Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of an innovative four-year post-discharge programme for elderly patients

The cost-effectiveness of a post-discharge programme on the use of hospital care and the continuity of care was assessed in an elderly cohort (n = 204) discharged from the city hospital. The participation rate was 97.6%, and the patients were aged 75 years or over and lived alone. The randomized controls (n = 204) received standard aftercare. During the follow-up the costs of university hospital care decreased by 52% in the intervention group and by 24% in the control group per patient year, compared with the costs in the year preceding the project. This happened despite the higher morbidity in the intervention group in terms of fractures and the use of university hospital care in the year preceding the project. There was also a tendency in the intervention group for the previous non-users of university hospital care to remain non-users during the follow-up. The costs of city hospital care increased by 16% and 5%, and of all hospital care by 1.3% and 0.2%, respectively. There were no differences in admissions to permanent care in the nursing homes. The intervention group did not make their first contact with the hospitals or permanent care in nursing homes earlier than the control group during the follow-up. The co-operation between hospital and domiciliary care and voluntary workers was well-suited to the innovative care of the elderly people.
Perlecan Maintains the Integrity of Cartilage and Some Basement Membranes

Perlecan is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is expressed in all basement membranes (BMs), in cartilage, and several other mesenchymal tissues during development. Perlecan binds growth factors and interacts with various extracellular matrix proteins and cell adhesion molecules. Homozygous mice with a null mutation in the perlecan gene exhibit normal formation of BMs. However, BMs deteriorate in regions with increased mechanical stress such as the contracting myocardium and the expanding brain vesicles showing that perlecan is crucial for maintaining BM integrity. As a consequence, small clefts are formed in the cardiac muscle leading to blood leakage into the pericardial cavity and an arrest of heart function. The defects in the BM separating the brain from the adjacent mesenchyme caused invasion of brain tissue into the overlaying ectoderm leading to abnormal expansion of neuroepithelium, neuronal ectopias, and exencephaly. Finally, homozygotes developed a severe defect in cartilage, a tissue that lacks BMs. The chondrodysplasia is characterized by a reduction of the fibrillar collagen network, shortened collagen fibers, and elevated expression of cartilage extracellular matrix genes, suggesting that perlecan protects cartilage extracellular matrix from degradation.
The role of folate in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

s published: 1. Sid V, Shang Y, Madduma Hewage S, Siow YL, O K. Folic Acid Improves Lipid Metabolism and Reduces Hepatic Inflammation in Diet-induced Obesity and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Atherosclerosis Supplements. 2018; 32:136. 2. Madduma Hewage S, Sid V, Prashar S, Shang Y, O K, Siow YL. Impact of Lingonberry Supplementation on High-fat Diet-induced Metabolic Syndrome and Hyperlipidemia. Atherosclerosis Supplements. 2018; 32:65. 3. Sid V, Shang Y, Siow YL, O K. Dietary regulation of inflammatory response in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Canadian Journal of Cardiology. 2017; 33(10):S2728. 4. Sid V, Shang Y, Siow YL, O K. Regulation of Hepatic Inflammation by Folic Acid in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). FASEB J. 2017; 30:780.8. 5. Sid V, Wu N, Sarna LK, Shang Y, Siow YL, House JD, O K. Regulation of AMPK and hepatic metabolism by folic acid supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. FASEB J. 2016; 30:870.3. 6. Sid V, Wu N, Sarna LK, Siow YL, O K. Regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase and cholesterol biosynthesis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Canadian Journal of Cardiology. 2015; 31:S232-233 7. Sid V, Shang Y, Sarna LK, Wang P, Siow YL, O K. Supplementation of Folic Acid Attenuates Hepatic Inflammation in High Fat Diet Fed Mice. FASEB J. 2015; 29:884.45.
Real-time sound source orientation estimation using a 96 channel microphone array

This paper proposes real-time sound source orientation estimation based on orientation-extended amplitude beamforming (OE-ABF). To recognize a sound source orientation (such as face orientation) is an important function for a robot who can achieve natural human-robot interaction because the function is required to distinguish the human target from a robot or another person. We developed a sound source orientation system using orientation-extended beamforming (OE-BF) and showed the system worked properly at least under a specific controlled environment. However, in practical use, this system does not work properly because the system doesn't take into account the differences between the supposed model in OE-BF and in practical situations. For example, the system model supposes that there is neither noise nor reverberation, however, this is not a realistic assumption. To solve this assumption mismatch problem, we propose sound source orientation estimation based on OE-ABF, and constructed a real-time sound source orientation estimation system with the proposed method using a 96ch microphone array. Evaluation results of our proposed system show that the average error of estimated angles is lower than 5°, while the error of our previously reported system was greater than 20°. With this system, the robot is able to distinguish that the utterance target of a person standing 1m in front is itself or another person standing 0.2m to the left of the robot. This is valuable for human-robot interaction.
Systematic Identification of Functional Residues in Mammalian Histone H2AX

