Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corneal Status in Primary Angle-closure Glaucoma With a History of Acute Attack

PurposeThe corneal status of patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) with a history of acute attack was investigated. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 40 eyes of PACG patients with an earlier documented symptomatic acute angle-closure attack (aPACG), 40 uninvolved fellow eyes of aPACG patients (fPACG), 44 eyes of chronic PACG patients without such a history (cPACG), and 50 eyes of age-matched normal participants. All glaucoma patients had patent peripheral iridotomies with adequate intraocular pressure control. The examinations and recorded parameters included visual acuity, intraocular pressure, gonioscopy, vertical cup-to-disc ratio, specular microscopy, central corneal pachymetry, refraction, corneal curvature radius, anterior chamber depth, axial length, and lens thickness measurements, and the presenting intraocular pressure and the duration of acute angle-closure attack for aPACG eyes. ResultsThe mean endothelial cell density was 2271±80 cells/mm2 in aPACG, 2458±79 cells/mm2 in fPACG, 2379±50 cells/mm2 in cPACG, and 2559±45 cells/mm2 in controls. The aPACG eyes had significantly lower endothelial cell density compared with normal eyes (P=0.002). There was no significant difference in endothelial cell density of aPACG eyes compared with fPACG or cPACG eyes. Multivariate analysis showed the duration of the acute attack was the only factor independently associated with corneal endothelial density of aPACG eyes. The mean central corneal thickness of aPACG (549±32 &mgr;m) did not differ significantly from control eyes (552±27 &mgr;m), cPACG (557±32 &mgr;m), and fPACG (553±31 &mgr;m) (P=0.911, 0.274, and 0.725, respectively). Corneal curvature radius of aPACG eyes was not significantly different from that of the comparison groups (all P>0.05). ConclusionsCorneal endothelial cell density was significantly reduced in aPACG eyes compared with normal eyes. No significant difference in endothelial cell density of aPACG eyes was noted when compared with fPACG or cPACG eyes. Corneal endothelial cell density was negatively associated with the duration of the acute attack, but was not associated with demographic and biometric characteristics. Central corneal thickness and corneal curvature radius were not associated with an earlier acute angle-closure attack.
The psychokiller strikes again

ER , Channel 4, Wednesday 19 April at 9 pm E R (Emergency Room) , the US television drama of high adrenaline medical heroics, has blazed its way into a sixth series. It has undoubtedly captured the public imagination, with its strong characters, uneasy tensions, and frenetic trauma calls. It presents highly positive images of healthcare professionals, which is perhaps why the BMJ and Nursing Times put two ER characters on the cover of their recent joint issue. The programme reaches the masses. This year, in the week starting 18 January, it was watched in 21 million out of a possible99.4 million US households. In Britain Channel 4 screened two extraordinary episodes on 19 April, which caused much public excitement, sadness, and even grief. The country watched in horror the double stabbing of medical student Lucy and resident Dr Carter. In the first episode we saw Lucy working up the case of a young married man, Paul, who had presented with headaches. Carter offers minimal supervision. When the man becomes disoriented she …
Plasma kallistatin in critically ill patients with severe sepsis and septic shock

Kallistatin, an endogenous serine proteinase inhibitor, is protective against sepsis in animal models. The aim of this study was to determine the plasma concentration of kallistatin in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with severe sepsis and septic shock and to determine their potential correlation with disease severity and outcomes. We enrolled 86 ICU patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Their plasma concentrations of kallistatin, kallikrein, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The association of kallistatin levels with disease severity and patient outcomes was evaluated. The relationship between kallistatin and other biomarkers was also analyzed. Plasma kallistatin levels on day 1 of ICU admission were lower in patients with septic shock compared with patients with severe sepsis (p = 0.004). Twenty-nine patients who died in the hospital had significantly lower day 1 kallistatin levels than patients who survived (p = 0.031). Using the optimal cutoff value (4 μg/ml) of day 1 plasma kallistatin determined by receiver operating characteristic curves for 60-day mortality, we found that high kallistatin levels were associated with a preferable 60-day survival (p = 0.012) by Kaplan-Meier analysis and lower Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores over the first 5 days in the ICU (p = 0.001). High kallistatin levels were also independently associated with a decreased risk of septic shock, the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and positive blood cultures. In addition, there were inverse correlations between day 1 kallistatin levels and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and C-reactive protein, and SOFA scores on day 1. Our results indicate that during severe sepsis and septic shock, a decrease in plasma concentrations of kallistatin reflects increased severity and poorer outcome of disease.
Insights into Genome Plasticity and Pathogenicity of the Plant Pathogenic Bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria Revealed by the Complete Genome Sequence

