Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are confusional arousals pathological?

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the extent that confusional arousals (CAs) are associated with mental disorders and psychotropic medications. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with a representative sample of 19,136 noninstitutionalized individuals of the US general population aged 18 years or older. The study was performed using the Sleep-EVAL expert system and investigated sleeping habits; health; and sleep, mental, and medical conditions (DSM-IV-TR, ICSD-II, ICD-10). Results: A total of 15.2% (95% confidence interval 14.6%–15.8%) (n = 2,421) of the sample reported episodes of CAs in the previous year; 8.6% had complete or partial amnesia of the episodes and 14.8% had CAs and nocturnal wandering episodes. Eighty-four percent of CAs were associated with sleep/mental disorders or psychotropic drugs. Sleep disorders were present for 70.8% of CAs. Individuals with a circadian rhythm sleep disorder or a long sleep duration (≥9 hours) were at higher risk of CAs. Mental disorders were observed in 37.4% of CAs. The highest odds were observed in individuals with bipolar disorders or panic disorder. Use of psychotropic medication was reported by 31.3% of CAs: mainly antidepressant medications. After eliminating possible causes and associated conditions, only 0.9% of the sample had CA disorder. Conclusions: CAs are highly prevalent in the general population. They are often reported allegedly as a consequence of the treatment of sleep disorders. For the majority of subjects experiencing CAs, no medications were used, but among those who were using medications, antidepressants were most common. Sleep and/or mental disorders were important factors for CAs independent of the use of any medication.
Atlas of Multiple Sclerosis 2013: A growing global problem with widespread inequity

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the world's most common neurologic disorders, and in many countries it is the leading cause of nontraumatic neurologic disability in young adults. Despite this, global information on the epidemiology of MS and the availability of resources and services for people with MS is scarce in many regions of the world. The first Atlas of MS, published in 2008 as a joint project of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) and the World Health Organization (WHO),1 endeavored to fill this knowledge gap with information from 112 countries. Here, we outline important updates in the recently launched Atlas of MS 2013: Mapping Multiple Sclerosis around the World.2
Reconstruction of Neural Activity from EEG Data Using Dynamic Spatiotemporal Constraints

We present a novel iterative regularized algorithm (IRA) for neural activity reconstruction that explicitly includes spatiotemporal constraints, performing a trade-off between space and time resolutions. For improving the spatial accuracy provided by electroencephalography (EEG) signals, we explore a basis set that describes the smooth, localized areas of potentially active brain regions. In turn, we enhance the time resolution by adding the Markovian assumption for brain activity estimation at each time period. Moreover, to deal with applications that have either distributed or localized neural activity, the spatiotemporal constraints are expressed through [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] norms, respectively. For the purpose of validation, we estimate the neural reconstruction performance in time and space separately. Experimental testing is carried out on artificial data, simulating stationary and non-stationary EEG signals. Also, validation is accomplished on two real-world databases, one holding Evoked Potentials and another with EEG data of focal epilepsy. Moreover, responses of functional magnetic resonance imaging for the former EEG data have been measured in advance, allowing to contrast our findings. Obtained results show that the [Formula: see text]-based IRA produces a spatial resolution that is comparable to the one achieved by some widely used sparse-based estimators of brain activity. At the same time, the [Formula: see text]-based IRA outperforms other similar smooth solutions, providing a spatial resolution that is lower than the sparse [Formula: see text]-based solution. As a result, the proposed IRA is a promising method for improving the accuracy of brain activity reconstruction.
Multi-Biosignal Analysis for Epileptic Seizure Monitoring

Persons who suffer from intractable seizures are safer if attended when seizures strike. Consequently, there is a need for wearable devices capable of detecting both convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures in everyday life. We have developed a three-stage seizure detection methodology based on 339 h of data (26 seizures) collected from 10 patients in an epilepsy monitoring unit. Our intent is to develop a wearable system that will detect seizures, alert a caregiver and record the time of seizure in an electronic diary for the patient's physician. Stage I looks for concurrent activity in heart rate, arterial oxygenation and electrodermal activity, all of which can be monitored by a wrist-worn device and which in combination produce a very low false positive rate. Stage II looks for a specific pattern created by these three biosignals. For the patients whose seizures cannot be detected by Stage II, Stage III detects seizures using limited-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring with at most three electrodes. Out of 10 patients, Stage I recognized all 11 seizures from seven patients, Stage II detected all 10 seizures from six patients and Stage III detected all of the seizures of two out of the three patients it analyzed.
Influence of BDNF Val66Met on the relationship between physical activity and brain volume

