Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impulsive and compulsive behaviors in Parkinson Study Group (PSG) centers performing deep brain stimulation surgery.

BACKGROUND Impulse control disorders (ICDs), dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS), and dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome (DAWS) have been reported commonly in Parkinson's disease (PD) populations. The treatment approaches may be widely variable and there is not much information on these syndromes in the setting of deep brain stimulation (DBS). OBJECTIVE To evaluate (1) ICDs, DAWS and DDS pre- and post DBS in PD and (2) to investigate pre-DBS treatment strategies regarding these behaviors among Parkinson Study Group (PSG) centers. METHODS Forty-eight PSG centers were surveyed on ICDs, DAWS and DDS, as well as on potential relationships to DBS and treatment approaches. RESULTS Sixty-seven percent of PSG centers reported that they served a population of over 500 PD patients per year, and 94% of centers performed DBS surgery. Most centers (92%) reported screening for ICDs, DAWS and DDS. Of the centers screening for these symptoms, 13% reported always employing a formal battery of pre-operative tests, 46% of sites inconsistently used a formal battery, while 23% of sites reported never using a formal battery to screen for these symptoms. The estimated numbers of centers observing ICDs, DAWS and DDS pre-operatively in individuals with PD were 71%, 69%, and 69%, respectively. PSG DBS centers observing at least one case of a new de novo occurrence of an ICD, DAWS or DDS after DBS surgery were 67%, 65% and 65%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that addiction-like syndromes and withdrawal syndromes are prevalent in expert PSG centers performing DBS. Most centers reported screening for these issues without the use of a formal battery, and there were a large number of centers reporting ICDs, DAWS and DDS post-DBS. A single treatment strategy did not emerge.
Contextual Density and US Automotive CO2 Emissions across the Rural–Urban Continuum

Using data from the 2009 National Household Travel Survey, we quantify the effects of settlement patterns on individual driving habits and the resulting automotive carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. We employ CO2 emissions to capture this impact accurately, as it reflects both vehicle miles traveled and any spatial differences in vehicle fuel efficiency choices. While previous studies have compared automotive travel in urban and suburban areas, our approach characterizes emissions across the entire US rural–urban gradient, focusing on the effects of population density. Rather than using categorical measures of contextual density (city, suburb, town, etc.), we use a geographical information system to calculate continuous measures of contextual density, that is, density at different proximities to households. These measures of contextual density allow us to model travel effects induced by the gravitational pull of the population densities of urban cores. Further, our methodological approach frames location choice as an endogenous treatment effect; that is, residential locations are not randomly assigned across our sample and significantly alter driving behavior. We find that individuals living in urban cores generate the lowest per capita automotive CO2 emissions, due to close proximities of population concentrations. Rather than attracting individuals who would likely have low CO2 emissions anyway, urban location apparently mitigates the emissions of people who would otherwise tend to have high automotive CO2 emissions. We find larger elasticities with respect to density than previous studies and also find that the attractive forces of population densities affect driving patterns at distances up to sixty-one kilometers outside of urban areas.
A pairs trading strategy based on linear state space models and the Kalman filter

Among many strategies for financial trading, pairs trading has played an important role in practical and academic frameworks. Loosely speaking, it involves a statistical arbitrage tool for identifying and exploiting the inefficiencies of two long-term, related financial assets. When a significant deviation from this equilibrium is observed, a profit might result. In this paper, we propose a pairs trading strategy entirely based on linear state space models designed for modelling the spread formed with a pair of assets. Once an adequate state space model for the spread is estimated, we use the Kalman filter to calculate conditional probabilities that the spread will return to its long-term mean. The strategy is activated upon large values of these conditional probabilities: the spread is bought or sold accordingly. Two applications with real data from the US and Brazilian markets are offered, and even though they probably rely on limited evidence, they already indicate that a very basic portfolio consisting of a sole spread outperforms some of the main market benchmarks.
Natural History of Pancreatic Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Tumor of Branch Duct Type: Follow-Up Study by Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography

Objective: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the natural history of branch duct type pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (IPMT) by evaluating serial changes in the magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings of patients diagnosed with pancreatic IPMT of branch duct type. Methods: Thirty-five patients had branch duct type IPMT, including 9 patients with separate lesions, and underwent initial and follow-up MRCP over a period of more than 12 months. The maximum diameter of the cystic lesion, the presence of associated main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilatation, and the presence of a filling defect were evaluated. Serial changes in these findings were analyzed. Results: Tumor enlargement on follow-up MRCP was observed in 7 cases. Of the 29 branch duct IPMTs without associated MPD dilatation or a filling defect identified on initial MRCP, only 1 showed gradual tumor enlargement. In 4 cases, the cyst size decreased on follow-up MRCP. Conclusions: Branch duct type IPMTs grow slowly and can be monitored without operation provided that the tumor shows no associated MPD dilatation or filling defect.
Real-Time PCR Threshold Cycle Cutoffs Help To Identify Agents Causing Acute Childhood Diarrhea in Zanzibar

ABSTRACT Molecular assays might improve the identification of causes of acute diarrheal disease but might lead to more frequent detection of asymptomatic infections. In the present study, real-time PCR targeting 14 pathogens was applied to rectal swabs from 330 children aged 2 to 59 months in Zanzibar, including 165 patients with acute diarrhea and 165 asymptomatic control subjects. At least one pathogen was detected for 94% of the patients and 84% of the controls, with higher rates among patients for norovirus genogroup II (20% versus 2.4%; P < 0.0001), rotavirus (10% versus 1.8%; P = 0.003), and Cryptosporidium (30% versus 11%; P < 0.0001). Detection rates did not differ significantly for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-estA (33% versus 24%), ETEC-eltB (44% versus 46%), Shigella (35% versus 33%), and Campylobacter (35% versus 33%), but for these agents threshold cycle (CT ) values were lower (pathogen loads were higher) in sick children than in controls. In a multivariate analysis, CT values for norovirus genogroup II, rotavirus, Cryptosporidium, ETEC-estA, and Shigella were independently associated with diarrhea. We conclude that this real-time PCR allows convenient detection of essentially all diarrheagenic agents and provides CT values that may be critical for the interpretation of results for pathogens with similar detection rates in patients and controls. The results indicate that the assessment of pathogen loads may improve the identification of agents causing gastroenteritis in children.
IMPAIRED DELAYED RESPONSE FROM THALAMIC LESIONS. STUDIES IN MONKEYS.

The relevance of the thalamus to intelligent behavior, which is suggested by its cortical connections, and by a few impressive, if isolated instances of selective thalamic disease in man, 1-3 has been difficult to verify experimentally. While it is true that deficits in problem solving have been observed in rats 4-6 and cats 7,8 with thalamic lesions, similar studies with monkeys have yielded negative results. Defective performance in delayed response tests in monkeys with bilateral lesions of the dorsomedial nucleus have been sought for particularly, because of the frontal connections of this nucleus, and the consistent impairment in delayed response which is produced by bilateral frontal lesions. However, Walker 9 and Peters et al 10 found no impairment in delayed response performance in monkeys with bilateral lesions of the dorsomedial nucleus, and Chow, 11 likewise, was unable to induce defects in delayed response by combined lesions in the pulvinar
Using the Social Enterprise Intervention (SEI) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Models to Improve Employment and Clinical Outcomes of Homeless Youth With Mental Illness

Prior research reveals high unemployment rates among homeless youth. The literature offers many examples of using evidence-informed and evidence-based supported employment models with vulnerable populations to assist them in obtaining and maintaining employment and concurrently addressing mental health challenges. However, there are few examples to date of these models with homeless youth with mental illness. The purpose of this article was thus to describe a methodology for establishing a university–agency research partnership to design, implement, evaluate, and replicate evidence-informed and evidence-based interventions with homeless youth with mental illness to enhance their employment, mental health, and functional outcomes. Data from two studies are used to illustrate the relationship between vocational skill-building/employment and mental health among homeless youth. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of conducting community-based participatory employment and clinical intervention research. The author highlights the opportunities and tensions associated with this approach.
The biology of ovarian cancer development