ABSTRACT The gram-negative plant-pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria is the causative agent of bacterial spot disease in pepper and tomato plants, which leads to economically important yield losses. This pathosystem has become a well-established model for studying bacterial infection strategies. Here, we present the whole-genome sequence of the pepper-pathogenic Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria strain 85-10, which comprises a 5.17-Mb circular chromosome and four plasmids. The genome has a high G+C content (64.75%) and signatures of extensive genome plasticity. Whole-genome comparisons revealed a gene order similar to both Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris and a structure completely different from Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. A total of 548 coding sequences (12.2%) are unique to X. campestris pv. vesicatoria. In addition to a type III secretion system, which is essential for pathogenicity, the genome of strain 85-10 encodes all other types of protein secretion systems described so far in gram-negative bacteria. Remarkably, one of the putative type IV secretion systems encoded on the largest plasmid is similar to the Icm/Dot systems of the human pathogens Legionella pneumophila and Coxiella burnetii. Comparisons with other completely sequenced plant pathogens predicted six novel type III effector proteins and several other virulence factors, including adhesins, cell wall-degrading enzymes, and extracellular polysaccharides.
Joint Detection, Tracking, and Classification of Multiple Targets in Clutter using the PHD Filter

To account for joint detection, tracking, and classification (JDTC) of multiple targets from a sequence of noisy and cluttered observation sets, this paper introduces a recursive algorithm based on the probability hypothesis density (PHD) filter with the particle implementation. Assuming that each target class has a class-dependent kinematic model set, a class-matched PHD-like filter (i.e., PHD filter or its multiple-model implementation (MMPHD)) is assigned to it. In the prediction stage, the particles are propagated according to their class-dependent kinematic model set in the matched PHD-like filter. Then, the mutual information exchange between these PHD-like filters is completed by updating the particle weights in the update stage. The particles with the same class label and their corresponding weights represent the estimated class-conditioned PHD distribution. These class-conditioned PHD distributions are used to jointly estimate the number of the corresponding class targets and their states. Moreover, the algorithm incorporates the feature measurements into these PHD-like filters. The proposed multitarget JDTC algorithm has four distinctive features. First, it has a flexible modularized structure, i.e., it assigns a class-matched PHD-like filter for each target class, and facilitates the incorporation of the extra PHD-like filter for a new target class. Second, the particles can be propagated according to their exact class-dependent kinematic model set thanks to the modularized structure. Third, because of the feature measurements added and no explicit associations, it can track multiple closely spaced targets from different classes. Fourth, it avoids the possibility that the target classes with temporarily low likelihoods can end up being permanently lost. The computational burden of the proposed algorithm is linearly increased with the class number of targets. The algorithm is illustrated via a simulation example involving the tracking of two closely spaced parallel moving targets and two crossing moving targets from different classes, where targets can appear and disappear.
ARACHIDONATE LIPOXYGENASE PRODUCTS AND RENAL ALLOGRAFT REJECTION IN DOGS

The production of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) was studied in renal tissue obtained from renal allografts and normal kidneys of nonimmunosuppressed dogs that had undergone unilateral renal allotransplantation. We have shown that allografted renal cortex undergoing rejection synthesizes significantly greater quantities of 12-HETE than normal or autotransplanted control renal cortex. There was no significant increase in 12-HETE production by allografted medulla undergoing rejection. Production of LTB4 was significantly greater in the rejecting renal cortex compared to control renal cortex but was not different in the rejecting compared to normal renal medulla. Production of 12-HETE and LTB4 was significantly inhibited by the lipoxygenase-cyclooxygenase inhibitor BW755C, suggesting that production of these compounds was enzyme catalyzed. Histologic examination of renal tissue undergoing rejecting revealed varying degrees of tissue destruction and cellular infiltration. These histologic parameters correlated with the magnitude of 12-HETE production in the allografts. Our findings therefore indicate that arachidonate lipoxygenase products are generated in increased amounts by renal cortical tissue undergoing rejection and suggest that these products may be involved in the rejection process.
Development and results of a questionnaire to measure carer satisfaction after stroke.

