Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Pulmonary Complications After Laparoscopic Pylorus-preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Retrospective Observational Analysis

Laparoscopic pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPPPD) is less invasive than open pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, LPPPD has a long operation time with pneumoperitoneum, which may affect the postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). We retrospectively evaluated the incidence of PPCs and their risk factors in LPPPD. In 191 patients who underwent LPPPD, the incidence of PPCs was 28.8% (n=55). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factors for PPCs were male sex [odds ratio (OR), 2.518; P=0.008], high body mass index (OR, 1.172; P=0.024), and low preoperative serum albumin level (OR, 0.390; P=0.032). Length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the PPC group than in the no-PPC group [17 (14 to 26) vs. 14 (13 to 18) d, P<0.001]. There was no difference in the incidence of surgical complications between the PPC group and the no-PPC group (14.5% vs. 6.6%, P=0.096). These results provide useful information for perioperative pulmonary management in patients undergoing LPPPD.
Upper-limb prosthetic control using wearable multichannel mechanomyography

In this paper we introduce a robust multi-channel wearable sensor system for capturing user intent to control robotic hands. The interface is based on a fusion of inertial measurement and mechanomyography (MMG), which measures the vibrations of muscle fibres during motion. MMG is immune to issues such as sweat, skin impedance, and the need for a reference signal that is common to electromyography (EMG). The main contributions of this work are: 1) the hardware design of a fused inertial and MMG measurement system that can be worn on the arm, 2) a unified algorithm for detection, segmentation, and classification of muscle movement corresponding to hand gestures, and 3) experiments demonstrating the real-time control of a commercial prosthetic hand (Bebionic Version 2). Results show recognition of seven gestures, achieving an offline classification accuracy of 83.5% performed on five healthy subjects and one transradial amputee. The gesture recognition was then tested in real time on subsets of two and five gestures, with an average accuracy of 93.3% and 62.2% respectively. To our knowledge this is the first applied MMG based control system for practical prosthetic control.
I Help You, and You Help Me

Purpose The feasibility and acceptability of using an Interactive Voice Response (IVR)–based platform to facilitate peer support among older adults with diabetes was evaluated. Methods Diabetes patients with poor glycemic control receiving care at a Veterans' Affairs medical center completed a baseline survey, received rudimentary training, and were matched based on their diabetes-related self-management needs. They were asked to contact their partner weekly using the toll-free IVR calling line. At the completion of the 6-week period, participants completed follow-up surveys and brief telephone interviews. Results Forty of 76 patients screened for eligibility by telephone agreed to participate, and 38 completed the 6-week intervention (50% of eligible patients). More than 80% of the pairs spoke at least once a week for 2 of the 6 weeks of the intervention. A total of 79% of the participants reported that the IVR system was easy to use, and 90% stated that they would be more satisfied with their health care if this type of peer support service were available. Of the participants, 70% found the calls helpful in managing diabetes symptoms, 73% reported that their partner helped them improve their self-care, and 70% stated that they helped their partner do things to stay healthy. There were significant improvements in participants' reported diabetes self-care self-efficacy between baseline and follow-up assessments (P< .01). Qualitative assessments suggested that participants found meaning and positive reinforcement for their own self-care through supporting their partner's efforts to manage diabetes. Conclusions An IVR peer support intervention is feasible, acceptable to patients, and may have positive effects on patients' diabetes self-management and health outcomes that warrant more rigorous evaluation in a randomized trial.
Effect of Modest Caloric Restriction on Oxidative Stress in Women, a Randomized Trial

