Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mild cognitive dysfunction of caregivers and its association with care recipients’ end-of-life plans and preferences

Little is known about the association between cognitive dysfunction among informal caregivers and patients’ plans and preferences for patients’ end of life care. We report on the frequency of cognitive dysfunction among both patients and caregivers and examine associations between caregivers’ cognitive screening scores and end of life plans and preferences of patients with advanced cancer. The current sample was derived from a National Cancer Institute- and National Institute of Mental Health-funded study of patients with distant metastasis who had disease progression on at least first-line chemotherapy, and their informal caregivers (n = 550 pairs). The Pfeiffer Short Portable Mental Status, a validated cognitive screen, was administered to patients and caregivers. Patients were interviewed about their end of life plans and preferences. Logistic regression models regressed patients’ advance care planning and treatment preferences on caregivers’ cognitive screen scores. Patients’ cognitive screen scores were included as covariates. Most caregivers (55%) were spouses. Almost 30% of patients scored worse on the cognitive screen than their caregivers and 12% of caregivers scored worse than the patients. For each additional error that caregivers made on the cognitive screen, patients were more likely (AOR = 1.59, p = 0.002) to report that they preferred that everything possible be done to keep them alive and were less likely (AOR = 0.75, p = 0.04) to have a living will or a health care proxy/durable power of attorney. Worse caregiver cognitive screening scores were associated with higher likelihood of patients’ reporting that they wanted everything done to save their lives and a lower likelihood of having a living will or other type of advanced care plan. Future studies should confirm these findings in other populations and determine the mechanisms that may underlie the identified relationships.
Rhythm measures with language-independent segmentation

We compare 15 measures of speech rhythm based on an automatic segmentation of speech into vowel­like and consonant­like regions. This allows us to apply identical segmentation criteria to all languages and to compute rhythm measures over a large corpus. It may also approximate more closely the segmentation available to pre­lexical infants, who apparently can discriminate between languages. We find that within­language variation is large and comparable to the
Another Tale of Two Cities: Understanding Human Activity Space Using Actively Tracked Cellphone Location Data

Activity space is an important concept in geography. Recent advancements of location-aware technologies have generated many useful spatiotemporal data sets for studying human activity space for large populations. In this article, we use two actively tracked cellphone location data sets that cover a weekday to characterize people's use of space in Shanghai and Shenzhen, China. We introduce three mobility indicators (daily activity range, number of activity anchor points, and frequency of movements) to represent the major determinants of individual activity space. By applying association rules in data mining, we analyze how these indicators of an individual's activity space can be combined with each other to gain insights of mobility patterns in these two cities. We further examine spatiotemporal variations of aggregate mobility patterns in these two cities. Our results reveal some distinctive characteristics of human activity space in these two cities: (1) A high percentage of people in Shenzhen have a relatively short daily activity range, whereas people in Shanghai exhibit a variety of daily activity ranges; (2) people with more than one activity anchor point tend to travel further but less frequently in Shanghai than in Shenzhen; (3) Shenzhen shows a significant north–south contrast of activity space that reflects its urban structure; and (4) travel distance in both cities is shorter around noon than in regular work hours, and a large percentage of movements around noon are associated with individual home locations. This study indicates the benefits of analyzing actively tracked cellphone location data for gaining insights of human activity space in different cities.
A 1 MHz bandwidth, filtering continuous-time delta-sigma ADC with 36 dBFS out-of-band IIP3 and 76 dB SNDR

The high dynamic range of CTΔΣMs used in wireless receivers, needed to accommodate large out-of-band interferers, can be reduced by using a filter up front. Embedding the filter inside the modulator loop is more power efficient. Prior work has embedded a Tow-Thomas biquad inside the ADC. We show that using a Rauch filter instead yields higher out-of-band linearity (for the same power dissipation) due to the passive-RC filtering inherent in the Rauch structure. The theory is borne out by measurements from a 1 MHz bandwidth CTΔΣM with an embedded second-order Rauch filter, achieving 76 dB SNDR and 36 dBFS out-of-band IIP3 while consuming 2.2 mW in a 65 nm CMOS process1.
Genetic susceptibility markers for a breast-colorectal cancer phenotype: Exploratory results from genome-wide association studies