STUDY OBJECTIVE--To develop a carer satisfaction questionnaire for use as an outcome measure in stroke, to test the measure for reliability and validity, and to survey levels of carer satisfaction with services for stroke patients. DESIGN--Postal survey of carer satisfaction with stroke services was carried out using the questionnaire we developed and tested. Internal consistency was tested and construct validation was explored by examining correlations with other outcome measures (the Faces Scale, the Nottingham Health Profile, the short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the patient's Barthel Index score). SETTING--Two adjacent districts in North East Thames Regional Health Authority. PARTICIPANTS--A total of 103 carers were identified from 219 people who had survived a stroke to six months. During the pilot stage, six of seven carers who were invited to participate in in depth interviews and 15 of 23 carers (65%) who were invited to completed the first draft of the questionnaire. MAIN RESULTS--The questionnaire was divided into two sections, one on inpatient services (Carer Hospsat) and one on services after discharge (Carer Homesat). The questionnaire had construct validity, providing significant correlations with the Faces Scale (Carer Hospsat r = 0.59, p < 0.00001 and Carer Homesat r = 0.68, p < 0.00001), the patients' Barthel score (Carer Hospsat r = 0.25, p = 0.01), and the patients' Nottingham extended Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale (Carer Hospsat r = 0.31, p = 0.002). Internal consistency was high for both sections (Cronbach's alpha: Carer Hospsat 0.87, Carer Homesat 0.79). Most carers (77%) were satisfied with the care their relative or friend received while in hospital, but only 39% were satisfied with services after discharge. CONCLUSIONS--Carer satisfaction is an important outcome measure in stroke research. This study has shown that carers are dissatisfied with services after hospital discharge. Our questionnaire is valid, reliable, and sensitive and could be used to test interventions aimed at improving services.
Getting the most out of cardiac rehabilitation: a review of referral and adherence predictors

Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation reduces mortality and morbidity but is utilised by only a fraction of eligible cardiac patients, with the participation rate of women being only about half that of men. This quantitative review assesses 32 studies meeting inclusion criteria, describing 16 804 patients, 5882 of whom were female. It was found that the main predictor of referral to a cardiac rehabilitation programme was the physician’s endorsement of the effectiveness of such a programme. Patients were more likely to participate in rehabilitation programmes when they were actively referred, educated, married, possessed high self efficacy, and when the programmes were easily accessible. Patients were less likely to participate when they had to travel long distances to participate in a cardiac rehabilitation programme, or experienced guilt over family obligations. Women were less often referred and participated less often even after referral. In conclusion, many of the observed predictors, including those particular to women, are potentially modifiable with the help of health professionals.
A Novel Magnetic-Levitation System: Design, Implementation, and Nonlinear Control

This paper concerns the design, implementation, and nonlinear velocity-tracking control of a novel magnetic-levitation (maglev) system for magnetically levitated trains. The proposed system uses only one tubular linear induction motor to produce three forces required in a maglev system: propulsion, levitation, and guidance. Classical maglev systems, on the other hand, contain a separate force-generating system to build each of these three forces. Another benefit that the proposed system offers is that there is no need to control the guidance, and particularly, the levitation forces, one of the most challenging tasks in maglev systems. The system always centers the moving part during operation and eliminates the necessity for control of the levitation and guidance forces. However, the propulsion force strongly requires some control efforts because a linear induction motor has nonlinear system dynamics. This paper gives a condensed design guideline based on the mature theory of electromagnetic launchers, particularly the linear induction launcher type. It explains the implementation process, shows experimental test results, and finally, presents a nonlinear partial state-feedback controller for the proposed system.
Detection of non-jejuni and -coli Campylobacter Species from Stool Specimens with an Immunochromatographic Antigen Detection Assay

ABSTRACT The STAT! Campy immunochromatographic assay for Campylobacter antigen was compared to culture for 500 clinical stool specimens. Antigen was detected in six culture-negative, PCR-positive specimens. C. upsaliensis, a pathogenic species that is traditionally difficult to recover in routine stool cultures, was detected in two of these culture-negative specimens. This study provides evidence that antigen testing may cross-react with at least one additional non-jejuni and -coli Campylobacter species that may be missed by routine culture for campylobacteriosis.
Performance Evaluation of a Five-Phase Modular Winding Induction Machine

Fractional slot concentrated windings (FSCWs), or modular windings, have shown promise with permanent magnet machines. However, their inability to produce high quality travelling fields has limited their application from spreading to induction machines. This paper presents the design considerations and tradeoffs involved in applying FSCWs to five-phase induction machines using the conventional three-phase lap wound machine as a reference. Previous work has touched upon the application of modular windings to three-phase induction machines, concluding that a conventional distributed winding is superior in terms of torque production and rotor bar losses. In applications such as high frequency induction machines and manually wound electrical submersible pump motors, the proposed machine topology provides advantages that may warrant its application despite an apparent power density penalty. In this paper, a prototype five-phase modular winding induction machine designed to significantly reduce the effect of space harmonics is investigated through simulations and experimentally.
Hypokalaemic salt-losing tubulopathies: an evolving story.

