Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing epidural catheter migration

The incidence and amount of migration of epidural catheters was investigated in a prospective randomised study of 153 women who required analgesia in labour. Inward or outward migration occurred in 36% of patients. Inward migration by 1–3 cm occurred in 21 (13.7%) patients and outward migration by 1 cm or more occurred in 34 (22.2%); three (2%) catheters migrated out through the skin. There were significant positive correlations between outward migration and weight, body mass index, and depth of the epidural space. There was no relationship between migration and height, age, intervertebral space used or duration of catheterisation. Problems with epidural block were no more likely in patients in whom migration of I cm or more occurred compared with those in whom migration was limited to a maximum of ± 0.5 cm. However, the pattern of problems was different. All cases of failed epidural block occurred in patients whose epidural catheter migrated outward by 2.5 cm or more. Unilateral blockade was not more likely if migration of 1 cm or more occurred.
Rapid karyotyping in ectopic pregnancies

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of karyotyping ectopic Fallopian tube pregnancies utilizing dividing cytotrophoblast cells. Villi from 78 ectopic conceptuses were processed by the direct chromosome technique and cytogenetic diagnosis was successful in 60 cases (76‐9 per cent). The amount of villi obtained, as well as villus morphology, was correlated with cytogenetic success rate. Histological examination of the Fallopian tube was also carried out. A total of 47 cases were chromosomally abnormal (78‐3 per cent), which is the highest frequency of cytogenetic abnormalities reported to date.
Versatile macromodel for the power supply of submicronic CMOS microprocessors based on voltage down DC-DC converter

A new SPICE macromodel that simulates a microprocessor loading impedance at the power supply is presented. This macro model has been especially created to accelerate the time to market in the design of DC-DC voltage converters used to supply submicronic digital integrated circuits. The proposed macromodel has been successfully compared to measurements for a dedicated test-chip implemented in CMOS 0.35 /spl mu/m from STM. The test-chip includes a 16 bit microprocessor supplied by a voltage down converter. SPICE simulations and measurements demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed model.
Obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder, affecting 2% to 4% of the adult population [1]. It is characterized by recurrent apneas and hypopneas during sleep with resultant oxyhemoglobin desaturations and sleep fragmentation. The clinical sequelae of OSAmay be severe and include daytime hypersomnolence, cognitive impairment, systemic and/or pulmonary hypertension, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, stroke, and increased risk of motor vehicle accidents [2]. The economic consequences of OSA are also significant, with costs of care for undiagnosed patients twice that for ageand sex-matched controls [3]. Although OSA and other sleep disorders have received recent media attention, the detection and management of OSA by primary care practitioners appears suboptimal. Physicians generally have varying amounts of knowledge about OSA[4], and the majority of patients with OSAgo unrecognized and untreated [5,6]. Increasingly, disease management strategies are being used for a variety of disorders. A disease management program is most effective when there is a high prevalence of the targeted disorder, a need for integrated guidelines, a high cost of treatment (or lack of treatment), a lack of certainty regarding “best practices,” and the need to track and improve patient outcomes [7]. OSA is an ideal disorder for application of a disease management approach given its high prevalence, the wide variability in diagnostic and treatment approaches, and the high costs associated with both diagnosis and treatment (particularly surgical options) and underdiagnosis and no treatment. We developed a disease management strategy targeting OSA that focuses on the identification of patients at risk in the primary care setting, the performance of diagnostic polysomnography, and the institution of appropriate interventions. This paper reports on our pilot test of this program.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism in Mexican patients

Cryptorchidism is a frequent genitourinary malformation considered as an important risk factor for infertility and testicular malignancy. The aetiology of cryptorchidism is multifactorial in which certain SNPs, capable of inhibiting the development of the gubernaculum, are implicated. We analysed 16 SNPs by allelic discrimination and automated sequencing in 85 patients and 99 healthy people, with the objective to identify the association between these variants and isolated cryptorchidism. In two different patients with unilateral cryptorchidism, we found the variants rs121912556 and p.R105R of INSL3 gene in a heterozygous form associated with cryptorchidism, so we could considered them as risk factors for cryptorchidism. On the other hand, SNPs rs10421916 of INSL3 gene, as well as the variants rs1555633 and rs7325513 in the RXFP2 gene, and rs3779456 variant of the HOXA10 gene were statistically significant, when the patients and controls were compared and could be considered as protective factors since are predominantly present in controls. The genotype–phenotype correlation did not show statistical significance. With these results, we could conclude that these polymorphisms can be considered as important variants in our population and would contribute in the future knowledge of the aetiology and physiopathology of cryptorchidism.
Distinguishing Healthy Subjects from Patients with Congestive Heart Failure Using Scale-Dependent Lyapunov Exponent

