Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Finding coordinated atrial activity during ventricular fibrillation using wavelet decomposition

Until recently, the ECG recorded during ventricular fibrillation was thought to represent disorganized and unstructured electrical activity of the heart. Using a new signal analysis technique based on wavelet decomposition, we have begun to reveal previously unreported structure within the ECG tracing. We report preliminary findings that provide the first evidence linking this structure to unexpected mechanical phenomena occurring in the heart.
Screening for cognitive and affective dysfunction in patients suspected of mild cognitive impairment

Disturbances of affect expression and perception, as well as accuracy of predicting memory difficulties, have been reported in various brain dysfunctional groups. Screening tests of higher cerebral functions seldom sample these dimensions. The goal of this study was to determine if patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) of the amnestic type would demonstrate impairments in these domains, as well as show expected memory deficits.
Playing at peace: Western politics, diplomacy and the stabilization of Macedonia

On 27 July 2001 negotiators of the ethnic Slav and ethnic Albanian political parties from the self‐proclaimed unity government of the Federal Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) met at Ohrid, a lakeside resort in the southwestern corner of the war‐torn country. The negotiators had fled Skopje, the country's starved, gray capital, because the pressures from the spreading war between ethnic Albanian insurgents and the dominantly ethnic Slav security forces had made constructive political dialogue nearly impossible. Ohrid, on the other hand, was a community that embraced many of the region's historical contradictions. The town had seen Romans, Byzantines, Franks, Ottomans, Serbs, Greeks and Albanians all come and go. Saint Clement of Ohrid (d. 916) had once lived and worshipped in the city, and much of the architecture, with its winding streets and numerous churches and monasteries, still bore the marks of its medieval and diverse past. All parties arrived in this contemplative setting under intense diplomatic pressure from the European Union (EU), the United States (US), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to find a constitutional and political solution to the crisis, and find one soon. As all parties sat down to thrash out a compromise, a senior EU mediator was heard to remark: ‘This country doesn't need mediators, it needs a psychoanalyst. ”
An Objective Procedure for Delineating the Circumpolar Vortex

The broad‐scale, steering atmospheric circulation in the Northern Hemisphere, represented by the tropospheric circumpolar vortex (CPV), is an important driver of environmental processes. The area and circularity of the CPV are analyzed hereby delineating the leading edge of the CPV at the steepest 500‐hPa geopotential height gradient globally. The daily CPV area and circularity were aggregated to monthly averages for contrast with measurements identified in previous research for the overlapping period of record (1979–2001). Accuracy of representation of the CPV is assessed through correlations to air‐sea teleconnections known to be associated with broad‐scale, extratropical steering circulation. Correlation to monthly teleconnection indices suggests that the new method allows for improvements in the calculation of area and circularity of the 500‐hPa manifestation of the CPV. These improvements justify extension of the calculation of the standardized CPV area and circularity for the 1979–2017 period of record. Results largely mirror those for the shorter time series, with the Arctic Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, and Pacific‐North American teleconnection showing stronger links to CPV area and circularity than El Niño–Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Collectively, these results suggest that the use of a singular indicator isohypse and/or monthly averaged data to represent the CPV may oversimplify analyses, especially for identifying past and future longwave ridges and troughs. This finding is important because the amplitudes and positions of the undulations in the broad‐scale flow exert the most important impacts on variability at both low‐ and high‐frequency time periods.
Characterization of the Shigella flexneri ipgD and ipgF genes, which are located in the proximal part of the mxi locus

The Shigella flexneri invasion process requires the synthesis of the Ipa proteins and their secretion by specific factors encoded by the mxi and spa genes, which are clustered upstream from the ipa operon. We report here the characterization of the ipgD, ipgE, and ipgF genes, which are located in the 5' end of the mxi locus. Analysis of IpgF-PhoA fusions endowed with high levels of alkaline phosphatase activity confirmed the functionality of a classical signal sequence detected in the sequence of IpgF. The ipgD and ipgF genes were each inactivated on the large virulence plasmid by insertion of a nonpolar cassette; each of the ipgD and ipgF mutants thus constructed showed the same invasive phenotype as the wild-type strain and was able to provoke keratoconjunctivitis in guinea pigs. It thus appears that two genes located at the ipa-proximal part of the mxi locus are not directly involved in invasion. Analysis of concentrated culture supernatants of the wild-type and ipgD strains indicated that secretion of one polypeptide, whose size was consistent with that predicted for the IpgD protein (60 kDa), was abolished in the ipgD mutant.
Desmopressin (DDAVP) Responsiveness in Children With von Willebrand Disease

