Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
and intra-observer variability analysis of completely automated measurement and its benchmarking against ultrasound scanner and

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the measurement error and inter- and intra- observer variability of completely off-line automated and semi-automated carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) measurement software (AtheroEdge™). Two hundred carotid ultrasound images from 50 asymptomatic women were analyzed. AtheroEdge™ was benchmarked against a commercial system (Syngo, Siemens) using automated and semi-automated modes. The measurement error and inter- and intra- observer variability of AtheroEdge™ were tested using three readings. The measurement error of AtheroEdge™ compared to the commercial software was 0.002±0.019 mm ( r = 0.99) in the automated mode and -0.001±0.004 mm in the semi-automated mode ( r = 0.99). The measurement error of AtheroEdge™ compared to the mean value of the three expert Readers (cIMT bias) for the automated and semi-automated methods was -0.0004±0.158 mm and -0.008±0.157 mm, respectively. The Figure-of-Merit was 99.8% and 99.9% when compared to the commercial ultrasound scanner (using the automated and semi-automated method, respectively) and was 99.9% and 98.9% when compared to the mean value of the three expert Readers. Regarding inter- and intra- observer variability, the intra-class correlation coefficient of the three independent users using the semi-automated AtheroEdge™ was 0.98. AtheroEdge™ showed a measurement performance comparable to the commercial ultrasound scanner software and the expert Readers’ tracings. AtheroEdge™ belongs to a class of automated systems that could find application in processing large datasets for common carotid arteries, avoiding subjectivity in cIMT measurements.
Spinal cordblood flow indogs1 2.Theeffect oftheblood gases

SUMMARY The effect of CO2 on the spinal cord blood flow was investigated in nine dogs. The flow was closely correlated with the paCO2 and at about 85 mmHg was double the normocarbic flow. The effect of PO2 was studied in a further nine dogs. Hypoxia markedly increased the flow which was maximal at paO2 30-40 mmHg. The vasoconstrictor effect of hypocarbia was absent or decreased in hypoxia. The response of the cord vessels to the blood gases was very similar to that of the brain.
Patients Satisfaction Levels in Out Patient Department of a Teaching Hospital

Objective: To evaluate patient satisfaction and its relation with different demographic factors of respondents in the outpatient department of a teaching hospital. Methodology: A cross sectional study was performed between February 2011 and June 2011. A total sample size of 150 participants was collected by consecutive sampling technique. Participants were interviewed privately face to face in the hospital in Outpatient department of PESSI hospital Rawalpindi. Interviews were conducted by trained interviewers using pre tested questionnaires. Data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS v 15. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. Percent mean score technique was used to show the satisfaction score of the
Reevaluating limits of detection of 12 lateral flow immunoassays for the detection of <fi>Yersinia pestis</fi>, <fi>Francisella tularensis</fi>, and <fi>Bacillus anthracis</fi> spores using viable risk groupâ•’3 strains

Aim: Rapid detection of biological agents in biodefense is critical for operational, tactical and strategic levels as well as for medical countermeasures. Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, and Bacillus anthracis are high priority agents of biological warfare or bioterrorism and many response forces use lateral flow assays (LFAs) for their detection. Several companies produce these assays, which offer results in short time and are easy to use. Despite their importance, only few publications on the limits of detection (LOD) for LFAs are available. Most of these studies used inactivated bacteria or risk group-2 strains. As the inactivation process in previous studies might have affected the tests’ performances, it was our aim in this study to determine and compare the LOD of several commercially available LFAs using viable risk group-3 strains. Methods and Results: Lateral flow assays from four different companies for the detection of following bacteria were evaluated: Y. pestis, F. tularensis and B. anthracis spores. Two independent quantification methods for each target organism were applied, in order to ensure high quantification accuracy. LODs varied greatly between tests and organisms and ranged between 10 for Y. pestis-tests and as high as >10 for one B. anthracis-test. Conclusion: This work precisely determined the LODs of LFAs from four commercial suppliers. The herein determined LODs differed from results of previous studies. This illustrates the need for using accurately quantified viable risk group 3-strains for determining such LODs. Significance and Impact of the Study: Our work bridges an important knowledge gap with regard to LFA LOD. The LODs determined in this study will facilitate better assessment of LFA-results. They illustrate that a negative LFA result is not suited to exclude the presence of the respective agent in the analyzed sample.
THE LEVEL OF SATISFACTION OF COMPLETE DENTURE WEARERS – A STUDY OF BAQAI MEDICAL AND DENTAL UNIVERSITY KARACHI

