Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Community integration and health-related quality-of-life following acquired brain injury for persons living at home

Abstract Primary objective: To study predictors of community integration (CI) and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) in a sample of Canadian adult, urban, multi-ethnic persons with acquired brain injury (ABI) receiving publicly-funded community services. Hypothesis 1 examined the predictive utility of age, ratings of disability, functioning and cognition for CI and HRQoL. Hypothesis 2 examined the correlation between CI and HRQoL. Research design: Cohort study. Methods and procedures: A convenience sample of community-residing clients completed measures with their care co-ordinators: Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care (RAI-HC), Disability Rating Scale (DRS), Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) and the Quality-of-Life after Brain Injury Instrument (QOLIBRI). Results: Regression analysis showed DRS scores explained significant variance in CIQ and QOLIBRI. Correlations also showed that cognitive skill and ADL/IADL functioning are strongly related to CI and the Daily life and autonomy QOLIBRI sub-scale. The CIQ Total was not correlated with QOLIBRI Total, although there were some significant correlations between the CIQ social sub-scale and QOLIBRI. Conclusions: Lesser degree of disability is a key predictor of greater CI and QoL. The present findings suggest that rehabilitation efforts should focus on minimizing disability and promoting social integration and involvement to avoid adverse long-term effects of ABI for community-resident persons.
Pharmacodynamic Monitoring of Cyclosporin A Reveals Risk of Opportunistic Infections and Malignancies in Renal Transplant Recipients 65 Years and Older

Background: The cohort of senior renal allograft recipients is increasing. Age-related physiologic changes are believed to influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of immunosuppression. Measuring the residual nuclear factor of activated T-cell (NFAT)-regulated gene expression (RGE) is a promising pharmacodynamic tool to individually monitor cyclosporin A (CsA) therapy. Patients and Methods: In stable senior renal allograft recipients (≥65 years), the expression of 3 calcineurin-dependent NFAT-regulated genes (interleukin-2, interferon-γ, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) was measured in whole-blood samples before (C0) and 2 hours (C2) after oral drug intake. Clinical data on opportunistic infections were collected in a clinical observational period of 12 months. Results: Thirty-six senior patients [22 male, median age 70 years (65–77)] were enrolled in this clinical study. Median daily CsA dosage was 150 mg (50–250), CsA C0 concentration 102 mcg/L (range 33–157), and CsA C2 concentration 551 mcg/L (range 254–1228). The NFAT RGE varied between 3% and 37% (median 10%). CsA peak concentrations and inhibition of gene expression correlated significantly (r = −0.737, P < 0.001). NFAT RGE in patients with opportunistic infections including atypical pneumonia, cytomegalovirus and herpes viral infections was lower compared with that in patients without infections [4% (3–13) versus 11% (3–37), P = 0.05], whereas the daily CsA dosage, CsA C0, and CsA C2 concentrations were comparable. Renal allograft function correlated inversely with NFAT RGE. Conclusions: A higher degree of immunosuppression correlated with more infectious complications in a considerable proportion of senior renal allograft recipients treated with standard CsA therapy. Pharmacodynamic monitoring is an approach to individualize immunosuppression and could provide the opportunity to reduce complications caused by infections.
Assessing the potential value for an automated dairy cattle body condition scoring system through stochastic simulation

Purpose - Automated body condition scoring (BCS) through extraction of information from digital images has been demonstrated to be feasible; and commercial technologies are being developed. The primary objective of this research was to identify the factors that influence the potential profitability of investing in an automated BCS system. Design/methodology/approach - An expert opinion survey was conducted to provide estimates for potential improvements associated with technology adoption. A stochastic simulation model of a dairy system, designed to assist dairy producers with investment decisions for precision dairy farming technologies was utilized to perform a net present value (NPV) analysis. Benefits of technology adoption were estimated through assessment of the impact of BCS on the incidence of ketosis, milk fever, and metritis, conception rate at first service, and energy efficiency. Findings - Improvements in reproductive performance had the largest influence on revenues followed by energy efficiency and then by disease reduction. The impact of disease reduction was less than anticipated because the ideal BCS indicated by experts resulted in a simulated increase in the proportion of cows with BCS at calving 3.50. The estimates for disease risks and conception rates, obtained from literature, however, suggested that this increase would result in increased disease incidence. Stochastic variables that had the most influence on NPV were: variable cost increases after technology adoption; the odds ratios for ketosis and milk fever incidence and conception rates at first service associated with varying BCS ranges; uncertainty of the impact of ketosis, milk fever, and metritis on days open, unrealized milk, veterinary costs, labor, and discarded milk; and the change in the percentage of cows with BCS at calving 3.25 before and after technology adoption. The deterministic inputs impacting NPV were herd size, management level, and level of milk production. Investment in this technology may be profitable but results were very herd-specific. A simulation modeling a deterministic 25 percent decrease in the percentage of cows with BCS at calving =3.25 demonstrated a positive NPV in 86.6 percent of 1,000 iterations. Originality/value - This investment decision can be analyzed with input of herd-specific values using this model.
Teaching clinical thinking to first-year medical students