Purpose To determine the pattern and predictors of response to desmopressin (DDAVP) in children with von Willebrand disease (VWD). Methods The authors reviewed the hospital records of all children with type 1 (n = 70) and type 2A (n = 5) VWD who were followed in the institution's Bleeding Disorders Clinic from January 1989 to June 2001 and who had a DDAVP challenge test after diagnosis. The major outcome evaluated was response to DDAVP, defined as an increase of greater than twofold over baseline of von Willebrand factor, ristocetin cofactor (VWF:RCo), and factor VIII coagulant (FVIII:C) and levels above 0.3 IU/mL. Results Response to DDAVP was observed in 56 (80%) of the 70 children with type 1 VWD. Age and baseline VWF:RCo and FVIII:C levels were positively associated with DDAVP response. A total of 36 children (28 responders, 8 nonresponders) with type 1 VWD were treated for bleeding episodes or for prophylaxis; of these 75% (6/8) of the nonresponders compared with 7% (2/28) of the responders to a DDAVP challenge test received blood component therapy (P < 0.01). One of the five children with type 2A VWD responded to DDAVP. Conclusions DDAVP challenge tests are recommended in children with newly diagnosed VWD to identify responders in whom DDAVP may be used for the prevention or treatment of bleeding, thus avoiding exposure to blood products. The association of DDAVP response with age merits further investigation.
Effects of Engineered Sinorhizobium meliloti on Cytokinin Synthesis and Tolerance of Alfalfa to Extreme Drought Stress

ABSTRACT Cytokinin is required for the initiation of leguminous nitrogen fixation nodules elicited by rhizobia and the delay of the leaf senescence induced by drought stress. A few free-living rhizobia have been found to produce cytokinin. However, the effects of engineered rhizobia capable of synthesizing cytokinin on host tolerance to abiotic stresses have not yet been described. In this study, two engineered Sinorhizobium strains overproducing cytokinin were constructed. The tolerance of inoculated alfalfa plants to severe drought stress was assessed. The engineered strains, which expressed the Agrobacterium ipt gene under the control of different promoters, synthesized more zeatins than the control strain under free-living conditions, but their own growth was not affected. After a 4-week inoculation period, the effects of engineered strains on alfalfa growth and nitrogen fixation were similar to those of the control strain under nondrought conditions. After being subjected to severe drought stress, most of the alfalfa plants inoculated with engineered strains survived, and the nitrogenase activity in their root nodules showed no apparent change. A small elevation in zeatin concentration was observed in the leaves of these plants. The expression of antioxidant enzymes increased, and the level of reactive oxygen species decreased correspondingly. Although the ipt gene was transcribed in the bacteroids of engineered strains, the level of cytokinin in alfalfa nodules was identical to that of the control. These findings suggest that engineered Sinorhizobium strains synthesizing more cytokinin could improve the tolerance of alfalfa to severe drought stress without affecting alfalfa nodulation or nitrogen fixation.
Recent progress in relapsed multiple myeloma therapy: implications for treatment decisions

The availability of novel therapies for the treatment of multiple myeloma has had a dramatic impact on the depth of response that can be expected on initial treatment. Despite these advances, disease relapse remains inevitable in most patients and brings with it a different set of priorities for therapy. The most recent wave of novel agents may have a particular impact in the relapsed setting. In this review, we examine the evidence currently available from clinical trials for the use of novel agents, particularly in the formation of triplet therapy. We consider data supporting the addition of the proteasome inhibitors carfilzomib and ixazomib, or the monoclonal antibodies elotuzumab or daratumumab, to a treatment backbone of lenalidomide and dexamethasone. The clinical data set is less well developed for the addition of a third agent to the combination of bortezomib and dexamethasone; nonetheless, data are presented supporting the addition of the histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat, or elotuzumab or daratumumab. While acknowledging the lack of head‐to‐head data on which to base comparisons between the numerous regimens, we collate the latest data in order to provide a basis on which to make clinical decisions in this rapidly advancing field.
A survey on radiographic prescription practices in dental implant assessment among dentists in Kerala, India.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To conduct a survey of the current radiographic prescription practices among implant practitioners in the state of Kerala, India. METHODS 300 dentists were interviewed by employing a questionnaire which enquired about the radiographic evaluation methods prescribed by practitioners in implant site assessment in their implantology practice. Other reasons for choosing particular imaging modalities were also enquired. The data collected from the survey was analysed using Epi-Info 7.1. 3 software. RESULTS Around 87.33% of the dentists prescribed only OPG for the implant site assessment and only 4.66% ordered Orthopantomograph (OPG) in combination with an Intra Oral Periapical Radiograph (IOPAR) and 4.33% ordered OPG with Computed Tomography (CT). Only 0.02% of the practitioners ordered CT as a single examination and 1% ordered it in conjunction with other modalities. 0.066% individuals ordered IOPAR as the sole imaging modality and none of them ever prescribed conventional or Cone beam computed tomography. CONCLUSIONS Our study has conclusively proven that most of the dentists prescribe OPG followed by a combination of OPG and Intraoral periapical radiographs in their implant practices. Many of them were not aware and did not follow the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, European Academy of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, European Association of Osseointegration and International Congress of Oral Implantology recommendations regarding cross-sectional imaging.
Condom use among high-risk heterosexual women with concurrent sexual partnerships, Houston, Texas, USA

