Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) for Roux-en-Y anatomy: a novel technique

Background: Patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) anatomy pose challenges when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is required. Deep enteroscopy-assisted ERCP can allow pancreaticobiliary intervention in these patients, but with limited success. This case series describes endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) for patients following RYGB. Methods: Patients with RYGB anatomy undergoing EDGE at a tertiary care center were included in this prospective single-arm feasibility study. All procedures were performed in two stages. First a 16-Fr percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was placed in the excluded stomach using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance. Second, ERCP was performed through the newly fashioned gastrostomy and a transcutaneous fully covered metal esophageal stent. Results: Six patients (5 women, 1 man) with RYGB anatomy underwent EDGE. EUS-guided PEG placement was successful in all six patients (100 %). Antegrade ERCP was successful in all six patients (100 %) with the stages being separated by a mean of 5.8 days. The mean procedure times for the two stages were 81 minutes and 98 minutes. Two patients (33 %) had localized PEG site infections that were managed with oral antibiotics. There were no adverse events related to ERCP. Conclusions: EDGE is both feasible and safe to perform in RYGB patients. Given the high success rates of our recent experience, we suspect that this technique can be performed as a one-stage procedure to provide a cost-effective, minimally invasive option for a common problem in a growing patient population.
Contrôle paramétrique des fronts de croissance

Le forcage periodique d'un parametre de controle d'une instabilite d'une forme de croissance est etudie dans le but de pouvoir controler l'instabilite. Un cas typique du controle parametrique d'une instabilite est presente: c'est celui de l'oscillateur parametrique regi par l'equation de mathieu. Le forcage acoustique d'une flamme de premelange dans un tube vertical est etudie, le son agit comme une acceleration periodique sur la flamme et le probleme se reduit a l'oscillateur parametrique. Le forcage periodique de la vitesse d'un front de solidification directionnelle est etudie numeriquement. L'interface plane forcee oscille a la frequence de forcage et est decalee en moyenne en region chaude. L'etude de la stabilite de cette interface montre l'effet stabilisant du forcage. Pour des forcages assez forts l'interface est meme completement restabilisee. Le decalage vers la region chaude est propose comme un des phenomenes restabilisants possibles. Le forcage apparait donc comme un moyen de controle puissant des instabilites et ce dans des domaines varies de la physique
Cancer-related fatigue: prevalence, assessment and treatment strategies

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common symptoms reported by patients and is defined as the feeling of extraordinary exhaustion associated with a high level of distress, disproportionate to the patients’ activity, and is not relieved by sleep or rest. Prevalence rates range from 59 to nearly 100% depending on the clinical status of the cancer. Except for chemotherapy-induced anemia, the mechanisms responsible for CRF are not yet completely understood. Therefore, CRF may be influenced by multiple possible somatic and psychosocial factors. CRF has been shown as either a short-term side effect of adjuvant cancer therapy or a chronic long-term late effect. Compared with other symptoms, such as pain or nausea, CRF is more distressing and often long lasting, with a strong impact on daily living and quality of life. The concept of fatigue has been widely elaborated and operationalized in different dimensions within the last few decades and specific instruments assessing fatigue in cancer populations have been developed. To support patients and alleviate CRF symptoms various treatment strategies are discussed in this article, including information and counseling, enhancement of activities, exercise and sports therapy, psychosocial interventions as well as pharmacological treatment. In most Western countries, treatment of CRF has been identified as a priority for advancing cancer patient care. This article gives an overview of the concept of CRF, its pathogenesis, assessment and treatment strategies.
[P300 as a reflection of a mental set--P300 in the paradigm of Wisconsin Card Sorting Test].

We studied P300 at Pz in Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST) paradigm in 16 young normals. As it is well known that both the amplitude and the latency of P300 are affected by stimulus probability, we recorded P300 in the two different experimental conditions; in one condition we changed sorting category implicitly after every two successive correct responses of the subject (WCST2 condition), in the other condition we changed it tacitly after every five successive responses (WCST5 condition). In both conditions P300s were recorded following two types of feedback signals respectively; feedback signal of correct response (FC), and feedback signal of error response (FE). These experimental conditions were controlled by microcomputer. During the experiment the number of FCs and FEs were recorded, and frequencies of the feedback signals were calculated respectively. Analysis of variance revealed that P300s were more prolonged and more enlarged in FE than in FC significantly, and there is no difference between the two experimental conditions. The correlations between both the latency and the amplitude of P300s and frequency of feedback signals were low and not significant except between P300 amplitude and frequency of FE under WCST5 condition. This result shows that in WCST paradigm the main factor which affects the latency and amplitude of P300 is the meaning of the stimulus. Although WCST has been considered to be a test of concept formation, the subject must change or maintain his/her sorting category properly following the examiner's feedback declaration. From this point of view, WCST can be considered as a test of a mental set, in which FC demands maintaining a mental set and FE demands its change. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
CD8+ T Cells Specific for EBV, Cytomegalovirus, and Influenza Virus Are Activated during Primary HIV Infection1