Background Clustering of breast and colorectal cancer has been observed within some families and cannot be explained by chance or known high-risk mutations in major susceptibility genes. Potential shared genetic susceptibility between breast and colorectal cancer, not explained by high-penetrance genes, has been postulated. We hypothesized that yet undiscovered genetic variants predispose to a breast-colorectal cancer phenotype. Methods To identify variants associated with a breast-colorectal cancer phenotype, we analyzed genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from cases and controls that met the following criteria: cases (n = 985) were women with breast cancer who had one or more first- or second-degree relatives with colorectal cancer, men/women with colorectal cancer who had one or more first- or second-degree relatives with breast cancer, and women diagnosed with both breast and colorectal cancer. Controls (n = 1769), were unrelated, breast and colorectal cancer-free, and age- and sex- frequency-matched to cases. After imputation, 6,220,060 variants were analyzed using the discovery set and variants associated with the breast-colorectal cancer phenotype at P<5.0E-04 (n = 549, at 60 loci) were analyzed for replication (n = 293 cases and 2,103 controls). Results Multiple correlated SNPs in intron 1 of the ROBO1 gene were suggestively associated with the breast-colorectal cancer phenotype in the discovery and replication data (most significant; rs7430339, Pdiscovery = 1.2E-04; rs7429100, Preplication = 2.8E-03). In meta-analysis of the discovery and replication data, the most significant association remained at rs7429100 (P = 1.84E-06). Conclusion The results of this exploratory analysis did not find clear evidence for a susceptibility locus with a pleiotropic effect on hereditary breast and colorectal cancer risk, although the suggestive association of genetic variation in the region of ROBO1, a potential tumor suppressor gene, merits further investigation.
Augmentation of major histocompatibility complex class I and ICAM‐1 expression on glial cells following measles virus infection: Evidence for the role of type‐1 interferon

An intracellular staining procedure for the cytoskeletal marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein of astrocytes, has been developed which allows flow cytometric phenotyping of astrocytes within complex mixtures of glial cells. Employing this technique, we show here that measles virus infection of rat mixed glial cell cultures results in a rapid augmentation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and ICAM‐1 on the majority of astrocytes in culture. MHC class I levels are increased on macrophages/microglia but ICAM‐1 expression is not normally affected on this cell type. Some MHC class II induction is also observed after virus infection but only on astrocytes. A type‐I interferon (IFN)‐inducible protein, Mx, was identified in cultured glial cells after infection. Qualitatively comparable MHC class I and ICAM‐1 enhancement after addition of type‐I IFN, supports the conclusion that this cytokine(s) released as a result of virus infection, is responsible for alterations in the expression of molecules on glial cells, that are involved in T cell recognition. Astrocytes after viral infection were more susceptible to alloantigen‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity was substantially reduced in the presence of mAb specific for MHC class I, ICAM‐1 and LFA‐1 but not MHC class II. The relevance of these findings to T cell recognition of virus‐infected cells in the central nervous system is discussed.
Usefulness of a Novel Mobile Diabetes Prevention Program Delivery Platform With Human Coaching: 65-Week Observational Follow-Up

Background It is widely recognized that the prevalence of obesity and comorbidities including prediabetes and type 2 diabetes continue to increase worldwide. Results from a 24-week Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) fully mobile pilot intervention were previously published showing promising evidence of the usefulness of DPP-based eHealth interventions on weight loss. Objective This pilot study extends previous findings to evaluate weight loss results of core (up to week 16) and maintenance (postcore weeks) DPP interventions at 65 weeks from baseline. Methods Originally, 140 participants were invited and 43 overweight or obese adult participants with a diagnosis of prediabetes signed up to receive a 24-week virtual DPP with human coaching through a mobile platform. At 65 weeks, this pilot study evaluates weight loss and engagement in maintenance participants by means of repeated measures analysis of variances and backward multiple linear regression to examine predictors of weight loss. Last observation carried forward was used for endpoint measurements. Results At 65 weeks, mean weight loss was 6.15% in starters who read 1 or more lessons per week on 4 or more core weeks, 7.36% in completers who read 9 or more lessons per week on core weeks, and 8.98% in maintenance completers who did any action in postcore weeks (all P<.001). Participants were highly engaged, with 80% (47/59) of the sample completing 9 lessons or more and 69% (32/47) of those completing the maintenance phase. In-app actions related to self-monitoring significantly predicted weight loss. Conclusions In comparison to eHealth programs, this pilot study shows that a fully mobile DPP can produce transformative weight loss. A fully mobile DPP intervention resulted in significant weight loss and high engagement during the maintenance phase, providing evidence for long-term potential as an alternative to in-person DPP by removing many of the barriers associated with in-person and other forms of virtual DPP.
Differential Changes in Expression of Gap Junction Proteins Connexin 26 and 32 during Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats

We examined expressions of the gap junction proteins, connexin 26 (C×26) and 32 (C×32), in preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions during rat hepatocarcinogenesis. A marked reduction in the numher of C×32‐positive gap junctions was observed in 17% of the glutathione S‐transferase placental form‐positive foci, whereas 44% of the foci showed increased expression of C×26. Most hyperplastic nodules exhibited decreased expression of C×32, whereas 16% of the nodules showed increased expression of C×26. In hepatocellular carcinomas, expressions of both C×32 and C×26 were significantly reduced. These results suggest that the expressions of C×32 and 26 are differentially regulated during hepatocarcinogenesis, and that the decrease in C×32 expression occurs earlier, whereas reduction in C×26 expression occurs later in association with promotion and progression of carcinogenesis.
A statistical characterization of on-body fading using the shadowed к-μ fading model

