Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Medication Error in the Care of HIV/AIDS Patients: Electronic Surveillance, Confirmation, and Adverse Events

Background:Medication error occurring during the care of HIV-infected patients may lead to treatment failure, drug toxicity, or even death. Objective:The objective of this study was to ascertain and confirm 5 categories of medication error in the care of HIV-infected patients. Research Design:This study was a retrospective study to describe the occurrence of preventable medication error and to determine if adverse events were associated with confirmed errors. A roster of medications for each category of potential errors was created. Computerized pharmacy records were scanned for all dispensing of these medications. Potential errors were confirmed by medical records abstraction. For the incorrect dosing, coadministration of contraindicated medications, and antiretroviral monotherapy error categories, random samples were chart reviewed for confirmation. For the remaining 2 error categories, all potential errors were chart reviewed. The positive predictive value (PPV) of potential errors, the incidence of confirmed error among all new prescription orders filled and the patient characteristics predicting likelihood of error confirmation were estimated for each error category. Subjects:The study sample involved 5473 HIV-infected patients of the Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) health plan. Results:Among the 5 error categories, PPVs ranged from a high of 80% for coadministration of contraindicated medications to <1% for antiretroviral monotherapy. Incidence of confirmed errors was 9.80 errors per 1000 new prescriptions dispensed for incorrect dosing, 9.51 errors per 1000 for contraindicated medications, and <1.00 for all other categories. Adverse events associated with confirmed errors were observed only in the contraindicated medications error category. The likelihood of a contraindicated medications error was significantly increased among patients ≥50 years of age and decreased among black patients. Conclusions:Use of electronic pharmacy records to ascertain true medication errors appears most reliable when conducting surveillance for contraindicated medications errors and less reliable for other error categories. Lack of confirmation is likely the result of patients’ lack of adherence to drug regimens or providers’ intentional deviation from accepted prescribing guidelines. Only confirmed contraindicated medications errors appear to be linked to adverse events.
Active environment perception: a novel theoretical modelling based on synchronization of interactions

A novel modelling of active environment perception is proposed in this paper. This approach is based on a specific formalization of active perception, expressed in terms of interactions between environment and sensors. In our work, a synchronization property of active perception is identified, and exploited in theoretical characterization of this problem. The regulation of nondeterministic behavior, the description in terms of automata, and the direct connection with the state-space, represent the main advantages of our approach, which has even some great implications in modelling-checking field, process-algebra theory, and soft-computation techniques. The expressiveness of this formalization, and the generality of the proposed approach, make this modelling suitable in theoretical characterizations, and applications: thus representing an improvement of the actual best practices of this domain
Cultural grounding of regret: Regret in self and interpersonal contexts

The purpose of this study was to explore cultural similarities and differences in regret, focusing on distinctions between interpersonal and self-situations, and between action and inaction regrets. Japanese and American undergraduates were asked to describe regrets experienced in interpersonal and self-situations. We found that both situational and cultural contexts influenced the likelihood of regretting inactions over actions. Participants were more likely to recall inaction regrets in self-situations than in interpersonal situations, and that the likelihood of recalling inaction regrets was more pronounced for Americans than for Japanese. Furthermore, we examined the intensity of the regret. Whereas American students experienced regret as intense as that of Japanese students in self-situations, Japanese students experienced regret more strongly than American students in interpersonal situations. Detailed content analysis also showed that individuals experienced regret in ways consistent with cultural values. The situational and cultural grounding of regret is discussed.
A 100 MHz 2-D 8×8 DCT/IDCT processor for HDTV applications

This paper discusses the design of a combined DCT/IDCT CMOS integrated circuit for real time processing of HDTV signals. The processor operates on 8/spl times/8 blocks. Inputs include the blocked pixels that are scanned one pixel at a time, and external control signals that control the forward or inverse modes of operation. Input pixels have a precision of 9-b for the DCT and 12-b for the IDCT. The layout has been generated with a 0.8 /spl mu/m CMOS library using the Mentor Graphics GDT tools and measures under 10 mm/sup 2/. Critical path simulation indicates a maximum input sample rate of 100 MHz. >
The impact of computer-based feedback on students’ written work

