Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of topical hyaluronic acid in the management of oral lichen planus.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a topical hyaluronic acid (HA) gel preparation (0.2%) in the management of oral lichen planus (OLP). METHODS A total of 124 patients with erosive OLP participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial to evaluate the efficacy of a topical HA preparation. Outcome measures included soreness relief following immediate application, oral function and size of erosive/ulcerative area. Patients were medicated for 28 days and completed a log diary recording oral function and soreness scores. RESULTS Application of topical HA produced a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in soreness scores when compared with placebo for up to 4 h post-application. There was no difference between treatment groups (P > 0.05) with respect to oral function. Patients treated with 0.2% HA showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the size of the erosive/ulcerated area after 28 days of treatment when compared with baseline. There was no significant difference in changes in ulcerative areas between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS Topical HA (0.2%) does appear to be of some benefit in the management of erosive lichen planus providing efficacy for up to 4 h after administration. Very frequent applications should be considered to obtain a more significant clinical benefit. Topical HA gel may be a useful addition to the treatment option for OLP.
Clinical Waste Segregation: Towards Implementation and Obstacles in Malaysian Private Clinics

Clinical waste poses a major threat to human health and the environment if the management practice of this kind of waste is not conducted appropriately. In order to achieve sound management of clinical waste, a clear and scientifically-based definition needs to be established to understand what is meant by clinical waste, what its components are and what comprise the steps in its management. Segregation of clinical waste at the source is the basic step within appropriate management of clinical waste. The aim of this paper is to overview the existing research on the implementation and effectiveness of clinical waste segregation practice in healthcare facilities and it seeks to identify the issues and obstacles which hinder healthcare facilities from carrying out effective practice of clinical waste segregation and management. Several factors were found to act as obstacles such as lack of knowledge and awareness, lack of financial resources and insufficient budget allocation as well as a lack of comprehensive rules, regulations and standards. Keywords: Clinical waste, Segregation, Obstacle, Implementation, Private Clinics, Malaysia, Developing Countries.
When a Wh-Word Refuses to Stay in Situ

Richards (2010, 2016) suggests that a language’s choice between the wh-movement option and the wh-in-situ option is made on the basis of language-specific prosodic properties that determine whether or not a prosodic wh-domain containing both the interrogative C and the whphrase can be established. A wh-domain in this sense roughly corresponds to a piece of prosodic structure in which these two key elements are separated by as few prosodic boundaries as possible, ideally zero. Prosodic boundaries demarcate structural units of the sentence, known as Minor or Intermediate Phrases (henceforth MiPs) that may trivially or nontrivially correspond to syntactic constituents (cf. Nespor and Vogel 1986, Selkirk 1986, 2011, Truckenbrodt 1995, Wagner 2005, among others). Richards proposes the following algorithm for constructing larger MiPs in wh-questions (see also Szendrői 2001, 2003):
A Database Analysis of Potentially Inappropriate Drug Use in an Elderly Medicaid Population

We conducted a cross‐sectional retrospective review of 1996 Kentucky Medicaid Pharmacy claims data to examine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate drug use in 64,832 Medicaid recipients aged 65 years and older who received a prescription. Twenty‐seven percent of patients received at least one potentially inappropriate agent. Prevalence was higher for nursing home residents (33%) than for community dwellers (24%). Amitriptyline (7.6%), propoxyphene (6.5%), doxepin (4.0%), and indomethacin (2.3%) were the most prescribed potentially inappropriate agents. Education programs and interventions aimed at optimizing the prescribing and dispensing of the most appropriate drugs are needed.
Standardised inventories of spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) of Macaronesia I: The native forests of the Azores (Pico and Terceira islands)

Abstract Background The data presented here come from samples collected as part of two recent research projects (NETBIOME - ISLANDBIODIV and FCT - MACDIV) which aimed at understanding the drivers of community assembly in Macaronesian islands. We applied the sampling protocol COBRA (Conservation Oriented Biodiversity Rapid Assessment, Cardoso 2009) in sixteen 50 m x 50 m native forest plots in the Azorean Islands of Pico (6 plots) and Terceira (10 plots) to assess spider diversity. Through this publication, we contribute to the knowledge of the arachnofauna of the Azores and, more specifically, to that of the islands of Pico and Terceira. New information The collected samples yielded 8,789 specimens, of which 45% were adults (3,970) belonging to 13 families, 36 species and three morphospecies that have yet to be described. Species of the family Linyphiidae dominated the samples, with 17 species and two morphospecies that have yet to be described (48% of the taxa). Out of the identified (morpho)species, 16 were introduced, 13 Azorean endemic (three of which were undescribed) and seven native (five of them Macaronesian endemics). We report the first record of the introduced species Haplodrassus signifer and Agyneta decora in Pico Island.
Fuzzy Control System Performance Enhancement by Iterative Learning Control

