Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Secondary preventive medication persistence and adherence 1 year after stroke

Objective: Data on long-term use of secondary prevention medications following stroke are limited. The Adherence eValuation After Ischemic stroke–Longitudinal (AVAIL) Registry assessed patient, provider, and system-level factors influencing continuation of prevention medications for 1 year following stroke hospitalization discharge. Methods: Patients with ischemic stroke or TIA discharged from 106 hospitals participating in the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines–Stroke program were surveyed to determine their use of warfarin, antiplatelet, antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and diabetes medications from discharge to 12 months. Reasons for stopping medications were ascertained. Persistence was defined as continuation of all secondary preventive medications prescribed at hospital discharge, and adherence as continuation of prescribed medications except those stopped according to health care provider instructions. Results: Of the 2,880 patients enrolled in AVAIL, 88.4% (2,457 patients) completed 1-year interviews. Of these, 65.9% were regimen persistent and 86.6% were regimen adherent. Independent predictors of 1-year medication persistence included fewer medications prescribed at discharge, having an adequate income, having an appointment with a primary care provider, and greater understanding of why medications were prescribed and their side effects. Independent predictors of adherence were similar to those for persistence. Conclusions: Although up to one-third of stroke patients discontinued one or more secondary prevention medications within 1 year of hospital discharge, self-discontinuation of these medications is uncommon. Several potentially modifiable patient, provider, and system-level factors associated with persistence and adherence may be targets for future interventions.
A New Technique for Transthoracic Biopsy of Lung Changes

The problem of reaching relatively small regions in the lungs with a thin puncture needle for aspiration biopsy is now to be considered as practically solved (Dahlgren and Nordenstrom, 1965). Screening has to be undertaken in such examinations with image intensifier and television equipment. In those cases in which “very thin” needles are used (0·6 mm outer diameter) difficulties may be encountered in steering the needle in the lung tissue. Often, however, representative cell material is more easily obtained with relatively thin needles than with very thick ones. By aspiration biopsy from firm solid tissue it may frequently be very difficult to get representative cell material. When relatively stout needles are used, one may easily get blood in the syringe on aspiration. On such and similar occasions repeated punctures of the lesion has to be performed in order to obtain representative cell material. This applies also when with aspiration biopsy one has obtained necrotic material from a tumour. One object.
HPET: An Efficient Hybrid Power Estimation Technique to Improve High-Level Power Characterization

High power consumption is a key factor hindering system-on-chip (SoC) performance. Accurate and efficient power models have to be introduced early in the design flow when most of the optimization potential is possible. However, early accuracy cannot be ensured because of the lack of precise knowledge of the final circuit structure. Current SoC design paradigm relies on intellectual property (IP) core reuse since low-level information about circuit components and structure is available. Thus, power estimation accuracy at the system level can be improved by using this information and developing an estimation methodology that fits IP cores power modeling needs. The main contribution of this paper is the development and validation of a hybrid power estimation technique (HPET), in which information coming from different abstraction levels is used to assess the power consumption in a fast and accurate manner. HPET is based on an effective characterization methodology of the technology library and an efficient h.
Kinanthropometry and Exercise Physiology Laboratory Manual. Tests, procedures and data

science to teach maths at a junior school level. If health fitness professionals an odd, and certainly ungrammatical, term do not know maths by this stage in their career, then it is too late. There are other concerns, such as the lack of progression as one reads through the book: in the last chapter as in the first, simple conversions, as from kg to lbs, are worked through. In summary, I would find it difficult to recommend this book to my students. There is clearly a need for improved teaching of maths to those who go on to careers in science and medicine, but I am not convinced that the approach taken here is helpful.
Complex Cepstrum Based Voice Conversion Using Radial Basis Function

The complex cepstrum vocoder is used to modify the speaker specific characteristics of the source speaker speech to that of the target speaker speech. The low time and high time liftering are used to split the calculated cepstrum into the vocal tract and the source excitation parameters. The obtained mixed phase vocal tract and source excitation parameters with finite impulse response preserve the phase properties of the resynthesized speech frame. The radial basis function is explored to capture the nonlinear mapping function for modifying the complex cepstrum based real and imaginary components of the vocal tract and source excitation of the speech signal. The state-of-the-art Mel cepstrum envelope and the fundamental frequency () are considered to represent the vocal tract and the source excitation of the speech frame, respectively. Radial basis function is used to capture and formulate the nonlinear relations between the Mel cepstrum envelope of the source and target speakers. Mean and standard deviation approach is employed to modify the fundamental frequency (). The Mel log spectral approximation filter is used to reconstruct the speech signal from the modified Mel cepstrum envelope and fundamental frequency. A comparison of the proposed complex cepstrum based model has been made with the state-of-the-art Mel Cepstrum Envelope based voice conversion model with objective and subjective evaluations. The evaluation measures reveal that the proposed complex cepstrum based voice conversion system approximate the converted speech signal with better accuracy than the model based on the Mel cepstrum envelope based voice conversion.
Genetic variants in the USF1 gene are associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus in women: results from the MONICA/KORA Augsburg case-cohort study, 1984-2002.