While research in second language writing suggests that instructor feedback can have a positive influence on students’ written work, the provision of such feedback on a regular basis can be problematic, especially with larger student numbers. A number of computer programs that claim to provide both automatic computer-based holistic scores and computer-based feedback (CBF) on written work are available and therefore have the potential to deal with this issue. Criterion is one such tool that claims to be able to provide automated feedback at word, sentence, paragraph and text level, but there is still a need for more research into the practical value of providing feedback on L2 writing. Quantitative and qualitative data about feedback practice was collected from 31 instructors and 549 Egyptian trainee EFL teachers using pre-treatment questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. 24 of the trainees then received computer-based feedback using Criterion o n two drafts of essays submitted on each of 4 topics. Data recorded by the software suggested a positive effect on the quality of students’ second drafts and subsequent submissions, and post-treatment questionnaires, interviews and focus groups showed a positive effect on the students’ attitudes towards feedback.
Therapeutic horseback riding in breast cancer survivors: a pilot study.

PURPOSE To evaluate the physiologic and psychological effects of an equine-assisted therapy protocol (EAT) in breast cancer survivors. METHODS Twenty women (mean age, 45.61±2.71 years) whose breast cancer treatment had concluded at least 6 months previously underwent a screening protocol to certify their eligibility to participate in noncompetitive sports. The patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=10) or a control group (n=10). Intervention patients participated in a 16-week EAT protocol consisting of 2 hours of activity per week. All patients were tested before and after the intervention for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), fat mass percentage, total body water percentage, strength of principal muscular groups (measured on five weight-lifting machines [leg press, leg extension, leg curl, shoulder press, vertical traction]), and quality of life using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue questionnaire (FACIT-F). RESULTS After intervention, the intervention group showed an improvement in VO2max (28.29%; p<.001), a decrease in fat mass percentage (change, -7.73%; p<0.002), an increase in total body water percentage (6.90%; p=0.027), and an increase in strength (leg press, 17.75% [p=0.018]; leg extension, 21.55% [p=0.005]; leg curl, 26.04% [p<0.001]; shoulder press, 49.72% [p=0.003]; vertical traction, 19.27% [p=0.002]). Furthermore, the increase in the three FACIT-F scores (FACIT-F trial outcome: 9.29% [p=0.010]; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General total score, 14.80% [p=0.022]; FACIT-F total score, 11.48% [p=0.004]) showed an increase in quality of life. No significant changes for any variable were found for the control group. CONCLUSIONS EAT had positive effects on both physiologic and psychological measures, enhancing quality of life of breast cancer survivors. RESULTS suggest a new method for rehabilitation intervention strategies after cancer in a nonmedical environment.
Global Cancer Statistics

The global burden of cancer continues to increase largely because of the aging and growth of the world population alongside an increasing adoption of cancer-causing behaviors, particularly smoking, in economically developing countries. Based on the GLOBOCAN 2008 estimates, about 12.7 million cancer cases and 7.6 million cancer deaths are estimated to have occurred in 2008; of these, 56% of the cases and 64% of the deaths occurred in the economically developing world. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among females, accounting for 23% of the total cancer cases and 14% of the cancer deaths. Lung cancer is the leading cancer site in males, comprising 17% of the total new cancer cases and 23% of the total cancer deaths. Breast cancer is now also the leading cause of cancer death among females in economically developing countries, a shift from the previous decade during which the most common cause of cancer death was cervical cancer. Further, the mortality burden for lung cancer among females in developing countries is as high as the burden for cervical cancer, with each accounting for 11% of the total female cancer deaths. Although overall cancer incidence rates in the developing world are half those seen in the developed world in both sexes, the overall cancer mortality rates are generally similar. Cancer survival tends to be poorer in developing countries, most likely because of a combination of a late stage at diagnosis and limited access to timely and standard treatment. A substantial proportion of the worldwide burden of cancer could be prevented through the application of existing cancer control knowledge and by implementing programs for tobacco control, vaccination (for liver and cervical cancers), and early detection and treatment, as well as public health campaigns promoting physical activity and a healthier dietary intake. Clinicians, public health professionals, and policy makers can play an active role in accelerating the application of such interventions globally. CA Cancer J Clin 2011;61:69–90. VC 2011 American Cancer Society, Inc.
PPARα Mediates Transcriptional Upregulation of Novel Organic Cation Transporters-2 and -3 and Enzymes Involved in Hepatic Carnitine Synthesis

