Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of capsule endoscopy compared with colonoscopy for polyp detection: systematic review and meta-analyses

Abstract Background Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is a technology that might contribute to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs as a filter test between fecal immunochemical testing and standard colonoscopy. The aim was to systematically review the literature for studies investigating the diagnostic yield of second-generation CCE compared with standard colonoscopy. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Study characteristics including quality of bowel preparation and completeness of CCE transits were extracted. Per-patient sensitivity and specificity were extracted for polyps (any size, ≥ 10 mm, ≥ 6 mm) and lesion characteristics. Meta-analyses of diagnostic yield were performed. Results The literature search revealed 1077 unique papers and 12 studies were included. Studies involved a total of 2199 patients, of whom 1898 were included in analyses. The rate of patients with adequate bowel preparation varied from 40 % to 100 %. The rates of complete CCE transit varied from 57 % to 100 %. Our meta-analyses demonstrated that mean (95 % confidence interval) sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio were: 0.85 (0.73–0.92), 0.85 (0.70–0.93), and 30.5 (16.2–57.2), respectively, for polyps of any size; 0.87 (0.82–0.90), 0.95 (0.92–0.97), and 136.0 (70.6–262.1), respectively, for polyps ≥ 10 mm; and 0.87 (0.83–0.90), 0.88 (0.75–0.95), and 51.1 (19.8–131.8), respectively, for polyps ≥ 6 mm. No serious adverse events were reported for CCE. Conclusion CCE had high sensitivity and specificity for per-patient polyps compared with standard colonoscopy However, the relatively high rate of incomplete investigations limits the application of CCE in a CRC screening setting.
An Online Training Intervention on Prehospital Stroke Codes in Catalonia to Improve the Knowledge, Pre-Notification Compliance and Time Performance of Emergency Medical Services Professionals

Strokes are a time-dependent medical emergency. The training of emergency medical service (EMS) professionals is essential to ensure the activation of stroke codes with pre-notification, as well as a rapid transfer to achieve early therapy. New assessment scales for the detection of patients with suspected large vessel occlusion ensures earlier access to endovascular therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on an online training intervention focused on the Rapid Arterial oCclusion Evaluation (RACE) scoring of EMS professionals based on the prehospital stroke code in Catalonia from 2014 to 2018 in a pre–post intervention study. All Catalonian EMS professionals and the clinical records from primary stroke patients were included. The Kirkpatrick model guided the evaluation of the intervention. Data were collected on the knowledge on stroke recognition and management, pre-notification compliance, activated stroke codes and time performance of EMS professionals. Knowledge improved significatively in most items and across all categories, reaching a global achievement of 82%. Pre-notification compliance also improved significantly and remained high in the long-term. Increasingly higher notification of RACE scores were recorded from 60% at baseline to 96.3% in 2018, and increased on-site clinical care time and global time were also observed. Therefore, the online training intervention was effective for increasing EMS professionals’ knowledge and pre-notification compliance upon stroke code activation, and the wide adoption of a new prehospital scale for the assessment of stroke severity (i.e., the RACE scale) was achieved.
Prognostic Value of EGFR Expression for Patients With Stage III Colorectal Cancer Receiving Fluoropyrimidine Metronomic Maintenance Therapy After Radical Resection and Adjuvant Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy

This study evaluated the survival effects of metronomic maintenance therapy with oral fluoropyrimidine in patients with stage III colorectal cancer (CRC) according to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. We enrolled 197 patients with stage III CRC who had undergone radical resection and FOLFOX regimen adjuvant chemotherapy. The clinicopathological features and effects of metronomic maintenance therapy with oral capecitabine (daily dose of 850 mg/m2, twice daily, on days 1–14 every 3 weeks for 6 months) on survival according to treatment group and EGFR expression were analyzed. By conducting an in vitro cell line study and in vivo study through knockout of the EGFR gene, we analyzed the capacities of cell proliferation and migration. Relapse and survival were significantly more common in the FOLFOX group. Metronomic maintenance therapy was a significantly independent associated factor of relapse and survival as well as a prognostic factor of disease-free survival and overall survival. Significant intergroup differences in survival were only observed in patients with positive EGFR expression. Thus, our findings suggest EGFR expression is a prognostic factor in patients with stage III CRC receiving metronomic maintenance therapy. Analysis of EGFR expression in these patients helps identify potential candidates who may receive the optimal survival benefit from metronomic maintenance therapy.
Time-to-treatment initiation of colchicine and cardiovascular outcomes after myocardial infarction in the Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (COLCOT)