OBJECTIVE Upstream transcription factor 1 (USF1) regulates genes of glucose and lipid metabolism. Polymorphisms in the USF1 gene showed association with familial combined hyperlipidemia and lipid parameters. The aim of our study was to examine the associations between USF1 polymorphisms and lipid parameters as well as incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in German Caucasians. DESIGN We genotyped eight polymorphisms in the USF1 gene in 2067 middle-aged (35-74 years) individuals including 498 incident T2DM cases and 1569 non-cases of the population-based case-cohort study from the MONICA/KORA Augsburg project. METHODS Six polymorphisms and their haplotypes were analyzed using multivariable linear regression and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS Polymorphism rs3737787 was inversely associated with incident T2DM in women with decreased risk for female heterozygotes compared with women homozygous for the major allele (Hazard ratio=0.57; 95% confidence intervals: 0.38-0.87; P=0.008). After correction for multiple testing, significance remained. Polymorphisms rs3813609 and rs1556259 were significantly associated with reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (p(NOM)=0.001; p(NOM)=0.00002) in women. Analyses also indicated associations of haplotypes with LDL cholesterol in women, but the association lost statistical significance after correction for multiple testing. Total serum cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were weakly associated (P<0.05) with USF1 polymorphisms in women. No significant associations were found in men. CONCLUSIONS In this large population-based study, statistically significant associations of USF1 polymorphisms with incident T2DM and LDL cholesterol were found in women, but not in men. Genetic variants in the USF1 gene showed weak or no associations with TC and HDL cholesterol.
Synchronization Based Signal Transmission with Heterogeneous Chaotic Systems

By considering cascaded heterogeneous chaotic systems with drive-response configurations, information signal is encoded in the first chaotic system of the drive-module. A small amplitude chaotic signal from this first system is used as new information signal to the second different chaotic system within the drive-module. The chaotic signal from the second system of the drive-module is now transmitted to the response-module. An appropriate feedback loop is constructed in the response-module to achieve synchronization among the variables of the drive- and response-modules. We apply this approach to transmit analog and digital information signals in which the quality of the recovered signal is higher and the encoding is potentially secure.
Self-Similar Structure of rescaled Evolution Sets of Cellular Automata II

The description of the rescaled evolution set of p-Fermat cellular automata developed in the first part of this paper is applied for the calculation of the Hausdorff dimension of this set. The scaling procedure is analyzed and an appropriate scaling sequence for cellular automata with states in the integers modulo m is given. New proof of the main theorem of the first part of the paper is presented for the linear cellular automata with states in the integers modulo a power of prime number.
Surfers’ myelopathy

ABSTRACT Objective: We report the clinical characteristics of the largest series of nontraumatic spinal cord injury in novice surfers (surfers’ myelopathy). Methods: A retrospective review of the electronic medical record was performed in patients with nontraumatic spinal cord injury associated with surfing identified upon admission to the largest tertiary referral hospital in Hawaii from June 2002 to November 2011. Classification by the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) was performed upon admission and at follow-up. Clinical management, including blood pressure measurements and optimization, use of corticosteroids, and diagnostic evaluations, were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by clinic visits, telephone interviews, and electronic mail up to 3 years after injury. Results: In 19 patients (14 male) aged 15–46 years, all patients complained of sudden onset of low back pain while surfing, followed by bilateral leg numbness and paralysis progressing over 10–60 minutes. All patients were novice surfers; 17 of 19 were surfing for the first time. On T2-weighted MRI, all patients had hyperintensity from the lower thoracic spinal cord to the conus medullaris. Six of 10 patients who underwent spinal diffusion-weighted MRI showed restricted diffusion in this region. Patients presenting with worse AIS scores had minimal improvement at follow-up. Blood pressure, corticosteroids, and imaging results were not associated with severity of neurologic deficits at follow-up. Conclusions: Although the cause of surfers' myelopathy is unclear, the rapid onset and presence of restricted diffusion suggest ischemic injury. Admission severity appears to be most predictive of neurologic outcome.
Independent predictors of ischemic stroke in the elderly

