Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What matters to women and healthcare providers in relation to interventions for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage: A qualitative systematic review

Background Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Reducing deaths from PPH is a global challenge. The voices of women and healthcare providers have been missing from the debate around best practices for PPH prevention. The aim of this review was to identify, appraise and synthesize available evidence about the views and experiences of women and healthcare providers on interventions to prevent PPH. Methods We searched eight electronic databases and reference lists of eligible studies published between 1996 and 2018, reporting qualitative data on views and experiences of PPH in general, and of any specific preventative intervention(s). Authors’ findings were extracted and synthesised using meta-ethnographic techniques. Confidence in the quality, coherence, relevance and adequacy of data underpinning the resulting themes was assessed using GRADE-CERQual. A line of argument synthesis was developed. Results Thirty-five studies from 29 countries met our inclusion criteria. Our results indicate that women and healthcare providers recognise the dangers of severe blood loss in the perinatal and postpartum period, but don’t always share the same beliefs about the causes and consequences of PPH. Skilled birth attendants and traditional birth attendants (TBA’s) want to prevent PPH but may lack the required resources and training. Women generally appreciate PPH prevention strategies, especially where their individual needs, beliefs and values are taken into account. Women and healthcare providers also recognize the value of using uterotonics (medications that contract the uterus) to prevent PPH but highlight safety concerns and potential misuse of the drugs as acceptability and implementation issues. Conclusions Based on stakeholder views and experiences, PPH prevention strategies are more likely to be successful where all stakeholders agree on the causes and consequences of severe postpartum blood loss, especially in the context of sufficient resources and effective implementation by competent, suitably trained providers.
Leveraging Qualitative Reasoning to Learning Manipulation Tasks

Learning and planning are powerful AI methods that exhibit complementary strengths. While planning allows goal-directed actions to be computed when a reliable forward model is known, learning allows such models to be obtained autonomously. In this paper we describe how both methods can be combined using an expressive qualitative knowledge representation. We argue that the crucial step in this integration is to employ a representation based on a well-defined semantics. This article proposes the qualitative spatial logic QSL, a representation that combines qualitative abstraction with linear temporal logic, allowing us to represent relevant information about the learning task, possible actions, and their consequences. Doing so, we empower reasoning processes to enhance learning performance beyond the positive effects of learning in abstract state spaces. Proof-of-concept experiments in two simulation environments show that this approach can help to improve learning-based robotics by quicker convergence and leads to more reliable action planning.
Highly Sensitive and Novel Point-of-Care System, aQcare Chlamydia TRF Kit for Detecting Chlamydia trachomatis by Using Europium (Eu) (III) Chelated Nanoparticles

Background The bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the leading causes of sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Since no simple and effective tool exists to diagnose C. trachomatis infections, we evaluated a novel point-of-care (POC) test, aQcare Chlamydia TRF kit, which uses europium-chelated nanoparticles and a time-resolved fluorescence reader. Methods The test performance was evaluated by comparing the results obtained using the novel POC testing kit with those obtained using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), using 114 NAAT-positive and 327 NAAT-negative samples. Results The cut-off value of the novel test was 20.8 with a detection limit of 0.27 ng/mL. No interference or cross-reactivity was observed. Diagnostic accuracy showed an overall sensitivity of 93.0% (106/114), specificity of 96.3% (315/327), positive predictive value (PPV) of 89.8% (106/118), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.5% (315/323). The sensitivity of the novel test was much higher than that of currently available POC tests. Furthermore, the relative ease and short turnaround time (30 min) of this assay enables C. trachomatis-infected individuals to be treated without a diagnostic delay. Conclusions This simple and novel test is a potential tool to screen a larger population, especially those in areas with limited resources.
High‐frequency ultrasonography a new quantitative method in evaluation of skin lymphomas—First comparative study in relation to histopathology

High‐frequency ultrasonography (HF‐USG) is a noninvasive method used in evaluation of depth and width of skin neoplasms. Recent data suggest that this method may also supplement objective clinical assessment in skin lymphomas, especially in mycosis fungoides, where subepidermal low echogenic band (SLEB) can be observed. The aim of the study was to present characteristic ultrasonic picture of MF in relation to histopathologic findings.
A review on recent advances in soft surgical robots for endoscopic applications

Soft materials, with their compliant properties, enable conformity and safe interaction with human body. With the advance in actuation and sensing of soft materials, new paradigm in robotics called “soft robotics” emerges. Soft robotics has become a new approach in designing medical devices such as wearable robotic gloves and exoskeleton. However, application of soft robotics in surgical instrument inside human body is still in its infancy.
Calmodulin Mediates Ca2+-dependent Modulation of M-type K+ Channels