We tested the hypothesis that transcription of novel organic cation transporters (OCTNs) is directly regulated by peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)-α. Therefore, wild-type mice and mice deficient in PPARα (PPARα−/−) were treated with the PPARα agonist WY 14,643. Wild-type mice treated with WY 14,643 had a greater abundance of OCTN2 mRNA in their liver, muscle, kidney, and small intestine and a greater abundance of OCTN3 mRNA in kidney and small intestine than did untreated wild-type mice (P < 0.05). Moreover, wild-type mice treated with WY 14,643 had greater mRNA abundances of enzymes involved in hepatic carnitine synthesis (4-N-trimethylaminobutyraldehyde dehydrogenase, γ-butyrobetaine dioxygenase) and increased carnitine concentrations in liver and muscle than did untreated wild-type mice (P < 0.05). Untreated PPARα−/− mice had a lower abundance of OCTN2 mRNA in liver, kidney, and small intestine and lower carnitine concentrations in plasma, liver, and kidney than did untreated wild-type mice (P < 0.05). In PPARα−/− mice, treatment with WY 14,643 did not influence mRNA abundance of OCTN2 and OCTN3 and carnitine concentrations in all tissues analyzed. The abundance of OCTN1 mRNA in all the tissues analyzed was not changed by treatment with WY 14,643 in wild-type or PPARα−/− mice. In conclusion, this study shows that transcriptional upregulation of OCTN2 and OCTN3 in tissues and of enzymes involved in hepatic carnitine biosynthesis are mediated by PPARα. It also shows that PPARα mediates changes of whole-body carnitine homeostasis in mice by upregulation of carnitine transporters and enzymes involved in carnitine synthesis.
Depletion of MOM1 in non‐dividing cells of Arabidopsis plants releases transcriptional gene silencing

Mitotic and meiotic inheritance of epigenetic information is coupled to the reproduction of chromatin conformation and DNA methylation patterns. This implies that the S phase of the cell cycle provides a window of opportunity for changes in epigenetic determination. Recent studies, however, have suggested that chromatin structure is also rather dynamic in quiescent cells of multicellular eukaryotes and that silent heterochromatic regions can become accessible to transcription. Such epigenetic flexibility in differentiated tissues could be of physiological importance. The mechanisms and molecular components involved are of great interest but as yet unknown. We examined MOM1 (Morpheus' Molecule 1), a regulator of transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) that acts independently of DNA methylation, for its role in the maintenance of TGS in non‐dividing, differentiated cells. The results provide evidence that TGS maintenance mediated by MOM1 is a dynamic process that can be modified in non‐dividing cells of mature plant organs by depletion of MOM1.
Neuronal activity alters BDNF–TrkB signaling kinetics and downstream functions

