Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single-tablet regimens in HIV: does it really make a difference?

Abstract Objectives: Review of the available data on the currently available single-tablet regimens (STRs), from the analysis of efficacy and safety to the key points of value in terms of adherence, quality of life and pharmacoeconomic evaluation. Methods: For this narrative review, literature searches have been performed in PubMed, IndexRevMed and Cochrane, using the search terms HIV, single-tablet, one-pill, single dose, fixed-dose, and STR. These have been reviewed and complemented with the most recent publications of interest. Results: Fixed-dose combinations are a significant advance in antiretroviral treatment simplification, contributing to an increase in compliance with complex chronic therapies, thus improving patients’ quality of life. Reducing the number of pills and daily doses is associated with higher adherence and better quality of life. As a fixed-dose combination tablet given once daily, EFV/FTC/TDF was the first available STR combining efficacy, tolerability and convenience, with the simplest dosing schedule and smallest numbers of pills of any ART combination therapy. The RPV/FTC/TDF is a next-generation NNRTI-based STR, a once daily complete ART regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Recently the combination of EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF was also approved by the European Commission, and is the first integrase inhibitor-based STR. Receiving antiretroviral therapy as once daily STR is associated with both clinical and economic benefits, which confirms previous research. Conclusions: The associated benefits of STRs provide a valid strategy for the treatment of HIV-infected patients.
A systematic review of the clinical relevance of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an approved treatment for depression. The clinical relevance of its efficacy is unclear. The clinical relevance of findings in the rTMS literature was assessed by translating Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) data into Clinical Global Impression–Improvement scale (CGI‐I) scores.
A novel flash analog-to-digital converter

this paper a new ADC architecture of flash type is proposed. This proposed N-bit flash ADC replaces the (2N-1)-to- N encoder with two (2N/2 -1)-to-(N/2) encoders to accomplish the encoding of the least significant bits and the most significant bits respectively. A 6-bit ADC of this architecture is implemented. The physical circuit is more compact than the existing ones. Power, processing time and area cost are all minimized. In addition, a new encoding algorithm is proposed to enhance the bubble error tolerance of an ADC. The encoders that have the capability of removing the bubble errors always suffer the problem of long latency. It becomes a bottleneck in the design of high speed flash ADC nowadays. In the proposed 6-bit ADC, the trade-off between bubble tolerance and latency is optimized by applying the proposed encoding algorithm into the encoder circuit design. Delay of 3 gate-levels or fewer is required for processing the encoding and the maximum error induced bubble is 7 LSB. Simulation results demonstrate the benefits introduced above. This new flash ADC offers an excellent choice for modern high speed ADC application.
Outcome measures in coeliac disease trials: the Tampere recommendations

Objective A gluten-free diet is the only treatment option of coeliac disease, but recently an increasing number of trials have begun to explore alternative treatment strategies. We aimed to review the literature on coeliac disease therapeutic trials and issue recommendations for outcome measures. Design Based on a literature review of 10 062 references, we (17 researchers and 2 patient representatives from 10 countries) reviewed the use and suitability of both clinical and non-clinical outcome measures. We then made expert-based recommendations for use of these outcomes in coeliac disease trials and identified areas where research is needed. Results We comment on the use of histology, serology, clinical outcome assessment (including patient-reported outcomes), quality of life and immunological tools including gluten immunogenic peptides for trials in coeliac disease. Conclusion Careful evaluation and reporting of outcome measures will increase transparency and comparability of coeliac disease therapeutic trials, and will benefit patients, healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.
A complete pipelined MMSE detection architecture in a 4x4 MIMO-OFDM receiver

This paper presents a VLSI architecture of MMSE detection in a 4 x 4 MIMO-OFDM receiver. Packet-based MIMO- OFDM imposes a considerable throughput requirement on the matrix inversion because of strict timing in frame structure and subcarrier-by-subcarrier basis processing. Pipeline processing oriented algorithms are preferable to tackle this issue. We adopt Strassen's algorithms of matrix inversion and multiplication to circuit design in the MMSE detection. The complete pipelined architecture achieves real-time operation which does not depend on numbers of subcarriers. The designed circuit has been implemented to a 90-nm CMOS process and shows a potential for providing a 2.6-Gbps transmission speed in a 160-MHz signal bandwidth.issue.
Distinct intrinsic network connectivity patterns of post‐traumatic stress disorder symptom clusters

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is considered a multidimensional disorder, with distinct symptom clusters including re‐experiencing, avoidance/numbing, hyperarousal, and most recently depersonalization/derealization. However, the extent of differing intrinsic network connectivity underlying these symptoms has not been fully investigated. We therefore investigated the degree of association between resting connectivity of the salience (SN), default mode (DMN), and central executive (CEN) networks and PTSD symptom severity.
The impact of the quality of communication from nephrologists to primary care practitioners: a literature review