ABSTRACT The histone variant H2AX is a principal component of chromatin involved in the detection, signaling, and repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). H2AX is thought to operate primarily through its C-terminal S139 phosphorylation, which mediates the recruitment of DNA damage response (DDR) factors to chromatin at DSB sites. Here, we describe a comprehensive screen of 67 residues in H2AX to determine their contributions to H2AX functions. Our analysis revealed that H2AX is both sumoylated and ubiquitylated. Individual residues defective for sumoylation, ubiquitylation, and S139 phosphorylation in untreated and damaged cells were identified. Specifically, we identified an acidic triad region in both H2A and H2AX that is required in cis for their ubiquitylation. We also report the characterization of a human H2AX knockout cell line, which exhibits DDR defects, including p53 activation, following DNA damage. Collectively, this work constitutes the first genetic complementation system for a histone in human cells. Finally, our data reveal new roles for several residues in H2AX and define distinct functions for H2AX in human cells.
The Impact of Ordinal on Response Surface Methodology

Traditionally, response surface methodology (RSM) is cardinal in nature. Ordinal optimization was only introduced recently. Since ordinal optimization has been proven to be successful in certain applications, this paper aims to investigate whether ordinal optimization improves RSM by developing ordinal RSM and comparing it with cardinal RSM in terms of efficiency, accuracy and consistency. Assuming that the performances of systems can be expressed as functions of their parameters, both ordinal and cardinal RSM are simulated for several simple multivariable mathematical functions and the effectiveness of ordinal RSM evaluated. It was found that ordinal does not always improve RSM, especially in functions which exhibit a large gradient change over a small region
Epidemiological studies of risk factors for bovine mastitis

This thesis describes some factors associated with mastitis in Swedish dairy herds, and with udder health of first-parity dairy cows. These factors were investigated in four observational studies including a total of 343 dairy herds and 3315 first-parity cows throughout Sweden. The herds were visited and the farmers interviewed about management, housing, feed, feeding, and milking. The quality of feed, as well as presence of udder pathogens at a case of clinical mastitis, was investigated in two of the studies. Blood samples were taken from first-parity cows in the period two weeks before calving to six weeks after calving for analysis of metabolites and immunological parameters in one of the studies. Udder health measurements used as outcomes in the studies were being a herd with a low or high incidence rate of veterinary treatments of clinical mastitis (CM), being a first-parity cow veterinary treated for CM in the period -7 to 30 days after calving, the within herd number of first-parity cows veterinary treated for CM in the period -10 to 60 days after calving, being a first-parity cow with somatic cell count (SCC) ≥ 200,000 cells/mL at first test-milking, the within herd number of first-parity cows with SCC ≥ 200,000 cells/mL at first test-milking, and as SCC of first-parity cows at first test-milking. Associations between the registered variables and udder health were statistically analyzed using multivariable linear, logistic and Poisson regression models. Results showed that farmer attitude toward treatment of a case of mastitis differed, some contacted a veterinarian at very mild signs of mastitis, while others waited until the cows showed more clinical signs. Moreover, several feed and feeding variables, and hygienic parameters, especially around calving, were found associated with udder health. Furthermore, the results showed that cows of the Swedish Red breed and herds with the majority of cows of this breed, on average have a more beneficial udder health status than cows, or herds with the majority of cows, of the Swedish Holstein breed. Several metabolites and immunologic parameters were associated with SCC at first test-milking, and most of these parameters varied significantly between breed and between first-parity cows of different age at first calving.
Identifying areas for improvement in paediatric inpatient care using the Child HCAHPS survey.

The Child-Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (Child-HCAHPS) survey is a validated measure of paediatric inpatient experience. The study objective was to determine which survey questions were most correlated with respondents' overall rating of care. Knowing which questions are most important may provide valuable insights for developing targeted quality improvement initiatives. Methods Within 6 weeks of discharge, 3,389 telephone surveys were completed by parents/guardians of children who were hospitalized for at least 24 hours. The survey was comprised of 66 questions, with responses based on Likert-scales. One survey question asked respondents to rate the overall care that their child received on a scale from 0 (worst care) to 10 (best care). The correlation between the overall rating of care and each survey measure and question was then examined using Spearman correlation coefficients. All survey questions were normalized to a 100-point score (0=worst, 100=best). Results Questions on provider coordination and nursing care were most correlated with overall experience. Quietness of hospital room (r=0.19, P<0.001), and keeping families informed in the emergency room (r=0.12, P<0.001) showed poor correlation. Correlation with overall experience was strongest for the 'communication with nurses' domain (r=0.46, P<0.001). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study which examines the correlation of individual questions of the Child-HCAHPS to overall rating of care within a Canadian context. Our results suggest that our large health care organization may attain initial inpatient experience improvements by focusing upon personnel-based initiatives, rather than physical attributes of our hospitals.
Microprocessor-controlled brushless DC linear stepping motor