ABSTRACT Differential kinetics of the same signaling pathway might elicit different cellular outcomes. Here, we show that high-frequency neuronal activity converts BDNF-induced TrkB (also known as NTRK2) signaling from a transient to a sustained mode. A prior depolarization (15 mM KCl, 1 hour) resulted in a long-lasting (>24 hours) activation of the TrkB receptor and its downstream signaling, which otherwise lasts less than an hour. The long-term potentiation (LTP)-inducing theta-burst stimulation but not the long-term depression (LTD)-inducing low-frequency stimulation also induced sustained activation of TrkB. This sustained signaling facilitated dendritic branching and rescued neuronal apoptosis induced by glutamate. The change in TrkB signaling kinetics is mediated by Ca2+ elevation and CaMKII activation, leading to an increase in TrkB expression on the neuronal surface. Physical exercise also alters the kinetics of TrkB phosphorylation induced by exogenous BDNF. Sustained TrkB signaling might serve as a key mechanism underlying the synergistic effects of neuronal activity and BDNF.
Estrutura produtiva ou escolaridade? Uma análise dos fatores explicativos da desigualdade de renda entre as regiões Sudeste e Nordeste por quantil para o período entre os anos de 1970 e 2010

Desde a primeira década do século XX as desigualdades regionais brasileiras foram reocupação das autoridades e dos estudiosos. Porém, ainda não foi possível identificar com precisão as causas explicativas destas disparidades. Ao longo das décadas de 1960 e 1980 o argumento desenvolvimentista de estímulo a industrialização e melhoria da estrutura produtiva no Nordeste predominou sobre a formulação de políticas públicas regionais, pórem, os críticos deste sistema argumentam que deveria ter sido dada maior ênfase às políticas de valorização do capital humano individual, sobretudo da educação. Neste sentido, o presente artigo propõe-se a analisar, ao longo do tempo, quais são os fatores predominantes para a explicação da desigualdade regional no Brasil: Capital Humano ou Estrutura Produtiva? Utilizou-se como estratégia metodológica a decomposição utilizando Recentered Influence Fuctions (RIF), proposta por Firpo, Fortin e Lemieux (2007, 2009). Os principais resultados indicam que, tanto as características produtivas, quanto os retornos a estas características são fundamentais para compreender a evolução da desigualdade regional no Brasil. Ademais, a estrutura produtiva desempenha papel mais importante até a década de 1991 e para os quantis inferiores, enquanto o capital humano desempenha papel mais importante a partir da década de 2000 e para os quantis superiores.
Robotically assisted gynaecological surgery

Industry has used robots successfully for fine, delicate, repetitive tasks for decades. Recently, robots have been introduced into clinical medicine and specifically into the surgical suite. Voice algorithms have been developed that allow voice activation of some types of equipment in the operating room, such as the laparoscope or the light source. Advances in computer software have allowed a computer controller to translate a surgeon's movements from the handles located in a console to the robotic arms that hold the surgical instruments. This console is placed away from the surgical table. Clinical experience is limited and there are few published clinical trials. The initial trials have focused on laparoscopic microsuturing such as that performed during coronary bypass surgery or tubal anastomosis. Preliminary results have demonstrated that laparoscopic coronary bypass surgery with the internal mammary artery can be achieved. In gynaecological surgery, laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis can be performed using the same technique that has been used traditionally at laparotomy. Future clinical trials will assess whether other gynaecological procedures can be performed with robotic assistance.
IT-Management in deutschen Krankenhäusern

Bed? rfnisse, Trends und Priorit? ten im IT-Management deutscher Kran-kenh? user sind derzeit noch unzureichend bekannt oder verstanden. Aufbauend auf einer Exploration mit Experteninterviews mit Vertretern aus den Bereichen Krankenhaus IT-Leitung, Krankenhausinformationssystem-Hersteller und IT-Systemh? usern mit Schwerpunkt im Klinikumfeld wurde eine quantitative empirische Erhebung unter IT-Entscheidern in deutschen Krankenh? usern durchgef? hrt. Mit Hilfe einer Onlineumfrage wurden Krankenh? user und Klinikverb? nde mit einer Bettenzahl von 10 bis 7.000 befragt und auf Basis der Antworten von 319 Krankenhaus-IT-Entscheidern Bed? rfnisse, Trends sowie Priorit? ten im IT-Management erhoben. Damit handelt es sich um eine der gr? ten Untersuchungen zu diesem Thema, die bisher in Deutschland durchgef? hrt wurden. Aus den Daten werden Handlungsempfehlungen f? r Krankenh? user und IT-Anbieter abgeleitet und Ankn? pfungspunkte f? r zuk? nftige Forschungsfragen herausgearbeitet. Prof. Dr. Helmut Krcmar, Lehrstuhl f? r Wirtschaftsinformatik an der Technischen Universit? t M? nchen.
Creation of a chimeric oncogene: analysis of the biochemical and biological properties of v-erbB/src fusion polypeptide