Abstract Objective: This review of the literature aims to explore two research questions: (1) what is the evidence that patients benefit from sound communication between primary care practitioners (PCPs) and nephrologists; and (2) what information is required in primary care to meet the needs of patients who have attended a renal unit? Research design and methods: Fifty-seven citations were independently reviewed by four authors. The inclusion criteria were: (1) the article focused on information flow from nephrologists and/or specialists to general practitioners; (2) it includes the involvement of PCPs in nephrology, including registrars and PCPs with special interests or specialists in any medical field; (3) it was published from 1990 onwards (inclusive) and (4) the study was conducted in the United Kingdom, Canada, The Netherlands, Australia, United States or New Zealand. Selected articles were then reviewed by the fifth author as a measure of inter-rater reliability. Results: Eighteen papers in four categories were identified: six audits or observational studies, one meta-analysis; one randomized controlled trial; six qualitative studies; and four position statements or quality improvement tools. Published audits involving feedback to clinicians using validated tools demonstrate the scope for substantial improvement in the amount of information relayed to PCPs. Specialists may not prioritize the letter to the PCP but there is some evidence of a direct impact from limited or inadequate communication on patient outcomes. Only two studies focused on patients attending nephrology clinics. Conclusions: There is some evidence that improving the quality of letters from specialists to PCPs may benefit patient care. This review suggests a need for research on communication from nephrologists about patients who have received care at a renal unit regardless of whether or not the patient continues to attend.
Cognitive reserve in bipolar disorder: relation to cognition, psychosocial functioning and quality of life

Cognitive reserve (CR) is a concept that was postulated as a protective factor for some clinical symptoms after the observation that there is not a direct relationship between the degree of brain damage and its clinical manifestation. This study aimed to explore the association between CR and the main outcomes in bipolar disorder (BD): cognitive functions, psychosocial functioning and perceived quality of life.
Similar white matter but opposite grey matter changes in schizophrenia and high‐functioning autism

High‐functioning autism (HFA) and schizophrenia (SZ) are two of the main neurodevelopmental disorders, sharing several clinical dimensions and risk factors. Their exact relationship is poorly understood, and few studies have directly compared both disorders. Our aim was thus to directly compare neuroanatomy of HFA and SZ using a multimodal MRI design.
Design of interleaved multithreading for Network Processors on Chip

Thread level parallelism and multi-core processors are current alternatives to increase performance of general-purpose applications. In the same way, Networks-on-Chip (NoCs) are the main alternatives for supporting packet throughput for the next generations of many-core processors. NPoC (Network Processor on Chip) is a proposal to increase the performance of programmable NoC routers and multi-cluster NoC architectures using Interleaved Multithreading (IMT) technique. Therefore, the main goal of this paper is to present the design impact of interleaved multithreading for Network Processors on Chip focusing on area and performance feasibility. Results show that NPoC-based router has an acceptable and similar area relative to a conventional NoC, and higher performance up to 7.1% than the same NPoC version without IMT.
Improved method for blind estimation of the variance of mixed noise using weighted LMS line fitting algorithm

The paper addresses blind evaluation of the parameters of mixed noise in images. The conventional approach is based on line fitting in the scatter-plot of local variance estimates using LMS algorithm. This does not utilize the fact that the points in the scatter pot typically appear in clusters that depend on the image. It is shown that the use of weighted LMS algorithm that takes into account the number of points in clusters provides considerable improvement in the accuracy of line fitting and, thus, better estimation of the parameters of mixed noise.
Non-coding DNA in IBD: from sequence variation in DNA regulatory elements to novel therapeutic potential

Genome-wide association studies have identified over 200 loci associated with IBD. We and others have recently shown that, in addition to variants in protein-coding genes, the majority of the associated loci are related to DNA regulatory elements (DREs). These findings add a dimension to the already complex genetic background of IBD. In this review we summarise the existing evidence on the role of DREs in IBD. We discuss how epigenetic research can be used in candidate gene approaches that take non-coding variants into account and can help to pinpoint the essential pathways and cell types in the pathogenesis of IBD. Despite the increased level of genetic complexity, these findings can contribute to novel therapeutic options that target transcription factor binding and enhancer activity. Finally, we summarise the future directions and challenges of this emerging field.
Characteristics and Drinking Patterns in Alcohol Abusing Mexican American Men