Presently, there is a rapidly growing research interest for an efficient, high thrust density and high thrust to input power electrical linear machine. However, only limited work has been carried out in terms of the development of brushless DC linear motors (BDCLM). Focusing on this research gap which presently exist in this field, this thesis makes the development of the BDCLM the research objective, in order to produce a large thrust to input power, compared to the already existing designs. The motor is designed in such way that the motor core accommodates twenty-four independent multi-layer coil sections wound with enamelled copper wire and each layer section has 470 turns without compromising the effective air-gap. Also, a design commutation algorithm to provide a smooth movement and a high thrust for the BDCLM is implemented. The design, analysis and optimization of the BDCLM in applications that requires a high thrust to input current ratio is described in this project. The investigation includes; the analysis, design, and control of the BDCLM through appropriate modelling, construction and experimental validation of the modelled results, employing both the static and dynamic approaches. The BDCLM design was analysed from electrical, mechanical and magnetic perspectives. A Finite Element Method (FEM) was used to predict the performance of the BDCLM and to optimise the motor parameters. Additional challenges such as force ripple and normal force are investigated and analysed. A Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control system, based on an Arduino Mega board is used to control the motor speed and position. A graphical user interface (GUI) is built in LabVIEW environment to control the Arduino board. V The experimental results were within 8.9 %, 2 % and 3 % of the modelled results with respect to the motor thrust, speed and position. These results demonstrate a good agreement between the two approaches. This research work can be considered as an initial step to developing the BDCLM for commercial applications.
Survey of Water Bugs in Bankim, a New Buruli Ulcer Endemic Area in Cameroon

Buruli ulcer is a debitliating human skin disease with an unknown transmission mode although epidemiological data link it with swampy areas. Data available suggest that aquatic insects play a role in the dissemination and/or transmission of this disease. However, their biodiversity and biology remain poorly documented. We conducted an entomological survey in Bankim, Cameroon, an area recently described as endemic for Buruli ulcer in order to identify the commonly occurring aquatic bugs and document their relative abundance, diversity, and spatial distribution. Collection of aquatic bugs was realized over a period of one month by daily direct capture in different aquatic environments (streams, ponds, and rivers) and through light traps at night. Globally, the data obtained showed the presence of five families (Belostomatidae, Naucoridae, Nepidae, Notonectidae, and Gerridae), their abundance, distribution and diversity varying according to the type of aquatic environments and light attraction.
Effect of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with minimally differentiated acute myeloid leukemia

1 Department of Hematology and Clinical Research Institute, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Medical Center, Fukuoka, Japan 2Department of Hematology, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan 3Department of Hematology, Jyoban hospital, Iwaki, Japan 4Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan 5Department of Hematology and Oncology, Anjo Kosei Hospital, Anjo, Japan 6 Department of Hematology, Federation of National Public Service Personnel Mutual Aid Associations Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan 7Hematology Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan 8Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan 9Division of Hematology, Fuchu Hospital, Fuchu, Japan 10Department of Hematology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama, Japan 11Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Kobe, Japan 12Department of Internal Medicine, Toyama Prefectural Central Hospital, Toyoma, Japan 13 Department of Hematology and Oncology, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan 14Division of Hematology, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan 15Department of Hematology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan 16 Department of Healthcare Administration, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine and Japanese Data Center for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Nagoya, Japan 17Department of Hematology and Oncology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan 18Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
[Study on control of graft-versus-host disease by blocking CD137-CD137L ligand costimulatory pathway in mice].