ABSTRACT Objective: Incidence of ischemic stroke (IS) increases with age. Knowledge of factors associated with IS acute outcomes in the oldest-old (≥80 years) is needed to improve quality of care and resource allocation in this age group. Methods: Data are for 769 consecutive IS patients aged ≥60 years (436 aged ≥80 years) admitted to an Italian stroke unit in a 4-year period. Demographics, prestroke disability (modified Rankin Scale ≥3) and comorbidities, IS etiology and subtype, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, clinical and laboratory admission parameters, and medical complications were prospectively registered. Independent predictors of in-hospital death, incident disability, length of stay, discharge without rehabilitation, and no direct discharge home were identified by multiple logistic regression. Risk profiles before and after age 80 were compared. Results: Poor outcomes were more frequent in the oldest-old compared to the younger patients. NIHSS score, clinical parameters of IS severity (need for oxygen, indwelling catheter, or nasogastric tube), incident disability, and medical complications predicted most of the study outcomes in both age groups. After age 80, IS etiology and subtype proved additional independent determinants for most outcomes along with age, sex, and prestroke functional and health status. Conclusions: Characteristics related to neurologic impairment on admission were the main predictors of acute outcomes of IS in this cohort. Specific IS etiology and subtype influenced IS outcomes only after age 80. In oldest-old patients, demographics and prestroke functional and health status also influenced IS outcomes with peculiar associations.
Disability in multiple sclerosis

Objective: To create a reference table of disability outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) that would enable patients to rank their disability relative to others' with similar disease duration and to develop a cost-effective research tool for comparing MS severity across patient populations and time periods. Methods: The North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry collects disability data from patients with MS on a validated, 9-point Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scale. We compiled the Disability Expectancy Table, which displays cumulative frequencies of PDDS scores for each year of disease duration, from 0 to 45 years. We also tabulated disease duration–adjusted mean ranks of PDDS scores, referred to as Patient-derived MS Severity Scores (P-MSSS). Results: The cohort consisted of 27,918 NARCOMS enrollees, 72.7% of whom were female and 90.1% of whom were white. Mean age at symptom onset was 30.1 ± 10.1 years, and age at enrollment was 47.1 ± 11.0 years. The Disability Expectancy Table and P-MSSS afford a detailed overview of disability outcomes in a large MS cohort over a 45-year period. In the first year of disease, 15% of patients reported need of ambulatory aid, and 4% needed bilateral assistance or worse; after 45 years of disease, 76% of patients required ambulatory aid, and 52% bilateral assistance or worse. Proportion of patients who reported minimal or no interference in daily activities (PDDS ≤ 1) declined from 63% in the first year to 8% after 45 years of disease. Conclusion: The Disability Expectancy Table allows individual patients to determine how their disability ranks relative to NARCOMS enrollees with the same disease duration. P-MSSS may be used to compare disability across patient populations and to track disease progression in patient cohorts. P-MSSS does not require a formal neurologic examination and may therefore find wide applicability as a practical and cost-effective outcome measure in epidemiologic studies.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE The role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes is debated; many recent trials, which were not included in previous meta-analyses, could add relevant information. DESIGN AND METHODS All available randomized controlled trials (RCTs), either published or unpublished, performed in type 2 diabetic patients with GLP-1 receptor agonists (exenatide and liraglutide), with a duration>12 weeks were meta-analysed for HbA1c, body mass index, hypoglycaemia and other adverse events. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS A total of 21 RCTs (six of which unpublished), enrolling 5429 and 3053 patients (with GLP-1 receptor agonists and active comparator or placebo respectively), was retrieved and included in the analysis. GLP-1 receptor agonists determine a significant improvement of HbA1c in comparison with placebo (-1.0 (-1.1, -0.8), P<0.001), with a low risk of hypoglycaemia. There is no evidence of increased cardiovascular risk with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 receptor agonists, which induce weight loss, are associated with gastrointestinal side effects. GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective in reducing HbA1c and postprandial glucose. In patients failing to sulphonylureas and/or metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists are similarly effective as insulin. Available data suggest that the efficacy and tolerability of the novel agent, liraglutide, which is adequate for once-a-day administration, are comparable with those of exenatide bis in die.
Effects of transdermal testosterone or oral dydrogesterone on hypoactive sexual desire disorder in transsexual women: results of a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE It has been reported that hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) affects one-third of transsexual women (defined as postoperative male-to-female transsexuals) receiving estrogen replacement whose bioavailable androgen levels are lower than in ovulating women and comparable with those in surgically postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transdermal testosterone treatment and of oral dydrogesterone in transsexual women with HSDD receiving estrogens. METHODS Seven transsexual women with HSDD were treated with a testosterone patch and nine transsexual women with HSDD were treated with oral dydrogesterone over 24 weeks. The primary end point was the change in the brief profile of female sexual function (B-PFSF) score. Secondary end points were changes in hormonal parameters and side effect assessments. RESULTS A significant increase in total testosterone and free testosterone levels was observed in the group receiving transdermal testosterone. At 24 weeks, there was a significant improvement in the B-PFSF score showing an improvement in sexual desire among transsexual women treated with the testosterone patch, whereas no change in the B-PFSF score was observed in transsexual women treated with oral dydrogesterone. No side effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS In this pilot study, sexual desire in transsexual women improved significantly after treatment with the testosterone patch, without noticeable side effects.
Differences in expression and activity of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and 2 in human placentas of term pregnancies according to birth weight and gender.