Concurrent sexual partnerships allow for enhanced transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condom use dynamics in this context may be an important factor for transmission of HIV. We conducted a cross-sectional study to describe the frequency of concurrency among high-risk heterosexual women in Houston, Texas and determine the factors associated with condom use. A total of 553 participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and completed an anonymous questionnaire; 256 (49%) were identified as having a concurrent partnership. The prevalence of condom use at last sexual encounter was 26%. Women were significantly more likely to use condoms if their sexual encounter was with a casual partner and if alcohol and/or drugs were not used. The high prevalence of concurrent partnerships suggests the presence of a dense sexual network which may enable the rapid spread of STIs and HIV. The risk of transmission may be additionally increased due to the low prevalence of condom use.
Is there a "July effect" in surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

BACKGROUND Prior studies in various medical and surgical specialties have suggested that the changeover of medical trainees in the United States at the end of the academic year, or so-called "July effect," negatively impacts the quality of patient care, including increasing morbidity and decreasing efficiency. We analyzed whether the outcomes of surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis involving physicians-in-training as first assistants were affected by the time of year the surgery was performed. METHODS We performed a multicenter retrospective study with use of a prospectively collected database to examine outcomes following instrumented posterior spinal fusion in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The minimum duration of follow-up was two years. The outcomes of procedures performed by twelve surgeons whose first assistants were all surgeons-in-training were analyzed on the basis of the month of year that the surgery was performed. Variables assessed included blood loss, operative time, length of hospitalization, radiographic outcomes, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) scores, and complications. RESULTS Five hundred and seventy-five surgical procedures for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were performed, most in June (14%) and July (13%) (p ≤ 0.001). Preoperative radiographic characteristics were similar across all months as were postoperative radiographic outcomes. Preoperative and two-year SRS-22 scores were also similar across all months, with the exception of scores in the preoperative pain domain, which showed worse pain for patients who underwent surgery in February. No significant differences in blood loss, operative time, or length of hospital stay were observed when these variables were analyzed on the basis of the month in which the surgery was performed. The rate of patients experiencing any complication (23.5% overall) was not associated with the month of surgery, nor were the rates for the specific subcategories of neurologic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, instrumentation, or surgical site-related complications. With the exception of three gastrointestinal complications that were observed in July, the odds of a patient having a complication from surgery in July/August were unchanged from other months. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the data did not provide evidence to support a July effect. Our results suggest that surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis during July and August yields safety and outcomes equal to that of other months.
Usability and perception of young users and adults on targeted web search engines

The usability of web search engines is an important factor that influences user experience and correlates with users' success in finding the relevant information. Currently, there are different search engines online available whose main target audience are children. In this paper, we investigate the differences between children and adults in terms of usability and perception of targeted search engines, i.e. search engines designed specifically for that audience. To this end, an eye-tracking study was conducted to compare children's and adults' search behavior and perception of search interface elements on search engine results pages (SERPs) during an informational and a navigational search with a standard search engine and a search engine for children. We identified differences in the information-seeking behavior and perception of search engines SERPs between children and adults. Based on these findings we propose criteria on how to design search user interfaces that are more appropriate for children.
Fractures of Distal Radius: An Overview

Fractures of distal radius account for up to 20% of all fractures treated in emergency department. Initial assessment includes a history of mechanism of injury, associated injury and appropriate radiological evaluation. Treatment options include conservative management, internal fixation with pins, bridging and non-bridging external fixation, dorsal or volar plating with/without arthroscopy assistance. However, many questions regarding these fractures remain unanswered and good prospective randomized trials are needed.
Minimally invasive subxiphoid-right, videothoracoscopic technique of thymectomy for thymoma and rethymectomy.