IntroductionAlcoholism has become a prominent problem among Mexican Americans, but few studies have examined it using a structured diagnostic instrument. This study describes the demographics and drinking patterns of a heavy drinking group of Mexican American men by using the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism II (SSAGA-II). MethodologySix hundred thirty subjects were screened. After screening, 201 male Mexican Americans with heavy alcohol consumption histories (more than 6 drinks per day for more than 5 years) were assessed. Subjects' demographic variables were collected and a portion of SSAGA-II was used to establish alcohol dependence criteria and drinking patterns. ResultsThe prevalence rate for DSM-IV alcohol dependence among the 201 heavy drinking male Mexican Americans was 91.5% (n = 184). Demographic characteristics showed that the average age of subjects was 39, with a majority of them being single, unemployed, born in Mexico, and having less than 12 years of education. They started drinking at a young age and reported being drunk early in the course. More than half drank only beer, and one third drank more than 12 drinks per day on average. The inability to control drinking and the physiological symptoms associated with alcohol consumption were clusters of dependence criteria most likely to be endorsed by our subjects. DiscussionWe studied a cohort of heavy drinking Mexican American men and described their drinking patterns as well as their demographics. Our study was the first to use a structured instrument on Mexican Americans. Although our findings are not generalizable to all Mexican Americans, they provide us needed information in this area.
Right anterior insula connectivity is important for cue‐induced craving in nicotine‐dependent smokers

The insula has been implicated in cue‐induced craving and relapse in nicotine‐dependent tobacco cigarette smokers. The aims of the present study were to identify brain regions that exhibit greater functional connectivity with the right anterior insula in response to smoking cues than to neutral cues and the role of functional connectivity between these regions in mediating cue‐induced craving in healthy (free of axis I psychiatric disorders) nicotine‐dependent tobacco cigarette smokers. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 63 healthy nicotine‐dependent smokers viewing blocks of smoking and neutral cues. Craving ratings were obtained after each block. A psychophysiologic interaction approach was used to identify regions that exhibited significantly greater functional connectivity with the right anterior insula (seed) during the smoking cues than during the neutral (corrected cluster thresholding, Z > 2.3, P = 0.05). Parameter estimates of the interaction effects from each region were regressed against the mean cue‐induced craving scores. Significant task by seed interactions were observed in two clusters centered in the bilateral precuneus and left angular gyrus. The strength of connectivity between the right anterior insula and the precuneus, which is involved interoceptive processing and self‐awareness, was positively correlated with the magnitude of the craving response to the smoking cues (r2 = 0.15; P < 0.01). These data suggest that among smokers, cue‐induced craving may be a function of connectivity between two regions involved in interoception and self‐awareness. Moreover, treatment strategies that incorporate mindful attention may be effective in attenuating cue‐induced craving and relapse in nicotine‐dependent smokers.
Enhanced RF to DC CMOS rectifier with capacitor-bootstrapped transistor

This paper presents a high efficient multi-stages full-wave RF to DC rectifier for RFID applications. The proposed converter employs diode-connected transistors with gate to drain bootstrapping capacitor to overcome threshold drop of voltage. Rectifying transistors are biased in triode region to improve the driving capability of the circuit while they operate at lower input voltages. Bulk biasing technique is applied to ensure faster turn on for level shifting transistors. Simulation results in 90nm CMOS technology at frequency of 920MHz, show that output voltage and power conversion efficiency at low input power level are improved compare to conventional rectifier using diode-connected transistors.
Comparative Evaluation of Neuro‐Muscular Blockade after Pancuronium Administration in Patients with and without Renal Failure

Objective studies about the duration of action of pancuronium (PCM) in renal failure patients are scarce. This study was undertaken to obtain more complete information on spontaneous reversal from PCM‐induced neuromuscular block by monitoring the twitch height to full recovery in the absence of any potentiating agent. Thumb abduction was monitored by a deplacement transducer in end‐stage renal failure (ESRF) and in control patients without renal failure (RF) during neuroleptanalgesia after 0.04 mg/kg and 0.08 mg/kg PCM administration.
Optimal antithrombotic treatment during primary percutaneous coronary intervention?

Despite recent substantial advances in risk factor management and cardiac care, the incidence of myocardial infarction remains a major public health concern across the globe. Recent European registry data demonstrate the incidence of all acute myocardial infarction to be around 190/100 000 people/year, with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) representing around 40% of that number.1 In multiple clinical trials, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to be better than thrombolysis in the treatment of STEMI, and indeed the ESC, ACC and AHA all recommend primary PCI as first-line reperfusion treatment.2 3 Although primary PCI is first line of treatment for STEMI, adjuvant antithrombotic pharmacotherapy varies widely, and the optimal antithrombotic regimen is still the source of debate as head-to-head trial evidence of all the options is limited. Recent studies have demonstrated that the use of bivalirudin, a hirudin-type drug which acts as a direct thrombin inhibitor, before and during primary PCI is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality and morbidity as compared with the use of unfractionated heparin and GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors.4 In the open-label HORIZONS-AMI trial, 3602 patients presenting with STEMI were randomised to receive either bivalirudin or unfractionated heparin with a GpIIb/IIIa inhibitor as adjunctive antithrombotic treatment. The authors prespecifed two primary end points, the incidence of major bleeding and a composite end point of the combination of major bleeding and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events, including death, reinfarction, target vessel revascularisation for ischaemia and stroke. They demonstrated a 24% RR reduction (9.2% vs 12.1%) in the composite end point in the bivalirudin group as …
MEMS with Σ - Δ type of feedback loop control as an iterative map

