Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia misdiagnosed as lethal child neglect

Lethal child neglect is a rare cause of death in industrialized countries. Starvation and dehydration are peculiar signs of such abuse even if it is mandatory to exclude organic diseases that may mimic neglect. A 4 months-year-old infant started vomiting at his home and then collapsed in a local hospital, where he expired. The mother stated that baby had had symptoms (fever, vomit and diarrhea) but she was afraid to seek medical care. At autopsy, clear signs of dehydration were found. Histological examination showed a T-cell lymphoblastic infiltrate of the organs with foci of bronchopneumonia in lungs. The results of autopsy suggested that the cause of death was a Cancer-Cachexia-Syndrome from an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The manner of death was attributed to natural death. In the present article, crime scene investigations as well as medical history, autopsy findings, and possible liability of the parents in determining child' s death are discussed.
School-based smoking control: a research agenda.

Within the context of a framework for cancer control, this article reviews evidence and suggests research directions for 3 types of school-based smoking interventions: elementary school prevention, secondary school interventions and interventions linking community and school. Directions for smoking research in elementary schools include improving adoption through the provision of effectiveness criteria, tailoring interventions to schools and training. Monitoring at micro and macro levels may help planning and implementation, but clearer evidence is required of its feasibility. Fundamental research should explore new options to understand why youth do not start smoking. Smoking intervention research at the secondary school level is less well established, with only 1 effectiveness trial reported. We recommend testing models that involve youth in developing their own solutions and examining the interaction of various control measures. Sustainability issues have led researchers to embed school-based smoking interventions in community-wide activities. Intervention research of this sort still needs to determine how to apply approaches (e.g., comprehensive school health) and what the appropriate roles are (such as technical assistance) for community agencies. All research using these school-community approaches needs to include process measures to explain potential failures to obtain significant differences between components. In addition, we call for research on the training of educators and health personnel, to increase the priority given to smoking prevention and improve the implementation of existing programs. Research on policy initiatives that lead to effective training needs to be explored. Finally, we argue that application of the principles incorporated into the cancer control framework (e.g., through participatory research methods) strengthens the research process and results.
Analysis of multivariable regulation systems using pseudo-inverse model-based controllers

This paper deals with analyzing the steady-state regulation of possibly uncertain multivariable discrete-time systems in the presence of arbitrary unmeasurable but bounded disturbances. The pseudo-inverse model-based control approach as a unified concept to cope with possible noninvertability and to achieve a desired behavior of a wide class of both linear and of nonlinear multivariable square and also nonsquare systems is analyzed. It is assumed that the number of the system outputs is not less than the number of its control inputs. Some theoretical results concerning the asymptotical properties of closed-loop systems containing the pseudo-inverse model-based controller are presented. A numerical example and simulation are also given.
Effects of Preservation Method on Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Values

Some methods of tissue preservation have significant effects on values of stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N), but studies on this topic are scattered in the literature. The goals of this study were to (1) summarize the results from studies of preservation effects in the literature and (2) test the effects of four common preservatives on δ13C and δ15N in epidermis tissue of three turtle species. Turtle tissue samples were subjected to up to five time intervals in five methods of preservation: drying at 60°C for 24 h (the control), immersion in a 70% ethanol solution, immersion in a saturated NaCl aqueous solution, freezing at −10°C in a frost‐free freezer, and immersion in a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid buffer. The δ13C and δ15N values for tissues preserved in 70% ethanol and NaCl aqueous solution were not significantly different from those of tissues dried at 60°C, but samples preserved in DMSO were significantly different from dried samples. Freezing preservation had a significant effect on δ13C and δ15N at 60 d, which may have resulted from the use of a frost‐free freezer. The effects of 20 different preservative methods on δ13C and δ15N in different tissues are summarized.
ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF UGC 1382 AS A GIANT LOW SURFACE BRIGHTNESS GALAXY