Bartter syndrome, first described in 1962 [1], is a group of closely related hereditary tubulopathies. All variants of the syndrome share several clinical characteristics including renal salt wasting, hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis, hyperreninaemic hyperaldosteronism with normal blood pressure, and hyperplasia of the juxtaglomerular apparatus [2–4]. All forms of the syndrome are transmitted as autosomal recessive traits. Three distinct clinical phenotypes have been distinguished, including antenatal Bartter syndrome, classic Bartter syndrome and Gitelman syndrome (Table 1). Recently, however, phenotypic overlap has been noted, and additional variants of Bartter syndrome have been described (Table 1, Figure 1), thereby expanding the clinical spectrum of the syndrome and providing further insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this complex disorder. Over the past decade, the breakthrough in molecular biology and molecular genetics has produced the tools to investigate various forms of Bartter syndrome at the molecular level. As a result, exciting discoveries have been made and the underlying molecular defects in these variants have been defined. The molecular studies of Bartter syndrome have been important not only in clarifying the genetic basis of this tubulopathy, but also in providing new and important insight into the function of specific transport proteins and into the physiology of renal tubular reclamation of solutes. Phenotypes
Distributed Consensus of Multiple Euler–Lagrange Systems Networked by Sampled-Data Information With Transmission Delays and Data Packet Dropouts

In this paper, the distributed consensus problem for a class of multiple Euler–Lagrange systems is solved. The considered issues are: 1) sampled-data information; 2) transmission delay; and 3) data packet dropouts. The considered mathematical models can describe a large number of practical systems in the actual engineering. In particular, all of the information exchanges are modeled by a sample-and-hold mechanism, which is more reliable and practical in applications. Moreover, this framework can deal with time-varying transmission delays and data packet dropouts by taking into account the limited communication capacity of information exchanges. By utilizing model transformation and applying the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional method, sufficient conditions are first established with single-packet information exchanges to ensure that the networked Euler-Lagrange systems can achieve consensus under undirected communication topology. Then, the obtained results are further extended to the multiple-packet transmission case. Finally, an example of four two-link manipulators with time-varying transmission delays and data packet dropouts is addressed to verify the effectiveness and applicability of our theoretical results.Note to Practitioners—The motivation of this paper is to investigate a practical networking strategy for the cooperative control of multiple Euler–Lagrange systems that have been widely applied in modeling robotic manipulators, autonomous underwater vehicles, and spacecrafts. Existing approaches are mainly based on the continuous-time communication network, which are difficult to be implemented in the real-world applications. In addition, energy consumption problems for multi-agent systems have received increasing attention in recent years, which also motivate us to carry out the present study. Since continuous-time communications inevitably consume much energy, how to find an effective way to reduce energy cost is an urgent task. Therefore, this paper presents a novel method for communications among multiple Euler–Lagrange systems based on the sampled-data information, where discrete-time communications are used instead of continuous-time communications. Another advantage of the proposed method is that it can significantly reduce the transmission energy consumption. Furthermore, both transmission delays and data packet dropouts are taken into account which make our results more applicable in practice.
Causes and consequences of duration of untreated psychosis in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND It is unclear what determines duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in schizophrenia and why long DUP predicts poor outcome. AIMS First, to test the hypothesis that specific patterns of symptoms and social functioning acting before treatment prolong DUP. Second, to clarify the mechanisms linking DUP with recovery after treatment. METHOD Two hundred and forty-eight consecutive first admissions with schizophrenia were interviewed to assess DUP, symptoms and social functioning at admission, and symptoms were re-assessed after 6-12 weeks. RESULTS Median DUP was 12 weeks. Long DUP was predicted by poor insight, social isolation and preserved coping skills, but not by demographic factors. Even allowing for all these variables, long DUP predicted poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS Longer DUP results partly from a pattern of symptoms and social functioning which reduces concern by the sufferer and relevant others. DUP's relationship to outcome is strongest in the initial months of psychosis. This has implications for targeting early intervention.