In this work, we consider a system that consists of a microresonator and a Σ Δ type feedback loop control which is typically a part of inertial sensors. We describe this architecture as a dynamical system (an iterative difference equation) in the time domain in order to study possible periodic solutions in the output.
Symptoms, functional status and quality of life in patients with controlled and uncontrolled atrial fibrillation: data from the RealiseAF cross-sectional international registry

Background Rate control and rhythm control are accepted management strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF). Objective RealiseAF aimed to describe the success of either strategy and the impact of control on symptomatic status of patients with AF. Methods This international, observational, cross-sectional survey of patients with any history of AF in the previous year, recorded AF characteristics, management and frequency of control (defined as sinus rhythm or AF with resting heart rate ≤80 bpm). Results Overall, 9665 patients were evaluable for AF control, with 59.0% controlled (sinus rhythm 26.5%, AF ≤80 bpm 32.5%) and 41.0% uncontrolled. Symptom prevalence in the previous week was lower in controlled than uncontrolled AF (55.7% vs 68.4%; p<0.001) and similar for patients in sinus rhythm versus AF ≤80 bpm (54.8% vs 56.4%; p=0.23). At the visit, AF-related functional impairment (EHRA class >I) was seen in 67.4% of patients with controlled AF and 82.1% of patients with uncontrolled AF (p<0.001). Quality-of-life (QoL, measured using EQ-5D) was better for patients with controlled versus uncontrolled AF using the Visual Analogue Scale (mean (SD) score 67.1 (18.4) vs 63.2 (18.9); p<0.001), single index utility score (median 0.78 vs 0.73; p<0.001), or five dimensions of well-being (all p<0.001). Irrespective of AF control, cardiovascular events had led to hospitalisation in the past year in 28.1%. Conclusion AF control is not optimal. Control appears to be associated with fewer symptoms and better QoL, but even patients with controlled AF have frequent symptoms, functional impairment, altered QoL and cardiovascular events. New treatments are needed to improve control and minimise the functional and QoL burden of AF.
Kappa opioid receptor antagonism and chronic antidepressant treatment have beneficial activities on social interactions and grooming deficits during heroin abstinence

Addiction is a chronic brain disorder that progressively invades all aspects of personal life. Accordingly, addiction to opiates severely impairs interpersonal relationships, and the resulting social isolation strongly contributes to the severity and chronicity of the disease. Uncovering new therapeutic strategies that address this aspect of addiction is therefore of great clinical relevance. We recently established a mouse model of heroin addiction in which, following chronic heroin exposure, ‘abstinent’ mice progressively develop a strong and long‐lasting social avoidance phenotype. Here, we explored and compared the efficacy of two pharmacological interventions in this mouse model. Because clinical studies indicate some efficacy of antidepressants on emotional dysfunction associated with addiction, we first used a chronic 4‐week treatment with the serotonergic antidepressant fluoxetine, as a reference. In addition, considering prodepressant effects recently associated with kappa opioid receptor signaling, we also investigated the kappa opioid receptor antagonist norbinaltorphimine (norBNI). Finally, we assessed whether fluoxetine and norBNI could reverse abstinence‐induced social avoidance after it has established. Altogether, our results show that two interspaced norBNI administrations are sufficient both to prevent and to reverse social impairment in heroin abstinent animals. Therefore, kappa opioid receptor antagonism may represent a useful approach to alleviate social dysfunction in addicted individuals.
Active noise cancellation of motion artifacts in pulse oximetry using isobestic wavelength light source

The measurement of oxygen saturation using pulse oximeters requires clean photoplethysmograph (PPG) signals, as motion artifacts often lead to a significant degree of error in the computation. This paper proposes a method for reducing motion artifacts from corrupted PPG signals by applying a normalized least mean squares (NLMS) algorithm, using an isobestic point wavelength (800nm) as a noise reference signal for the adaptive filter. A finger ring type sensor was demonstrated to be more comfortable than a clip type sensor. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is suitable for reconstructing PPG signals and improving the accuracy of measuring oxygen saturation in the blood.