: The purpose of this study was to compare the satisfaction of patients regarding retention, stability and accumulation of particles with a randomized, double-blind crossed method in users with complete dentures. Seventeen edentulous individuals were randomized and received new upper and lower complete dentures. After a period of adaptation, they participated in some masticatory tests and clinical revisions, after use the protheses with and without the use of two dentureat 0, 7 and 14 days. Satisfaction was measured immediately after each test through a survey using a VAS scale (0-10) and data were analysed with McNemar’s test with Bonferroni correction. The results showed significant differences (p <.01) between the study groups completely comfortable and partially comfortable and not comfortable groups but no significant differences were found between the two stickers for any of the variables studied. Complete denture comfort significantly improved the satisfaction of patients because a better retention, stability and less accumulation of particles of the food substitute between the denture and the mucosa is obtained compared with other group.
Magnitude Effect in Intertemporal Allocation Tasks

We investigate how the intertemporal allocation of monetary rewards is influenced by the size of the total budget, with a particular interest in the channels of influence. We find a significant magnitude effect: the budget share allocated to the later date increases with the size of the budget. This effect does not depend on whether the sooner reward is paid in the present or in the future, implying that the factors which drive the present bias cannot account for the magnitude effect. At the aggregate level as well as at the individual level, we find magnitude effects both on the discount rate and on intertemporal substitutability (i.e. utility curvature). The latter effect is consistent with theories in which the degree of asset integration is increasing in the stake.
Unraveling the interplay between genetic and environmental contributions in the unfolding of personality differences from early adolescence to young adulthood

In two studies, we examined the genetic and environmental sources of the unfolding of personality trait differences from childhood to emerging adulthood. Using self-reports from over 3,000 representative German twin pairs of three birth cohorts, we could replicate previous findings on the primary role of genetic sources accounting for the unfolding of inter-individual differences in personality traits and stabilizing trait differences during adolescence. More specifically, the genetic variance increased between early (ages 10-12) and late adolescence (age 16-18) and stabilized between late adolescence and young adulthood (ages 21-25). This trend could be confirmed in a second three-wave longitudinal study of adolescents’ personality self-reports and parent ratings from about 1,400 Norwegian twin families (average ages between 15 and 20). Moreover, the longitudinal study extended previous research and provided evidence for increasing genetic differences being primarily due to accumulation of novel genetic influences instead of an amplification of initial genetic variation. This is in line with cumulative interaction effects between twins’ correlated genetic makeups and environmental circumstances shared by adolescent twins reared together. In other words, nature × nurture interactions rather than transactions can account for increases in genetic variance and thus personality variance during adolescence.
Are the Classical Markers Sufficientto DesCnbeUremic Solute Accumulationin Dialyzed Patients?HippuratesReconsidered

Interdependencies of accumulated solutes, analyzed by liquid chromatography in dialyzed and non-dialyzed patients, were studied by multivariate statistical analysis. In principal component analysis, three principal components (PC1-PC3) were retained from the data on 22 accumulated compounds in dialyzed patients, whereas only one principal component was retained from analogous data of a non-dialyzed patient group. PCi in the dialyzed patient group comprises concentrations of hippuric acid, p-hydroxyhippuric acid, tryptophan, and five unidentified fluorescent solutes in serum. Concentrations of the classical markers urea, uric acid, creatinine, and phosphate were closely related to PC2 in these patients. Indoleacetic acid and two unidentified fluorescent compounds constitute PC3. The compounds associated with the groups found by principal component analysis may be characterized by chemical structure and by the mechanism of their excretion via the remaining nephrons of dialyzed patients. In the non-dialyzed group, most of the solutes could be described by a single PC. This PC and PCi from the dialyzed group correlated significantly with residual renal function, and with total ultraviolet absorbance and total fluorescence emission. The data suggest that it is of value to introduce a marker of uremic solute retention in addition to urea, to account for renal-function-related organic-acid-like” compounds that are excreted by renal tubular secretion in dialyzed patients. The hippurates may serve this purpose.
SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS

PAUL H. GUTTMAN, M. D. (605 Medico-Dental Building, Sacramento). -Doctor Michael has clearly pointed out that considerable controversy still exists on the question of status thymicolymphaticus. As the result of the careful studies of Hammar and, later, Boyd, conclusive data is presented which disproves the anatomical concept of status thymicolymphaticus. The size of the thymus and lymph nodes is dependent to a large extent upon the nutrition of the patient. In cases of sudden death from any cause, the weight of the thymus and size of the lymph nodes are large in well-nourished individuals. In those who suffer loss of weight as the result of prolonged illness, the weight of the thymus and lymph nodes decreases considerably. Failure to recognize these factors and the normal variation in the size of the thymus and lymph nodes has often resulted in the erroneous diagnosis of status thymicolymphaticus in cases in which the cause of death could not be determined. It is often stated that degenerative changes are seen in the secondary follicles of the lymph nodes in status thymicolymphaticus. These changes are not constant and are frequently found in the course of normal involution of these glands and in toxic conditions unrelated to status thymicolymphaticus. Although the anatomica concept of status thymicolymphaticus has suffered a blow as the result of the work of Hammar and Boyd, it is generally agreed that certain individuals who die as the result of trivial causes possess a constitutional inferiority which is not definable on an anatomical basis. Since we have no better terminology at the present time to classify this type of individual, it is well that the term "status thymicolymphaticus" is retained until this condition is better understood.
Contemporary social context and patterns of prenatal cannabis use in Canada following legalization: a secondary analysis of prospective cohort data.

Background: The epidemiology of prenatal cannabis use in Canada following legalization remains unknown despite increasing evidence for associated health risks. Our study aimed to identify current risk factors for, and patterns of, prenatal cannabis use and second-hand cannabis exposure in Alberta. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of prospective data from a 2019 study in Calgary AB, of 153 pregnant (<28 weeks gestation at enrollment), English-speaking Alberta residents. We conducted descriptive analyses of prenatal cannabis use patterns (timing, frequency, dose, modes and reasons for use) and logistic regression to identify risk factors for direct use and second-hand exposure. Results: Odds of prenatal cannabis use were significantly higher among those who did not own their home (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.1; 95% CI:1.6-9.6), smoked tobacco prenatally (OR 3.3,95% CI:1.2-9.3) and used illicit substances in the past (OR 3.2; 95% CI:1.7-9.9), and lower for those consuming alcohol prenatally (OR 0.3, 0.12-0.89). Among the 90 (58%) participants who used cannabis prenatally, the majority used for medicinal reasons (96%), at least daily (67%), by smoking (88%), in all trimesters of pregnancy (66%). Although reported dose-per-use was commonly low, cumulative doses over pregnancy were high. Interpretation: Our study finds marked differences in prenatal cannabis use risk factors, and patterns of more frequent use sustained throughout pregnancy with perceived medicinal indications than pre-legalization studies. Prenatal care providers should include cannabis explicitly in medication counselling. Further prospective studies are needed as the impacts of prenatal cannabis on maternal and infant health in Canada may currently be underestimated.
Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on long COVID: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background: The impact of COVID-19 vaccination on preventing or treating long COVID is unclear. We aim to assess the impact of COVID vaccinations administered (i) before and (ii) after acute COVID-19, including vaccination after long COVID diagnosis, on the rates or symptoms of long COVID. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane COVID-19 trials, and Europe PMC for preprints from 1 Jan 2020 to 16 Feb 2022. We included trials, cohort, and case control studies reporting on long COVID cases and symptoms with vaccine administration both before and after COVID-19 diagnosis as well as after long COVID diagnosis. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I. Results: We screened 356 articles and found no trials, but 6 observational studies from 3 countries (USA, UK, France) that reported on 442,601 patients. The most common long COVID symptoms studied include fatigue, cough, loss of smell, shortness of breath, loss of taste, headache, muscle ache, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, worry or anxiety, and memory loss or confusion. Four studies reported data on vaccination before SARS-CoV-2 infection, of which three showed statistically significant reduction in long COVID: the odds ratio of developing long COVID with one dose of vaccine ranged between OR 0.22 to 1.03; with two doses OR 0.51 to 1; and with any dose OR 0.85 to 1.01. Three studies reported on post-infection vaccination with odds ratios between 0.38 to 0.91. The high heterogeneity between studies precluded any meaningful meta-analysis. Studies failed to adjust for potential confounders such as other protective behaviours, and missing data, thus increasing the risk of bias, and decreasing the certainty of evidence to low. Discussion: Current studies suggest that COVID-19 vaccinations may have protective and therapeutic effects on long COVID. However, more robust comparative observational studies and trials are urgently needed to clearly determine effectiveness of vaccines in prevention and treatment of long COVID.
Duration of Protection After Vaccination Against Yellow Fever: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. The duration of protection after a single dose of yellow fever vaccine is a matter of debate. To summarize the current knowledge, we performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Methods. Studies on the duration of protection after 1 and [≥]2 vaccine doses were reviewed. Data were stratified by time since vaccination. In our meta-analysis, we used random-effects models. Results. We identified 36 studies from 20 countries, comprising over 17,000 participants aged 6 months to 85 years. Among healthy adults and children, pooled seroprotection rates after single vaccination dose were close to 100% by 3 months and remained high in adults for 5 to 10 years. In children vaccinated before age 2, the seroprotection rate was 52% within 5 years after primary vaccination. For immunodeficient persons, data indicate relevant waning. Conclusions. The extent of waning of seroprotection after yellow fever vaccination depends on age at vaccination and immune status.
CME P RETEST AND O BJECTIVES

