Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heart rate dynamics distinguish among atrial fibrillation, normal sinus rhythm and sinus rhythm with frequent ectopy

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is usually detected by inspection of the electrocardiogram waveform, a task made difficult when the signal is distorted by noise. The RR interval time series is more frequently available and accurate, yet linear and nonlinear time series analyses that detect highly varying and irregular AF are vulnerable to the common finding of frequent ectopy. We hypothesized that different nonlinear measures might capture characteristic features of AF, normal sinus rhythm (NSR), and sinus rhythm (SR) with frequent ectopy in ways that linear measures might not. To test this, we studied 2722 patients with 24 h ECG recordings in the University of Virginia Holter database. We found dynamical phenotypes for the three rhythm classifications. As expected, AF records had the highest variability and entropy, and NSR the lowest. SR with ectopy could be distinguished from AF, which had higher entropy, and from NSR, which had different fractal scaling, measured as higher detrended fluctuation analysis slope. With these dynamical phenotypes, we developed successful classification strategies, and the nonlinear measures improved on the use of mean and variability alone, even after adjusting for age. Final models using all variables had excellent performance, with positive predictive values for AF, NSR and SR with ectopy as high as 97, 98 and 90%, respectively. Since these classifiers can reliably detect rhythm changes utilizing segments as short as 10 min, we envision their application in noisy settings and in personal monitoring devices where only RR interval time series may be available.
Effect of family-style meals on energy intake and risk of malnutrition in dutch nursing home residents: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Social facilitation and meal ambiance have beneficial effects on food intake in healthy adults. Extrapolation to the nursing home setting may lead to less malnutrition among the residents. Therefore, we investigate the effect of family-style meals on energy intake and the risk of malnutrition in Dutch nursing home residents. METHODS In 2002 and 2003, a randomized controlled trial was conducted among 178 residents (mean age 77 years) in five Dutch nursing homes. Within each home, two wards were randomized into an intervention (n = 94) and a control group (n = 84). For 6 months, the intervention group received their meals family style, and the control group received the usual individual preplating services. Outcome measures were intakes of energy (kJ), carbohydrates (g), fat (g), and protein (g) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score (0-30). RESULTS The change in daily energy intake between the control and intervention group differed significantly (991 kJ; 95% confidence interval [CI], 504-1479). The difference in intake of macronutrients was 29.2 g (95% CI, 13.5-44.9) for carbohydrate, 9.1 g (95% CI, 2.9-15.2) for fat, and 8.6 g (95% CI, 3.4-13.6) for protein. The percentage of residents in the intervention group classified by the MNA as malnourished decreased from 17% to 4%, whereas this percentage increased from 11% to 23% in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Family-style meals stimulate daily energy intake and protect nursing home residents against malnourishment. Therefore, replacement of the preplating meal services with family-style meals in nursing homes is recommended.
A Survey of Internet Financial Reporting in Bahrain.

This paper investigates the extent and variety of internet financial reporting (IFR) by companies listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE). While IFR is fast becoming the norm in western countries, there is little empirical evidence of the phenomenon in the Middle East. This paper attempts to fill some of the gap in the literature by providing evidence of IFR practices in Bahrain. The 49 companies listed on the BSE were investigated to ascertain whether they maintain websites and/or if these sites are being used for communicating financial information. Only 40 companies were found to operate websites, with only 27 engaging in IFR. The results indicate that IFR is spreading in Bahrain and there are many opportunities and challenges for all stakeholders in corporate reporting. The study highlights the challenge si opportunities for IFR in the Middle East, as well as a number of areas for further study.
Neuropsychological and Neuropsychiatric Features of Idiopathic and DYT1 Dystonia and the Impact of Medical and Surgical treatment