Objective: To investigate the association between habitual physical activity levels and brain temporal lobe volumes, and the interaction with the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of 114 cognitively healthy men and women aged 60 years and older. Brain volumes quantified by MRI were correlated with self-reported physical activity levels. The effect of the interaction between physical activity and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on brain structure volumes was assessed. Post hoc analyses were completed to evaluate the influence of the APOE ε4 allele on any found associations. Results: The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism interacted with physical activity to be associated with hippocampal (β = −0.22, p = 0.02) and temporal lobe (β = −0.28, p = 0.003) volumes. In Val/Val homozygotes, higher levels of physical activity were associated with larger hippocampal and temporal lobe volumes, whereas in Met carriers, higher levels of physical activity were associated with smaller temporal lobe volume. Conclusion: The findings from this study support higher physical activity levels in the potential attenuation of age- and disease-related hippocampal and temporal lobe volume loss in Val/Val homozygotes.
Sharpening Of Input Excitation Curves In Lateral Inhibition

Various lateral inhibition neural networks are studied by means of computer simulation regarding their ability to sharpen the input excitation curves. To quantify this ability we introduced two new entropy-like quantities (called the iteration entropy and the rate of convergence) which represent suitable measures for the sharpening of the input excitation curves in a certain lateral inhibition neural network. Using these quantities we quantitatively described the sharpening ability of different lateral inhibition networks.
Prognosis of male breast cancer: a systematic review of the literature.

Objective: to discuss disease-free survival, overall survival, cancer specific survival, mortality and potential complications of the surgical treatment of breast cancer in men. Methods: a systematic review of studies identified in the databases PubMed and Lilacs, using the keywords "breast cancer in men" in combination with the terms "treatment" and "complications", published from 2006 to 2011. Results: the review included 20 studies sourced from all continents except Latin America and Oceania. The selected studies included 9,634 cases of male breast cancer diagnosed and treated between 1969 and Review Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(33): 5179-5192, 2014 518
Why go online when you have pain? A qualitative analysis of teenagers' use of the Internet for pain management advice.

BACKGROUND Adolescents are routinely recognized as native to online technologies. However, we know from previous research that this familiarity does not often translate into its use for help-seeking around health. We designed this study to examine the experience of adolescents in using the Internet to access pain management information, specifically why some adolescents may be reluctant to use these resources. METHODS Twenty-six healthy, school attending, adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years old were recruited to a qualitative study of focus groups. Seventeen participants were female and nine were male. Participation was limited to those who self-selected as frequent users of the Internet, but who were loath to use it as a resource for health information as we wished to explore reasons for non-use. All data were thematically analysed. RESULTS Most participants reported using the Internet to seek health information at least once. Experiences with online content were typically negative and drawn on only when all other sources of information and pain coping were exhausted. Three themes emerged, Drivers of Internet use, Barriers, and Anxiety around use. Adolescent health websites were reported to be confusing, anxiety provoking and hard to negotiate. The Internet was judged to be less accessible than other forms of pain and health coping information. Secondary themes related to topic embarrassment, the strive for independence and reassurance, preferred information source failure, curiosity, website design, availability of OTC analgesics, effort, fear-provoking narratives, mistrust of quality of online content and pain-related anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Counter to many positive reports of the health benefits of Internet use during information seeking, its value is questionable to some adolescents. Typical experience was anxiety provoking, unlikely to yield helpful results, and wasteful comparative to off-line resources for pain.
Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Poisoning

Since the publication of the first edition of this tome in 1988, it has been my major reference text of clinical toxicology, far surpassing in utility, in my opinion, any other single volume. Like many others in my field, I have anxiously awaited the second edition. Unfortunately, the new edition has now become a memorial to its primary editor and driving force, Matthew J. Ellenhorn, MD, who died before its publication. In the preface, Dr Ellenhorn relates the difficulties of writing a comprehensive toxicology text and his philosophy of doing so. Much of the clinical toxicology literature embodies anecdotal reports or uncontrolled case series, therefore much of our understanding of toxicology is derived from animal experimentation. In this edition, as with the first, Dr Ellenhorn has tried to limit his references to animal studies and is very selective in his use of anecdotal reports. As with the first edition, the
Cardiac Dysfunction in Patients with Sepsis, Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