Objectives It is not established to what extent caloric intake must be reduced to lower oxidative stress in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of short-term, moderate caloric restriction on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in overweight and obese premenopausal women. Materials/Methods Randomized trial comparison of 25% caloric restriction (CR) or control diet in 40 overweight or obese women (body mass index 32±5.8 kg/m2) observed for 28 days and followed for the next 90 days. Weight, anthropometry, validated markers of oxidative stress (F2-isoprostane) and inflammation (C-reactive protein), adipokines, hormones, lipids, interleukins, and blood pressure were assessed at baseline, during the intervention, and at follow-up. Results Baseline median F2-isoprostane concentration (57.0, IQR = 40.5–79.5) in the CR group was 1.75-fold above average range for normal weight women (32.5 pg/ml). After starting of the caloric restriction diet, F2-isoprostane levels fell rapidly in the CR group, reaching statistical difference from the control group by day 5 (median 33.5, IQR = 26.0–48.0, P<0.001) and remained suppressed while continuing on the caloric restriction diet. Three months after resuming a habitual diet, concentrations of F2-isoprostane returned to baseline elevated levels in ∼80% of the women. Conclusions Oxidative stress can be rapidly reduced and sustained through a modest reduction in caloric intake suggesting potential health benefits in overweight and obese women. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00808275
Properties of type-2 fuzzy sets

In the paper, new definition of type-2 fuzzy sets (T2 FSs) are introduced, and then some basic concepts such as unit fuzzy set, embedded unit fuzzy sets, closure of support (CoS), restriction of type-2 fuzzy set at a point, etc. and partition of CoS is given to represent general type-2 fuzzy sets, finally, the connections among the restriction of T2 FSs at a point, primary membership function, CoS, embedded type-2 fuzzy set are discussed.
The representativeness of eligible patients in type 2 diabetes trials: a case study using GIST 2.0

Abstract Objective The population representativeness of a clinical study is influenced by how real-world patients qualify for the study. We analyze the representativeness of eligible patients for multiple type 2 diabetes trials and the relationship between representativeness and other trial characteristics. Methods Sixty-nine study traits available in the electronic health record data for 2034 patients with type 2 diabetes were used to profile the target patients for type 2 diabetes trials. A set of 1691 type 2 diabetes trials was identified from ClinicalTrials.gov, and their population representativeness was calculated using the published Generalizability Index of Study Traits 2.0 metric. The relationships between population representativeness and number of traits and between trial duration and trial metadata were statistically analyzed. A focused analysis with only phase 2 and 3 interventional trials was also conducted. Results A total of 869 of 1691 trials (51.4%) and 412 of 776 phase 2 and 3 interventional trials (53.1%) had a population representativeness of <5%. The overall representativeness was significantly correlated with the representativeness of the Hba1c criterion. The greater the number of criteria or the shorter the trial, the less the representativeness. Among the trial metadata, phase, recruitment status, and start year were found to have a statistically significant effect on population representativeness. For phase 2 and 3 interventional trials, only start year was significantly associated with representativeness. Conclusions Our study quantified the representativeness of multiple type 2 diabetes trials. The common low representativeness of type 2 diabetes trials could be attributed to specific study design requirements of trials or safety concerns. Rather than criticizing the low representativeness, we contribute a method for increasing the transparency of the representativeness of clinical trials.
Micromechanical modeling-based self-consistent scheme of polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites

In this communication, we present a micromechanical approach for the prediction of the overall moduli of polymer-clay nanocomposites using a self-consistent scheme based on the double-inclusion model. The micromechanical model incorporates the nanostructure of clay stacks, modeled as transversely isotropic spheroids, and the so-called constrained region, modeled as an interphase around reinforcements. To account for length scale effects, the interphase thickness and the particle dimensions are taken as explicit model parameters. Instead of solving iteratively the basic implicit homogenization equation of the selfconsistent scheme, our formulation yields to a pair of equations that can be solved simultaneously for the overall elastic moduli. The model capabilities are critically discussed by comparisons with both experiments and the Mori-Tanaka approach widely used in recent literature for this class of materials.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Australian Adults: Prevalence, Persistence, Conduct Problems and Disadvantage