Heart rate variability (HRV) time series is highly nonlinear and nonstationary. To effectively characterize its complexity, we employ a newly developed multiscale complexity measure, the scale-dependent Lyapunov exponent (SDLE). We derive two readily computable features from the SDLE and show that they can readily distinguish healthy subjects from patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The same task is evaluated using other complexity measures, including the Hurst parameter, the sample entropy, and the multiscale entropy. It is shown that for the purpose of distinguishing healthy subjects from patients with CHF, the features derived from the SDLE are much more effective than the Hurst parameter, the sample entropy, and the multiscale entropy.
Religion, Health, and Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults

This study examines the impact of religious involvement on health status and psychological well-being using data on older adults from three national probability surveys: the Myth and Reality of Aging (N= 2,797), the Quality of American Life (N= 1,209), and Americans' Changing Lives (N = 1,669) studies. Constructs are measured by single items and indices that vary across data sets. A proposed theoretical model specifies direct effects of religiosity on health and well-being and indirect effects on well-being through health. Analyses consist of structural-equation modeling of confirmed measurement models using weighted least squares estimation in LISREL 8.03. The model is analyzed first as specified and is then rerun controlling for the effects of six exogenous constructs: age, gender, race, marital status, education, and geographical region. Findings reveal excellent overall fit in all three samples and the presence of statistically significant religious effects, notably positive net effects of organizational religiosity, in all three samples. These results build on those of prior studies based mostly on samples limited regionally or methodologically or to particular racial or ethnic groups. This study also underscores the value of replicated secondary data analysis as a strategy for gerontologists seeking to confirm or examine a given structural model. Finally, an agenda is proposed for future research in this area.
Alcohol drinking and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with focus on light‐drinkers and never‐smokers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Quantification of the association between alcohol drinking and risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an open issue, particularly among light alcohol drinkers, never‐smokers, and Asian populations, in which some high‐risk polymorphisms in alcohol metabolizing genes are more prevalent. To address these issues, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis using 40 case‐control and 13 cohort studies that reported on the risk associated with alcohol drinking for at least three levels of consumption. In studies adjusted for age, sex, and tobacco smoking, the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between light alcohol drinking (≤12.5 g/d) and risk of ESCC was 1.38 (1.14–1.67). The association was slightly stronger in Asian countries than in other populations. The adjusted RRs (95% CIs) were 2.62 (2.07–3.31) for moderate drinking (>12.5–<50 g/d) and 5.54 (3.92–7.28) for high alcohol intake (≥50 g/d); the RRs were slightly higher in non‐Asian populations. In prospective studies, the RR (95% CI) was 1.35 (0.92–1.98) for light, 2.15 (1.55–2.98) for moderate, and 3.35 (2.06–5.46) for high alcohol intakes; light drinking showed an association with ESCC in Asia (five studies) but not in other regions (three studies). Among never‐smokers (nine studies), the RR (95% CI) was 0.74 (0.47–1.16) for light, 1.54 (1.09–2.17) for moderate, and 3.09 (1.75–5.46) for high intakes. This meta‐analysis further corroborates the association of moderate and high alcohol intake with risk of ESCC and provides risk estimates based on multiple prospective studies. Light alcohol intake appears to be associated to ESCC mainly in studies in Asia, which suggests a possible role of genetic susceptibility factors.
Generic Pre-distortion of a Class-J power amplifier

An improved “generic” pre-distortion method is tested and successfully demonstrated on the recently introduced Class-J power amplifier (PA) architecture. This linearization method is based on AM-AM and AM-PM measurements in the presence of a narrowband multi-tone signal in order to extract the PA static nonlinearities. Two independent measurement systems have been used to verify the assumption on which the generic linearization method relies. The use of a modulated, time-domain waveform measurement system in the presence of multi-tones signals has allowed unique investigations into the Class-J PA linearity.
Sleep Electroencephalogram at the Early Stage of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

We describe sleep EEG studies in three patients at the early stage of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Little work has been devoted to the study of the sleep EEG in the course of the CJ disease: disorganized sleep architecture was noted, associated with a decrease in stage 4 and an almost complete disappearance of the REM stage. Our patients were considered to have normal stage 2; yet spindles and K complexes were rare at this stage. No evolution towards stage 4 was noted. The percentage of rapid eye movement sleep was significantly low in two cases and normal in one case. Sleep disturbances in the other dementing disorders are reported.
Discrimination of forearm's motions by surface EMG signals using neural network.