This paper suggests low-cost fuzzy control solutions that ensure the improvement of control system (CS) performance indices by merging the benefits of fuzzy control and iterative learning control (ILC). The solutions are expressed in terms of three fuzzy CS (FCS) structures that employ ILC algorithms and a unified design method focused on Takagi-Sugeno proportional-integral fuzzy controllers (PI-FCs). The PI-FCs are dedicated to a class of servo systems with linear/linearized controlled plants characterized by second-order dynamics and integral type. The invariant set theorem by Krasovskii and LaSalle with quadratic Lyapunov function candidates is applied to guarantee the convergence of the ILC algorithms and enable proper setting of the PI-FC parameters. The linear PI controller parameters tuned by the extended symmetrical optimum method are mapped onto the PI-FC ones by the modal equivalence principle. Real-time experimental results for a dc-based servo speed CS are included.
Notch1 signaling modulates neuronal progenitor activity in the subventricular zone in response to aging and focal ischemia

Neurogenesis diminishes with aging and ischemia‐induced neurogenesis also occurs, but reduced in aged brain. Currently, the cellular and molecular pathways mediating these effects remain largely unknown. Our previous study has shown that Notch1 signaling regulates neurogenesis in subventricular zone (SVZ) of young adult brain after focal ischemia, but whether a similar effect occurs in aged normal and ischemic animals is unknown. Here, we used normal and ischemic aged rat brains to investigate whether Notch1 signaling was involved in the reduction of neurogenesis in response to aging and modulates neurogenesis in aged brains after focal ischemia. By Western blot, we found that Notch1 and Jagged1 expression in the SVZ of aged brain was significantly reduced compared with young adult brain. Consistently, the activated form of Notch1 (Notch intracellular domain; NICD) expression was also declined. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that expression and activation of Notch1 signaling in the SVZ of aged brain were reduced. Double or triple immunostaining showed that that Notch1 was mainly expressed in doublecortin (DCX)‐positive cells, whereas Jagged1 was predominantly expressed in astroglial cells in the SVZ of normal aged rat brain. In addition, disruption or activation of Notch1 signaling altered the number of proliferating cells labeled by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and DCX in the SVZ of aged brain. Moreover, ischemia‐induced cell proliferation in the SVZ of aged brain was enhanced by activating the Notch1 pathway and was suppressed by inhibiting the Notch1 signaling. Reduced infarct volume and improved motor deficits were also observed in Notch1 activator–treated aged ischemic rats. Our data suggest that Notch1 signaling modulates the SVZ neurogenesis in aged brain in normal and ischemic conditions.
The initial transient in steady-state point estimation: Contexts, a bibliography, the mse criterion, and the MSER statistic

The initial transient is an unavoidable issue when estimating parameters of steady-state distributions. We discuss contexts and factors that affect how the initial transient is handled, provide a bibliography (from the system simulation literature), discuss criteria for evaluating initial-transient algorithms, arguing for focusing on the mean squared error (mse). We discuss the MSER statistic, showing that it is asymptotially proportional to the mse and therefore a good foundation for initial-transient algorithms. We suggest two new algorithms (MSER-LLM and MSER-LLM2) for using the MSER statistic and compare them, based on empirical results for M/M/1 and AR(1) data processes, to the original MSER algorithm (MSER-GM).
Nonlinear Stochastic $H_2/H_\infty$  Control with  $(x,u,v)$-Dependent Noise: Infinite Horizon Case

For general nonlinear stochastic Ito systems with state, control and external disturbance-dependent noise, the infinite horizon mixed H<sub>2</sub>/H<sub>infin</sub> control is studied. It turns out that in order to solve the H<sub>2</sub>/H<sub>infin</sub> control, one only needs to solve four cross-coupled Hamilton-Jacobi equations. A necessary condition and a sufficient condition for the existence of the solution of H<sub>2</sub>/H<sub>infin</sub> controlis respectively presented, which extends the previous results to more general models.
Using Representations to Assess Level of Membership in a Community of Practice