Background The Prevalence and persistence of ADHD have not been described in young Australian adults and few studies have examined how conduct problems (CP) are associated with ADHD for this age group. We estimate lifetime and adult prevalence and persistence rates for three categories of ADHD for 3795 Australian adults, and indicate how career, health and childhood risk factors differ for people with ADHD symptoms and ADHD symptoms plus CP. Methodology Trained interviewers collected participant experience of ADHD, CP, education, employment, childhood experience, relationship and health variables. Three diagnostic definitions of ADHD used were (i) full DSM-IV criteria; (ii) excluding the age 7 onset criterion (no age criterion); (iii) participant experienced difficulties due to ADHD symptoms (problem symptoms). Results Prevalence rates in adulthood were 1.1%, 2.3% and 2.7% for each categorization respectively. Persistence of ADHD from childhood averaged across gender was 55.3% for full criteria, 50.3% with no age criterion and 40.2% for problem symptoms. ADHD symptoms were associated with parental conflict, poor health, being sexually assaulted during childhood, lower education, income loss and higher unemployment. The lifetime prevalence of conduct problems for adults with ADHD was 57.8% and 6.9% for adults without ADHD. The greatest disadvantage was experienced by participants with ADHD plus CP. Conclusion The persistence of ADHD into adulthood was greatest for participants meeting full diagnostic criteria and inattention was associated with the greatest loss of income and disadvantage. The disadvantage associated with conduct problems differed in severity and was relevant for a high proportion of adults with ADHD. Women but not men with ADHD reported more childhood adversity, possibly indicating varied etiology and treatment needs. The impact and treatment needs of adults with ADHD and CP and the report of sexual assault during childhood by women and men with ADHD also deserve further study.
Amplifying Quiet Voices: Challenges and Opportunities for Participatory Design at an Urban Scale

Amplifying Quiet Voices: Challenges and Opportunities for Participatory Design at an Urban Scale Journal Item How to cite: Gooch, Daniel; Barker, Matthew; Hudson, Lorraine; Kelly, Ryan; Kortuem, Gerd; van der Linden, Janet; Petre, Marian; Brown, Rebecca; Klis-Davies, Anna; Forbes, Hannah; MacKinnon, Jessica; Macpherson, Robbie and Walton, Clare (2018). Amplifying Quiet Voices: Challenges and Opportunities for Participatory Design at an Urban Scale. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction (TOCHI), 25(1), article no. 2.
Anaesthetic Impairment of Immune Function Is Mediated via GABAA Receptors

Background GABAA receptors are members of the Cys-loop family of neurotransmitter receptors, proteins which are responsible for fast synaptic transmission, and are the site of action of wide range of drugs [1]. Recent work has shown that Cys-loop receptors are present on immune cells, but their physiological roles and the effects of drugs that modify their function in the innate immune system are currently unclear [2]. We are interested in how and why anaesthetics increase infections in intensive care patients; a serious problem as more than 50% of patients with severe sepsis will die [3]–[6]. As many anaesthetics act via GABAA receptors [7], the aim of this study was to determine if these receptors are present on immune cells, and could play a role in immunocompromising patients. Principal Findings We demonstrate, using RT-PCR, that monocytes express GABAA receptors constructed of α1, α4, β2, γ1 and/or δ subunits. Whole cell patch clamp electrophysiological studies show that GABA can activate these receptors, resulting in the opening of a chloride-selective channel; activation is inhibited by the GABAA receptor antagonists bicuculline and picrotoxin, but not enhanced by the positive modulator diazepam. The anaesthetic drugs propofol and thiopental, which can act via GABAA receptors, impaired monocyte function in classic immunological chemotaxis and phagocytosis assays, an effect reversed by bicuculline and picrotoxin. Significance Our results show that functional GABAA receptors are present on monocytes with properties similar to CNS GABAA receptors. The functional data provide a possible explanation as to why chronic propofol and thiopental administration can increase the risk of infection in critically ill patients: their action on GABAA receptors inhibits normal monocyte behaviour. The data also suggest a potential solution: monocyte GABAA receptors are insensitive to diazepam, thus the use of benzodiazepines as an alternative anesthetising agent may be advantageous where infection is a life threatening problem.
Renal outcome in IgA nephropathy according to Oxford classification and ultrastructural analysis in a Brazilian center .