Aims: Patients with severe sepsis and septic shock often exhibit significant cardiovascular dysfunction. We designed the study with an aim to determine the severity of cardiac dysfunction in the different group of sepsis patients. Study Design: Single-center,cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study:The study was carried out atof Cardiology, Kasturba
Recalled maltreatment, migraine, and tension-type headache

Objective: To examine the relationship of recalled adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with migraine and episodic tension-type headache (ETTH). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of ACEs among 2007 American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Study survey respondents with ETTH and migraine. We modeled headache type using logistic regression adjusting for sociodemographic variables (age, race, sex, income), depression, and anxiety, and headache day frequency using ordinal logistic regression with a proportional odds model. Results: Participants had migraine (n = 8,305) or ETTH (n = 1,429). Rates of ACEs were significantly higher among respondents with migraine than ETTH for emotional neglect (24.5% vs 21.5%), emotional abuse (22.5% vs 16.7%), and sexual abuse (17.7% vs 13.3%). Odds of migraine vs ETTH were significantly higher for those reporting emotional neglect (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.42), emotional abuse (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.25–1.71), or sexual abuse (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.11–1.62) when adjusted for sociodemographics. Results remained significant only for emotional abuse when adjusting for depression and anxiety (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.13–1.57). Odds of migraine were higher with 2 (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.25–1.86) vs 1 (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.00–1.36) ACE, which held after adjusting for depression and anxiety. All forms of maltreatment were associated with higher headache day frequency category in migraine but results lost significance after adjusting for depression and anxiety. Conclusions: ACEs are associated with a higher risk of migraine vs ETTH. Attenuation of the influence of ACEs by depression and anxiety suggests confounding or mediation, although results for emotional abuse were generally maintained.
Why the (dis)agreement? Family context and child-parent perspectives on health-related quality of life and psychological problems in paediatric asthma.

BACKGROUND Children's health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and psychological problems are important outcomes to consider in clinical decision making in paediatric asthma. However, children's and parents' reports often differ. The present study aimed to examine the levels of agreement/disagreement between children's and parents' reports of HrQoL and psychological problems and to identify socio-demographic, clinical and family variables associated with the extent and direction of (dis)agreement. METHODS The sample comprised 279 dyads of Portuguese children with asthma who were between 8 and 18 years of age (M = 12.13; SD = 2.56) and one of their parents. The participants completed self- and proxy-reported questionnaires on paediatric generic HrQoL (KIDSCREEN-10), chronic-generic HrQoL (DISABKIDS-37) and psychological problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). Children's and parents' perceptions of family relationships were measured with the Family Environment Scale and the caregiving burden was assessed using the Revised Burden Measure. RESULTS The child-parent agreement on reported HrQoL and psychological problems was poor to moderate (intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.32 and 0.47). The rates of child-parent discrepancies ranged between 52.7% (psychological problems) and 68.8% (generic HrQoL), with 50.5% and 31.5% of the parents reporting worse generic and chronic-generic HrQoL, respectively, and 33.3% reporting more psychological problems than their children. The extent and direction of disagreement were better explained by family factors than by socio-demographic and clinical variables: a greater caregiving burden was associated with increased discrepancies in both directions and children's and parents' perceptions of less positive family relationships were associated with discrepancies in different directions. CONCLUSIONS Routine assessment of paediatric HrQoL and psychological problems in healthcare and research contexts should include self- and parent-reported data as complementary sources of information, and also consider the family context. The additional cost of conducting a more in-depth assessment of paediatric adaptation outcomes can be offset through more efficient allocation of health resources.
'They're not witches. …' Young children and their parents' perceptions and experiences of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

