Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A New Approach Combining Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and CRRT for Adults: A Retrospective Study

Purpose This study aimed to assess a new approach combining venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in adults, while monitoring CRRT circuit pressures. Methods The inlet and outlet of the CRRT circuit were connected to preoxygenator port and postoxygenator port, respectively. Then, complications and CRRT circuit pressures were evaluated. Results 7 patients underwent combined VA-ECMO and CRRT; 16 filters were used. CRRT blood flow ranged from 150 to 200 mL/min; the CRRT to ECMO blood flow ratio was <0.1. The CRRT pressures at treatment initiation were normal. No complications were reported. Conclusions This approach combining VA-ECMO and CRRT in adults did not compromise the accuracy of pressure monitoring systems for CRRT circuit function, and caused no complications. Hence, it may be a feasible method for performing combined VA-ECMO and CRRT in adults.
Incapacity to pay or moral hazard? Public mortgage delinquency rates in Chile

High delinquency rate of publicly provided mortgages in social housing programmes are often interpreted to be due to moral hazard. In this article we show that the typically used parametric approaches give misleading results because of overlooked confounding and selection biases. We show that using the more appropriate impact or treatment nonparametric approach the problem of high delinquency rate in publicly provided mortgages is due to the incapacity to pay and not due to moral hazard. The results caution against public policies to encourage private mortgage providers to move down market, and suggest eliminating mortgages and correspondingly increasing the grant component of the programmes.
Plasmodium falciparum Gametocyte Development 1 (Pfgdv1) and Gametocytogenesis Early Gene Identification and Commitment to Sexual Development

Malaria transmission requires the production of male and female gametocytes in the human host followed by fertilization and sporogonic development in the mosquito midgut. Although essential for the spread of malaria through the population, little is known about the initiation of gametocytogenesis in vitro or in vivo. Using a gametocyte-defective parasite line and genetic complementation, we show that Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte development 1 gene (Pfgdv1), encoding a peri-nuclear protein, is critical for early sexual differentiation. Transcriptional analysis of Pfgdv1 negative and positive parasite lines identified a set of gametocytogenesis early genes (Pfge) that were significantly down-regulated (>10 fold) in the absence of Pfgdv1 and expression was restored after Pfgdv1 complementation. Progressive accumulation of Pfge transcripts during successive rounds of asexual replication in synchronized cultures suggests that gametocytes are induced continuously during asexual growth. Comparison of Pfge gene transcriptional profiles in patient samples divided the genes into two groups differing in their expression in mature circulating gametocytes and providing candidates to evaluate gametocyte induction and maturation separately in vivo. The expression profile of one of the early gametocyte specific genes, Pfge1, correlated significantly with asexual parasitemia, which is consistent with the ongoing induction of gametocytogenesis during asexual growth observed in vitro and reinforces the need for sustained transmission-blocking strategies to eliminate malaria.
Optical coherence evaluation of everolimus-eluting stents 8 months after implantation

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate detailed vessel response after everolimus-eluting stents (EES) implantation in human de novo coronary lesions by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Design, setting and patients Between November 2008 and October 2009, 25 patients (14 men, 65.5±8.6 years) with de novo native coronary artery lesions were implanted with 30 EES, and OCT was performed at 8 months post-implantation. Main outcome measures Neointimal thickness (NIT) on each strut, strut apposition to the vessel wall, the frequency of struts surrounded by low intensity area and the incidence of intra-stent thrombus were analysed. To evaluate the radial unevenness of NIT, the difference between the maximum and minimum NIT (dNT) was calculated for each cross-section. Results At 236±39 days after implantation, there were no major adverse cardiac events, nor target vessel revascularisation. A total of 5931 struts was evaluated by OCT. The median NIT was 80 μm (25th and 75th percentile 50 μm and 140 μm) and average NIT was 100±74 μm. The number of neointima-covered struts was 5834 (98.4%), and 31 (0.52%) struts showed malapposition without neointimal coverage. The number of struts surrounded by low intensity area was 452 (7.62%). Eleven EES (37%) showed full neointimal coverage. No intra-stent thrombus was detected. The average dNT was 108±77 μm. Conclusions Most EES struts were covered with uniform and thin neointima. The frequency of low-intensity neointima was very low, which may be a result of promoted vessel healing. These results may support improved clinical outcomes with EES in clinical trials.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Cefazolin in Serum and Adipose Tissue From Overweight and Obese Women Undergoing Cesarean Delivery