AIMS Correlate clinical and histologic features with renal outcome in patients with biopsy-proven IgA nephropathy (IgAN). MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of records and renal tissue of IgAN patients. Histology was revised according to MEST score of Oxford classification. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) features were assessed by light microscopy. Electron microscopy review searched for podocyte effacement. RESULTS 67 patients were included, 56.7% men, mean age 34.5 ± 12.5 years, mean arterial pressure (MAP) 106 ± 18 mmHg, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 63.32 ± 43.07 mL/min/1.73m2 and proteinuria 3.1 ± 2.2 g/24 h. M1 was seen in 38 patients (56.7%), E1 in 12 (17.9%), S1 in 49 (73.1%), T1 in 18 (26.8%), and T2 in 17 (25.3%). Mean effacement index (EI) was 0.81 ± 0.18 and did not correlate with proteinuria. 27 patients (40.2%) had end-stage renal disease (ESRD) which correlated with MAP (p = 0.002), eGFR (p = 0.0003), T1 (p = 0.0008) and T2 (p = 0.0001), follow-up MAP (p = 0.02) and follow-up proteinuria (p = 0.01 for 1.0 - 4.0 g/24 h and p = 0.005 for ≥ 4.0 g/24 h). T score correlated with MAP and proteinuria at baseline (p = 0.0001 and 0.0097, respectively) and during follow-up (p = 0.0001 and < 0.0001, respectively). Podocyte hypertrophy correlated with MAP at baseline and during follow-up (p = 0.0046 and 0.0295, respectively). Tip lesion correlated with MAP at baseline (p = 0.0228). There was no correlation between FSGS features or EI with proteinuria or ESRD. CONCLUSIONS Our data corroborate eGFR, proteinuria, MAP and T score as risk factors for ESRD in IgAN. Most patients had diffuse podocyte effacement, probably secondary to factors unrelated to proteinuria.
Automatic ultrasound image enhancement for 2D semi-automatic breast-lesion segmentation

Breast cancer is the fastest growing cancer, accounting for 29%, of new cases in 2012, and second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States and worldwide. Ultrasound (US) has been used as an indispensable tool for breast cancer detection/diagnosis and treatment. In computer-aided assistance, lesion segmentation is a preliminary but vital step, but the task is quite challenging in US images, due to imaging artifacts that complicate detection and measurement of the suspect lesions. The lesions usually present with poor boundary features and vary significantly in size, shape, and intensity distribution between cases. Automatic methods are highly application dependent while manual tracing methods are extremely time consuming and have a great deal of intra- and inter- observer variability. Semi-automatic approaches are designed to counterbalance the advantage and drawbacks of the automatic and manual methods. However, considerable user interaction might be necessary to ensure reasonable segmentation for a wide range of lesions. This work proposes an automatic enhancement approach to improve the boundary searching ability of the live wire method to reduce necessary user interaction while keeping the segmentation performance. Based on the results of segmentation of 50 2D breast lesions in US images, less user interaction is required to achieve desired accuracy, i.e. < 80%, when auto-enhancement is applied for live-wire segmentation.
Adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 4-chloro-2-metylphenoxyacetic acid onto activated carbons derived from various lignocellulosic materials

ABSTRACT Adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 4-chloro-2-metylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) from aqueous solution onto activated carbons derived from various lignocellulosic materials including willow, miscanthus, flax, and hemp shives was investigated. The adsorption kinetic data were analyzed using two kinetic models: the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order equations. The adsorption kinetics of both herbicides was better represented by the pseudo-second order model. The adsorption isotherms of 2,4-D and MCPA on the activated carbons were analyzed using the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. The equilibrium data followed the Langmuir isotherm. The effect of pH on the adsorption was also studied. The results showed that the activated carbons prepared from the lignocellulosic materials are efficient adsorbents for the removal of 2,4-D and MCPA from aqueous solutions.
Warm-up for Sprint Swimming: Race-Pace or Aerobic Stimulation? A Randomized Study