Dystonia is a hyperkinetic movement disorder, characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions causing abnormal, often repetitive, movements, postures, or both. Executive dysfunction is a feature of cognitive function in idiopathic and DYT1 dystonia. Psychiatric morbidity is increased in dystonia, and depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders are the most common disorders. Sleep problems and pain are also frequently experienced. Evidence suggest that mood and anxiety disorders are intrinsic to the neurobiology of dystonia, but also that psychiatric co-morbidity can be secondary to pain experience and the psychosocial functioning and quality of life of the patients. Medical treatment of dystonia with botulinum toxin injections into affected muscles or with deep brain stimulation surgery improves the symptoms as well as mood and the quality of the patients and does not produce any adverse effects on cognitive function.
Two new radiological findings to improve the diagnosis of bronchial foreign‐body aspiration in children

Our objective was to report on two new chest X‐ray signs (hyperinflation or obstructive emphysema with atelectasis in the same hemithorax, and aeration within an area of atelectasis) in children with foreign‐body aspiration (FBA). We performed a retrospective review of clinical characteristics and chest X‐ray films of 133 children with FBA. Of 133 children, 45% were under 3 years old. History of a choking crisis was present in 101 (75.8%); however, it was only elicited upon follow‐up questioning in 33 children (32.7%). Early foreign‐body (FB) extraction (<24 hr) was performed in 17.3%; removal took place between 1–7 days in 29.3%. The site of aspirated FBs was bronchial in 78.9%, laryngeal in 6%, and tracheal in 4.5%, with mobile FB in the trachea/bronchi in 4.5%. The chest X‐ray was normal in 11.3%. Positive findings included: radiopaque FB (23.3%); hyperinflation or obstructive emphysema (21.8%); hyperinflation or obstructive emphysema with atelectasis in the same hemithorax (18%); lobar atelectasis (12.8%); whole‐lung atelectasis (6.8%); shift of mediastinal shadow (11%); and aeration within an area of atelectasis (6%). In conclusion, if a history of choking crisis is not present in a child with suspected FBA, two previously undescribed radiological signs (hyperinflation or obstructive emphysema with atelectasis in the same hemithorax, and aeration within an area of atelectasis) should be sought in order to improve the utility of chest‐X ray for early diagnosis of FBA. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transplantation of Bone Marrow‐Derived Very Small Embryonic‐Like Stem Cells Attenuates Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction

Adult bone marrow (BM) contains Sca‐1+/Lin−/CD45− very small embryonic‐like stem cells (VSELs) that express markers of several lineages, including cardiac markers, and differentiate into cardiomyocytes in vitro. We examined whether BM‐derived VSELs promote myocardial repair after a reperfused myocardial infarction (MI). Mice underwent a 30‐minute coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion and received intramyocardial injection of vehicle (n= 11), 1 × 105 Sca‐1+/Lin−/CD45+ enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐labeled hematopoietic stem cells (n= 13 [cell control group]), or 1 × 104 Sca‐1+/Lin−/CD45− EGFP‐labeled cells (n= 14 [VSEL‐treated group]) at 48 hours after MI. At 35 days after MI, VSEL‐treated mice exhibited improved global and regional left ventricular (LV) systolic function (echocardiography) and attenuated myocyte hypertrophy in surviving tissue (histology and echocardiography) compared with vehicle‐treated controls. In contrast, transplantation of Sca‐1+/Lin−/CD45+ cells failed to confer any functional or structural benefits. Scattered EGFP+ myocytes and capillaries were present in the infarct region in VSEL‐treated mice, but their numbers were very small. These results indicate that transplantation of a relatively small number of CD45− VSELs is sufficient to improve LV function and alleviate myocyte hypertrophy after MI, supporting the potential therapeutic utility of these cells for cardiac repair.
Overlap syndrome between FMF and TRAPS in a patient carrying MEFV and TNFRSF1A mutations.