We provide evidence that UGC 1382, long believed to be a passive elliptical galaxy, is actually a giant low surface brightness (GLSB) galaxy that rivals the archetypical GLSB Malin 1 in size. Like other GLSB galaxies, it has two components: a high surface brightness disk galaxy surrounded by an extended low surface brightness (LSB) disk. For UGC 1382, the central component is a lenticular system with an effective radius of 6 kpc. Beyond this, the LSB disk has an effective radius of ∼38 kpc and an extrapolated central surface brightness of ∼26 mag arcsec−2. Both components have a combined stellar mass of ∼8 × 1010 M⊙, and are embedded in a massive (1010 M⊙) low-density (<3 M⊙ pc−2) HI disk with a radius of 110 kpc, making this one of the largest isolated disk galaxies known. The system resides in a massive dark matter halo of at least 2 × 1012 M⊙. Although possibly part of a small group, its low-density environment likely plays a role in the formation and retention of the giant LSB and HI disks. We model the spectral energy distributions and find that the LSB disk is likely older than the lenticular component. UGC 1382 has UV–optical colors typical of galaxies transitioning through the green valley. Within the LSB disk are spiral arms forming stars at extremely low efficiencies. The gas depletion timescale of ∼1011 years suggests that UGC 1382 may be a very-long-term resident of the green valley. We find that the formation and evolution of the LSB disk in UGC 1382 is best explained by the accretion of gas-rich LSB dwarf galaxies.
Cognitive Capitalism

Cognitive ability stimulates economic productivity. However, the effects of cognitive ability may be stronger in free and open economies, where competition rewards merit and achievement. To test this hypothesis, ability levels of intellectual classes (top 5%) and average classes (country averages) were estimated using international student assessments (Programme for International Student Assessment; Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study; and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) (N = 99 countries). The ability levels were correlated with indicators of economic freedom (Fraser Institute), scientific achievement (patent rates), innovation (Global Innovation Index), competitiveness (Global Competitiveness Index), and wealth (gross domestic product). Ability levels of intellectual and average classes strongly predicted all economic criteria. In addition, economic freedom moderated the effects of cognitive ability (for both classes), with stronger effects at higher levels of freedom. Effects were particularly robust for scientific achievements when the full range of freedom was analyzed. The results support cognitive capitalism theory: cognitive ability stimulates economic productivity, and its effects are enhanced by economic freedom.
[Influence of body mass index and age on deep vein thrombosis after total hip and knee arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE To analyze the influence of the body mass index (BMI) and age on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after the total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty(TKA) in Chinese patients who received prophylactic treatment for DVT. METHODS We used a randomized clinical case-control study. From April 2004 to August 2004, we performed THA and TKA for 95 patients (128 hips and knees). There were 27 men and 68 women with an average age of 60 years (range, 23-78) at surgery, and with an average BMI of 25.88 kg/m2 (range, 14.34-40.39) before surgery. All the patients were given low-molecular-weight heparin for 7-10 days pre- and postoperatively to prevent DVT. Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to detect DVT of bilateral lower extremities in all the patients before operation and 7-10 days after operation. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to their BMI:the non-obese group (BMI < or = 25.00 kg/m2), the overweight group (BMI, 25.01-27.00 kg/m2), the obese group (BMI, 27.01-30.00 kg/m2), and the morbidly obese group (BMI > 30.00 kg/m2); and they were also divided into 4 groups according to their ages (< or =40, 41-60, 61-70, >70 yr) so as to analyze the influence of the BMI and age on DVT. RESULTS The total incidence of DVT in all the patients was 47.4% (45/95) and the incidence of proximal DVT was 3.2%. Forty-five patients had DVT and 50 patients had no DVT. The average BMI of the patients with DVT was significantly higher than that of the patients with no DVT (P < 0.05). The overweight, obese, and morbidly obese patients had an odds ratio of 7.04, 4.8, and 9.6 for DVT compared with the non-obese patients (P < 0.05); but the obese group had a less risk than the other 2 groups. The 41-60, 61-70, and > 70-year-old patients had an odds ratio of 24.0, 38.2, and 24.4 for DVT compared with the < or = 40-year-old patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Obesity (BMI> 25 kg/m2) and an increasing age (>40 yr) are identified as statistically significant risk factors for DVT after THA or TKA, and patients aged 61-70 years are more likely to have DVT than the other patients. We should pay more attention to those obesity and aged patients when they are undergoing the total joint replacement, and we should give them enough prophylaxis and closely observe the symptoms in their bilateral lower extremities after operation, taking ultrasonography or venography to check DVT if necessary, so that we can give them prompt treatment and prevent fatal pulmonary thromboembolism.
Vision-guided grasping of unknown objects for service robots

We present an integrated vision-guided grasping system for service robots. Our system integrates computer vision to capture the shape of the objects, online grasp determination based on that shape, and image-based control for grasp execution. Novel techniques are presented to solve the problems concerned under the imposed resource constraints, namely, for information reduction and segmentation in image processing, strategies for grasp determination as well as vision-guided control for grasp execution. A preshaping heuristic strategy is combined with symmetry and local shape analysis. Also, the surface of contact between fingers and object is considered and a novel technique for sampling the visuomotor Jacobian is introduced. Experimental validation results are provided showing how the robot arm can efficiently and stably grasp unknown everyday objects.
The Use of Score Tests for Inference on Variance Components