Abstract Neiva, HP, Marques, MC, Barbosa, TM, Izquierdo, M, Viana, JL, Teixeira, AM, and Marinho, DA. Warm-up for sprint swimming: race-pace or aerobic stimulation? A randomized study. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2423–2431, 2017—The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 2 different warm-up intensities on 100-m swimming performance in a randomized controlled trial. Thirteen competitive swimmers performed two 100-m freestyle time-trials on separate days after either control or experimental warm-up in a randomized design. The control warm-up included a typical race-pace set (4 × 25 m), whereas the experimental warm-up included an aerobic set (8 × 50 m at 98–102% of critical velocity). Cortisol, testosterone, blood lactate ([La−]), oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2), heart rate, core (Tcore and Tcorenet) and tympanic temperatures, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored. Stroke length (SL), stroke frequency (SF), stroke index (SI), and propelling efficiency (&eegr;p) were assessed for each 50-m lap. We found that V[Combining Dot Above]O2, heart rate, and Tcorenet were higher after experimental warm-up (d > 0.73), but only the positive effect for Tcorenet was maintained until the trial. Performance was not different between conditions (d = 0.07). Experimental warm-up was found to slow SF (mean change ±90% CL = 2.06 ± 1.48%) and increase SL (1.65 ± 1.40%) and &eegr;p (1.87 ± 1.33%) in the first lap. After the time-trials, this warm-up had a positive effect on Tcorenet (d = 0.69) and a negative effect on [La−] (d = 0.56). Although the warm-ups had similar outcomes in the 100-m freestyle, performance was achieved through different biomechanical strategies. Stroke length and efficiency were higher in the first lap after the experimental warm-up, whereas SF was higher after control warm-up. Physiological adaptations were observed mainly through an increased Tcore after experimental warm-up. In this condition, the lower [La−] after the trial suggests lower dependency on anaerobic metabolism.
Inductorless and cross-coupled wideband LNA with high linearity

In this paper, the design of a wideband LNA employing simultaneously noise cancellation and a linearisation technique is presented. The designed LNA consists of a cross-coupled common-gate topology for wideband matching and noise cancellation. Also, a linearisation technique is used in order to cancel out third order nonlinearities. The proposed LNA is designed in a 130 nm CMOS technology. It has a simulated gain of 14 dB in the frequency range from 100 MHz to 4.7 GHz. The noise figure (NF) is between 3 dB and 4 dB across this frequency band. The third-order input intercept point IIP3 is simulated to be better than +3.5 dBm. The LNA core consumes 2.4 mW from a 1.2 V supply.
Factors Associated with Self-Reported 14 or More Activity Limitation Days among Adults in the United States.

Objective It is estimated that 41 million American adults 18 and older experience poor physical or mental health which limits their ability to engage in their daily activities. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with ≥14activity limitation days (ALD) due to poor physical or mental health as self-reported by persons aged 18 years and over in the United States (U.S). Methods Using the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS), persons over the age of 18 in the U.S. were examined to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with ≥ 14ALD due to poor physical or mental health. The BRFSS is administered on a continuous basis by telephone using random-digit dial sampling methods. A clustering sample design was used to account for differences in the probability of selection and non-response in order to accurately derive US and state-based population estimates. The design consists of a probability sample of all households with telephones in the state. Analyses were conducted using SAS 9.2. Results Of the 104,257 participants included in the analyses, 40% reported having ≥14 ALD due to poor physical or mental health. After adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors, males (AOR1.17, 95% CI: 1.14-1.21), those with high school or less education (AOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.37-1.21), those who were separated (AOR: 1.23; 95% CI=1.14-1.32), divorced (AOR: 1.10; 95% CI=1.06-1.15), those from the Southern Black Belt States (AOR1.14, 95% CI: 1.10-1.20), and those from the remainder of the Southern region of the U.S. (AOR1.14, 95% CI: 1.08-1.21) were significantly more likely to report ≥14ALD due to poor physical or mental health. Conclusion The prevalence of ≥14ALD due to poor physical or mental health among the study population was associated with sociodemographic and region of residence factors. These findings highlight the need for prevention strategies specifically for populations who might be more at risk for ALD due to social determinants of health.