To quantify the modulation of KCNQ2/3 current by [Ca2+]i and to test if calmodulin (CaM) mediates this action, simultaneous whole-cell recording and Ca2+ imaging was performed on CHO cells expressing KCNQ2/3 channels, either alone, or together with wild-type (wt) CaM, or dominant-negative (DN) CaM. We varied [Ca2+]i from <10 to >400 nM with ionomycin (5 μM) added to either a 2 mM Ca2+, or EGTA-buffered Ca2+-free, solution. Coexpression of wt CaM made KCNQ2/3 currents highly sensitive to [Ca2+]i (IC50 70 ± 20 nM, max inhibition 73%, n = 10). However, coexpression of DN CaM rendered KCNQ2/3 currents largely [Ca2+]i insensitive (max inhibition 8 ± 3%, n = 10). In cells without cotransfected CaM, the Ca2+ sensitivity was variable but generally weak. [Ca2+]i modulation of M current in superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons followed the same pattern as in CHO cells expressed with KCNQ2/3 and wt CaM, suggesting that endogenous M current is also highly sensitive to [Ca2+]i. Coimmunoprecipitations showed binding of CaM to KCNQ2–5 that was similar in the presence of 5 mM Ca2+ or 5 mM EGTA. Gel-shift analyses suggested Ca2+-dependent CaM binding to an “IQ-like” motif present in the carboxy terminus of KCNQ2–5. We tested whether bradykinin modulation of M current in SCG neurons uses CaM. Wt or DN CaM was exogenously expressed in SCG cells using pseudovirions or the biolistic “gene gun. ” Using both methods, expression of both wt CaM and DN CaM strongly reduced bradykinin inhibition of M current, but for all groups muscarinic inhibition was unaffected. Cells expressed with wt CaM had strongly reduced tonic current amplitudes as well. We observed similar [Ca2+]i rises by bradykinin in all the groups of cells, indicating that CaM did not affect Ca2+ release from stores. We conclude that M-type currents are highly sensitive to [Ca2+]i and that calmodulin acts as their Ca2+ sensor.
Virtual simulation training: Imaged experience of dementia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The need to provide an empathic response to the care of people with dementia has long been advocated. Virtual reality-based programmes continue to gain momentum across health sectors, becoming an innovative tool that provides staff with the opportunity to experience a dementia-like experience within a relatively short time frame. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of an interactive training experience on moral, emotive, behavioural and cognitive elements of empathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A qualitative exploratory design was adopted employing purposive sampling to identify participants, aged over 18 years, who participated in the Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT®) programme. Interviews were conducted over a two-month period, and qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS The four components (moral, emotive, behavioural and cognitive) of empathy were reflected in findings. Overall the interactive training programme was perceived as useful, and emotionally, it provided an opportunity to "imagine what it is to live with dementia," enabling a cognitive, moral and behavioural reflection to occur, enhancing the empathic state. DISCUSSION In this study, the VDT® provides a different way of learning, with participants reporting the emergence of an empathic response. Results suggest that the emotional response laid the foundations to the behavioural or cognitive (objective and subjective) reaction which was underpinned by a moral reaction. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Virtual reality programmes are one step in the process for healthcare professionals caring empathetically for people with dementia; however, further research is required.
Artificial Intelligence Approach of Context-Awareness Architecture for Mobile Computing

Wireless network carriers are expanding their data services to combat the shrinking average revenue per user in the face of challenges from competitive markets and emerging technologies such as VOIP. Context-aware applications, built on the notions of human computer interfaces and interaction, extract user data, analyze user patterns, and infer user intentions in a given environment. The objective of this study is to design an intelligent architecture that is based on an integrated platform that provides a context-aware solution for mobile users. The major components of the architecture are smart proxy on the user devices and context-aware search engine in the carrier's network. Context weights and profiles are automatically generated to reflect the mobile user's contextual change. The smart proxy computes context weights by utilizing a dynamic neural network based algorithm and adapts to user situation. At the server side, the context-aware search engine returns query results based on the context profiles sent by client proxy. As such, a systematic approach can be used to handle context awareness for mobile users
Estimation of Heart Rate Recovery after Stair Climbing Using a Wrist-Worn Device

Heart rate recovery (HRR) after physical exercise is a convenient method to assess cardiovascular autonomic function. Since stair climbing is a common daily activity, usually followed by a slow walking or rest, this type of activity can be considered as an alternative HRR test. The present study explores the feasibility to estimate HRR parameters after stair climbing using a wrist-worn device with embedded photoplethysmography and barometric pressure sensors. A custom-made wrist-worn device, capable of acquiring heart rate and altitude, was used to estimate the time-constant of exponential decay τ, the short-term time constant S, and the decay of heart rate in 1 min D. Fifty-four healthy volunteers were instructed to climb the stairs at three different climbing rates. When compared to the reference electrocardiogram, the absolute and percentage errors were found to be ≤ 21.0 s (≤ 52.7%) for τ, ≤ 0.14 (≤ 19.2%) for S, and ≤ 7.16 bpm (≤ 20.7%) for D in 75% of recovery phases available for analysis. The proposed approach to monitoring HRR parameters in an unobtrusive way may complement information provided by personal health monitoring devices (e.g., weight loss, physical activity), as well as have clinical relevance when evaluating the efficiency of cardiac rehabilitation program outside the clinical setting.
Varanid Lizard Venoms Disrupt the Clotting Ability of Human Fibrinogen through Destructive Cleavage