The optimal antibiotic prophylaxis dosing regimen of cefazolin for cesarean delivery (CD) in overweight and obese women is unknown. This study was done to compare the duration that cefazolin concentrations remain above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in adipose tissue (AT). Serum and AT concentrations from 3 previous studies in CD patients were comodeled using the nonparametric adaptive grid algorithm in Pmetrics. AT concentrations for 5000 overweight and obese patients receiving 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐g cefazolin regimens were simulated to calculate the probability that free drug concentrations remained above an MIC of 2 μg/mL at 1, 1.5, and 2 hours after administration. Sixty‐seven patients (mean body mass index 38.7 kg/m2; range 25.5‐55.8 kg/m2) provided data. A 2‐compartment model with 1 of the compartments representing AT fit the data best. Final model parameters were clearance 7.38 ± 5.34 L/h, volume of central compartment 11.8±9.36 L, and AT volume of distribution 80.12 ± 55.47 L. The mean±SD (median) penetration ratio of cefazolin into AT was 0.81 ± 2.06 (0.62). At 1.5 and 2 hours, 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐g regimens achieved AT concentrations above the MIC in 71.2%, 92.4%, and 94.7%, and 55.7%, 86.8%, and 91.7%, respectively, of simulated patients. Cefazolin achieved good penetration into AT. Because CD duration is commonly less than 1.5 hours, a 2‐g dose has a high probability of providing AT concentrations above the target pathogens’ MIC for overweight and obese females. A second dose may be considered for longer surgeries.
The pros and cons of computing the h-index using Web of Science

Purpose – The purpose of this paper, the fourth in a series, is to discuss the pros and cons of the h‐index in the Web of Science (WoS). Design/methodology/approach – The paper looks at the content and software advantages and disadvantages of WoS from the perspective of calculating the h‐index as a single measure of published research output and influence at the individual researcher level.Findings – The paper finds that there are notable similarities and differences between WoS and Scopus, and that any WoS edition has a unique and important feature. As opposed to other cited reference enhanced databases, WoS always includes all the cited references for every record created, irrespective of the publication year.Originality/value – The paper provides insights into the advantages and disadvantages of WoS from the perspective of calculating the h‐index.
Expression pattern of Wif1 and β-catenin during development of anorectum in fetal rats with anorectal malformations

Purpose This study was performed to investigate the expression pattern of Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (Wif1) and β-catenin during anorectal development in normal and anorectal malformation (ARM) embryos and the possible role of Wif1 and β-catenin in the pathogenesis of ARM. Methods ARM was induced with ethylenethiourea on the 10th gestational day in rat embryos. Cesarean deliveries were performed to harvest the embryos. The expression pattern of Wif1 and β-catenin protein and mRNA was evaluated in normal rat embryos (n = 288) and ARM rat embryos (n = 306) from GD13 to GD16 using immunohistochemical staining, Western blot, and real time RT-PCR. Results Immunohistochemical staining revealed that in normal embryos Wif1 was constantly expressed in the cloaca from GD13 to GD16. On GD13 and GD14, Wif1-immunopositive cells were extensively expressed in the cloaca. On GD15, the expression of Wif1 were mainly detected on the very thin anal membrane. In ARM embryos, the epithelium of the hindgut and urorectal septum demonstrated faint immunostaining for Wif1 from GD14 to GD16. Western blot and real time RT-PCR revealed that Wif1 and β-catenin protein and mRNA expression level was significantly decreased in the ARM groups compared with the normal group on GD14 and GD15 (p < 0.05). Conclusions This study demonstrated that the expression pattern of Wif1 and β-catenin was disrupted in ARM embryos during anorectal morphogenesis, which demonstrated that downregulation of Wif1 and β-catenin at the time of cloacal separation into the primitive rectum and urogenital septum might related to the development of ARM.
Current Public Knowledge Pertaining to Traumatic Brain Injury: Influence of Demographic Factors, Social Trends, and Sport Concussion Experience on the Understanding of Traumatic Brain Injury Sequelae

Objective The current study aimed to assess current broad traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related knowledge in the general public, as well as understanding regarding specific TBI-related conditions including post-concussive syndrome (PCS) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Methods Data were collected from 307 domestic and 73 international individuals via online researcher-developed survey instrumentation utilizing the Amazon Mechanical Turk marketplace, a recently developed website that allows for a streamlined process of survey-based participant recruitment and data collection. Participants completed background demographics questions, a 31-item true/false questionnaire pertaining to TBI-related knowledge, and an inquiry related to willingness to allow (future) child(ren) to participate in several popular U.S. sports. Results The overall accuracy rate of our U.S. sample was 61%. No accuracy differences were present for gender or geographic region (p's > .05). Participants who self-reported a prior concussion diagnosis, who reported receiving formal concussion training, and who endorsed participation in collegiate, semi-professional, or professional athletic competition, all exhibited lower accuracy rates than the respective comparison groups (p's < .001). Finally, individual item analysis revealed the presence of significant misconceptions pertaining to PCS and CTE. Conclusions Misconceptions regarding TBI remain highly prevalent within the general public and may be explained, to some extent, by inefficiencies in current TBI-education practices. Moreover, misconceptions regarding PCS and CTE are also prevalent and likely reflect inconsistencies in the scientific literature, coupled with misleading media reports. To combat these trends, greater emphasis must be placed on construct definition within the field and streamlined, efficient communication with the general public.
TrkB binds and tyrosine-phosphorylates Tiam1, leading to activation of Rac1 and induction of changes in cellular morphology

