Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An experience with sixty cases of haematological malignancies; a clinico haematological correlation.

BACKGROUND Haematological malignancies are not uncommon in our area. Due to inadequate diagnostic facilities and lack of health education they are diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment is either impossible or very difficult. In our study, sixty patients with haematological malignancies were studied from 1-1-1999 to 1-1-2001, at Ayub Teaching Hospital. Abbottabad. METHODS Patients were interviewed in detail, a thorough physical examination and blood tests including haemoglobin estimation, total and differential leukocyte count, platelets count, reticulocyte count and blood film examination was done on each patient. Bone marrow examination for routine giemsa staining and cytochemistry was also done in each case. Trephine biopsy was done in selected cases. RESULTS About 35.9% patients had acute myeloid leukemia, while 19.15% patients had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Non Hodgkin's lymphoma was seen in 15.39% cases. Among chronic leukemias, chronic lymphocytic leukemia outnumbered chronic myeloid leukemia (13.91% against 10.76%). Multiple myeloma was seen in 4.61% patients while a single patient had Hodgkin's disease. Male to female ratio in haematological malignancies was 1.4:1 and majority of the patients (66.66) belonged to two districts (i.e. Mansehra and Abbottabad). Low grade fever, progressive pallor, weakness and body aches were the commonest symptoms (70% cases) while pallor was the frequently observed sign. Medium age for acute myeloid and acute lymphoblastic leukemia was 26 years and 7 years respectively. For chronic myeloid and chronic lymphocytic leukemia it was 22 years and 56 years respectively. In case of non Hodgkin's lymphoma it was 22.5 years. CONCLUSION In our study acute myeloid leukemia was the commonest type of haematological malignancy. Males were affected more than the females. Majority of the patients belonged to districts Mansehra and Abbottabad. Non specific symptoms like low grade fever, progressive pallor and bodyaches were the commonest symptoms while pallor was the most frequently observed sign.
Anxiety, depression and pain intensity in patients with low back pain who are admitted to acute care hospitals.

AIM This study examines the relationship between anxiety, depression and pain intensity in patients with low back pain who are newly admitted to an acute care hospital setting. BACKGROUND Previous studies have supported the idea that anxiety and depression play a significant role in chronic low back pain, but the relationship between anxiety, depression and pain intensity in patients with low back pain who are newly admitted to hospital has not been adequately explored. METHOD The study reported here was descriptive correlational in design. The sample was 102 Chinese patients with low back pain who were newly admitted to an acute care hospital in Hong Kong. Data were collected through individual interviews, using an 11-point numerical pain rating scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. In addition, demographic data were identified from the medical record. RESULTS There were 48 male and 54 female adult participants in the study. The average anxiety and depression level of the participants was 19.46 (SD 9.02) on a scale of 0-42, which is higher than the normal level. The level of anxiety and depression was significantly positively correlated with pain intensity (r = 0.471, p < 0.0005) and was also a significant predictor of pain intensity (t = 3.918, p < 0.0005, 95% CI 0.050-0.154). CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that anxiety and depression are not only associated with pain intensity but that they also, partly, predict pain intensity in patients with low back pain who are newly admitted to an acute care hospital. Relevance to clinical practice. The results of this study support the assessment of and intervention in anxiety and depression symptoms in the provision of pain-relief nursing treatment in patients with low back pain who are admitted to acute care hospitals.
How Biased Is Your Model? Concentration Inequalities, Information and Model Bias

We derive tight and computable bounds on the bias of statistical estimators, or more generally of quantities of interest, when evaluated on a baseline model <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$P$ </tex-math></inline-formula> rather than on the typically unknown true model <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. Our proposed method combines the scalable information inequality derived by P. Dupuis, K.Chowdhary, the authors and their collaborators together with classical concentration inequalities (such as Bennett’s and Hoeffding-Azuma inequalities). Our bounds are expressed in terms of the Kullback-Leibler divergence <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R(Q\|P)$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of model <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula> with respect to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$P$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and the moment generating function for the statistical estimator under <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$P$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. Furthermore, concentration inequalities, i.e. bounds on moment generating functions, provide tight and computationally inexpensive model bias bounds for quantities of interest. Finally, they allow us to derive rigorous confidence bands for statistical estimators that account for model bias and are valid for an arbitrary amount of data.
EFFECT OF STATIC STRETCHING OF WRIST FLEXORS ON HANDGRIP STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE OF APPARENTLY HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