OBJECTIVE Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and TNF-Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS) are two inheritable inflammatory disorders. They share some clinical manifestations but their treatments are different. We present here the case of an overlap syndrome of FMF and TRAPS in a patient carrying a mutation in both the MEFV and TNFRSF1A genes. CASE REPORT A 20-year-old woman of Mediterranean origin had suffered since childhood from attacks of fever and arthritis, with skin and ophthalmic manifestations. The initial diagnosis was FMF. The symptoms responded poorly to colchicine but regressed with steroids. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous M694V mutation in MEFV and a heterozygous R92Q mutation in TNFRSF1A. We discuss the complexity of this combined FMF-TRAPS phenotype. CONCLUSION This case shows that mutations in MEFV and TNFRSF1A can occur together in a single patient, a condition that may modify its response to treatment. It would be interesting to evaluate the role of the R92Q mutation in TNFRSF1A in patients of Mediterranean origin with FMF unresponsive to colchicine.
Expression of Long-form N-Acetylglucosamine-6-O-Sulfotransferase 1 in Human High Endothelial Venules

Two members of the N-acetylglucosamine-6-O-sulfotransferase (GlcNAc6ST) family, GlcNAc6ST-1 and GlcNAc6ST-2, function in the biosynthesis of 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X–capped glycoproteins expressed on high endothelial venules (HEVs) in secondary lymphoid organs. Thus, both enzymes play a critical role in L-selectin-expressing lymphocyte homing. Human GlcNAc6ST-1 is encoded by a 1593-bp open reading frame exhibiting two 5′ in-frame methionine codons spaced 141 bp apart. Both resemble the consensus sequence for translation initiation. Thus, it has been hypothesized that both long and short forms of GlcNAc6ST-1 may be present, although endogenous expression of either form has not been confirmed in humans. Here, the authors developed an antibody recognizing amino acid residues between the first two human GlcNAc6ST-1 methionines. This antibody specifically recognizes the long form of the enzyme, a finding validated by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence cytochemistry of HeLa cells misexpressing long and/or short forms of human GlcNAc6ST-1. Using this antibody, the authors carried out immunofluorescence histochemistry of human lymph node tissue sections and found endogenous expression of the long form of the enzyme in human tissue, predominantly in the trans-Golgi network of endothelial cells that form HEVs.
Dietary-related and physical activity-related predictors of obesity in children: a 2-year prospective study.

BACKGROUND This observational study examined cross-sectional and 24-month longitudinal associations of physical activity and dietary behaviors with change in BMI and percent body fat among children aged 6–9 years old. METHODS Data were from the control group (n = 271; 48% Latino) of a community-based childhood obesity prevention program. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 24 months and included height and weight, bioelectrical impedance–derived percent body fat, and 10 physical activity and dietary behaviors measured via parent report of their child. Cross-sectional analysis of variances (ANOVA) (normal weight, overweight, obese) and longitudinal mixed-effects linear regression models were used to investigate the relation of each physical activity and dietary behavior with BMI and percent body fat. RESULTS At baseline, obese children engaged in less physical activity and more sedentary behavior than normal-weight children (p < 0.05). Increased physical activity (p < 0.01) and number of breakfasts eaten with family (p < 0.05) were associated with decreased BMI z-score and percent body fat. Decreased sedentary behavior and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption were associated with decreased percent body fat (p < 0.05) but not BMI. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of 271 children, increased physical activity and eating breakfast with family and reduced screen-based sedentary behaviors and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption were associated with more favorable trends in adiposity. Therefore, attention to these behaviors may be of particular importance. Results also suggest that future studies should include percent body fat as an outcome for a more precise assessment of the association of behavior with adiposity.
Interleukin-1 gene cluster polymorphisms and alcoholism in Spanish men.