Small GTPases of the Rho family play key roles in the formation of neuronal axons and dendrites by transducing signals from guidance cues, such as neurotrophins, to the actin cytoskeleton. However, there is little insight into the mechanism by which neurotrophins regulate Rho GTPases. Here, we show the crucial role of the ubiquitous Rac1-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Tiam1 (T lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1), in transducing a neurotrophin-mediated change in cell shape. We demonstrate that BDNF, acting through TrkB, directly binds and specifically activates Tiam1 by phosphorylating Tyr-829, leading to Rac1 activation and lamellipodia formation in Cos-7 cells and increased neurite outgrowth from cortical neurons. A point mutation in Tiam1, Tyr-829 to Phe-829, blocked these BDNF-induced changes in cellular morphology. The findings are evidence of a previously uncharacterized mechanism for the activation of Tiam1 and of a role for this effector in neurotrophin-mediated signal transduction leading to changes in cellular morphology.
Contributions of local speech encoding and functional connectivity to audio-visual speech perception

Seeing a speaker’s face enhances speech intelligibility in adverse environments. We investigated the underlying network mechanisms by quantifying local speech representations and directed connectivity in MEG data obtained while human participants listened to speech of varying acoustic SNR and visual context. During high acoustic SNR speech encoding by temporally entrained brain activity was strong in temporal and inferior frontal cortex, while during low SNR strong entrainment emerged in premotor and superior frontal cortex. These changes in local encoding were accompanied by changes in directed connectivity along the ventral stream and the auditory-premotor axis. Importantly, the behavioral benefit arising from seeing the speaker’s face was not predicted by changes in local encoding but rather by enhanced functional connectivity between temporal and inferior frontal cortex. Our results demonstrate a role of auditory-frontal interactions in visual speech representations and suggest that functional connectivity along the ventral pathway facilitates speech comprehension in multisensory environments. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.24763. 001
Workplace‐Based Interventions for Neck Pain in Office Workers: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Background At present, there is no consolidated evidence for workplace‐based interventions for the prevention and reduction of neck pain in office workers. Purpose The purpose of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of workplace‐based interventions for neck pain in office workers. Data Sources MEDLINE, PEDro, CINAHL, and CENTRAL were searched for trials published since inception and before May 31, 2016. Study Selection Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered when they met the following criteria: population consisted of office workers, intervention(s) was performed at the workplace, outcome measures included neck and/or neck/shoulder pain intensity and incidence/prevalence, and comparator groups included no/other intervention. Data Extraction Data were extracted by 1 reviewer using predefined data fields and checked by a second reviewer. Risk of bias was assessed by 2 independent reviewers using the 2015 Cochrane Back and Neck Group guidelines. Evidence quality was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Data Synthesis Twenty‐seven RCTs were included. There was moderate‐quality evidence that neck/shoulder strengthening exercises and general fitness training were effective in reducing neck pain in office workers who were symptomatic, although the effect size was larger for strengthening exercises. Greater effects were observed with greater participation in exercise. Ergonomic interventions were supported by low‐quality evidence. Limitations Data could not be obtained from some studies for meta‐analysis and assessment of risk of bias. Reporting bias might have been present because only studies in the English language were included. Conclusions Workplace‐based strengthening exercises were effective in reducing neck pain in office workers who were symptomatic, and the effect size was larger when the exercises were targeted to the neck/shoulder. Future RCTs of ergonomic interventions targeted at office workers who are symptomatic are required. More research on neck pain prevention is warranted.
9 – Characterisation using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)

Publisher Summary Surface chemistry, topography, and mechanical properties all influence biological response to materials. This chapter introduces the techniques of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), which provide complementary information on the chemistry of surfaces. Examples presented in the chapter are chosen from the literature on biomaterials production and characterization, specifically polymers, to highlight the issues involved in data acquisition and to illustrate some important concepts of data analysis. It is necessary to first specify that the surface is different from the bulk. For many materials, the chemistry at the surface is very different, for example, distinct oxide films are formed under ambient conditions on many metals, such as stainless steel. The surface chemistry of pure single phase polymers, analyzed in the vacuum of SIMS or XPS spectrometers, is similar to the bulk structure. Large differences have, however, been observed between the bulk and surface of multi-component polymer formulations due to the mobility of polymer chains combined with the thermodynamic driving force to minimize surface energy.
Freight traffic surveillance in VHR SAR images by multiscale information extraction