Abstract Aims The COLchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (COLCOT) demonstrated the benefits of targeting inflammation after myocardial infarction (MI). We aimed to determine whether time-to-treatment initiation (TTI) influences the beneficial impact of colchicine. Methods and results In COLCOT, patients were randomly assigned to receive colchicine or placebo within 30 days post-MI. Time-to-treatment initiation was defined as the length of time between the index MI and the initiation of study medication. The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, resuscitated cardiac arrest, MI, stroke, or urgent hospitalization for angina requiring coronary revascularization. The relationship between endpoints and various TTI (<3, 4–7 and >8 days) was examined using multivariable Cox regression models. Amongst the 4661 patients included in this analysis, there were 1193, 720, and 2748 patients, respectively, in the three TTI strata. After a median follow-up of 22.7 months, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of the primary endpoint for patients in whom colchicine was initiated < Day 3 compared with placebo [hazard ratios (HR) = 0.52, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.32–0.84], in contrast to patients in whom colchicine was initiated between Days 4 and 7 (HR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.53–1.75) or > Day 8 (HR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.61–1.11). The beneficial effects of early initiation of colchicine were also demonstrated for urgent hospitalization for angina requiring revascularization (HR = 0.35), all coronary revascularization (HR = 0.63), and the composite of cardiovascular death, resuscitated cardiac arrest, MI, or stroke (HR = 0.55, all P < 0.05). Conclusion Patients benefit from early, in-hospital initiation of colchicine after MI. Trial Registration COLCOT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02551094.
Quantification of Macrophage-Driven Inflammation During Myocardial Infarction with 18F-LW223, a Novel TSPO Radiotracer with Binding Independent of the rs6971 Human Polymorphism

Visual Abstract Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and inflammation is central to tissue response and patient outcomes. The 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) has been used in PET as an inflammatory biomarker. The aims of this study were to screen novel, fluorinated, TSPO radiotracers for susceptibility to the rs6971 genetic polymorphism using in vitro competition binding assays in human brain and heart; assess whether the in vivo characteristics of our lead radiotracer, 18F-LW223, are suitable for clinical translation; and validate whether 18F-LW223 can detect macrophage-driven inflammation in a rat MI model. Methods: Fifty-one human brain and 29 human heart tissue samples were screened for the rs6971 polymorphism. Competition binding assays were conducted with 3H-PK11195 and the following ligands: PK11195, PBR28, and our novel compounds (AB5186 and LW223). Naïve rats and mice were used for in vivo PET kinetic studies, radiometabolite studies, and dosimetry experiments. Rats underwent permanent coronary artery ligation and were scanned using PET/CT with an invasive input function at 7 d after MI. For quantification of PET signal in the hypoperfused myocardium, K1 (rate constant for transfer from arterial plasma to tissues) was used as a surrogate marker of perfusion to correct the binding potential for impaired radiotracer transfer from plasma to tissue (BPTC). Results: LW223 binding to TSPO was not susceptible to the rs6971 genetic polymorphism in human brain and heart samples. In rodents, 18F-LW223 displayed a specific uptake consistent with TSPO expression, a slow metabolism in blood (69% of parent at 120 min), a high plasma free fraction of 38.5%, and a suitable dosimetry profile (effective dose of 20.5–24.5 μSv/MBq). 18F-LW223 BPTC was significantly higher in the MI cohort within the infarct territory of the anterior wall relative to the anterior wall of naïve animals (32.7 ± 5.0 vs. 10.0 ± 2.4 cm3/mL/min, P ≤ 0.001). Ex vivo immunofluorescent staining for TSPO and CD68 (macrophage marker) resulted in the same pattern seen with in vivo BPTC analysis. Conclusion: 18F-LW223 is not susceptible to the rs6971 genetic polymorphism in in vitro assays, has favorable in vivo characteristics, and is able to accurately map macrophage-driven inflammation after MI.
Why male modern contraception?

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a clinical syndrome defined by the presence of ovarian dysfunction before the age of 40 years. The prevalence of POI is around 1%. The following diagnostic criteria are mostly adopted nowadays: (i) oligo/amenorrhea for at least four months, and (ii) FSH levels > 25 IU/l on two occasions more than four weeks apart. POI can be the result of iatrogenic, genetic and autoimmune causes. Karyotyping should be performed in all women with non-iatrogenic POI, while fragile X premutation testing is also indicated. Screening with anti-21OH Abs (or alternatively adrenocortical Abs) and anti-TPO Abs should also be considered. No causal relationship between smoking and POI has been proved, but smoking has been associated with early menopause. In the majority of cases, the cause of POI is not identified and these women are described as having idiopathic POI. Untreated POI is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and reduced life expectancy, largely due to cardiovascular disease. POI is also associated with reduced bone mineral density and increased risk of fracture. These women should maintain a healthy lifestyle with appropriate diet and exercise. Women with POI should also receive hormone replacement therapy with standard doses of oral (17ß-E2 2-4 mg or CEE 0.625-1.25 mg) or transdermal (17ß-E2 50-100 μg) estrogens and progestogens (natural progesterone 200 mg or dihydrogesterone 10-20 mg or norethisterone 1-5 mg) up to the age of normal menopause (50 years). There is a small chance of spontaneous pregnancy, therefore women with POI should be advised to use contraception, if they wish to avoid pregnancy. There are no interventions that have been reliably shown to increase ovarian activity and natural conception rates, therefore oocyte donation is, so far, the established option in the event of fertility issues.
Combination of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography increases diagnostic efficacy of Parkinson's disease.

