooling level and family income. Self-medication was found in 12.2% of the drug intake and this rate was higher in the first trimester of gestation and with women with low education level and previous gestations. CONCLUSIONS: pregnant women from Natal are being exposed to a variety of medicines with uncertain safety in pregnancy. Therefore, more careful prescription is needed, to avoid possible fetal damage.
Rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament injury influences joint loading during walking but not hopping

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify changes in clinical outcome and lower extremity biomechanics during walking and hopping in ACL-injured subjects before and after a 20-session neuromuscular and strength training programme. Study design: Pre and post experimental design. Setting: Outpatient clinic, primary care. Patients: 32 subjects with unilateral ACL injury, mean 60 (SD 35) days after injury, with a mean age of 26.2 (5.4) years. Intervention: The rehabilitation programme consisted of neuromuscular and strength exercises. Main outcome measurements: Outcome measurements assessed before and after a 20-session rehabilitation programme were: self-assessment questionnaires (KOS-ADL, IKDC2000, Global function), four single-leg hop tests, and isokinetic muscle strength tests. Lower extremity kinematics and kinetics were captured during the stance phase of gait and landing after a single leg hop, synchronised with three force plates. Results: These ACL-injured individuals significantly improved their clinical outcome after rehabilitation. Gait analysis disclosed a significantly improved knee extension moment after rehabilitation, but no change in hip or knee excursions. During landing after hop no change in knee excursion or knee moment was recorded. Conclusion: After rehabilitation the ACL-injured subjects showed a significantly improved clinical outcome, but lower extremity biomechanics were still significantly impaired during both walking and hopping. The rehabilitation programme influenced knee joint loading during walking, but not during hopping. Longer rehabilitation should be considered before ACL-injured individuals return to jumping activities.