This paper proposes an approach for freight traffic surveillance by using very high geometrical resolution SAR images. The approach takes advantage of 3 concepts: i) multiscale representation for a preliminary detection of areas showing significant changes in backscattering between the two images (hot spots); ii) exploitation of prior information about typical usage of zones of interest in the area under control; and iii) definition of features and change detectors optimized for an effective detection of specific changes in each zone of interest. In order to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, two data sets that defines a freight traffic surveillance problem were considered. Each of them is made up of a pair of multitemporal VHR SAR images acquired by the COSMO-SkyMed constellation in spotlight mode. Experimental results point out the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Nondaily Smokers’ Characteristics and Likelihood of Prenatal Cessation and Postpartum Relapse

Introduction This study aimed to calculate the prevalence of pre-pregnancy nondaily smoking (<1 cigarette/day), risk factors, and report of prenatal provider smoking education; and assess the likelihood of prenatal cessation and postpartum relapse for nondaily smokers. Methods We analyzed data from 2009 to 2011 among women with live-born infants participating in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. We compared characteristics of pre-pregnancy daily smokers (≥1 cigarette/day), nondaily smokers, and nonsmokers (chi-square adjusted p < .025). Between nondaily and daily smokers, we compared proportions of prenatal cessation, postpartum relapse (average 4 months postpartum), and reported provider education. Multivariable logistic regression calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) for prenatal cessation among pre-pregnancy smokers (n = 27 360) and postpartum relapse among quitters (n = 13 577). Results Nondaily smokers (11% of smokers) were more similar to nonsmokers and differed from daily smokers on characteristics examined (p ≤ .001 for all). Fewer nondaily smokers reported provider education than daily smokers (71.1%, 86.3%; p < .001). A higher proportion of nondaily compared to daily smokers quit during pregnancy (89.7%, 49.0%; p < .001), and a lower proportion relapsed postpartum (22.2%, 48.6%; p < .001). After adjustment, nondaily compared to daily smokers were more likely to quit (APR: 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.58-1.71) and less likely to relapse postpartum (APR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.48-0.62). Conclusions Nondaily smokers were more likely to quit smoking during pregnancy, less likely to relapse postpartum, and less likely to report provider education than daily smokers. Providers should educate all women, regardless of frequency of use, about the harms of tobacco during pregnancy, provide effective cessation interventions, and encourage women to be tobacco free postpartum and beyond. Implication Nondaily smoking (<1 cigarette/day) is increasing among US smokers and carries a significant risk of disease. However, smoking patterns surrounding pregnancy among nondaily smokers are unknown. Using 2009-2011 data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, we found pre-pregnancy nondaily smokers compared to daily smokers were 65% more likely to quit smoking during pregnancy and almost half as likely to relapse postpartum. Providers should educate all women, regardless of frequency of use, about the harms of tobacco during pregnancy, provide effective cessation interventions, and encourage women to be tobacco free postpartum and beyond.
Intraoperative Placement of Pectoral Nerve Block Catheters: Description of a Novel Technique and Review of the Literature

Abstract Regional and neuraxial anesthesia for pain management after breast surgery is not widely used despite data showing improved postoperative pain control and patient satisfaction scores. We report a case of a 61-year-old woman who underwent bilateral mastectomies, and received postoperative analgesia via pectoral nerves 1 and 2 nerve blocks. This case highlights a previously undescribed technique of prolonged postoperative pain control by intraoperative placement of pectoral nerves 1 and 2 regional anesthesia catheters under direct visualization. Intraoperative placement has the potential benefits of more accurate plane targeting, time saving, and widening the scope of use to practitioners are not trained in the ultrasound guided technique. We also present a review of the regional block techniques and present a preliminary algorithm for the selection of block method in breast surgery.
Reversal of Status Dystonicus after Relocation of Pallidal Electrodes in DYT6 Generalized Dystonia

Background DYT6 dystonia can have an unpredictable clinical course and the result of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the internal part of the globus pallidus (GPi) is known to be less robust than in other forms of autosomal dominant dystonia. Patients who had previous stereotactic surgery with insufficient clinical benefit form a particular challenge with very limited other treatment options available. Case Report A pediatric DYT6 patient unexpectedly deteriorated to status dystonicus 1 year after GPi DBS implantation with good initial clinical response. After repositioning the DBS electrodes the status dystonicus resolved. Discussion This case study demonstrates that medication‐resistant status dystonicus in DYT6 dystonia can be reversed by relocation of pallidal electrodes. This case highlights that repositioning of DBS electrodes may be considered in patients with status dystonicus, especially when the electrode position is not optimal, even after an initial clinical response to DBS.