Nearly every community of practice develops its own representations to support the practices of the community. For example, the community of electric circuit designers has developed circuit diagrams to represent electric circuits. Members of that community rely on such diagrams to discuss, communicate, and document what they do. Past research has established that members of a given community not only tend to interpret the community's representations in a similar way, but also tend to construct similar representations for a given problem or concept. I argue that the way in which an individual interprets and constructs the representations of a given community serves as a useful gauge of the individual's membership in the community. Drawing on cultural consensus theory, a framework developed within cognitive anthropology, I introduce an empirical method that uses the way in which individuals read and construct representations as a basis for substantiating the existence of a community, and as a basis for assessing an individual's level of membership in a community. To illustrate how the method can be applied, I present an example drawn from my own research into the use of graphical representations of algorithms (“algorithm visualizations”) in computer science education. If one accepts the social constructivist premise that learning amounts to becoming a fuller member of a community of practice, then the method I introduce constitutes a richer and more valid means of measuring learning than traditional knowledge testing.
‘Tiny Iceland’ preparing for Ebola in a globalized world

ABSTRACT Background: The Ebola epidemic in West Africa caused global fear and stirred up worldwide preparedness activities in countries sharing borders with those affected, and in geographically far-away countries such as Iceland. Objective: To describe and analyse Ebola preparedness activities within the Icelandic healthcare system, and to explore the perspectives and experiences of managers and frontline health workers. Methods: A qualitative case study, based on semi-structured interviews with 21 staff members in the national Ebola Treatment Team, Emergency Room at Landspitali University Hospital, and managers of the response team. Results: Contextual factors such as culture and demography influenced preparedness, and contributed to the positive state of mind of participants, and ingenuity in using available resources for preparedness. While participants believed they were ready to take on the task of Ebola, they also had doubts about the chances of Ebola ever reaching Iceland. Yet, factors such as fear of Ebola and the perceived stigma associated with caring for a potentially infected Ebola patient, influenced the preparation process and resulted in plans for specific precautions by staff to secure the safety of their families. There were also concerns about the teamwork and lack of commitment by some during training. Being a ‘tiny’ nation was seen as both an asset and a weakness in the preparation process. Honest information sharing and scenario-based training contributed to increased confidence amongst participants in the response plans. Conclusions: Communication and training were important for preparedness of health staff in Iceland, in order to receive, admit, and treat a patient suspected of having Ebola, while doubts prevailed on staff capacity to properly do so. For optimal preparedness, likely scenarios for future global security health threats need to be repeatedly enacted, and areas plagued by poverty and fragile healthcare systems require global support.
Utilizing Multi-Theory Model in Determining Intentions to Smoking Cessation Among Smokers

Background: Smoking is a risk factor for lung cancers, and a myriad of other acute and chronic ailments. The purpose of this study was to predict initiation and sustenance of smoking cessation among smokers using a fourth-generation behavioral framework, multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Methods: A convenience sample of smokers from a shopping mall in rural, Appalachian Kentucky county was invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. A 38-item, face and content validated, MTM-based survey instrument was administered to the participants. Results: A total of 148 participants completed the study. The mean age of the participants was 35.53 (SD = 14.52) years. Most were male (58.1%) and Caucasian (95.9%). Participants reported smoking for an average of 16.45 (SD = 13.12) years. Participatory dialogue (β = 0.235, P = .003) and behavioral confidence (β = 0.305, P = .005) were significant predictors of intention for initiation for smoking cessation behavior. Emotional transformation (β = 0.319, P = .001) was a significant predictor of intention for sustenance for smoking cessation behavior. Discussion: Two of the MTM constructs for initiation and one of the MTM constructs for sustenance of change accounted for a moderate amount of variance in initiation and sustenance of smoking cessation behavior among community members in a rural, Kentucky county. MTM has utility for predicting both initiation and sustenance of smoking cessation behavior. Future interventions using MTM constructs should be developed for smoking cessation behavior change.
Zero-current-switching multilevel modular switched-capacitor dc-dc converter

This paper presents a quasi-resonant technique for multilevel modular switched-capacitor circuit (MMSCC) to achieve zero-current-switching (ZCS) without increasing cost and sacrificing reliability. This zero-current-switching multilevel modular switched-capacitor circuit (ZCS-MMSCC) employs the stray inductance existing in the circuit as the resonant inductor to resonate with the capacitor and provide low dv/dt and low switching loss for the device. The ZCS-MMSCC does not utilize any additional components to achieve ZCS and solves the current and voltage spike problem during the switching transition, thus leading to reliable and high efficiency advantages over traditional MMSCC. Furthermore, the ZCS-MMSCC reduces the capacitance needed the circuit; in this case, the bulky capacitors present in traditional MMSCC to attain high efficiency is not necessary any more. A 150 W four-level ZCS-MMSCC prototype has been built. Simulation and experimental results are given to demonstrate the validity and features of the soft switching switched-capacitor circuit.
On profiling blogs with representative entries