The functional activities of Anguimorpha lizard venoms have received less attention compared to serpent lineages. Bite victims of varanid lizards often report persistent bleeding exceeding that expected for the mechanical damage of the bite. Research to date has identified the blockage of platelet aggregation as one bleeding-inducing activity, and destructive cleavage of fibrinogen as another. However, the ability of the venoms to prevent clot formation has not been directly investigated. Using a thromboelastograph (TEG5000), clot strength was measured after incubating human fibrinogen with Heloderma and Varanus lizard venoms. Clot strengths were found to be highly variable, with the most potent effects produced by incubation with Varanus venoms from the Odatria and Euprepriosaurus clades. The most fibrinogenolytically active venoms belonged to arboreal species and therefore prey escape potential is likely a strong evolutionary selection pressure. The results are also consistent with reports of profusive bleeding from bites from other notably fibrinogenolytic species, such as V. giganteus. Our results provide evidence in favour of the predatory role of venom in varanid lizards, thus shedding light on the evolution of venom in reptiles and revealing potential new sources of bioactive molecules useful as lead compounds in drug design and development.
Role of High Physical Fitness in Deterioration of Male Sexual Function in Japanese Adult Men

Male sexual function is regulated by vascular function and impaired vascular function is closely related with erectile dysfunction (ED). Vascular functions are positively influenced by physical fitness (i.e., aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and flexibility). The detailed associations between physical fitness and male sexual function remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to clarify the influence of physical fitness on male sexual function. In 177 adult men, peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), handgrip strength (HGS), and sit and reach were measured as indices of physical fitness. Arterial stiffness and erectile function were assessed by carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF5) questionnaire, respectively. IIEF5 score was significantly correlated with VO2 peak (rs = 0.52), HGS (rs = 0.37), and cfPWV (rs = −0.44); and multivariate linear regression analyses showed that VO2 peak, HGS, and cfPWV were significantly associated with IIEF5 score after considering confounders. The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis suggested that the cutoff values for predicting ED were 29.0 ml/min/kg for VO2 peak and 39.3 kg for HGS. The IIEF5 score was the highest in the subjects with the values of both VO2 peak and HGS were higher than their respective cutoff values, while the IIEF5 score was the lowest in the subjects with the values of both VO2 peak and HGS were lower than their respective cutoff values. These results suggest that the maintenance of high aerobic capacity and muscular strength may offset deterioration of male sexual function.
Concomitant Heroin and Cocaine Use among Opioid-Dependent Patients during Methadone, Buprenorphine or Morphine Opioid Agonist Therapy

Background: Among all the treatment methods developed so far, opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is the most effective therapy for opioid dependence. While methadone (MTD) is the most commonly used, fewer data are available on alternative opioid agonist. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of buprenorphine (BUP) and slow-released morphine compared to MTD with regard to the reduction of concomitant heroin and cocaine use. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 105 patients receiving MTD, BUP, or slow-release morphine as opioid agonist therapy at the Psychiatric Hospital of Zurich. Illicit drug use was assessed using a retrospective 3-month hair toxicology analysis to quantify concentrations of heroin degradation products and metabolites, as well as cocaine and cocaine metabolites. We have also collected self-reports, but in the data of the study, only the results of the hair analysis were considered. Results: BUP-treated patients showed lower rates of illicit opiate consumption in comparison to the group treated with MTD or slow-released morphine (p < 0.05). The proportion of heroin-positive hair samples associated with slow-release morphine treatment was similar to the proportion associated with MTD treatment. Neither the MTD vs. slow-released morphine groups nor the BUP vs. MTD groups showed significant differences in the number of patients consuming cocaine although patients in the BUP group had significantly lower concentrations of cocaine in hair testing compared to the patients in the MTD group. Prevalence of cocaine consumption was also significantly lower in the BUP group compared to patients in the slow-release morphine group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that BUP OAT is associated with reduced additional opiate co-use.
Neurotechnologies Cannot Seize Thoughts: A Call for Caution in Nomenclature