Background. In theory, all the cell types that comprise the human ovary have the potential for malignant transformation. The vast majority of malignant ovarian tumors in the human, however, arise from the ovarian surface epithelium. These cells have important functions during reproductive life; they contribute to follicular rupture and by cell division repair the wound that accompanies ovulation. There has been much speculation that the rapid cycles of cell division associated with wound repair contribute significantly to the development of ovarian cancer. Such speculation is based on the observation that ovarian cancer occurs most frequently at the end of a woman's reproductive life and is associated with nulliparity. It is of potential significance that, unlike most epithelia, these cells are not replaced through replenishment stem cells with the development of one end‐stage cell and one cell with continued growth potential. Rather, the division of an ovarian surface epithelial cell yields two daughter cells with equal potential for subsequent growth. Thus, all potential mutations as they accumulate are passed on to near‐exponentially expanding subsequent generations of cells that can acquire additional mutations that could confer the malignant phenotype.
The treatment of multiple injuries: prehospital emergency aid.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate initial (prehospital) assessment and management of high-energy blunt polytrauma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Prehospital assessment and management of high-energy blunt polytrauma patients was analyzed. The extent of initial assessment and management was compared with Advanced Trauma Life Support recommendations. RESULTS Altogether, 101 (63.05%) of 159 polytrauma patients (mean Injury Severity Score was 28.04) were admitted to Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital by the Emergency Aid Service after motor vehicle traffic accidents. In comparison with Advanced Trauma Life Support recommendations initial assessment (ABCDE) reached 14% and management reached 10.6%. CONCLUSIONS Initial assessment of high-energy blunt polytrauma patients reached 14% and management reached 10.6% of that recommended by Advanced Trauma Life Support.
Procedural characteristics of pulmonary vein isolation using the novel third-generation cryoballoon.

AIM A novel third-generation cryoballoon (CB3) to perform pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has recently been released, featuring a shortened distal balloon tip when compared with the second-generation (CB2), possibly allowing for enhanced intra-ablation pulmonary vein (PV) signal mapping. We aimed to investigate procedural efficacy and safety of the CB3 as compared to the CB2. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied 472 consecutive patients who underwent CB-PVI for paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (CB3: 49 patients; CB2: 423 patients). Detailed procedural data and in-hospital complications were registered in a prospective database. Complete PVI using the CB only was achieved in 98% of patients in each group. Single-freeze PVI was observed in 84/88% (CB2/CB3, P = n.s.) of the PVs. Time-to-PVI (TPVI) was 49 ± 32 (CB2) and 45 ± 27 s (CB3) (P = n.s.). Time-to-PVI determination rate was higher in the CB3 group (89.5 vs. 82.6%, P = 0.016). Signal noise due to ice formation on mapping electrodes occurred after 70 ± 46 s using CB3 and did not interfere with TPVI determination. Exchange of the spiral mapping catheter with a guide wire was more frequently required in the CB3 group (8.2 vs. 0.7% patients, P < 0.001). Balloon dislodgement during hockey stick manoeuvres occurred in 6.1% patients of the CB3 group only (P = 0.001). Complication rates were not different between the groups. CONCLUSION The CB3 offers a higher TPVI determination rate, facilitating dosing schemes based on TPVI, with equally high single-freeze efficacy compared with the CB2. The shortened distal tip of the CB3 requires adaptation of standard catheter manoeuvers to avoid balloon dislodgement.
Referral Networks and Inequality

This is the first article to study the interaction between labour markets and endogenous referral networks in the context of worker heterogeneity. In equilibrium the structure of the referral network is hierarchical, which is different from the usual assumption of homophily but is consistent with the evidence. Hierarchy exacerbates inequality. The welfare effects of the use of referrals are subtle and depend on the nature of heterogeneity. If heterogeneity is due to productivity differences, referrals improve welfare. If workers face the different probability of forming a match despite having the same productivity, as in the case of discrimination, referrals reduce welfare.
Effects of PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism on susceptibility and clinical characteristics of British Caucasian rheumatoid arthritis patients.