AIMS In an attempt to explain differences in susceptibility to alcoholism and alcohol liver disease (ALD), different genes have been analysed, among them those encoding inflammatory cytokines. Thus, it has been reported recently that both the interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) and the IL1beta (IL1B) genes may influence the risk of ALD in Japanese alcoholics. We analysed the distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the IL1A, IL1B, IL1R1 and IL1RN genes in alcoholic and non-alcoholic Spanish subjects. METHODS DNA samples were obtained from 139 male alcoholics, 78 of whom were diagnosed as alcohol dependent (32 patients with liver cirrhosis and 46 without ALD) and 61 as alcohol abusers (25 with liver cirrhosis and 36 without ALD). As a control, we studied 81 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. RESULTS Alleles -511 IL1B*1 and IL1RN*1 were represented more in alcoholic patients than in the control group. We did not find any association of alcoholism or ALD with polymorphisms in the IL1A and IL1R1 genes. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the proteins encoded by the IL1RN and IL1B genes may be involved in susceptibility to alcoholism in Spanish men, probably through a different pathway from that involved in the regulation of the inflammatory response.
Recovery of Chondrocyte Metabolic Activity after Thermal Exposure

Background The relationship between temperature elevation and thermal exposure time during thermal chondroplasty has implications for cell viability and subsequent articular cartilage function. Purpose To characterize cartilage metabolic changes after exposure to thermal stress and to determine whether changes seen acutely are reversible. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Human cartilage was exposed to a 45°, 50°, or 55°C bath for up to 3 minutes. Untreated control specimens were analyzed with each group. Viability and metabolic capability of treated and untreated specimens were evaluated immediately or 1 week after thermal stress by using methylthiotetrazole conversion, 3H-serine incorporation into protein, and 35S-sulfate incorporation into newly synthesized proteoglycan. Results Nonarthritic and arthritic articular cartilage metabolic activity declined with increasing thermal exposure. Articular cartilage displayed a recovery from thermal stress after exposure to the 50°C but not the 55°C bath. Arthritic cartilage displayed increased sensitivity with higher temperatures. Conclusions Understanding of the increased sensitivity to thermal stress of arthritic articular cartilage may be helpful in thermally based treatments. Clinical Relevance Further correlation with the temperatures attained during thermal chondroplasty will be necessary to confirm the clinical relevance of these in vitro observations to the use of radiofrequency energy devices to treat partial-thickness chondral lesions.
[Hearing loss in children--epidemiology, age at identification and causes through 30 years].

INTRODUCTION The survey describes paediatric audiology through 30 years within Copenhagen City concerning epidemiology, age at identification, and causes of permanent hearing impairment in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three longitudinal ten years birth-cohorts [table: see text] are included: 1970-1979 (n = 69); 1980-1989 (n = 64), and 1990-1999 (n = 104) provided with hearing aids, living in the Copenhagen City at the time of the data collection in January 1982, 1992, and 2002. The cohorts 1970-1979 and 1980-1989 have previously been described (1), whereas the 1990-1999 birth cohort is evaluated as part of a prospective registry study. The estimated prevalences are based on the age-matched background population. RESULTS The estimated prevalence of children provided with hearing aids is 1.97/1000 and the estimated prevalence of congenital hearing impairment is 1.50/1000--without longitudinal changes from 1970-1979 over 1980-1989 to 1990-1999. The proportion of at-risk children in the three-pooled birth-cohorts is 63.3%. The median age at identification of the birth-cohort 1990-1999 was 18 months, 1980-1989 16 months, and 1970-1979 43 months. Only 6% of children with congenital hearing impairment born 1990-1999 are identified at the age of six months, and only 27% at the age of one year. An increase in the prevalence of genetic hearing impairment in the cohort 1970-1979 was demonstrated. DISCUSSION The prevalence of permanent hearing impairment in childhood through three decades is unchanged, and the age at identification of children with congenital hearing impairments is still delayed. Factors causing hearing impairment demonstrate an increase in genetic factors, which, however, are not significant.
Suboptimal Feeding Practices and High Levels of Undernutrition Among Infants and Young Children in the Rural Communities of Halaba and Zeway, Ethiopia