We tried to discriminate different forearm's motions by surface EMG signals using neural network. In order to get a higher discrimination rate, the positions of electrodes were improved. We also tried to discriminate similar motions in order to clarify the limitation of the discrimination by surface EMG signals. Two experiments were carried out. One was to discriminate five different motions: grasp, wrist flexion, wrist extension, forearm pronation, and forearm supination (Experiment 1). The other was to discriminate four similar motions which have different quantitative definitions at grasp, wrist flexion/ extension, or forearm pronation/supination (Experiment 2). Four surface electrodes were placed on the skin above the main active muscles: short radial extensor m. of wrist, supinator m. , long radial extensor m. of wrist, and ulnar flexor m. of wrist, considering anatomical functions of the forearm's muscles. EMG signals were recorded during 2 sec while the subjects kept the motions. Recorded EMG signals were sampled at 200 msec intervals after full-wave rectifying and low-pass filtering. Therefore, the number of sampling data patterns of EMG signals was 10 for every motion. Three layers of neural network was used for discrimination. The number of units in the input layer is 4, and the number of units in the output layer is 5 or 4. In order to get the best discrimination rate of the motions, we changed the number of units in the hidden layer from 3 to 12. The neural network was trained by the back-propagation algorithm. In Experiment 1, the best average values of discrimination rates under three patterns of EMG signals for each subject were 96.0%, 98.0%, and 87.2% when the numbers of units in the hidden layer were 10, 11, and 3 respectively. In Experiment 2 using original EMG patterns, the best average values of discrimination rates at grasp, extension/flexion, and pronation/supination were 59.5%, 76.0%, and 25.0% respectively. By using normalized EMG patterns, these were 40.0%, 84.8%, and 55.5% respectively.
Prefrontal dysfunction during emotion regulation in generalized anxiety and panic disorders

Background The mechanisms that contribute to emotion dysregulation in anxiety disorders are not well understood. Two common disorders, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD), were examined to test the hypothesis that both disorders are characterized by hypo-activation in prefrontal cortex (PFC) during emotion regulation. A competing hypothesis that GAD in particular is characterized by PFC hyper-activation during emotion regulation (reflecting overactive top-down control) was also evaluated. Method Twenty-two medication-free healthy control (HC), 23 GAD, and 18 PD participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a task that required them to reappraise (i.e. reduce) or maintain emotional responses to negative images. Results GAD participants reported the least reappraisal use in daily life, and reappraisal use was inversely associated with anxiety severity and functional impairment in these participants. During fMRI, HCs demonstrated greater activation during both reappraisal and maintenance than either GAD or PD participants (who did not differ) in brain areas important for emotion regulation (e.g. dorsolateral and dorsomedial PFC). Furthermore, across all anxious participants, activation during reappraisal in dorsolateral and dorsomedial PFC was inversely associated with anxiety severity and functional impairment. Conclusions Emotion dysregulation in GAD and PD may be the consequence of PFC hypo-activation during emotion regulation, consistent with insufficient top-down control. The relationship between PFC hypo-activation and functional impairment suggests that the failure to engage PFC during emotion regulation may be part of the critical transition from dispositionally high anxiety to an anxiety disorder.
Clinical hepatotoxicity associated with antifungal agents

ABSTRACT Introduction: Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients with bone marrow failure syndromes, hematological malignancies, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), those admitted in intensive care units (ICUs) and those with prolonged febrile neutropenia. IFDs occur in a setting of multiple morbidities and are associated with case fatality rates between 30 and 70%. Along with the development of classes and compounds, the last two decades have seen substantial improvements in the prevention and management of these infections and an overall increased use of antifungal agents. Areas covered: All antifungal agents, including amphotericin B formulations, echinocandins and the triazoles, may cause hepatic toxicity that ranges from mild and asymptomatic abnormalities in liver function tests to substantial liver injury and fulminant hepatic failure. Expert opinion: The present article reviews incidence and severity of hepatotoxicity associated with different classes and agents to provide a better understanding of this specific end organ toxicity and safer use of antifungal agents A thorough understanding of the distribution, metabolism, elimination and drug-drug interactions of antifungal agents used for management of IFDs in combination with safety data from clinical trials, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies may guide the use of antifungal treatment in patients at high risk for the development of hepatic dysfunction and in those with underlying liver damage due to cytotoxic therapy.
Data-Driven Video Completion