Background/ Objective: Stretching exercise has been considered an essential component in warm up for decades. However, the benefit of stretching exercise in performance enhancement is now being questioned. This study investigated the effects of static stretching of the wrist flexors on the handgrip strength and endurance of apparently healthy individuals. Method: Seventy five (75) registered students (36 males and 39 females) of the College of Medicine in the University whose ages ranged from 18 years to 35 years were recruited for this study. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups (Group A, B and C). Groups A, B and C performed the static stretching to the their wrist flexors for 30, 45, and 60 seconds respectively. The handgrip strength and endurance were measured before and after stretching. Data was analyed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Result: Static stretching had no significant effect on handgrip strength of Groups A (p = 0.70), B (p = 0.27) and C (p = 0.84) as well as handgrip endurance of Groups B (p = 0.71) and C (p = 0.72). However, it brought about a significant decrease on handgrip endurance of Group A (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference between the effects of static stretching on handgrip strength (p = 0.37) and handgrip endurance (p = 0.97) of male and female subjects. There was a positive relationship on the effect of static stretching on handgrip strength and endurance (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Static stretching of wrist flexors had no significant effect on handgrip strength despite the duration of stretch. Static stretching of 30 seconds brought about a significant reduction in handgrip endurance but those of 45 and 60 seconds had no significant effect. There was a low positive correlation between the effect of static stretching of wrist flexors on handgrip strength and endurance.
Increased Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Activity in the Human Internal Mammary Artery Is Associated with Ageing, Hypertension, Diabetes and Kidney Dysfunction

Dysregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in the vasculature has been suggested to be associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease and renal injury. In this descriptive study, we hypothesized that arterial MMP-2 activity is elevated in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking and ageing, and that it correlates with the degree of kidney function. MMP-2 activity in internal mammary arteries (n = 37) was measured using gelatinolytic zymography, and cutoffs were determined using sample-derived medians. Patient demographics and clinical data were analyzed, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated. High MMP-2 activity (>60,000 units) was associated with age, hypertension and diabetes (p = 0.0034, 0.06 and 0.0034, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that age and diabetes were independent predictors of high MMP-2 activity. There is a trend towards increased MMP-2 activity and reduced eGFR (p = 0.010). The current exploratory work describes that the activity of MMP-2 in the internal mammary artery is correlated with age, hypertension, diabetes and eGFR. It is the first report suggesting that MMP-2 in the arterial vasculature could be the possible mediator crucial in linking the progression of kidney function to cardiovascular disease.
Object Representations in Human Visual Cortex Formed Through Temporal Integration of Dynamic Partial Shape Views

We typically recognize visual objects using the spatial layout of their parts, which are present simultaneously on the retina. Therefore, shape extraction is based on integration of the relevant retinal information over space. The lateral occipital complex (LOC) can represent shape faithfully in such conditions. However, integration over time is sometimes required to determine object shape. To study shape extraction through temporal integration of successive partial shape views, we presented human participants (both men and women) with artificial shapes that moved behind a narrow vertical or horizontal slit. Only a tiny fraction of the shape was visible at any instant at the same retinal location. However, observers perceived a coherent whole shape instead of a jumbled pattern. Using fMRI and multivoxel pattern analysis, we searched for brain regions that encode temporally integrated shape identity. We further required that the representation of shape should be invariant to changes in the slit orientation. We show that slit-invariant shape information is most accurate in the LOC. Importantly, the slit-invariant shape representations matched the conventional whole-shape representations assessed during full-image runs. Moreover, when the same slit-dependent shape slivers were shuffled, thereby preventing their spatiotemporal integration, slit-invariant shape information was reduced dramatically. The slit-invariant representation of the various shapes also mirrored the structure of shape perceptual space as assessed by perceptual similarity judgment tests. Therefore, the LOC is likely to mediate temporal integration of slit-dependent shape views, generating a slit-invariant whole-shape percept. These findings provide strong evidence for a global encoding of shape in the LOC regardless of integration processes required to generate the shape percept. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Visual objects are recognized through spatial integration of features available simultaneously on the retina. The lateral occipital complex (LOC) represents shape faithfully in such conditions even if the object is partially occluded. However, shape must sometimes be reconstructed over both space and time. Such is the case in anorthoscopic perception, when an object is moving behind a narrow slit. In this scenario, spatial information is limited at any moment so the whole-shape percept can only be inferred by integration of successive shape views over time. We find that LOC carries shape-specific information recovered using such temporal integration processes. The shape representation is invariant to slit orientation and is similar to that evoked by a fully viewed image. Existing models of object recognition lack such capabilities.
Planktonic Replication Is Essential for Biofilm Formation by Legionella pneumophila in a Complex Medium under Static and Dynamic Flow Conditions