A novel gene was created that linked complementary portions of two different tyrosine kinase oncogenes: v-erB and v-src. The v-erbB/src chimera encoded a glycoprotein exhibiting the subcellular distribution of the v-erbB protein but containing the kinase catalytic domain of the v-src parent. Fibroblasts expressing the v-erbB/src gene product became transformed to an oncogenic state and closely resembled cells expressing the v-erbB parent oncogene. Our results indicated that v-erbB sequences can be functionally replaced by sequences derived from a different oncogene, v-src, and that important determinants of the transformed phenotype appear to be encoded in oncogene sequences distinct from those defining the kinase catalytic domain itself.
Neural substrates of treatment response to cognitive-behavioral therapy in panic disorder with agoraphobia.

OBJECTIVE Although exposure-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment option for panic disorder with agoraphobia, the neural substrates of treatment response remain unknown. Evidence suggests that panic disorder with agoraphobia is characterized by dysfunctional safety signal processing. Using fear conditioning as a neurofunctional probe, the authors investigated neural baseline characteristics and neuroplastic changes after CBT that were associated with treatment outcome in patients with panic disorder with agoraphobia. METHOD Neural correlates of fear conditioning and extinction were measured using functional MRI before and after a manualized CBT program focusing on behavioral exposure in 49 medication-free patients with a primary diagnosis of panic disorder with agoraphobia. Treatment response was defined as a reduction exceeding 50% in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores. RESULTS At baseline, nonresponders exhibited enhanced activation in the right pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, the hippocampus, and the amygdala in response to a safety signal. While this activation pattern partly resolved in nonresponders after CBT, successful treatment was characterized by increased right hippocampal activation when processing stimulus contingencies. Treatment response was associated with an inhibitory functional coupling between the anterior cingulate cortex and the amygdala that did not change over time. CONCLUSIONS This study identified brain activation patterns associated with treatment response in patients with panic disorder with agoraphobia. Altered safety signal processing and anterior cingulate cortex-amygdala coupling may indicate individual differences among these patients that determine the effectiveness of exposure-based CBT and associated neuroplastic changes. Findings point to brain networks by which successful CBT in this patient population is mediated.
Aging‐related changes in astrocytes in the rat retina: imbalance between cell proliferation and cell death reduces astrocyte availability

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in astrocyte density, morphology, proliferation and apoptosis occurring in the central nervous system during physiological aging. Astrocytes in retinal whole‐mount preparations from Wistar rats aged 3 (young adult) to 25 months (aged) were investigated qualitatively and quantitatively following immunofluorohistochemistry. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100 and Pax2 were used to identify astrocytes, and blood vessels were localized using Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4. Cell proliferation was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and cell death by TUNEL‐labelling and immunolocalization of the apoptosis markers active caspase 3 and endonuclease G. The density and total number of parenchymal astrocytes in the retina increased between 3 and 9 months of age but decreased markedly between 9 and 12 months. Proliferation of astrocytes was detected at 3 months but virtually ceased beyond that age, whereas the proportion of astrocytes that were TUNEL positive and relative expression of active caspase 3 and endonuclease G increased progressively with aging. In addition, in aged retinas astrocytes exhibited gliosis‐like morphology and loss of Pax2 reactivity. A small population of Pax2+/GFAP− cells was detected in both young adult and aged retinas. The reduction in the availability of astrocytes in aged retinas and other aging‐related changes reported here may have a significant impact on the ability of astrocytes to maintain homeostasis and support neuronal function in old age.