Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subjective fatigue and subjective sleepiness: two independent consequences of sleep disorders?

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate subjective fatigue versus subjective sleepiness as independent consequences of sleep disorders. Furthermore, we tried to explore how these symptoms relate to alertness, depressive symptoms and illness intrusiveness. In a prospective observational study, 283 sleep‐disordered patients referred to a hospital‐based sleep laboratory for various indications over a 1‐year period were evaluated vis‐à‐vis fatigue and sleepiness. All patients completed five subjective questionnaires, underwent objective sleep recording and attended a clinical interview with a sleep specialist. The subjective questionnaires included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Toronto Hospital Alertness Test, the Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression Scale. Only 4% of the total sample was referred to the sleep clinic due to a complaint of excessive fatigue compared with 17% for excessive daytime sleepiness. However, during the assessment, 64% of referred patients reported pathological fatigue without overlap of sleepiness and only 4% reported pathological sleepiness without overlap of fatigue. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated a weak association (r = 0.18) between subjective fatigue and sleepiness in the total sample. Analysis of variance testing showed strong association between those patients with prominent fatigue and depressive symptoms (P < 0.01) and illness intrusiveness (P < 0.001). The findings support the notion that subjective fatigue and sleepiness can be independent manifestations of sleep disorders. Furthermore, predominantly fatigued individuals with sleep disorders seem vulnerable to additional negative consequences due to possible interplay between amplified fatigue and psychological distress.
The use of syndromic surveillance to monitor the incidence of arthropod bites requiring healthcare in England, 2000–2013: a retrospective ecological study

SUMMARY Climate change experts predict the number of nuisance-biting arthropods in England will increase but there is currently no known surveillance system in place to monitor or assess the public health impact of arthropod bites. This retrospective ecological study utilized arthropod bites requiring healthcare from five national real-time syndromic surveillance systems monitoring general practitioner (GP) consultations (in-hours and out-of-hours), emergency department (ED) attendances and telephone calls to remote advice services to determine baseline incidence in England between 2000 and 2013 and to assess the association between arthropod bites and temperature. During summer months (weeks 20–40) we estimated that arthropod bites contribute a weekly median of ~4000 GP consultations, 750 calls to remote advice services, 700 ED and 1300 GP out-of-hours attendances. In all systems, incidence was highest during summer months compared to the rest of the year. Arthropod bites were positively associated with temperature with incidence rate ratios (IRRs) that ranged between systems from 1·03 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·01–1·06] to 1·14 (95% CI 1·11–1·16). Using syndromic surveillance systems we have established and described baseline incidence of arthropod bites and this can now be monitored routinely in real time to assess the impact of extreme weather events and climate change.
Indoxyl sulphate and kidney disease: Causes, consequences and interventions

In the last decade, chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as reduced renal function (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2) and/or evidence of kidney damage (typically manifested as albuminuria) for at least 3 months, has become one of the fastest‐growing public health concerns worldwide. CKD is characterized by reduced clearance and increased serum accumulation of metabolic waste products (uremic retention solutes). At least 152 uremic retention solutes have been reported. This review focuses on indoxyl sulphate (IS), a protein‐bound, tryptophan‐derived metabolite that is generated by intestinal micro‐organisms (microbiota). Animal studies have demonstrated an association between IS accumulation and increased fibrosis, and oxidative stress. This has been mirrored by in vitro studies, many of which report cytotoxic effects in kidney proximal tubular cells following IS exposure. Clinical studies have associated IS accumulation with deleterious effects, such as kidney functional decline and adverse cardiovascular events, although causality has not been conclusively established. The aims of this review are to: (i) establish factors associated with increased serum accumulation of IS; (ii) report effects of IS accumulation in clinical studies; (iii) critique the reported effects of IS in the kidney, when administered both in vivo and in vitro; and (iv) summarize both established and hypothetical therapeutic options for reducing serum IS or antagonizing its reported downstream effects in the kidney.
Cascading failure analysis of bulk power system using small-world network model

Analysis in this paper is focus on initial probing the mechanism of cascading failures happened in bulk power system using small-world network model. Comparison of the north part of the Chinese national grid and the west state power grid in U.S. shows that the Chinese power gird is also a small-world. Then the achievements in collective dynamics of small-world networks are used to advance the analysis of cascading failure in power systems. We firstly analyze node failure and line breakdown respectively, and then proposed a Monte-Carlo simulation process to search root causes of cascading failure of Northern Chinese Power Grid. Simulation results show that cascading failure is high correlation to the statistical characters of these networks, especially the degree of the initial attack points and the character shortest path length of the restructured network after each step of components out of service, which are critical nodes and critical lines of the network. Historical statistical data of Chinese power system also shows similar rule of the existence of critical points in the networks.
Unleashing the immune system: PD-1 and PD-Ls in the pre-treatment tumor microenvironment and correlation with response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade

Focal tumor cell PD-L1 expression adjacent to TIL can be used as a surrogate marker of an ongoing antitumor host response, which may be unleashed by PD-1 blockade. Tumor cell PD-L1 expression is superior to TIL PD-1 expression and the presence of TIL alone, when predicting response to anti-PD-1 therapy.
DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: A CONCEPTUAL MODEL

There is an urgent need for improved medical records and data communications in primary health care. The functional requirements for machine‐readable medical records can be covered adequately by a mini‐computer system, incorporating a cathode ray tube and a magnetic tape cassette recorder. Because of the very large storage capacity and confidentiality required in medical records, central data banks are not recommended. A system based on a transportable magnetic tape cassette recording medium is advocated and described. Such a system offers advantages such as speed, low cost and increased confidentiality.
Valuation: Theories and Concepts

Valuation: Theories and Concepts provides an understanding on how to value companies that employ non-standard accounting procedures, particularly companies in emerging markets and those that require a wider variety of options than standard texts provide. The book offers a broader, more holistic perspective that is perfectly suited to companies and worldwide markets. By emphasizing cases on valuation, including mergers and acquisition valuation, it responds to the growing expectation that students and professionals must generate comprehensive perspectives based on thorough investigations and a library of valuation theories. Readers will gain a better understanding of the development of complete analyses, including trend analysis of financial parameters, ratio analysis, and differing perspectives on valuation and strategic initiatives. Case studies include stock market performance and synergies and the intrinsic value of the firm are compared with offer price. In addition, full data sets for each chapter are available online. * Provides an understanding on how to value companies that employ non-standard accounting procedures, particularly companies in emerging markets* Gives readers the ability to compare the intrinsic value of the firm with the offer price* Showcases a variety of valuation techniques and provides details about handling each part of the valuation process* Each case has data in excel spreadsheets for all companies, and data sets for each chapter are available online
High absorption of fortification iron from current infant formulas.

BACKGROUND Estimations of iron absorption from infant formulas are based on 20-year-old data. Data about iron bioavailability from currently used infant formulas are scarce, considering that during the last decades, formulas have had modifications that could affect iron absorption. METHODS Bioavailability of isotopically labeled iron (55Fe and 59Fe) from several infant formulas administered to contraceptive-using women between the ages of 30 to 50 years was measured. Six infant formulas and one follow-on formula were compared with a powdered, whole cow's milk, and the results were normalized to an absorption of 40% from a reference dose of iron. RESULTS Iron bioavailability from the infant formulas was consistently higher (19%), contrasting with the low value (4%) of the unmodified cow's milk (p < 0.0001). Iron absorption of the follow-on formula was intermediate (13%). Formulas with 8 mg/l iron and one with 7 mg/l supply approximately 1 mg of absorbed iron, assuming a consumption of 750 ml/day of formula. This amount covers the iron needs of most infants during their period of greatest vulnerability. Formulas containing 12 mg/l iron would allow the absorption of approximately twice the infant iron requirements. CONCLUSIONS Current infant formulas have a high iron bioavailability, which is an appealing argument for lowering the level of iron fortification in these products.
Chemical composition and biological evaluation of essential oils of Pulicaria jaubertii

Background: The present study reports and compares the results of Gas Chromatographic-Mass analyses of Pulicaria jaubertii leaf (P-1) and root (P-2) essential oils, as well as their in vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Materials and Methods: The chemical composition of P-1 and P-2 essential oils of P. jaubertii, was investigated by GC-MS. Moreover, the essential oils were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity using the broth micro-dilution assay for minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). The crystal violet staining method (CVS) was used for evaluation of their cytotoxic activity on HEPG-2 and MCF-7 human cell lines. Results: This investigation led to the identification of 16 constituents in P-1, and 23 constituents in P-2, representing 99.92% and 94.74% of the oils respectively. Oxygenated monoterpenes were found to be the major group in both P-1 (99.47%) and P-2 (89.88%). P-1 consists almost entirely of p-Menth-6-en-2-one (Carvotanacetone, 98.59%). P-2 is characterized by high contents of each of Dimethoxydurene (38.48%), Durenol (26.89%) and 2’,4’-Dimethoxy-3’-methylacetophenone (20.52%). Both oils showed moderate antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive strains and C. albicans. However, no activity was shown against Gram-negative bacteria. P-1 showed a significant cytotoxic activity against both MCF-7 and HEPG-2 (IC50 = 3.8 and 5.1 μg/ml, respectively), while P-2 showed selective cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 9.3 μg/ml). Conclusion: The potent cytotoxic and moderate antimicrobial activities of P-1 may be attributed to its high content of Carvotanacetone.
Effects of Stimulation Rate on Speech Recognition with Cochlear Implants