With an explosive growth of blogs, information seeking in blogosphere becomes more and more challenging. One example task is to find the most relevant topical blogs against a given query or an existing blog. Such a task requires concise representation of blogs for effective and efficient searching and matching. In this paper, we investigate a new problem of profiling a blog by choosing a set of m most representative entries from the blog, where m is a predefined number that is application-dependent. With the set of selected representative entries, applications on blogs avoid handling hundreds or even thousands of entries (or posts) associated with each blog, which are updated frequently and often noisy in nature. To guide the process of selecting the most representative entries, we propose three principles, i.e., anomaly, representativeness, and diversity. Based on these principles, a greedy yet very efficient entry selection algorithm is proposed. To evaluate the entry selection algorithms, an extrinsic evaluation methodology from document summarization research is adapted. Specifically, we evaluate the proposed entry selection algorithms by examining their blog classification accuracies. By evaluating on a number of different classification methods, our empirical results showed that comparable classification accuracy could be achieved by using fewer than 20 representative entries for each blog compared to that of engaging all entries.
In vitro observations of T cell responsiveness to recall antigens during tumor necrosis factor-alpha-blocking therapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) therapy can induce reactivation of tuberculosis and an increase of other infections in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This raises the question if an alteration of T cell function can be detected by in vitro analysis to identify patients who might be more at risk of acquiring such infectious diseases. METHODS We examined peripheral blood from AS patients without history of tuberculosis before and after 10-14 and 24-36 weeks of therapy with adalimumab (n = 8) or infliximab (n = 10). Fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with cytomegalovirus antigens and with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen purified protein derivative and early secretory antigen target 6. Interferon-gamma production of CD4+ T cells was assessed after in vitro antigen-specific stimulation by intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry. RESULTS There was no significant change, either decrease or increase, of the T cell response to recall antigens during therapy compared to controls without treatment, if the mean values of all patients treated with adalimumab or infliximab were compared at the given timepoints. However, analysis on the individual patient level of such T cell responses revealed 1 adalimumab-treated patient and 2 infliximab-treated patients with a clear decrease of T cell response during therapy. Longterm analysis indicated that such a decrease of T cell responsiveness is generally transient and reconstituted at the latest after 52 weeks. CONCLUSION Some patients treated with adalimumab or infliximab showed a decrease of T cell responsiveness, which seems to be transient. These patients in particular might be at risk for intracellular infections.
First description of Streptococcus lutetiensis from a diseased cat

This paper describes for the first time the isolation of Streptococcus lutetiensis in a cat with intestinal lymphoma. The Streptococcus bovis group has undergone significant taxonomic changes over the past two decades and, in 2002, Poyart et al. described two distinct novel species within the genus Streptococcus: Streptococcus lutetiensis and Streptococcus pasteurianus. The bovis group streptococci include commensal species and subspecies or opportunistic pathogens of humans and animals. The cat was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Bologna for chronic diarrhoea associated with fresh blood. A diagnosis of intestinal lymphoma was advanced. S. lutetiensis was accidentally isolated from the faeces of the cat and identified through MALDI‐TOF and 16s rRNA sequencing. The Kirby‐Bauer test revealed that the isolate was resistant to enrofloxacin, erythromycin, clindamycin, marbofloxacin and tetracycline. The detection of S. lutetiensis in cat faeces might suggest that it could be a normal inhabitant of cat intestinal tract or that it could be involved in the manifestation of intestinal diseases. Since bacteria belonging to the S. bovis group are considered emerging pathogens, additional research is required to evaluate the role of S. lutetiensis in cats and its role in the transmission of antimicrobial resistance.
ICD‐11 PTSD and complex PTSD: structural validation using network analysis

World Psychiatry 18:2 June 2019 27 in Bighelli et al). We therefore conclude that the discrepancy concerning the effectiveness of CBT on positive symptoms of schizophrenia (especially in blind studies) found in our two meta-analyses reflects the substantially differing data sets examined. To reduce confusion in this area, where the study designs are much more variable than those about pharmacological treatments for schizophrenia, we propose that future systematic reviews on psychotherapies for schizophrenia should always document their methods and in particular inclusion criteria in an a priori published protocol.