Background To assess the diagnostic efficacy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods OCT was used to obtain macular parameters and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. The macular superficial retinal vessel and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were quantified with OCTA. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) indicated the diagnostic efficacy of the parameters. Results Thirty-five eyes from 35 PD patients and 35 eyes from 35 age-matched healthy subjects who served as controls were evaluated. The mean RNFL thickness overall and the thicknesses of the other three quadrants were similar in PD patients compared with controls (P≥0.358). The RNFL thickness at the temporal quadrant, total macular volume (TMV), macular retinal thickness (MRT), and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer complex (GCL-IPL) thickness were reduced in the eyes of PD patients (P≤0.046). There was no difference between the CMT of PD patients compared with control subjects (P=0.163). The vessel length density (VLD) in the central, inner and full regions; vessel perfusion density (VPD) in all regions; and the FAZ circularity index in PD patients were significantly lower than in controls (P≤0.049). The AUC of the VLD in PD in the central, inner and full regions were 0.712, 0.728, and 0.650, respectively; The VPD in the central, inner and full region were 0.711, 0.756, and 0.682, respectively. The mean RNFL thickness in the temporal quadrant, TMV and MRT revealed an AUC of 0.718, 0.693 and 0.699, respectively. The VPD in the outer region, FAZ circularity and GCL-IPL thickness did not have diagnostic ability in distinguishing PD from normal eyes (P≥0.05). The AUCs of a combination of the VLD in the inner region and TMV, the VLD in the inner region and MRT, the VPD in the inner region and TMV, and the VPD in the inner region and MRT, were 0.843, 0.849, 0.849, and 0.848, respectively (P≤0.001). Conclusions Decreased OCT and OCTA parameters were detected in the eyes of PD patients. Combined non-invasive measurements of OCT and OCTA had better diagnostic ability than either alone, and may provide an additional biomarker for PD progression.
The complete mitogenome of two Australian lampreys: mordacia mordax and mordacia praecox

As one of only two surviving outgroups to all jawed vertebrates, lampreys (Petromyzontiformes) can provide important information in our understanding of early vertebrate evolution. However, with many phylogenetic aspects of lamprey evolution still uncertain, the ability to use contemporary lampreys in this role depends on robust phylogenetic hypotheses regarding the interrelationship of the three lamprey families, as well as the relationship between lampreys and hagfishes. To achieve this, complete mitogenome data of Southern Hemisphere lampreys is required. Another contentious issue in lamprey taxonomy is the status of paired species. Whilst many studies have focused on Northern Hemisphere species pairs, this study is the first to compare Mordacia mordax and Mordacia praecox, two lamprey species endemic to Australia and the only species pair in the Southern Hemisphere. The complete mitochondrial genome of Mordacia mordax and Mordacia praecox was determined twice independently, in a single shotgun sequencing run on an Ion Torrent PGM, and using a combination of Sanger sequencing of short range PCR products and Roche 454 GS Junior pyrosequencing of long range PCR products. Both of the mitogenomes contain the 37 typical vertebrate genes. Their gene order and contents are identical to those of previously described lamprey mitogenomes, with the exception of a novel tandem repeat array located between Cyt b and tRNA proline. The tandem repeat array, referred to as NCIII, contains pseudogenes of tRNA proline and phenylalanine, indicating that it has arisen by tandem duplication of the tRNA proline – phenylalanine region. Characterisation of NCIII revealed that the number of repeat copies was polymorphic between individuals of both species, and was a source of both intra-individual and inter-individual variation. Consistent with other studies of lamprey species pairs, the mitogenome of M. mordax and M. praecox are nearly identical. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out using the newly determined mitogenomes, together with five additional lamprey species and two hagfishes. Most tree topologies obtained strongly support the hypothesis that Petromyzontidae plus Geotriidae are a clade whose sister group is Mordaciidae. Additionally, lamprey divergence times were estimated by a temporally-calibrated phylogenetic analysis that included 20 vertebrate mitogenomes and was done using nine well-established fossil calibration points. The recovered topology strongly supported the hypothesis that lampreys separated from hagfishes about 409 MYA, and that lamprey divergence involved the early radiation of Mordaciidae (about 132 MYA), followed by the monophyletic divergence of Geotriidae plus Petromyzontidae about 85 MYA. Taken together, the results in this study provide robust hypotheses regarding the interrelationship of lamprey families and the relationship between hagfish and lampreys, whilst providing an estimation of their divergence times.
The Dynamics of Job Search in Unemployment