ABSTRACT Legionella pneumophila persists for a long time in aquatic habitats, where the bacteria associate with biofilms and replicate within protozoan predators. While L. pneumophila serves as a paradigm for intracellular growth within protozoa, it is less clear whether the bacteria form or replicate within biofilms in the absence of protozoa. In this study, we analyzed surface adherence of and biofilm formation by L. pneumophila in a rich medium that supported axenic replication. Biofilm formation by the virulent L. pneumophila strain JR32 and by clinical and environmental isolates was analyzed by confocal microscopy and crystal violet staining. Strain JR32 formed biofilms on glass surfaces and upright polystyrene wells, as well as on pins of “inverse” microtiter plates, indicating that biofilm formation was not simply due to sedimentation of the bacteria. Biofilm formation by an L. pneumophila fliA mutant lacking the alternative sigma factor σ28 was reduced, which demonstrated that bacterial factors are required. Accumulation of biomass coincided with an increase in the optical density at 600 nm and ceased when the bacteria reached the stationary growth phase. L. pneumophila neither grew nor formed biofilms in the inverse system if the medium was exchanged twice a day. However, after addition of Acanthamoeba castellanii, the bacteria proliferated and adhered to surfaces. Sessile (surface-attached) and planktonic (free-swimming) L. pneumophila expressed β-galactosidase activity to similar extents, and therefore, the observed lack of proliferation of surface-attached bacteria was not due to impaired protein synthesis or metabolic activity. Cocultivation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)- and DsRed-labeled L. pneumophila led to randomly interspersed cells on the substratum and in aggregates, and no sizeable patches of clonally growing bacteria were observed. Our findings indicate that biofilm formation by L. pneumophila in a rich medium is due to growth of planktonic bacteria rather than to growth of sessile bacteria. In agreement with this conclusion, GFP-labeled L. pneumophila initially adhered in a continuous-flow chamber system but detached over time; the detachment correlated with the flow rate, and there was no accumulation of biomass. Under these conditions, L. pneumophila persisted in biofilms formed by Empedobacter breve or Microbacterium sp. but not in biofilms formed by Klebsiella pneumoniae or other environmental bacteria, suggesting that specific interactions between the bacteria modulate adherence.
A longitudinal investigation of older adults’ physical activity: Testing an integrated dual-process model

Objective: To assess the effects of conscious and non-conscious processes for prediction of older adults’ physical activity (PA), we tested a dual-process model that integrated motivational (behavioural intention) and volitional (action planning and coping planning) processes with non-conscious, automatic processes (habit). Method: Participants (N = 215) comprised community-dwelling older adults (M = 73.8 years). A longitudinal design was adopted to investigate direct and indirect effects of intentions, habit strength (Time 1), and action planning and coping planning (Time 2) on PA behaviour (Time 3). Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the model. Results: The model provided a good fit to the data, accounting for 44% of the variance in PA behaviour at Time 3. PA was predicted by intentions, action planning, and habit strength, with action planning mediating the intention-behaviour relationship. An effect of sex was also found where males used fewer planning strategies and engaged in more PA than females. Conclusions: By investigating an integration of conscious and non-conscious processes, this study provides a novel understanding of older adults’ PA. Interventions aiming to promote PA behaviour of older adults should target the combination of psychological processes.
Genome‐wide association study of neurocognitive impairment and dementia in HIV‐infected adults

The neuropathogenesis of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) is unclear. Candidate gene studies have implicated genetic susceptibility loci within immune‐related genes; however, these have not been reliably validated. Here, we employed genome‐wide association (GWA) methods to discover novel genetic susceptibility loci associated with HAND, and validate susceptibility loci implicated in prior candidate gene studies. Data from 1,287 participants enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study between 1985 and 2010 were used. Genotyping was conducted with Illumina 1M, 1MDuo, or 550K platform. Linear mixed models determined subject‐specific slopes for change over time in processing speed and executive functioning, considering all visits including baseline and the most recent study visit. Covariates modeled as fixed effects included: time since the first visit, depression severity, nadir CD4+ T‐cell count, hepatitis C co‐infection, substance use, and antiretroviral medication regimen. Prevalence of HIV‐associated dementia (HAD) and neurocognitive impairment (NCI) was also examined as neurocognitive phenotypes in a case–control analysis. No genetic susceptibility loci were associated with decline in processing speed or executive functioning among almost 2.5 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) directly genotyped or imputed. No association between the SNPs and HAD or NCI were found. Previously reported associations between specific genetic susceptibility loci, HIV‐associated NCI, and HAD were not validated. In this first GWAS of HAND, no novel or previously identified genetic susceptibility loci were associated with any of the phenotypes examined. Due to the relatively small sample size, future collaborative efforts that incorporate this dataset may still yield important findings. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modulation of Gamma and Theta Spectral Amplitude and Phase Synchronization Is Associated with the Development of Visuo-Motor Learning