Background: The ability to think clearly and critically is necessary to normal human conduct. Particular forms of reasoning characteristic of practitioners of medicine have been studied, but a principled pedagogical framework that also reflects clinical practice has not been delineated. Aims: The goals are: identify the principles that underlie the clinical thinking of physicians, develop a pedagogical framework, and design and implement curricular modules for medical students in the first year of their studies. Methods: The authors reviewed prior work on clinical thinking of physicians and medical students as well as reflective pieces by seasoned clinicians. They also examined modalities of logic and inference used by physicians and others. The designed modules were implemented at the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University and linked to training in attentive listening and clinical observation. Results: Five core features of a pedagogic framework on clinical thinking were developed and used to design and implement a series of teaching modules for first-year medical students. Conclusions: The core features, and the modules based upon them, can serve for further empirical work on clinical reasoning and lead to modules for advanced students as they progress in their acquisition of expertize.
Mineral Trioxide Aggregate as an Apical Plug in Endodontic Management of Non-Vital Permanent Teeth with Open Apex: A Case Report

Apexification is a widely used technique to manage immature permanent teeth and can be performed either using calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). This paper illustrates a case report of a unsuccessful apexification with Ca (OH)2 of amaxillary incisor that was then treated by an apical barrier made of MTA.
Antimicrobial effect of some natural oils on Bacillus cereus in minced beef

A total of 1800 g fresh minced beef were divided into 6 equal groups (3x100 g of each). Bacilluscereus was inoculated into each group with infective dose 29x107 cfu/g. The used natural oils werethyme oil (0.6% and 1%), cinnamon oil (0.6% and 1%) and mixture of them (0.4 % from each). Theinoculated samples were stored at 4oC in refrigerator until be used. The inoculated groups wereexamined every 24 hours for sensory examination (overall acceptability) and B. cereus count. Theexperiment was performed in triplicate. Thyme oil (0.6 and 1%) decreased count of B. cereus(cfu/g) from 2.2x108(initial load) to 5.8x107and 8.8 x106with reduction percentages 73.63% and96% on 5th day and 6th day of storage, respectively. Cinnamon oil (0.6 and 1 %) decreased count ofB. cereus (cfu/g) to 9.8x107 and 6.1 x107 with reduction percentages 55.45% and 72.27% on 3rd dayand 5th day of storage, respectively. Mixture of (thyme and cinnamon oils) decreased count of B.cereus (cfu/g) to 8.6x106 with reduction percentage 96.09% on 6th day of storage. In control group B.cereus count increased from 2.2x108 (initial load) to 5.1x108 on 3rd day. Furthermore, thyme oil(1%) and mixture treated minced beef showed overall acceptability till 6th day of storage. Incomparison, thyme oil (0.6%) and cinnamon oil (1%) showed overall acceptability till 5th day.While, cinnamon oil (0.6%) and control group showed overall acceptability till 3rd day. Generally,mixture of thyme and cinnamon oils (0.4% of each) proved to be more efficient than otherconcentrations in suppression of B. cereus growth in minced beef, Therefore, It is recommended toimprove safety of the meat products.
Emerging Roles of Redox-Mediated Angiogenesis and Oxidative Stress in Dermatoses

Angiogenesis is the process of new vessel formation, which sprouts from preexisting vessels. This process is highly complex and primarily involves several key steps, including stimulation of endothelial cells by growth factors, degradation of the extracellular matrix by proteolytic enzymes, migration and proliferation of endothelial cells, and capillary tube formation. Currently, it is considered that multiple cytokines play a vital role in this process, which consist of proangiogenic factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factors, and angiopoietins) and antiangiogenic factors (e.g., endostatin, thrombospondin, and angiostatin). Angiogenesis is essential for most physiological events, such as body growth and development, tissue repair, and wound healing. However, uncontrolled neovascularization may contribute to angiogenic disorders. In physiological conditions, the above promoters and inhibitors function in a coordinated way to induce and sustain angiogenesis within a limited period of time. Conversely, the imbalance between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors could cause pathological angiogenesis and trigger several diseases. With insights into the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis, increasing reports have shown that a close relationship exists between angiogenesis and oxidative stress (OS) in both physiological and pathological conditions. OS, an imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant systems, is a cause and consequence of many vascular complains and serves as one of the biomarkers for these diseases. Furthermore, emerging evidence supports that OS and angiogenesis play vital roles in many dermatoses, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and skin tumor. This review summarizes recent findings on the role of OS as a trigger of angiogenesis in skin disorders, highlights newly identified mechanisms, and introduces the antiangiogenic and antioxidant therapeutic strategies.
Integrated Detection Network (IDN) for pose and boundary estimation in medical images