Minimally invasive subxiphoid-right, videothoracoscopic (VATS) technique of thymectomy for thymoma is presented. This approach enables complete removal of the whole thymus, with visualization of the lower poles of the thyroid. The whole dissection is performed through the 4-7 cm subxiphoid approach with single 5-mm port insertion into the right chest cavity for the thoracoscope and, subsequently for the chest tube. The sternum is elevated with two hooks connected to the sternal frame. The lower hook is inserted through the subxiphoid incision and the superior hook is inserted percutaneously after the mediastinal tissue including the major mediastinal vessels that are dissected from the inner surface of the sternum. Generally, the left mediastinal pleura is not opened. The fatty tissue of the perithymic, right pericardiophrenic and aorta-pulmonary window can be completely removed. The dissection of the lower neck, aorta-caval groove and the left pericardiophrenic areas are not as complete as in the previously reported transcervical-subxiphoid, -bilateral VATS maximal thymectomy, however, therefore, the subxiphoid-right VATS technique of thymectomy have been used for early stage thymomas, not for non-thymomatous Myasthenia gravis. In this article, some important steps facilitating safe and straightforward performance of the procedure are presented and the methods of management of intraoperative complications are discussed.
Determination of CDOM and NPPM absorption coefficient spectra from coastal water remote sensing reflectance

Multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network algorithms were developed to retrieve the absorption coefficient spectra of the colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and nonpigmented particulate matter (NPPM) from the remote sensing reflectance R/sub rs/ of optically complex waters. The two MLP algorithms, consisting of one hidden layer with ten neurons and requiring R/sub rs/ at 412, 490, and 665 nm as inputs, were trained with a comprehensive experimental dataset of the Northern Adriatic Sea coastal waters. The products of the proposed regional MLP algorithms showed higher accuracies than regional band-ratio algorithms, and exhibited average uncertainties of 20% and 25% in the determination of CDOM and NPPM absorption coefficients at 412 nm, respectively.
Cytokine Production Profile of CD4+ T Cells from Patients with Active Churg-Strauss Syndrome Tends Toward Th17

Background: Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare systemic necrotizing vasculitis that develops in some asthma patients. What types of asthma make patients prone to develop this condition remains unknown. We found that inhibition of regulatory T cells (Treg) differentiation, especially by Tr1 cells, due to a decreased ability of responder T cells to generate IL-2, is associated with the onset and pathogenesis of CSS. In contrast, recent evidence suggests that IL-17-producing Th17 cells play a crucial role in autoimmune inflammation. However, few studies have addressed the role of Th17 in the pathogenesis of CSS. Methods: Mononuclear leukocytes were obtained from healthy subjects, patients with bronchial asthma (BA), asthma-accompanying chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (BA+CEP) and CSS. The cells were stimulated for 4–5 h with PMA and ionomycin in the presence of brefeldin A to generate and accumulate cytokines. Intracellular cytokines were detected after fixation and permeabilization of these cells. Tr1 cells were evaluated as CD4+CD25+ T cells dominantly producing IL-10 and TGF-β, nTreg as CD4+CD25+ T cells expressing Foxp3, a master transcriptional factor, and Th17 were also evaluated as CD4+ T cells mainly producing IL-17. Patients with CSS were classified into an active group and an inactive group in accordance with the disease state after treatment. Results: The frequency of Th17 in peripheral blood was significantly higher in active CSS patients than in healthy subjects, BA, BA+CEP, and inactive CSS patients. In contrast, the Tr1 cell detection frequency was remarkably decreased in active CSS in comparison with BA, BA+CEP, and inactive CSS patients. Also, there was a significant relation between the condition of a given CSS patient and the detection frequencies of both CD4+ helper T cells when CSS cases were divided into inactive and active stages. The Th17 detection frequency was increased in the active stage of CSS, while the Tr1 frequency decreased sharply but then reversed in the inactive stage of CSS. Conclusion: Active CSS patients have elevated intracellular IL-17 and decreased IL-10 levels, which correlate with measures of disease activity, suggesting that Th17 and Tr1 may play important roles in the pathogenesis of CSS.
Real-Time PCR for Dihydrofolate Reductase Gene Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Plasmodium vivax Isolates

ABSTRACT Mutations in the dhfr gene of Plasmodium vivax (pvdhfr) are associated with resistance to the antifolate antimalarial drugs. Polymorphisms in the pvdhfr gene were assessed by hybridization probe technology on the LightCycler instrument with 134 P. vivax-infected blood samples from Turkey (n = 24), Azerbaijan (n = 39), Thailand (n = 16), Indonesia (n = 53), and travelers (n = 19). Double mutations (S58R and S117N) or quadruple mutations (F57L/I, S58R, T61M, and S117N) in the pvdhfr genes were found in all Thai samples (100%). pvdhfr mutant-type alleles were significantly more common in samples from travelers (42%) than in those from patients from Indonesia (5%). Surprisingly, the pvdhfr single-mutation allele (S117N) was identified at a high frequency in parasites from Turkey and Azerbaijan (71 and 36%, respectively), where sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is not recommended for the treatment of P. vivax malaria by the World Health Organization and the Malaria National Programs.