OBJECTIVES To confirm the association of a functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), C1858T (rs2476601), in the PTPN22 gene of British Caucasian rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to evaluate its influence on the RA phenotype. METHODS A total of 686 RA patients and 566 healthy volunteers, all of British Caucasian origin, were genotyped for C1858T polymorphism by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Data were analysed using SPSS software and the chi 2 test as applicable. RESULTS The PTPN22 1858T risk allele was more prevalent in the RA patients (13.9%) compared with the healthy controls (10.3%) (P = 0.008, odds ratio 1.4, 95% confidence interval 1.09-1.79). The association of the T allele was restricted to those with rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive disease (n = 524, 76.4%) (P = 0.004, odds ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.9). We found no association between PTPN22 and the presence of the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope or clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed the previously reported association of PTPN22 with RF-positive RA, which was independent from the HLA-DRB1 genotype.
A comparison between computed muscle control method and static optimization technique to determine muscle forces during a weight training exercise with a dumbbell

On account of redundancy of musculoskeletal system of human body, using pure multibody system dynamics to simulate this system is not enough. Optimization-based methods have been developed to overcome this difficulty. In this study, by simulating a flexion/extension weight training exercise with a dumbbell, two of these methods (Computed Muscle Control and Traditional Static Optimization) have been compared. 6 healthy right-handed subjects have participated in this study. During performing the actions, using a high speed camera the kinematic information of the motion has been captured. To actuate the system, a Hill-based muscle model in accompanied with a stiff tendon has been considered. The forces of elbow flexors (Biceps brachii, brachioradial, brachialis) and extensors (Triceps brachii) have been computed using two methods. Using a two-way ANOVA method the obtained results from both of the methods have been compared to each other and a significant difference has been observed (P <; 0.005). All of the mathematical models and methods have been implemented on MATLAB.
A Medical-Ergonomic Program for Symptomatic Keyboard/Mouse Users

Objective: To describe the range of ergonomic stressors and effective interventions in otherwise healthy patients diagnosed with upper extremity disorders associated with occupational keyboard/mouse use. Methods: From patients treated in our Medical-Ergonomic Program, we report demographic data, symptoms, signs, diagnoses and associated ergonomic stressors and response to medical/ergonomic interventions. Results: Fifty-six patients had a mean age (range) of 40 (23–61) years with 20 patients younger than 35 years. The most prevalent diagnoses were myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of shoulder/neck associated with poor posture, MPS of forearm extensors followed by thoracic outlet syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. Common ergonomic stressors were typing/mousing technique, keyboard height, inadequate seating, and lack of breaks. Improvement occurred in 89% following medical/ergonomic intervention. Conclusion: Ergonomic education/intervention must be combined with the medical treatment of work-related upper extremity disorders associated with keyboard/mouse use.
Heme Oxygenase 1–Generated Carbon Monoxide and Biliverdin Attenuate the Course of Experimental Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Objective The cytoprotective enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) is highly up-regulated in acute pancreatitis (AP). In this study, we tested its metabolites as potential therapeutic agents for AP in rats. Methods Acute necrotizing pancreatitis was induced by retrograde intraductal injection of sodium taurocholate in rats. Biliverdin hydrochloride (BV HCl) (50 &mgr;mol/kg subcutaneously), the carbon monoxide, donor methylene chloride (MC) (500 mg/kg orally), or iron-chelating desferrioxamine (DFO) (125 mg/kg subcutaneously) were administered in a therapeutic manner starting with the first dose 4 hours after taurocholate injection to mimic the effects of HO-1 metabolites. Results Administration of BV HCl, MC, or DFO showed significant reduction of inflammatory activity in comparison to controls leading to lower myeloperoxidase activity in the pancreas, less edema, lower ascites volumes, and preservation of tissue integrity (P < 0.05). Administration of either BV HCl or MC markedly increased 5-day survival rate (70% and 75% vs 40%; P < 0.05), whereas DFO had no significant effect on survival (60%). When given in therapeutic manner, all 3 substances led to diminished nuclear factor &kgr;B activity in the pancreas (P < 0.05). Conclusions Therapeutic use of BV HCl and MC led to marked reduction of mortality in experimental pancreatitis. Thus, HO-1 metabolites may present a novel therapeutic approach in AP treatment.
Upstream mechanotaxis behavior of endothelial cells