The expanding role of complex object detection algorithms introduces a need for flexible architectures that simplify interfacing with machine learning techniques and offer easy-to-use training and detection procedures. To address this need, the Integrated Detection Network (IDN) proposes a conceptual design for rapid prototyping of object and boundary detection systems. The IDN uses a strong spatial prior present in the medical imaging domain and a large annotated database of images to train robust detectors. The best detection hypotheses are propagated throughout the detection network using sequential sampling techniques. The effectiveness of the IDN is demonstrated on two learning-based algorithms: (1) automatic detection of fetal brain structures in ultrasound volumes, and (2) liver boundary detection in MRI volumes. Modifying the detection pipeline is simple and allows for immediate adaptation to the variations of the desired algorithms. Both systems achieved low detection error (3.09 and 4.20 mm for two brain structures and 2.53 mm for boundary).
Measuring the Risk of Large Losses

Risk management is an important component of the investment process. It requires quantitative measures of risk that provide a metric for the comparison of financial positions. In this expository note we give an overview of risk measures. In particular, we contrast different risk measures with respect to their sensitivity to potentially large losses due to market wide shocks. The industry standard value at risk exhibits many deficiencies. It does not account for the size of the losses and may penalize diversification. We compare value at risk to alternative risk measures including average value at risk and the less well know but superior utility-based shortfall risk.
A study of DFT channel estimator of OFDM systems in non-sample-spaced multi-fading environment

First, we give an overview of channel estimation in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) systems, then analyse Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) algorithm. The received pilot-aided in frequency domain after Least Square (LS) algorithm, is converted to time domain based on Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT). Usually, It consider primary channel energy is in the area of the maximum multipath expansion, but there are noise in these area. Also, there are energy leakage by IDFT, due to non-sample-spaced channel. Thus, we propose a method of computing noisy threshold to minish noise, but reserve primary energy path and leaking path. Notice the engineering application, we consider LTE-Advanced systems. The simulation indicates that, performance of using the method of the aboved-mentioned is effective than conventional algorithm.
A novel rule infusion technique for generating simulated binary data to validate data mining methods

Mathematical analysis of existing data mining methods is not straightforward and in many cases it is not possible. Therefore, simulated data plays a central role in validation of data mining results in a given situation, i.e., noise, missing value and multicollinearity levels. This paper proposes a longitudinal binary data simulation focusing on presentation of the major challenge of infusing user-defined rules. Results of applying Apriori, PRAT, Prism, and JRip rule extraction methods on these simulated data in several missing value levels are presented in this paper. This simulation proved to be essential in verifying data mining results that we have generated on Medical Epidemiological and Social Aspects of Aging (MESA) data set.
Evaluation of health-related quality of life in individuals with vestibular disease using disease-specific and general outcome measures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is a condition-specific health status measure for persons with vestibular disease, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) is a generic health status assessment. The purposes of this study were (1) to describe the relationship between the DHI and the SF-36, (2) to examine the reliability and responsiveness of these measures for persons in a vestibular rehabilitation program, and (3) to compare health-related quality of life between individuals with vestibular disease and the general population. SUBJECTS Ninety-five patients, aged 25 to 88 years (mean = 57.0, SD = 14.9), were assessed. METHODS To determine reliability, 20 subjects completed both questionnaires twice, 24 to 48 hours apart. Thirty-one subjects completed both questionnaires before and after 6 to 8 weeks of vestibular rehabilitation to establish responsiveness. To establish the relationship between the two assessment tools, 95 subjects completed both questionnaires. RESULTS Each test was moderately to highly reliable (intraclass correlation coefficients [2, 1] = .64-.95), but the tests were poorly to moderately correlated to each other (r = .11-.71). The DHI was more responsive to change than the SF-36. The SF-36 scores of individuals were lower than scores of the general population. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION The DHI and the SF-36 provide reliable and responsive measurements, but they appear to provide different information about the health status of patients with vestibular disease. Compared with the general population, patients with vestibular disease had lower scores for health-related quality of life, but these scores improved after 6 to 8 weeks of treatment. Future studies should clarify whether this improved health status is due to vestibular rehabilitation.
Study on the Force and Potential for the Vortex Motion Around the Concave Film Edge by the Numerical Calculation