Little is known about the nature of job search and its dynamics over the course of unemployment. In this paper we shed light on search behavior in terms of the number of applications, search methods used, and characteristics of the jobs that individuals target during their time as unemployed job seekers. We use a novel Danish administrative data set containing actual job applications made by the universe of unemployment insurance recipients. The administrative nature of this data makes it possible to link to the Danish register data, which enables us to cover job search in greater details than previous work. Our empirical analysis studies changes in job search dynamics over the course of unemployment from i) an average perspective focused on the within unemployment spell adjustments, and ii) within group job search dynamics. In the latter analysis we implement the grouped fixed-effects estimator proposed by Bonhomme and Manresa (2015), which divides unemployment spells based on individuals with similar job search behavior. Our results show that under prolonged exposure to unemployment the average individual only marginally change the types of jobs applied for. We do, however, see moderate adjustment along certain dimensions such as channels used for search. When refocusing our evaluation to identify different groups of unemployed with similar job search behavior, substantial dynamic patterns are revealed for specific groups of unemployed. Moreover, our findings reveal dependencies among characteristics of the applied-for jobs, where individuals trade off job characteristics when they adjust their search behavior. Thus, our work brings nuances to the current empirical work on job search behavior as we show how average search profiles mask interesting individual heterogeneity and potential dependencies on job search adjustments.
Collaborating During Coronavirus: The Impact of Covid-19 on the Nature of Work

We explore the impact of COVID-19 on employee's digital communication patterns through an event study of lockdowns in 16 large metropolitan areas in North America, Europe and the Middle East. Using de- identified, aggregated meeting and email meta-data from 3,143,270 users, we find, compared to pre- pandemic levels, increases in the number of meetings per person (+12.9 percent) and the number of attendees per meeting (+13.5 percent), but decreases in the average length of meetings (-20.1 percent). Collectively, the net effect is that people spent less time in meetings per day (-11.5 percent) in the post- lockdown period. We also find significant and durable increases in length of the average workday (+8.2 percent, or +48.5 minutes), along with short-term increases in email activity. These findings provide insight from a novel dataset into how the nature of work has changed for a large sample of knowledge workers. We discuss these changes in light of the ongoing challenges faced by organizations and workers struggling to adapt and perform in the face of a global pandemic.
Vehicle Trajectory Specification in Presence of Traffic Lights with Known or Uncertain Switching Times

The main purpose of this work is to generate optimal trajectories for vehicles crossing a signalized junction, with traffic signals operated in either fixed-time or real-time (adaptive) mode. In the latter case, the next switching time is decided in real time based on the prevailing traffic conditions and is therefore uncertain in advance. The GLOSA (Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory) problem is addressed by using traffic lights information and calculating a trajectory and velocity profile for the vehicle based on the vehicle’s initial state (position and speed) and a fixed final destination state. At first, an appropriate optimal control problem is formulated and solved analytically via Pontryagin’s minimum principle (PMP) for the case of known switching times. Subsequently, for the case of real-time signals, availability of a time-window of possible signal switching times, along with the corresponding probability distribution, is assumed, and the problem is cast in the format of a stochastic optimal control problem and is solved numerically using stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) techniques. Application results, for various driving scenarios, of the deterministic approach, which considers the case of known switching times, and a comprehensive comparison of the stochastic GLOSA approach with a sub-optimal approach are presented. In particular, it is demonstrated that the proposed SDP approach achieves better average performance compared with the sub-optimal approach because of the better (probabilistic) information on the traffic light switching time.
Low-Dimensional Model for Bike-Sharing Demand Forecasting that Explicitly Accounts for Weather Data

With the increasing availability of big, transport-related datasets, detailed data-driven mobility analysis is becoming possible. Trips with their origins, destinations, and travel times are now collected in publicly available databases, allowing for detailed demand forecasting with methods exploiting big and accurate data. In this paper, we predict the demand pattern of New York City bikes with a low-dimensional approach utilizing three-level data clustering. We use historical demand data along with temperature and precipitation to first aggregate and then decompose data to obtain meaningful clusters. The core of this approach lies in the proposed clustering technique, which reduces the dimension of the problem and, differently from other machine learning techniques, requires limited assumptions on the model or its parameters. The proposed method allows, for the given temperature and precipitation method, to obtain expected vector of movement (mean number and direction of trips) for each zone. In this paper, we synthesize more than 17 million trips into daily and zonal vectors of movement, which combined with weather data allow forecasting of the trip demand. The method allows us to predict the demand with over 75% accuracy, as shown in series of experiments in which various settings and parameterizations are validated against 25% holdout data.