not treated depressive disorders Unrecognized bipolar disorder, sometimes misdi-agnosed as unipolar depression, may lead to treat- ment resistance or nonresponse. We describe differences between unipolar and bipolar disorders, focusing on recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of bipolar spectrum disorders such as bipolar I, bipolar II, antidepressant-induced mania, and cyclothymia. Broadening the understanding of these different disorders and their presentation in primary care settings can enable earlier and more targeted treatment. Though 3 mood stabilizers are U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved for treatment of acute mania, no medications are currently approved for treating bipolar depression. full compliance all ACCME Essential and the faculty for this CME activity were disclosure The information as
Nonstationary Gaussian Processes for Regression and Spatial Modelling

Recent work in the areas of nonparametric regression and spatial smoothing has focused on modelling functions of inhomogeneous smoothness. In the regression literature, important progress has been made in fitting free-knot spline models in a Bayesian context, with knots automatically being placed more densely in regions of the covariate space in which the function varies more quickly. In the spatial statistics literature, attention has focused on using nonstationary covariance structures to account for inhomogeneity of the spatial field. In this dissertation, I use nonstationary covariance functions in Gaussian process (GP) prior distributions over functions to perform both nonparametric regression and spatial smoothing in a Bayesian fashion. I extend the kernel convolution method of Higdon et al. (1999) to create a class of nonstationary covariance functions. I prove that the nonstationary covariance functions retain the differentiability properties of the stationary correlation functions on which they are based, provided there is sufficient smoothness in the underlying kernel structure used to generate the non-stationarity. The stationary Matérn covariance function has desirable differentiability properties; the generalized kernel convolution method developed here provides a Matérn-based nonstationary covariance function. I develop a generalized nonparametric regression model and assess difficulties in identifiability and in fitting of the model using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms. Of particular note, I show how to improve MCMC performance for non-Gaussian data based on an approximate conditional posterior mean. The modelling approach produces a flexible response surface that responds to inhomogeneity while naturally controlling overfitting. For Gaussian errors, on test datasets in one dimension, the GP model performs well, but not as well as the free-knot spline method. However, in two and three dimensions, the nonstationary GP model seems to outperform iii iv both free-knot spline models and a stationary GP model. Unfortunately, as implemented the method is not feasible for datasets with more than a few hundred observations because of the computational difficulties involved in fitting the model. The nonstationary covariance model can also be embedded in a spatial model. In particular, I analyze spatiotemporal climate data, using a nonstationary covariance matrix to model the spatial structure of the residuals. I demonstrate that the nonstationary model fits the covariance structure of the data better than a stationary model, but any improvement in point predictions relative to a stationary model or to the maximum likelihood estimates is minimal, presumably because the data are very smooth to begin with. My comparison of …
Antidepressants during pregnancy and autism in offspring: population based cohort study

Objectives To study the association between maternal use of antidepressants during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. Design Observational prospective cohort study with regression methods, propensity score matching, sibling controls, and negative control comparison. Setting Stockholm County, Sweden. Participants 254 610 individuals aged 4-17, including 5378 with autism, living in Stockholm County in 2001-11 who were born to mothers who did not take antidepressants and did not have any psychiatric disorder, mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy, or mothers with psychiatric disorders who did not take antidepressants during pregnancy. Maternal antidepressant use was recorded during first antenatal interview or determined from prescription records. Main outcome measure Offspring diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, with and without intellectual disability. Results Of the 3342 children exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy, 4.1% (n=136) had a diagnosis of autism compared with a 2.9% prevalence (n=353) in 12 325 children not exposed to antidepressants whose mothers had a history of a psychiatric disorder (adjusted odds ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.13 to 1.85). Propensity score analysis led to similar results. The results of a sibling control analysis were in the same direction, although with wider confidence intervals. In a negative control comparison, there was no evidence of any increased risk of autism in children whose fathers were prescribed antidepressants during the mothers’ pregnancy (1.13, 0.68 to 1.88). In all analyses, the risk increase concerned only autism without intellectual disability. Conclusions The association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and autism, particularly autism without intellectual disability, might not solely be a byproduct of confounding. Study of the potential underlying biological mechanisms could help the understanding of modifiable mechanisms in the aetiology of autism. Importantly, the absolute risk of autism was small, and, hypothetically, if no pregnant women took antidepressants, the number of cases that could potentially be prevented would be small.