Summary Whenever inference for variance components is required, the choice between one‐sided and two‐sided tests is crucial. This choice is usually driven by whether or not negative variance components are permitted. For two‐sided tests, classical inferential procedures can be followed, based on likelihood ratios, score statistics, or Wald statistics. For one‐sided tests, however, one‐sided test statistics need to be developed, and their null distribution derived. While this has received considerable attention in the context of the likelihood ratio test, there appears to be much confusion about the related problem for the score test. The aim of this paper is to illustrate that classical (two‐sided) score test statistics, frequently advocated in practice, cannot be used in this context, but that well‐chosen one‐sided counterparts could be used instead. The relation with likelihood ratio tests will be established, and all results are illustrated in an analysis of continuous longitudinal data using linear mixed models.
CD19/22 balance relates to improvement of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

B cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are hyperactivated and B-cell receptor signal transduction may be affected by various response regulators. CD19 and CD22 play a major role as regulators of B-cell response. Therefore, we examined CD19 and CD22 expressions on B cells of patients with SLE, and how they were related to disease activity. Thirty-one patients with active SLE were selected and enrolled in this study. Evaluation of CD19 and CD22 expressions on B cells was performed prior to and after treatments with flow cytometry analysis. Disease activity was determined according to the SLE disease activity index score. CD19 and CD22 expressions on B cells in SLE patients revealed no significant differences when compared with the controls. However, improvement of SLE was recognized among patients with an increased ratio of CD22-positive cells. Our results suggest that this balance is a useful marker for determining improvement of SLE disease activity, although the CD19/22 balance does not contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE.
Interventions for Intrauterine Resuscitation in Suspected Fetal Distress During Term Labor: A Systematic Review

Importance Intrauterine resuscitation techniques during term labor are commonly used in daily clinical practice. Evidence, however, to support the beneficial effect of intrauterine resuscitation techniques on fetal distress during labor is limited and sometimes contradictory. In contrast, some of these interventions may even be harmful. Objective To give insight into the current evidence on intrauterine resuscitation techniques. In addition, we formulate recommendations for current clinical practice and propose directions for further research. Evidence Acquisition We systematically searched the electronic PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases for studies on intrauterine resuscitation for suspected fetal distress during term labor until February 2015. Eligible articles and their references were independently assessed by 2 authors. Judgment was based on methodological quality and study results. Results Our literature search identified 15 studies: 4 studies on amnioinfusion, 1 study on maternal hyperoxygenation, 1 study on maternal repositioning, 1 study on intravenous fluid administration, and 8 studies on tocolysis. Of these 15 research papers, 3 described a randomized controlled trial; all other studies were observational reports or case reports. Conclusions and Relevance Little robust evidence to promote a specific intrauterine resuscitation technique is available. Based on our literature search, we support the use of tocolysis and maternal repositioning for fetal distress. We believe the effect of amnioinfusion and maternal hyperoxygenation should be further investigated in properly designed randomized controlled trials to make up the balance between beneficial and potential hazardous effects. Target Audience Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians Learning Objectives After completing this activity, the learner will be better able to describe the various methods that are currently used to resuscitate the distressed fetus during term labor, outline their possible mechanism of action and have insight into the effectiveness of the various resuscitation methods, and apply the method most likely to improve fetal condition during labor in case of fetal distress, based on the best available evidence.
Rheumatic Fever, Autoimmunity, and Molecular Mimicry: The Streptococcal Connection

The group A streptococcus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and its link to autoimmune sequelae, has acquired a new level of understanding. Studies support the hypothesis that molecular mimicry between the group A streptococcus and heart or brain are important in directing immune responses in rheumatic fever. Rheumatic carditis, Sydenham chorea and a new group of behavioral disorders called pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections are reviewed with consideration of autoantibody and T cell responses and the role of molecular mimicry between the heart, brain and group A streptococcus as well as how immune responses contribute to pathogenic mechanisms in disease. In rheumatic carditis, studies have investigated human monoclonal autoantibodies and T cell clones for their crossreactivity and their mechanisms leading to valve damage in rheumatic heart disease. Although studies of human and animal sera from group A streptococcal diseases or immunization models have been crucial in providing clues to molecular mimicry and its role in the pathogenesis of rheumatic fever, study of human monoclonal autoantibodies have provided important insights into how antibodies against the valve may activate the valve endothelium and lead to T cell infiltration. Passive transfer of anti-streptococcal T cell lines in a rat model of rheumatic carditis illustrates effects of CD4+ T cells on the valve. Although Sydenham chorea has been known as the neurological manifestation of rheumatic fever for decades, the combination of autoimmunity and behavior is a relatively new concept linking brain, behavior and neuropsychiatric disorders with streptococcal infections. In Sydenham chorea, human mAbs and their expression in transgenic mice have linked autoimmunity to central dopamine pathways as well as dopamine receptors and dopaminergic neurons in basal ganglia. Taken together, the studies reviewed provide a basis for understanding streptococcal sequelae and how immune responses against group A streptococci influence autoimmunity and inflammatory responses in the heart and brain.
Procedure-independent growth-of-masking functions.