Vascular endothelial cell migration, which plays an important role in vascular remodeling, is known to be regulated by hemodynamic forces in the blood vessels. When shear stress is applied on mouse microvessel endothelial cells (bEnd.3) in vitro, cells exhibit upstream migration behavior with respect to the direction of the flow. To determine how shear stress magnitude influences mechanotaxis of the cells, endothelial cells were exposed to different magnitudes of unidirectional shear stress. While a higher flow rate reduces the speed of the motility, the horizontal component of the velocity parallel to the flow increases with the flow rate, indicating the higher alignment of cells in the direction parallel to the flow at a higher level of shear stress. In addition, cells seeded on softer substrate, whose elastic modulus is comparable to that of the blood vessels, show enhanced directional persistence when compared to those seeded on a stiffer substrate. The higher directionality accompanies increased stress fiber formation and focal adhesion turn-over, exhibiting higher mechanotaxis behavior. Therefore, the increased stiffness in the vessel may hinder the mechano-sensing mechanism of the endothelial cells, resulting in reduced mechanotaxis in response to hemodynamic shear stress. This substrate stiffness-dependent migration behavior can further elucidate the endothelial cell remodeling and wound healing in pathologically hardened vessels as well as re-endothelialization of vascular stents and grafted tissues.
Estradiol potentiates ghrelin-stimulated pulsatile growth hormone secretion in postmenopausal women.

CONTEXT Ghrelin and an estrogen-rich milieu individually amplify pulsatile GH secretion by increasing the amount of hormone released per burst. However, how these distinct agonists interact in controlling pulsatile GH output is not known. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that elevated estradiol (E(2)) concentrations potentiate hypothalamo-pituitary responses to a near-physiological ghrelin stimulus. DESIGN This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospectively randomized, parallel-cohort study. SETTING The study was conducted at an academic medical center. SUBJECTS Twenty-one postmenopausal women participated in the study. INTERVENTIONS Eleven subjects received placebo (Pl) and 10 others E(2) transdermally in escalating doses over 3 wk to mimic late follicular-phase E(2) concentrations. Saline or a submaximally stimulatory amount of ghrelin (0.3 microg/kg) was infused iv on separate randomly ordered mornings fasting after 17-21 d of Pl or E(2) administration. OUTCOMES Outcomes included serum concentrations of E(2), ghrelin, GH, IGF-I, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1 and IGFBP-3, and the estimated mass and waveform of stimulated GH secretory bursts. RESULTS Administration of E(2) yielded late follicular-phase E(2) concentrations. Compared with Pl, E(2) did not alter ghrelin concentrations but reduced IGF-I and IGFBP-3 and elevated IGFBP-1 concentrations. Compared with saline, ghrelin infusion amplified pulsatile GH secretion by 7.1-fold (P < 0.01). The effect of E(2) alone was 2.0-fold placebo and that of combined ghrelin/E(2) 10.4-fold (P < 0.01). Ghrelin and E(2) accelerated initial GH release individually but nonadditively by more than 2-fold (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Estrogen augments ghrelin's near-physiological stimulation of pulsatile GH secretion and mimics ghrelin's acceleration of initial GH release. Thus, we hypothesize that estrogen and a GH secretagogue act via independent as well as convergent mechanisms.