Phoneme and speech recognition were measured as a function of stimulation pulse rate in 12 listeners with three types of cochlear implants. Identification of consonants and vowels and recognition of words and sentences were measured in 5 Clarion C1 subjects fit with continuous interleaved sampling (CIS) processors having 4 or 8 electrodes, 4 Nucleus 24 subjects fit with CIS processors having 4, 8, 12 or 16 electrodes and 3 Clarion C2 subjects fit with CIS processors with 4, 8, 12 and 16 electrodes. Stimulation rates ranged from 200 to more than 5000 Hz per electrode, depending on the device, number of electrodes used and stimulation strategy. Listeners were also tested on the same materials with their original processor prior to receiving the experimental processors. All testing was done in quiet listening conditions with essentially no practice with the experimental processor prior to data collection. Listeners scored the highest with their original processor. Little difference in speech understanding was observed for listener scores with processors using different stimulation rates. Speech recognition was significantly poorer only at the lowest stimulation rate and at high rates that used noninterleaved pulses. Speech recognition was similar for processors using 8, 12 or 16 electrodes. Only 4-electrode processors produced a significantly poorer performance. These results suggest that patients with present commercial implants are not able to make full use of the number of channels of spectral information delivered by the present speech processors. In addition, the results show no significant change in performance as a function of stimulation rate, suggesting that high stimulation rates do not result in improved access to temporal cues in speech, at least under quiet listening conditions.
Mutations Affecting Microtubule Structure in Caenorhabditis Elegans

SUMMARY Three types of microtubules are seen in the neuronal processes of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Single cytoplasmic microtubules of most neurones have 11 protofilaments whereas those of six touch receptor cells have 15 protofilaments. The axonemes of sensory cilia have nine outer doublets with a variable number (up to seven) of singlet microtubules. Mutations in 11 genes affect the appearance of these microtubules.
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: new terminology for vulvovaginal atrophy from the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health and The North American Menopause Society

BackgroundIn 2012, the Board of Directors of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) and the Board of Trustees of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) acknowledged the need to review current terminology associated with genitourinary tract symptoms related to menopause. MethodsThe 2 societies cosponsored a terminology consensus conference, which was held in May 2013. Results and ConclusionsMembers of the consensus conference agreed that the term genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a medically more accurate, all-encompassing, and publicly acceptable term than vulvovaginal atrophy. GSM is defined as a collection of symptoms and signs associated with a decrease in estrogen and other sex steroids involving changes to the labia majora/minora, clitoris, vestibule/introitus, vagina, urethra and bladder. The syndrome may include but is not limited to genital symptoms of dryness, burning, and irritation; sexual symptoms of lack of lubrication, discomfort or pain, and impaired function; and urinary symptoms of urgency, dysuria and recurrent urinary tract infections. Women may present with some or all of the signs and symptoms, which must be bothersome and should not be better accounted for by another diagnosis. The term was presented and discussed at the annual meeting of each society. The respective Boards of NAMS and ISSWSH formally endorsed the new terminology—genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)—in 2014.
Use of Perioperative Cardiac Medical Therapy Among Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Abstract Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that cardiac medical therapy is associated with improved clinical outcomes in noncardiac surgery. However, the use of these agents among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) remains poorly understood. Methods: We described the in‐hospital medication use among 2,389 consecutive patients who underwent CABG at three North American hospitals. Demographic, clinical, and medication use information was extracted from resource and cost accounting systems at each hospital. We examined use of aspirin, angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta blockers, and statins during the following seven in‐hospital periods: admission, presurgery, the day before surgery, the day of surgery, the day after surgery, postsurgery, and discharge. Results: Medication use throughout hospitalization was low among patients undergoing CABG. Use of ACE inhibitors and statins on the day of surgery was <10%, while aspirin and beta blocker use on the day of surgery was 43.0% and 42.9%, respectively. The use of cardiac medical therapy at hospital discharge was also low (ACE inhibitors: 23.0%; aspirin: 74.9%; beta blockers: 58.9%; and statins: 28.2%). The use of cardiac medical therapy at discharge appeared to increase over time. Conclusion: In‐hospital cardiac medical therapies are underused among patients undergoing CABG. This is particularly true at discharge, where the benefits of these agents for secondary prevention are well established.
Confidence measurement techniques in automatic speech recognition and dialog management