BACKGROUND Recent initiatives have emphasized the ongoing need to include children in healthcare research, which is relevant to the development of both paediatric and mental healthcare services. Our aim was to contribute children and their parents' perceptions and experiences of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), with the objective of providing guidance for those wishing to improve inclusivity and empowerment. METHOD We performed a thematic analysis of interview data taken from 11 children (9 boys, 2 girls, aged 8-12) and their parents (12 mothers, 2 fathers), who had recently been referred to CAMHS for mental health and educational problems. RESULTS Three core themes emerged from the data. Fear of the unknown refers to emotional apprehension due to uncertainty of what happens in CAMHS. However children also provided useful reassurances for future service users. Therapeutic engagement refers to the importance of being listened to and building up good relationships with professionals. Finally making services acceptable was discussed in terms of issues of accessibility, session tolerances and suggestions for the development of child-centred services. CONCLUSIONS Children were able to provide potentially useful opinions of CAMHS. In a time of limited resources it is imperative that the voices of children and their parents are acknowledged in order to improve accessibility and experiences within CAMHS.
Hours in non-parental child care are related to language development in a longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND The effects of child care services on several domains of child development have been extensively investigated, but evidence regarding the effects of child care on language development remains inconclusive. METHODS Within a large-scale population-based study, we examined the longitudinal associations between non-parental child care and language development from 1 to 6 years (n = 5375). RESULTS Results showed that more hours in non-parental child care were associated with better language abilities. However, more hours in care in the first year of life were associated with less language proficiency at ages 1 to 1.5. At later ages, this effect disappeared and language proficiency increased. Furthermore, children who spent more hours in centre-based care had better language scores than children in home-based care. Ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender or parity did not change these results. CONCLUSIONS This large, multi-ethnic study demonstrates beneficial effects of non-parental child care, particularly centre-based care, on language proficiency later in childhood.
Leader-Based Consensus

It is now well recognized that consensus is a fundamental problem one has to solve to implement reliable applications on top of unreliable asynchronous distributed systems prone to failures. It has been shown that this problem cannot be solved if the underlying asynchronous system does not satisfy additional assumptions. This paper presents a new consensus protocol based on a leader oracle (denoted Ω in the litterature). Although this protocol uses asynchronous rounds, it is not based on the rotating coordinator paradigm. As a consequence, it does not suffer from drawbacks inherent to ♢S-based consensus protocols that explicity use this paradigm. As Ω and ♢S are equivalent, the proposed protocol does not require assumptions stronger or weaker than the ones abstracted in ♢S. Hence, it also requires f < n/2 (where n is the number of processes and f an upper bound on the number of processes that may crash). From a design point of view, the proposed protocol is surprisingly simple. From an efficiency point of view, it allows the processes to agree in a single round when the oracle provides the processes with the same leader (a common case in practice). It is also shown that the time and message costs of the protocol can be reduced when f < n/3. Moreover, when, in addition to the leader oracle, the system is equipped with a random oracle, the proposed protocol can be extended to provide a hybrid consensus protocol at no additional message cost.
Skeletons, BSP and Performance Portability

The Skeletal approach to parallel programming conjugates a high-level compositional style and efficiency. A second advantage of Skeletal programming is portability since implementation decisions are usually taken at compile time. The paper claims that an intermediate model embedding the main performance features of the target architecture facilitates performance portability across parallel architectures. This is motivated by describing the Skel-BSP framework which implements a skeleton system on top of a BSP computer. A prototype compiler based on a set of BSP templates is presented together with a set of performance models for each skeleton which allow a local optimization. The paper also introduces a global optimization strategy using a set of transformation rules. This local+global approach seems a viable solution to writing parallel software in machine-independent way (Writing Once and Compiling Everywhere).
Initial use of a novel noninvasive vagus nerve stimulator for cluster headache treatment

Objective: To report our initial experience with a novel device, designed to provide portable, noninvasive, transcutaneous stimulation of the vagus nerve, both acutely and preventively, as a treatment for cluster headache. Methods: Patients with cluster headache (11 chronic, 8 episodic), from 2 centers, including 7 who were refractory to drug treatment, had sufficient data available for analysis in this open-label observational cohort study. The device, known as the gammaCore, was used acutely to treat individual attacks as well as to provide prevention. Patient-estimated efficacy data were collected by systematic inquiry during follow-up appointments up to a period of 52 weeks of continuous use. Results: Fifteen patients reported an overall improvement in their condition, with 4 reporting no change, providing a mean overall estimated improvement of 48%. Of all attacks treated, 47% were aborted within an average of 11 ± 1 minutes of commencing stimulation. Ten patients reduced their acute use of high-flow oxygen by 55% with 9 reducing triptan use by 48%. Prophylactic use of the device resulted in a substantial reduction in estimated mean attack frequency from 4.5/24 hours to 2.6/24 hours (p < 0.0005) posttreatment. Conclusion: These data suggest that noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation may be practical and effective as an acute and preventive treatment in chronic cluster headache. Further evaluation of this treatment using randomized sham-controlled trials is thus warranted. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with cluster headache, transcutaneous stimulation of the vagus nerve aborts acute attacks and reduces the frequency of attacks.