In this paper we investigate the received signal characteristics of on-body communications channels at 2.45 GHz. The hypothetical body area network configuration considered a transmitter node situated on the person's left waist and receiving nodes positioned on the head, knee and wrist of the person's right side. The on-body channel measurements were performed in both anechoic and reverberant environments while the person was moving. It was found that the recently proposed shadowed κ-μ fading model provided an excellent fit to the measured data.
Effects of microRNA ‐ 20 a on the proliferation , migration and apoptosis of multiple myeloma via the PTEN / PI 3 K / AKT signaling pathway

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous disease with a poor prognosis. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have shown potential as non-invasive prognostic biomarkers for heterogeneous diseases. miR-20a has been shown involved in various human cancers, and the phosphatase and tensin homolog/phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PTEN/P13K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a key role in cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Here, we investigated the effect of miR-20a on the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway during MM cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect miR-20a expression in plasma from 30 MM patients and MM cell lines. CCK-8 assays, Transwell assays, Annexin V/PI double-staining and western blotting were performed to examine the protein expressions of PTEN, PI3K and Akt during cellullar proliferation, migration, cycling, and apoptosis. Significant upregulation of miR-20a and deregulation of PTEN were observed in MM cells. We also identified PTEN as a downstream target gene of miR-20a, which bound to the 3'-untranslated region of PTEN. Overexpression of miR-20a was associated with decreased PTEN expression, and treatment with miR-20a inhibitors decreased cell proliferation, migration and clonogenicity and reduced the protein expressions of PI3K and p-Akt but increased PTEN protein expression compared with blank and negative control groups. Taken together, these results showed that inhibition of miR-20a suppresses MM progression by modulating the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These findings suggest that miR‐20a may be a novel molecular therapeutic target for the treatment of MM.
Push-out strength of methacrylate resin-based sealers to root canal walls.

AIM To assess the push-out strength of Epiphany SE, Epiphany and Hybrid Root SEAL to the dentine walls of root canals. METHODOLOGY Sixty roots of canines were prepared and distributed to six groups (n = 10) according to the filling material: GI - Epiphany SE, GII - Epiphany primer and sealer, GIII - Epiphany primer, sealer and resinous solvent, GIV - Clearfil DC Bond and Epiphany sealer, GV - Clearfil, Epiphany sealer and solvent and GVI - Hybrid Root SEAL. Resilon cones were used in all groups. Roots were sectioned transversally to obtain three slices from each third. One slice was subjected to the push-out test (MPa), and results were analysed by anova and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). The other two slices were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Failure mode was also analysed. RESULTS A statistically significant difference (P <0.05) occurred between Hybrid Root SEAL (5.27 +/- 2.07) and the other materials, GI (0.40 +/- 0.23), GII (0.78 +/- 0.45), GIII (0.57 +/- 0.28), GIV (0.40 +/- 0.24) and GV (0.50 +/- 0.41), which did not differ significantly from each other (P > 0.05). Adhesive failures predominated in groups I, II, IV and V, whilst mixed and cohesive failures were the most frequent in groups III and VI, respectively. There were gaps in the adhesive interface of GI and GII, continuity areas of the filling material with dentine in GIV and GV and good adaptation of the interface of GVI. CONCLUSION Hybrid Root SEAL had greater push-out strength to root canal dentine than Epiphany SE and Epiphany. The use of primer, solvent and adhesive system did not influence the adhesion of Epiphany.
Association of maternal diseases during pregnancy with the risk of single ventricular septal defects in the offspring – a population-based case-control study

Abstract Objective: In general, the analytical epidemiological studies evaluated cases with congenital heart defects (CHDs) together. However, different CHD entities have different etiology, and in the vast majority of patients the underlying causes are unclear. Thus the objective of the study was to evaluate the possible etiological factors in the origin of single ventricular septal defect (VSD) after surgical intervention or lethal outcome, i.e. as homogeneous as possible. Method: In the population-based large dataset of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities acute and chronic maternal diseases with related drug treatments and pregnancy supplements in early pregnancy were evaluated in the mothers of 1661 cases with isolated/single VSD and their 2534 matched and 38 151 all controls without defect, and 19 833 malformed controls with other isolated non-cardiac defect. Results: There was a higher risk of VSD in the children of mothers with high fever related influenza during the critical period of VSD and this risk was limited by antifever therapy. In addition paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and epilepsy treated with anticonvulsant drugs associated with higher risk of VSD. Finally, the high doses of folic acid alone in early pregnancy. Conclusions: High-fever-related maternal diseases may have a role in the origin of VSD which is preventable with antifever drug therapy, and the high doses of folic acid in early pregnancy reduced the risk of VSD.
Interventional procedures for atherothrombosis: pathology of retrieved material