This fivefold framework is a practical aid for the evaluation of the (potential) applicability of any given NTA technique to use in cases where values such as trustworthiness, confidentiality, and privacy are at stake. The framework we offered, however, has some clear limits. One of them is that it cannot possibly cover all the aspects of NTA methods that can possibly affect their practical applicability. Some of them might have nothing to do with performance:; economic considerations might, for instance, be very relevant in particular circumstances. Another thing that our framework does not do, or does not do enough, is identify dynamics and inherent limitations that determine how well a certain NTA technology scores under those five aspects. For instance, the inherently semantical nature of thought might be particularly resilient to being captured by NTA technology, thereby constituting an important and general limit to its performance (Haselager and Mecacci 2017). Our framework does also not say anything about the specific standards of acceptability of a certain technique. We agree with Meynen in saying that the criterion for the adoption of NTA technology in most conceivable scenarios might well just be “its added value compared to other techniques, [which] basically depends on the availability or absence of other (suitable) techniques”. The framework, however, helps in forming a clearer idea of how substantial this added value might be. Although neutral to the ethical decision making itself, our five criteria might offer a clearer picture of what types of applications ethical decision making should focus with higher priority, for instance, because they constitute a more immediate threat to certain values. ORCID
Faster Compressed Quadtrees

Real-world point sets tend to be clustered, so using a machine word for each point is wasteful. In this paper we first bound the number of nodes in the quad tree for a point set in terms of the points' clustering. We then describe aqua tree data structure that uses O (1) bits per node and supports faster queries than previous structures with this property. Finally, we present experimental evidence that our structure is practical.
Goals and Principles of Providers Working with People Experiencing Homelessness: A Comparison Between Housing First and Traditional Staircase Services in Eight European Countries

The implementation and adaptation of the Housing First (HF) model represented profound changes the structure and delivery, goals, and principles of homeless services. These features of homeless services directly influence providers, their work performance and the clients’ outcomes. The present research, conducted in eight European countries, investigated how social providers working in HF or TS (Traditional Staircase) describe and conceptualize the goals and the principles of their services. Data were collected through 29 focus group discussions involving 121 providers. The results showed that HF and TS had similar and different goals for their clients in the following areas: support, social integration, satisfaction of needs, housing, and well-being. HF providers emphasized clients’ autonomy and ability to determine their personal goals, with housing being considered a start on the path of recovery, while TS were more focused on individual clients’ basic needs with respect to food, health and finding temporary accommodations. HF providers privileged the person-centered approach and housing as a right, while TS providers were more focused on helping everyone. Implications of the results are discussed as suggestions both for practice and for research.
Toward Native XML Processing Using Multi-paradigm Design in C + +

XML programming has emerged as a powerful data processing paradigm with its own rules for abstracting, partitioning, programming styles, and idioms. Seasoned XML programmers expect, and their productivity depends on the availability of languages and tools that allow usage of the patterns and practices native to the domain of XML programming. The object-oriented community, however, prefers XML data binding tools over dedicated XML languages because these tools automatically generate a statically-typed, vocabulary-specific object model from a given XML schema. Unfortunately, these tools often sidestep the expectations of seasoned XML programmers because of the difficulties in synthesizing abstractions of XML programming using purely object-oriented principles. We demonstrate how this prevailing gap can be significantly narrowed by a novel application of multi-paradigm programming capabilities of C++. In particular, we demonstrate how generic programming, metaprogramming, generative programming, strategic programming, and operator overloading supported by C++ together enable native and typed XML programming.
Therapeutic alliance trajectories and associations with outcome in psychodynamic child psychotherapy.

OBJECTIVE This study investigated therapeutic alliance (TA) trajectories, their demographic and symptomatic predictors, and associations with outcome in psychodynamic child psychotherapy. METHOD The sample included 89 Turkish children (Mage = 6.87, SD = 2.11, 46% girls) with internalizing (37.11%), externalizing (21.14%), and comorbid (38.20%) problems; 12% of the children were in the nonclinical range. Independent raters coded 328 sessions from different phases of treatment using the Therapy Process Observational Coding System-Alliance Scale. Outcome measures were collected at intake and termination (Children's Behavior Checklist and Teacher Rating Form). RESULTS Multilevel growth curve modeling indicated that TA showed a quadratic trend (high-low-high) over the course of treatment. The shape-of-change methodology indicated three subgroups following a stable pattern, a slow and an accelerated quadratic TA trajectory. Externalizing problems (teacher report) negatively predicted average TA strength. Boys and children with internalizing problems showed a declining TA trajectory, whereas children with externalizing problems (teacher report) showed an upward TA trajectory. Multivariate multiple regression analyses showed that the average TA (i.e., intercept) and the positive quadratic slope (the high-low-high pattern) positively predicted changes in internalizing and externalizing problems (teacher report). DISCUSSION This study was the first to show the course of TA development in psychodynamic child psychotherapy, identify a number of child characteristics that facilitate and impede TA. Investigating both the strength and patterns of TA development when examining associations with outcome is important. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).