Background: Good nutrition and appropriate child feeding are vital in early stages of child development, particularly in the first 1000 days of life. Objective: To assess the adoption of infant and young child feeding practices of World Health Organization, dietary intake, and level of undernutrition in children <2 years of age. Methods: Baseline cross-sectional study was conducted (January-June 2013) in purposively selected rural communities of Halaba and Zeway, Ethiopia (N = 383 mother–child pairs, randomly selected). Results: Overall prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight was 45%, 9%, and 28% in Halaba, and 33%, 7%, and 15% in Zeway, respectively; higher levels of stunting (54% in Halaba and 36% in Zeway) were observed in 6 to 24 months; stunting and underweight, but not wasting, differed by age (P < .001) in Halaba. Median dietary diversity score in both communities was 2 with 61% to 65% of children consuming 0 to 2 food groupings. Except protein in all age and iron in 12 to 24 months, median intake of energy, iron, zinc, and calcium (and associated nutrient densities) was below the estimated needs that should come from complementary foods in both communities (in subsample). Early initiation of breast-feeding and exclusive breast-feeding was 63% and 86% in Halaba and 92% and 93% in Zeway, respectively (P < .001). Children receiving minimum acceptable diet were 6% and 9% in Halaba and Zeway, respectively. Conclusions: The high levels of stunting and suboptimal feeding practices as well as low dietary diversity scores, energy, and nutrient intake in both communities, particularly in Halaba, indicate a need to improve/strengthen nutrition strategies for complementary feeding children in these areas.
Sensitivity to change of the functional index for hand osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND The functional index for hand osteoarthritis (FIHOA), a 10-item investigator-administered questionnaire, was validated in 1995. It is relevant, reliable and has good external and internal validities. OBJECTIVE To assess the sensitivity to change over time of the FIHOA. PATIENTS/METHODS PATIENTS symptomatic [visual analog scale (VAS) > or = 30 mm, FIHOA > or = 5] hand OA patients [American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, > or = 2 radiologically affected joints] were included in a 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Recorded parameters: Pain on VAS, FIHOA score, morning stiffness duration, grip strength. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS mean standardized response (MSR = delta DO-M6/S.D. of delta) was calculated for each parameter in an intention-to-treat (ITT) population before breaking the randomization code. RESULTS 239 women, 22 men, mean age 61 +/- 7.5 years were recruited. Characteristics of HOA: 88% of patients were right-handed, 48% had a family history of hand OA. The location of OA was the first trapezo-metacarpal (TMC) joint (62%), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint (47.5%), distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint (67.6%). The mean number of painful flares (previous 12 months) was 4.4, that of painful joints was 3.7, that of nodal joints in the right hand 3.1, and that of radiologically affected joints was 4.4. Baseline symptomatic severity assessment gave pain on VAS=54.4 +/- 14 mm, FIHOA score=10.4 +/- 3.7, morning stiffness duration=20 +/- 27.6 min and grip strength=59.3 +/- 21.2 mm Hg. The MSR value was 0.58 for the FIHOA and 0.87 for pain on VAS. CONCLUSION The sensitivity to change of the FIHOA over 6 months is high, but inferior to that of pain on VAS in this trial.
Cell Adhesion and Tissue Factor Upregulation in Oxygenators used during Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting are Modified by the Corline Heparin Surface

Objective : Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with inflammatory response and activation of coagulation. We investigated the influence of a new heparin surface on the activation of cells retrieved from oxygenators used during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Design : Sixty patients undergoing CABG with CPB were randomly assigned to either uncoated or completely Corline Heparin Surface (CHS)-coated circuits with one of three different levels of systemic heparin: standard, high or low. At end of surgery adhered cells were retrieved from the oxygenators and cell count, tissue factor (TF)- and CD11b-expression on monocytes and monocytic TFmRNA were analysed. Results : The heparin coating of the oxygenator prevented adhesion of granulocytes, monocytes and platelets. TF-expression on monocytes from the oxygenators was significantly higher than on circulating cells in all groups. Monocytes from the uncoated oxygenators showed low levels of TF-expression with high levels of TFmRNA. The coated group with high level of heparin showed higher surface-expression of TF with low levels of TFmRNA. Conclusion : The CHS was most biocompatible with the standard level of heparin used during CABG whereas elevation of systemic heparin rather increased the activation and TF upregulation in monocytes from oxygenators.