Reliable confidence measures are essential to the basis of decisionmaking for enriching human-machine speech interaction with necessary intelligence in ergonomic dialog management. In addition to a survey of the state of the art in confidence measurement, this work also provides classification of methods derivated from several points of view and describes possible fields of application. The thesis includes comparative evaluation results of different computation algorithms which apply posterior probability as the hypothesis confidence measure in HMM-based speech recognition. The key contribution of the dissertation is the description of several utilization techniques that rely on confidence measurement and are intended to enhance the performance of speech recognition systems. A new confidence-guided approach is presented to control the pruning of the Viterbi search process dynamically by taking variable search quality into consideration to fit time-variant requirements. The thesis explores dialog management strategies and several aspects of improving user acceptance in speech-based applications by the use of confidence measurement.
Keynesian Beauty Contest, Accounting Disclosure, and Market

This paper examines the market efficiency consequences of accounting disclosure in the context of stock markets as a Keynesian beauty contest, an influential metaphor originally proposed by Keynes [1936] and recently formalized by Allen, Morris, and Shin [2006]. In such markets, public information plays an additional commonality role, biasing stock prices away from the consensus fundamental value toward public information. Despite this bias, I demonstrate that provisions of public information always drive stock prices closer to the fundamental value. Hence, as a main source of public information, accounting disclosure enhances market efficiency, and transparency should not be compromised on grounds of the Keynesian-beauty-contest effect.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Not a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease Mortality: Results from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES: Inflammation in general, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in particular, are closely associated with atherosclerosis. Similarly, the risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease is increased in several systemic inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine whether inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases CV mortality, an indirect surrogate for CV disease incidence.METHODS: A systematic review of studies on CV mortality rates in patients with IBD published between 1965 and 2006 was performed. Studies were included for analysis if they reported data on CV-disease-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for Crohn's disease (CD) and/or ulcerative colitis (UC). A meta-analysis of SMRs from included studies was performed.RESULTS: The review ultimately included 11 studies. Overall there were 4,532 patients with CD and 9,533 patients with UC. SMR point estimates ranged from 0.7 to 1.5 for patients with CD and 0.6–1.1 for patients with UC. There was not a statistically significant increase in CV SMR for either CD or UC in any study. However, two studies demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in CV SMR for UC. Finally, the meta-SMR for CD was 1.0 (95% CI 0.8–1.1) and the meta-SMR for UC was 0.9 (95% CI 0.8–1.0). CONCLUSIONS: IBD is not associated with increased CV mortality. Although CV mortality is a suboptimal surrogate for CV disease incidence, this finding provides indirect evidence against an association between IBD and CV disease.
Transforming Growth Factor-β Regulates Basal Transcriptional Regulatory Machinery to Control Cell Proliferation and Differentiation in Cranial Neural Crest-derived Osteoprogenitor Cells*

Transforming growth factor-β (Tgf-β) signaling is crucial for regulating craniofacial development. Loss of Tgf-β signaling results in defects in cranial neural crest cells (CNCC), but the mechanism by which Tgf-β signaling regulates bone formation in CNCC-derived osteogenic cells remains largely unknown. In this study, we discovered that Tgf-β regulates the basal transcriptional regulatory machinery to control intramembranous bone development. Specifically, basal transcription factor Taf4b is down-regulated in the CNCC-derived intramembranous bone in Tgfbr2fl/fl;Wnt1-Cre mice. Tgf-β specifically induces Taf4b expression. Moreover, small interfering RNA knockdown of Taf4b results in decreased cell proliferation and altered osteogenic differentiation in primary mouse embryonic maxillary mesenchymal cells, as seen in Tgfbr2 mutant cells. In addition, we show that Taf1 is decreased at the osteogenic initiation stage in the maxilla of Tgfbr2 mutant mice. Furthermore, small interfering RNA knockdown of Taf4b and Taf1 together in primary mouse embryonic maxillary mesenchymal cells results in up-regulated osteogenic initiator Runx2 expression, with decreased cell proliferation and altered osteogenic differentiation. Our results indicate a critical function of Tgf-β-mediated basal transcriptional factors in regulating osteogenic cell proliferation and differentiation in CNCC-derived osteoprogenitor cells during intramembranous bone formation.