The forward-masked threshold for a 10-ms, 1-kHz sinusoidal signal was measured as a function of the level of a narrow-band (60-Hz wide) noise masker at five masker frequencies (0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.15, and 1.25 kHz) using both a fixed-masker procedure (determine the threshold level of the signal for a fixed level of the masker) and the converse procedure (determine the masker level necessary to just mask a given signal). A common growth-of-masking function describes the results of both procedures for a given masker frequency; i.e., an identical masker and signal lead to identical performance regardless of which is the dependent variable. The growth-of-masking functions for different masker frequencies show varying degrees of nonlinearity. The nonlinearity of the growth-of-masking functions underlies the discrepancies which arise between masking-pattern and tuning-curve data. These discrepancies do not arise because performance somehow depends upon whether the masker or signal is the dependent variable.
Ten month outcome of cognitive behavioural therapy v. interpersonal psychotherapy in patients with major depression: a randomised trial of acute and maintenance psychotherapy

Background Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) are the most studied psychotherapies for treatment of depression, but they are rarely directly compared particularly over the longer term. This study compares the outcomes of patients treated with CBT and IPT over 10 months and tests whether there are differential or general predictors of outcome. Methods A single centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) of depressed outpatients treated with weekly CBT or IPT sessions for 16 weeks and then 24 weeks of maintenance CBT or IPT. The principle outcome was depression severity measured using the MADRS. Pre-specified predictors of response were in four domains: demographic depression, characteristics, comorbidity and personality. Data were analysed over 16 weeks and 40 weeks using general linear mixed effects regression models. Results CBT was significantly more effective than IPT in reducing depressive symptoms over the 10 month study largely because it appeared to work more quickly. There were no differential predictors of response to CBT v. IPT at 16 weeks or 40 weeks. Personality variables were most strongly associated with overall outcome at both 16 weeks and 40 weeks. The number of personality disorder symptoms and lower self-directness and reward dependence scores were associated with poorer outcome for both CBT and IPT at 40 weeks. Conclusions CBT and IPT are effective treatments for major depression over the longer term. CBT may work more quickly. Personality variables are the most relevant predictors of outcome.
A myocardial cytotoxic process is involved in the cardiac dysfunction of meningococcal septic shock

ObjectiveMyocardial dysfunction is a characteristic component of meningococcal septic shock and contributes to the persisting high mortality from the disease. Specific treatment of the myocardial failure has been hampered by the lack of understanding of its pathophysiology. We were interested to determine whether myocardial cell death was occurring in the presence of meningococcal septicemia and whether it correlated with the degree of left ventricular dysfunction and disease severity. We therefore investigated the release of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a sensitive and specific marker of myocardial cell death, and related this to the severity of disease and cardiac dysfunction. DesignProspective study SettingPediatric intensive care unit SubjectsPatients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with a diagnosis of meningococcal septicemia. InterventionsSerum concentrations of cTnI were determined at admission to intensive care in 101 children with meningococcal septicemia and serially in 37 children. Changes in cTnI were related to disease severity as measured by the Pediatric Risk of Mortality score and two markers of cardiac dysfunction. Measurements and Main ResultsSerum concentrations of cTnI were elevated above the range for healthy children in 24% of children with meningococcal septicemia at admission and in 62% of patients within 48 hrs. The peak concentrations occurred between 12 and 36 hrs after admission. There were significant correlations between cTnI levels and disease severity and between cTnI levels and the degree of myocardial depression measured by quantitative transthoracic echocardiography and peak inotrope requirements. ConclusionsThe elevated serum concentrations of cTnI indicate that myocardial cell death is occurring in meningococcal septicemia. The relationship between cTnI and markers of myocardial function suggest that the cell death may have a role in the pathogenesis of myocardial dysfunction in meningococcal septicemia. Elucidation of the mechanism responsible for myocardial injury may lead to the development of therapeutic interventions to prevent or limit this cardiac damage.