BACKGROUND Fetal exposure to maternal glucocorticoids may determine fetal growth and the programing of later disorders. Availability of the glucocorticoids in the placenta is regulated by the 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSDs) enzymes. To date, there are discrepancies with regard to cortisol (F) cord blood levels in fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation in different species. Objective To study the expression and activity of 11beta-HSDs in placentas from full term small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) newborns, and cortisol cord blood concentration. METHODS Twenty-five placentas from AGA, 24 SGA and 25 LGA were collected. RESULTS SGA newborns had significantly lower and LGA newborns had significantly higher birth weight, birth length, head circumference, and placental weight than AGA counterparts. We observed a direct correlation between placental weight and birth weight, birth length and head circumference, and higher cord F levels in SGA newborns. The 11beta-HSD1 expression was similar among the SGA, AGA, and LGA placentas. However, within the placentas of SGA newborns, the 11beta-HSD1 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in the chorionic plate compared with basal plate. An inverse correlation between cord F levels and activity of 11beta-HSD1 in the chorionic plate of the SGA placentas was detected. The 11beta-HSD2 activity was seven- to eightfold higher compared with 11beta-HSD1 in the placentas, and there was a lower 11beta-HSD2 activity in females' SGA placentas compared with the male SGA placentas. CONCLUSION We observed a lower expression and activity of 11beta-HSD1 in the chorionic plate of the SGA placentas, suggesting a possible compensatory mechanism to diminish the higher cortisol fetal concentrations observed in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction.
Internal and External Neural Synchronization during Conscious Perception

Binocular rivalry is a useful experimental paradigm to investigate aspects of neocortical dynamics related to conscious perception. Frequency-tagged EEG responses to a sine-flickered visual stimulus were contrasted between episodes of perceptual dominance, i.e., conscious perception of that stimulus and perceptual nondominance, i.e., conscious perception of a rival stimulus presented at a different frequency to the other eye. The amplitude and phase distribution of the stimulus-evoked steady-state responses depended on the stimulus modulation frequency, consistent with the presence of global resonance phenomena. At the apparent global resonance frequency, conscious perception of the stimulus modulated the steady-state response over the entire array of electrodes. These effects were significant at electrodes far from the primary visual cortex, including temporal, central, and frontal electrodes. The phase structure of the steady-state response was also investigated using coherence measures. Coherence between electrodes mostly increased during conscious perception of the stimulus. Analysis of partial coherence, removing stimulus-locked responses, indicated that synchronization of each signal to the stimulus flicker at each electrode and synchronization between signals that vary with respect to the stimulus flicker at each electrode both contribute to observed increases in coherence during conscious perception. These distinct modes of synchronization may reflect two different physiological mechanisms by which sensory signals are integrated across the cerebral cortex during conscious experience.
Rapid communication Dopamine D 2 receptor-mediated modulation of adenosine A 2 A receptor agonist binding within the A 2 AR / D 2 R oligomer framework

The molecular interaction between adenosine A2A and dopamine D2 receptors (A2ARs and D2Rs, respectively) within an oligomeric complex has been postulated to play a pivotal role in the adenosine–dopamine interplay in the central nervous system, in both normal and pathological conditions (e.g. Parkinson’s disease). While the effects of A2AR challenge on D2R functioning have been largely studied, the reverse condition is still unexplored, a fact that might have impact in therapeutics. Here, we aimed to examine in a real-time mode the D2R-mediated allosteric modulation of A2AR binding when an A2AR/D2R oligomer is established. Thus, we synthesized fluorescent A2AR agonists and evaluated, by means of a flow cytometry homogeneous no-wash assay and a real-time fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based approach, the effects on A2AR binding of distinct antiparkinsonian drugs in current clinical use (i.e. pramipexole, rotigotine and apomorphine). Our results provided evidence for the existence of a differential D2R-mediated negative allosteric modulation on A2AR agonist binding that was oligomer-formation dependent, and with apomorphine being the best antiparkinsonian drug attenuating A2AR agonist binding. Overall, the here-developed methods were found valid to explore the ability of drugs acting on D2Rs to modulate A2AR binding, thus serving to facilitate the preliminary selection of D2R-like candidate drugs in the management of Parkinson’s disease. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.