The clinical approach to atherosclerotic disease has dramatically changed, thanks to the recent improvements in interventional revascularisation procedures.w1 The mechanical relief of arterial obstruction through the introduction of a catheter into the arterial system to alleviate symptoms and reduce ischaemia and to prevent necrosis has been applied to all the important arterial networks: carotid, coronary and peripheral arteries. Removing the plaque and thrombus through an endovascular catheter without a surgical operation has offered a unique opportunity to obtain and study the retrieved material and to make clinicopathological correlations, thus allowing a better understanding of the atherothrombotic phenomenon. The target of non-surgical percutaneous interventional procedures is to debulk obstructed arteries. This result can be achieved through different approaches and mechanisms. Catheter-based procedures for revascularisation can be divided into two different groups according to the main mechanism responsible for restoration of blood flow.
CASSANDRA: a simulation-based, decision-support tool for energy market stakeholders

Energy gives personal comfort to people, and is essential for the generation of commercial and societal wealth. Nevertheless, energy production and consumption place considerable pressures on the environment, such as the emission of green-house gases and air pollutants. They contribute to climate change, damage natural ecosystems and the man-made environment, and cause adverse effects to human health. Lately, novel market schemes emerge, such as the formation and operation of customer coalitions aiming to improve their market power through the pursuit of common benefits. In this paper we present CASSANDRA, an open source1, expandable software platform for modelling the demand side of power systems, focusing on small scale consumers. The structural elements of the platform are a) the electrical installations (i.e. households, commercial stores, small industries etc.), b) the respective appliances installed, and c) the electrical consumption-related activities of the people residing in the installations. CASSANDRA serves as a tool for simulation of real demand-side environments providing decision support for energy market stakeholders. The ultimate goal of the CASSANDRA simulation functionality is the identification of good practices that lead to energy efficiency, clustering electric energy consumers according to their consumption patterns, and the studying consumer change behaviour when presented with various demand response programs.
The management of primary chronic subdural haematoma: a questionnaire survey of practice in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland

A wide range of treatment modalities are employed in the treatment of chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH). A rational and evidence-based treatment strategy has the potential to optimise treatment for the individual patient and save resources. The aim of this study was to survey aspects of current practice in the UK and Ireland. A 1-page postal questionnaire addressing the treatment of primary (i.e. not recurrent) CSDH was sent to consultant SBNS members in March 2006. There were 112 responses from 215 questionnaires (52%). The preferred surgical technique was burr hole drainage (92%). Most surgeons prefer not to place a drain, with 27% never using one and 58% using drain only in one-quarter of cases or less. Only 11% of surgeons always place a drain, and only 30% place one in 75% of cases or more. The closed subdural-to-external drainage was most commonly used (91%) with closed subgaleal-to-external and subdural-to-peritoneal conduit used less often (3 and 4%, respectively). Only 5% of responders claimed to know the exact recurrence rate. The average perceived recurrence rate among the surgeons that never use drains and those who always use drains, was the same (both 11%). Most operations are performed by registrars (77%). Postoperative imaging is requested routinely by 32% of respondents and 57% of surgeons prescribe bed rest. Ninety four per cent surgeons employ conservative management in less than one-quarter of cases. Forty-two per cent of surgeons never prescribe steroids, 55% prescribe them to those managed conservatively. This survey demonstrates that there are diverse practices in the management of CSDH. This may be because of sufficiently persuasive evidence either does not exist or is not always taken into account. The current literature provides Class II and III evidence and there is a need for randomized studies to address the role of external drainage, steroids and postoperative bed rest.
Assessment and management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Australian general practice.

BACKGROUND Dispensing data suggest potential issues with the quality use of medicines for airways disease. OBJECTIVE The objective of this article was to describe the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in general practice, and investigate the appropriateness of prescribing. METHODS The method used for this study consisted of a national cross‑sectional survey of 91 Australian general practitioners (GPs) participating in the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health (BEACH) program. RESULTS Data were available for 2589 patients (288 asthma; 135 COPD). For the patients with asthma, GPs classified asthma as well controlled in 76.4%; 54.3% were prescribed inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), mostly (84.9%) as combination therapy, and mostly at moderate-high dose; only 26.3% had a written action plan. GPs classified COPD as mild for 42.9%. Most patients with COPD (60.9%) were prescribed combination ICS therapy and 36.7% were prescribed triple therapy. DISCUSSION There were substantial differences between guideline-based and GP- recorded assessment and prescription for asthma and COPD. Further research is needed to improve care and optimise patient outcomes with scarce health resources.