The formation of new motor memories, which is fundamental for efficient performance during adaptation to a visuo-motor rotation, occurs when accurate planning is achieved mostly with feedforward mechanisms. The dynamics of brain activity underlying the switch from feedback to feedforward control is still matter of debate. Based on the results of studies in declarative learning, it is likely that phase synchronization of low and high frequencies as well as their temporal modulation in power amplitude underlie the formation of new motor memories during visuo-motor adaptation. High-density EEG (256 electrodes) was recorded in 17 normal human subjects during adaptation to a visuo-motor rotation of 60° in four incremental steps of 15°. We found that initial learning is associated with enhancement of gamma power in a right parietal region during movement execution as well as gamma/theta phase coherence during movement planning. Late stages of learning are instead accompanied by an increase of theta power over that same right parietal region during movement planning, which is correlated with the degree of learning and retention. Altogether, these results suggest that the formation of new motor memories and, thus, the switch from feedback to feedforward control is associated with the modulation of gamma and theta spectral activities, with respect to their amplitude and phase, during movement planning and execution. Specifically, we propose that gamma/theta phase coupling plays a pivotal role in the integration of a new representation into motor memories.
Tracking of Objects in Video by Using Median Filters , Segmentation & Discrete Wavelet Transform

This paper deals with the tracking of objects in video by using segmentation and median filter based method. Intelligent visual surveillance system can be used many different methods for detection of moving targets. Advantages and disadvantages of two common algorithms frequently used in the moving target detection: background subtraction method and frame detection method are analyzed and compared in this paper. Then based on the background subtraction method, a moving target detection algorithm is proposed. The background image used to process the next frame image is generated through superposition of the current frame image and the current background image with a certain probability. This algorithm makes the objects which stay long time to be a part of the background after a certain period of time, but not be detected as a part of foreground. The experimental results show that this algorithm can detect moving targets more efficiently and precisely.
Coherent terahertz systems

We present a novel concept for THz systems based on a photonic local oscillator. We propose that such systems will enable the creation of highly coherent, thus highly sensitive systems for frequencies ranging from 100 GHz to 5 THz. Coherent THz systems would widen the potential application range by reducing equipment cost and increasing sensitivity. To demonstrate how such systems can be realised we also review the performance of the necessary component technologies.
Depressive Symptoms Were Prevalent Among Left-Behind Women in Ma'anshan, China

Abstract The present study was aimed at exploring the prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms among left-behind women in China. A sample of 938 participants (439 left-behind women and 499 non–left-behind women) was surveyed with self-rating questionnaire. The scores of depressive symptoms were higher in the left-behind women; and the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was 34.54% for all participants and 46.69% for the left-behind women (mild, 40.77%; moderate/major, 5.92%). The status of left-behind is an independent risk factor of depressive symptoms in rural women. The multinomial logistic regression in the left-behind women indicated age, religious belief, annual individual income, impulsiveness, and active coping were associated with mild depressive symptoms; whereas age, religious belief, domestic violence, and active coping were associated with moderate/major depressive symptoms. Results suggest that depressive symptoms were prevalent among the left-behind women. The findings should be considered for the psychological intervention in the left-behind women.
Placebo‐controlled comparative study of the anxiolytic activity and of the pharmacokinetics of oral and sublingual lorazepam in generalized anxiety

In a randomized crossover study, twelve patients presenting a generalized anxiety disorder received either a 1 mg oral tablet or a 1 mg sublingual tablet of lorazepam three times daily for 7 days. After a 7‐day washout period, each patient received a 7‐day treatment with the other tablet form. Treatments were administered in a double‐blind manner using placebos of both the oral and sublingual tablets. Psychiatric evaluations were carried out before and following each of the three periods. Blood samples were drawn at intervals for 48 h following the last dose of each treatment. The plasma concentrations of lorazepam were measured by gas chromatography using an electron‐capture detector. Both the oral and sublingual lorazepam produced a significant anxiolytic effect; there was no statistically significant difference between the therapeutic effectiveness of the two forms of lorazepam. The main pharmacokinetic parameters for the oral and sublingual tablets were, respectively: elimination half‐life 15.6h and 11.7h; maximal concentration 40.8ngml−1 and 42.2ngml−1; time to reach maximal concentration l.2h and 1.4h; corrected area under the curve 310.6ng hml−1 and 313.6ng hml−1. There was no statistically significant difference between the oral and sublingual tablets for any of the pharmacokinetic parameters measured.