We studied the force and potential for the vortex around moat corner as an example of the concave edge of the superconducting film by the numerical calculation method. Vortex behavior is one of the significant factors that determine the characteristics of superconducting devices. In some simple cases, such as a straight line with a constant width, the potential for the vortex can be calculated analytically using the method of images. On the other hand, it is difficult to apply such method to arbitrary-shaped films, for example, constricted nanobridges, and moats in single-flux-quantum circuits. Control of the vortex motion is very important for such devices. We have been studying the vortex behavior by numerical calculation using the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau equation. Vortex around the straight edge moved to the moat and accelerated with a trajectory vertical to the edge. On the other hand, vortex around the corner (concave edge) moved to the moat avoiding the corner. We calculated the force and potential distribution for the vortex inside the superconducting film. The force acting to the vortex was found to be smaller around the corner compared with that around the moat side. Such behavior was understood by the difference of the vortex distortion.
Total laparoscopic liver resection in 78 patients.

AIM To summarize the clinical experience of laparoscopic hepatectomy at a single center. METHODS Between November 2003 and March 2009, 78 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 39), metastatic liver carcinoma (n = 10), and benign liver neoplasms (n = 29) underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy in our unit. A retrospective analysis was done on the clinical outcomes of the 78 patients. RESULTS The lesions were located in segments I (n = 3), II (n = 16), III (n = 24), IV (n = 11), V (n = 11), VI (n = 9), and VIII (n = 4). The lesion sizes ranged from 0.8 to 15 cm. The number of lesions was three (n = 4), two (n = 8) and one (n = 66) in the study cohort. The surgical procedures included left hemi-hepatectomy (n = 7), left lateral lobectomy (n = 14), segmentectomy (n = 11), local resection (n = 39), and resection of metastatic liver lesions during laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer (n = 7). Laparoscopic liver resection was successful in all patients, with no conversion to open procedures. Only four patients received blood transfusion (400-800 mL). There were no perioperative complications, such as bleeding and biliary leakage. The liver function of all patients recovered within 1 wk, and no liver failure occurred. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic hepatectomy is a safe and feasible operation with minimal surgical trauma. It should be performed by a surgeon with sufficient experience in open hepatic resection and who is proficient in laparoscopy.
Mortality Effects of a Copper Smelter Strike and Reduced Ambient Sulfate Particulate Matter Air Pollution

Background Numerous studies have reported associations between fine particulate and sulfur oxide air pollution and human mortality. Yet there continues to be concern that public policy efforts to improve air quality may not produce actual improvement in human health. Objectives This study retrospectively explored a natural experiment associated with a copper smelter strike from 15 July 1967 through the beginning of April 1968. Methods In the 1960s, copper smelters accounted for approximately 90% of all sulfate emissions in the four Southwest states of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. Over the 8.5-month strike period, a regional improvement in visibility accompanied an approximately 60% decrease in concentrations of suspended sulfate particles. We collected monthly mortality counts for 1960–1975 and analyzed them using Poisson regression models. Results The strike-related estimated percent decrease in mortality was 2.5% (95% confidence interval, 1.1–4.0%), based on a Poisson regression model that controlled for time trends, mortality counts in bordering states, and nationwide mortality counts for influenza/pneumonia, cardiovascular, and other respiratory deaths. Conclusions These results contribute to the growing body of evidence that ambient sulfate particulate matter and related air pollutants are adversely associated with human health and that the reduction in this pollution can result in reduced mortality.
Distinct Mutation Pathways of Non-Subtype B HIV-1 during In Vitro Resistance Selection with Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

ABSTRACT Studies were conducted to investigate mutation pathways among subtypes A, B, and C of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) during resistance selection with nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) in cell culture under low-multiplicity of infection (MOI) conditions. The results showed that distinct pathways were selected by different virus subtypes under increasing selective pressure of NNRTIs. F227C and Y181C were the major mutations selected by MK-4965 in subtype A and C viruses during resistance selection. With efavirenz (EFV), F227C and V106M were the major mutations responsible for viral breakthrough in subtype A viruses, whereas a single pathway (G190A/V106M) accounted for mutation development in subtype C viruses. Y181C was the dominant mutation in the resistance selection with etravirine (ETV) in subtype A, and E138K/H221Y were the mutations detected in the breakthrough viruses from subtype C viruses with ETV. In subtype B viruses, on the other hand, known NNRTI-associated mutations (e.g., Y181C, P236L, L100I, V179D, and K103N) were selected by the NNRTIs. The susceptibility of the subtype A and B mutant viruses to NNRTIs was determined in order to gain insight into the potential mechanisms of mutation development. Collectively, these results suggest that minor differences may exist in conformation of the residues within the NNRTI binding pocket (NNRTIBP) of reverse transcriptase (RT) among the three subtypes of viruses. Thus, the interactions between NNRTIs and the residues in the NNRTIBPs of different subtypes may not be identical, leading to distinct mutation pathways during resistance selection in cell culture.