OBJECTIVE To explore the in vitro effect on control of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and its mechanism in mice by blockade of CD137-CD137L pathway. METHODS Responder spleen cells from BALB/c donor mice (H-2(d)) were incubated with stimulator spleen cells from C57BL/6 ( H-2(b)) recipient mice, with or without anti-CD137L mAb. Lethally irradiated C57BL/6 mice were transplanted with donor bone marrow cells plus primary MLC spleen T cells. Group A (Allo-BMT control group): allo-BMT mice not receiving any prevention measures for GVHD. Group B (CsA + MTX control group): CsA and MTX given to C57BL/6 mice after transplantation. Group C (experimental group): donor spleen cells from BALB/c mice treated with anti-CD137L mAb. The percentages of CD3+ CD8+ T and CD3+ CD4+ T cells in the three groups were detected by flow cytometry, and the level of cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-10, IL-4) by RT-PCR. RESULTS The incidence of GVHD in group C was 70%, while in group A and group B were 100%. The survival rate was higher and the median survival time was longer of group C than that of group A and B (P < 0.01). All mice in group A died of aGVHD within 15 ds, while 30% of mice in group C survived more than 30 ds. Symptoms and histological signs of GVHD in group C were the mildest among the three groups. The percentage of CD3+ CD8+ T cells and the levels of IFN-gamma were significantly lower (P < 0.01), and the levels of IL-10 were significantly higher in group C than those in group A and B (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Treatment of donor T cells with anti-CD137L mAb in vitro may relieve GVHD, thereby improve the survival time and survival rate, which maybe related to increasing Th1 cytokine (IFN-gamma) and decreasing Th2 cytokine (IL-10) as well as reducing CD3+ CD8+ T cells.
Pathogenic Roles of MicroRNA in the Development of Asthma

Asthma is a common and chronic inflammatory disease. Pathogenic mechanism underlying asthma is complicated. The inflammatory reactions in asthma have been recognized to involve mast cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes (T cells, B cells), macrophages, and dendritic cells. MicroRNA (miRNA, miR) is a group of small noncod-ing RNAs with 21–25 nucleotides (nt) in length, which impact biologic responses through the regulation of mRNA transcription and/or translation. MicroRNAs are related to developmental processes of many immunologic diseases. Most studies showed that regulation of miRNAs to their targeting genes appears to play an important role in the development of asthma. This chapter has discussed altered expression of miRNAs in cells and tissues from patients with asthma, in order to better understand the mechanics of pathogenesis of asthma. In addition, the regulation of miRNAs as a novel therapeutic approach will require a deeper understanding of their function and mechanism of action.
Performance of Jensen Shannon Divergence in Incipient Fault Detection and Estimation

The diagnosis (Detection, Estimation and Isolation) of incipient faults, i.e. faults with severity variation <10% of the healthy signal, plays an important role in health monitoring of complex system for earliest maintenance. In this paper, Jensen-Shannon divergence (JSD) is proposed to evaluate detection and estimation of incipient fault severity in a multivariate data driven process. At first, the dimensional space is reduced, thanks to the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Thus, the fault effect is theoretically modelled using the JSD considering Gaussian distributed signals. Then, the estimation of the fault severity is derived from this model. The fault detection performances are then computed and compared with the Hotelling’s T2 statistics. The fault estimation performances validates the theoretical modeling for incipient faults in noisy environments. An estimation error lower than 3% is obtained even for a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) as low as 25dB.
The impact of health information technology on the management and follow-up of test results – a systematic review

Abstract Objective To investigate the impact of health information technology (IT) systems on clinicians’ work practices and patient engagement in the management and follow-up of test results. Materials and Methods A search for studies reporting health IT systems and clinician test results management was conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Scopus from January 1999 to June 2018. Test results follow-up was defined as provider follow-up of results for tests that were sent to the laboratory and radiology services for processing or analysis. Results There are some findings from controlled studies showing that health IT can improve the proportion of tests followed-up (15 percentage point change) and increase physician awareness of test results that require action (24–28 percentage point change). Taken as whole, however, the evidence of the impact of health IT on test result management and follow-up is not strong. Discussion The development of safe and effective test results management IT systems should pivot on several axes. These axes include 1) patient-centerd engagement (involving shared, timely, and meaningful information); 2) diagnostic processes (that involve the integration of multiple people and different clinical settings across the health care spectrum); and 3) organizational communications (the myriad of multi- transactional processes requiring feedback, iteration, and confirmation) that contribute to the patient care process. Conclusion Existing evidence indicates that health IT in and of itself does not (and most likely cannot) provide a complete solution to issues related to test results management and follow-up.
Emotion in HCI: designing for people

As computing is changing and becoming increasingly social in nature, the role of emotions in computing has become ever more relevant and commercial. Emotions are central to culture, creativity, and interaction. The topic attracts more and more researchers from a range of multidisciplinary fields including design, gaming, sensor technologies, psychology and sociology. The need for discussion, exchange of ideas, and interdisciplinary collaboration is ever-increasing as the community grows. This workshop will meet requirements of individuals working in the field, giving them a podium to explore different aspects of emotion in HCI, raise questions and network with like-minded people on common subjects. The workshop will focus around working group sessions, and will use predominantly small group work, rather than being presentation-based.