Image completion techniques aim to complete selected regions of an image in a natural looking manner with little or no user interaction. Video Completion, the space-time equivalent of the image completion problem, inherits and extends both the difﬁculties and the solutions of the original 2D problem, but also imposes new ones - mainly temporal coherency and space complexity (videos contain signiﬁcantly more information than images). Data-driven approaches to completion have been established as a favored choice, especially when large regions have to be ﬁlled. In this report we present the current state-of-the-art in data-driven video completion techniques. For unacquainted researchers, we aim to provide a broad yet easy to follow introduction to the subject and early guidance to the challenges ahead. For a versed reader, we offer a comprehensive review of the contemporary techniques, sectioned out by their approaches to key aspects of the problem.
Central Bank Communication and the Yield Curve

Using the institutional features of ECB monetary policy announcements, we provide direct evidence for the risk premium channel of central bank communication. We show that on days when the ECB announces its monetary policy almost all of the variation of bond yields is driven by communication. Moreover, while the effect of monetary policy is homogeneous across countries before the European debt crisis, we document dramatic differences post crisis and show that communication shocks drive a wedge between peripheral and core yields. We empirically link the periphery-core wedge to break-up and credit risk premia, and study this channel theoretically through the lens of an equilibrium model in which central bank communication reveals information about the state of the economy.
Postoperative course and recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma.

OBJECTIVE Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is known to have a significant recurrence rate. There are different criteria defining the recurrence of CSDH. We evaluated the postoperative course of CSDH and tried to propose the reasonable criteria of recurrence. METHODS We retrospectively examined the medical records and pre- and postoperative CT scans of 149 consecutive patients who underwent surgery from January 2005 to December 2009. Diagnosis was confirmed by CT scanning or MRI. The postoperative courses were either resolved or recurrent. The resolved CSDH was one of the three types; early resolution, delayed resolution, or late resolution. The recurrent CSDH was one of the four types; recurrence without resolution, early recurrence after resolution, late recurrence after resolution, or recurrent-and-resolved type. RESULTS The CSDH was resolved within 30 days after surgery in 58 (39%) patients, between 1 to 3 months in 62 (42%), and after 3 months in 11 (7%) patients. The CSDH was recurred in 18 (12%) patients. Late resolution or recurrence was more common in the aged. The recurrent hematoma was seen on the same side in 11 patients, on the different side in 7 patients. Recurrence was significantly more common in the thick hematomas. CONCLUSION For a working criteria of the recurrence of CSDH, we propose the early recurrence as return of symptoms or reaccumulation of the hematoma after a surgery within 3 months regardless of the location, amount or repeated operations. The late recurrence can be defined as reappearance or enlargement of a liquefied hematoma within the cranial cavity surrounded by the membranes or persistent CSDH beyond 3 months after surgery.
5‐HT1A and beyond: the role of serotonin and its receptors in depression and the antidepressant response

Since its discovery 50 years ago, the role of the indoleamine 5‐HT (5‐hydroxytryptamine; serotonin) in the pathogenesis of depression and in the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs has been the subject of considerable research. Advances in molecular biology and radioligand techniques have led to the functional characterisation of at least 14 serotonin receptor subtypes. This classification has led to the development of selective compounds that have aided in the efforts of dissecting the complex role of 5‐HT in depression and in mediating the antidepressant response. This review focuses largely on novel strategies of targeting specific 5‐HT receptors subtypes, especially the presynaptic 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT1B/1D receptors. These subtypes are of primary importance in that they control the firing of the 5‐HT neuron and the release of 5‐HT. In addition, a number of postsynaptic 5‐HT receptors have been shown to be dysfunctional in depression and are also potential targets for a number of antidepressants. We conclude that selective targeting of 5‐HT receptors may lead to a faster acting and more efficient antidepressant response. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two boundaries separate Borrelia burgdorferi populations in North 1 America 2 3 Running title : Landscape genetics of Borrelia burgdorferi

Running title: Landscape genetics of Borrelia burgdorferi 4 5 Gabriele Margos, Jean I. Tsao, Santiago Castillo-Ramírez, Yvette A. Girard, 6 Sarah A. Hamer, Anne Gatewood Hoen, Robert S. Lane, Steve L. Raper, Nicholas 7 H. Ogden 8 9 Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath 10 BA2 7AY, UK 11 Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, 13 Natural 12 Resources Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA 13 Wildife Health Centre, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 14 Department of Community and Family Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School, 15 Hanover, NH 03756, USA 16 Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of 17 California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA 18 Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, 13 19 Natural Resources Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA 20 Zoonoses Division, Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious 21 Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada 22 23 24 #corresponding author e-mail: gmargos1@gmail.com, present address: 25 Copyright © 2012, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. doi:10.1128/AEM.00231-12 AEM Accepts, published online ahead of print on 22 June 2012