Primary viral infections, including primary HIV infection, trigger intense activation of the immune system, with marked expansion of CD38+CD8+ T cells. Whether this expansion involves only viral-specific cells or includes a degree of bystander activation remains a matter of debate. We therefore examined the activation status of EBV-, CMV-, and influenza virus (FLU)-specific CD8+ T cells during primary HIV infection, in comparison to HIV-specific CD8+ T cells. The activation markers CD38 and HLA-DR were strongly expressed on HIV-specific CD8+ T cells. Surprisingly, CD38 expression was also up-regulated on CD8+ T cells specific for other viruses, albeit to a lesser extent. Activation marker expression returned to normal or near-normal values after 1 year of highly active antiretroviral therapy. HIV viral load correlated with CD38 expression on HIV-specific CD8+ T cells but also on EBV-, CMV-, and FLU-specific CD8+ T cells. In primary HIV infection, EBV-specific CD8+ T cells also showed increased Ki67 expression and decreased Bcl-2 expression, compared with values observed in HIV-seronegative control subjects. These results show that bystander activation occurs during primary HIV infection, even though HIV-specific CD8+ T cells express the highest level of activation. The role of this bystander activation in lymphocyte homeostasis and HIV pathogenesis remains to be determined.
The psychopathology, medical management and dental implications of schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is a psychiatric illness characterized by thought disturbances, bizarre behaviors and cognitive impairments that may diminish a person's abilities in the areas of social relations, school or work and self-care. The onset of the disorder typically occurs between the late teens and mid-30s. Advanced dental disease is seen frequently in patients with schizophrenia for several reasons: the disease impairs these patients' ability to plan and perform oral hygiene procedures; some of the antipsychotic medications they take have adverse orofacial effects such as xerostomia; and these patients sometimes have limited access to treatment because of a paucity of financial resources and adequate number of dentists comfortable in providing care. The recent introduction of more effective medications has permitted the majority of patients to receive their psychiatric care from community-based providers rather than in the hospital. Consequently, dentists in the private sector also are being called on more frequently to care for these people. CONCLUSIONS Dentists cognizant of the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia are likely to feel more secure in treating patients with schizophrenia and more confident when obtaining consultative advice from the patients' psychiatrists. Dentists usually can provide a full range of services to such patients, can enhance these patients' self-esteem and can contribute to the psychotherapeutic aspect of management. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS To effectively provide treatment to patients with schizophrenia, dentists must be familiar with the disease process so that they can communicate effectively with the patient, the treating psychiatrist and family members who serve as caregivers. In addition, dental treatment may need to be modified because of the patient's impaired ability to think logically, the local and systemic effects of psychiatric medications, and adverse interactions between these drugs and medications used in dentistry.
Tracepp requeriments traceability tool: Extending the scalability of the trace++ technique

The adoption of agile methods is difficult. No rework metrics, changing scope and requirements are the main difficulties in adopting these. In this sense, the Trace++ approach aims to facilitate the adoption of agile methods by teams that work with traditional methods. However, to obtain use-scale, this paper proposes a tool to facilitate the requirements traceability processes, in order to scale the adoption of this technique. The tool developed in this study has integration with GIT version control tools and Redmine project management, being able to obtain artifacts from these and to associate with projects, sprints, requirements or user stories, through user defined tracing codes.
Continuous glucose monitoring in children with type 1 diabetes: before and after insulin pump therapy

Abstract: Objective: The aim of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is to mimic as closely as possible the normal physiologic pattern seen in individuals without diabetes. This study was undertaken to determine the specific areas of improved glycemic control in subjects after initiation of insulin pump therapy and times where further improvement is needed.
1H MRS studies of signals from mobile lipids and from lipid metabolites: comparison of the behavior in cultured tumor cells and in spheroids

1H magnetic resonance studies on MCF‐7 and HeLa cells were undertaken to reveal differences in lipid and lipid metabolite signals during the growth in culture. High intensity mobile lipid (ML) signals were found during the first days in culture, while afterwards the same signals declined and started increasing again at confluence and at late confluence. At the same time, signals from the lipid metabolite phosphocholine decreased in intensity while signals from glycerophosphocholine in MCF‐7 and from choline in HeLa increased as cells approached confluence. Spectral parameters from actively proliferating and non‐proliferating cells were used to classify cells with respect to the proliferative conditions by means of a multivariate statistical analysis. Furthermore, it was shown that polyunsaturation of mobile lipid chains was lower in the confluent group with respect to the actively proliferating cells. The examination of spectra from suspensions of MCF‐7 spheroids with diameter smaller than 500 μm suggests that cells in spheroids are in condition of lipid metabolism similar to that of confluent cultured cells. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of visual feedback information on isometric contraction of forearm flexor muscles in men and women after ischemic stroke.

UNLABELLED The aim of this study was to determine the effect of visual feedback information (VFI) on the isometric contraction of the forearm flexor muscles in men and women after an ischemic stroke when doing a physical load at 20% of strength. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included healthy subjects (n=20) and subjects after ischemic stroke (n=20). The study was conducted in Lithuanian Sports University. The measurements of maximum voluntary strength (MVS) and accurate isometric contraction were performed using an isokinetic dynamometer Biodex System Pro 3. RESULTS The absolute errors of isometric contraction of the right arm muscles at 20% of MVS were similar in all the groups during the attempt with visual feedback information. The smallest absolute errors of the healthy subjects were 1.42±0.35 Nm when the task was performed with visual feedback and the greatest absolute errors were 4.69±0.95 Nm (P<0.01) while performing the task without visual feedback. Meanwhile, the smallest and greatest absolute errors of the subjects after ischemic stroke were 1.32±0.45 Nm and 5.05±0.63 Nm, respectively, while performing the task without visual feedback (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Maximum voluntary strength was greater in all the groups of men. The absolute errors of isometric contractions of the right and left arm muscles tended to increase in both the men and the women when there was no visual feedback information. The women and the men after an ischemic stroke produced greater absolute errors when performing the task with the right and left arm without visual feedback information than the healthy subjects.
Phenomenological differences between acute and chronic forms of major depression in inpatients

Background. Chronic forms of depression are highly prevalent especially in inpatient settings. Defined only by episode duration greater than 2 years, heterogeneous diagnoses like dysthymic disorder, double depression, major depression and recurrent major depression are included. Chronic depression is considered difficult to treat, although its distinguishing characteristics remain unclear. Aims. The purpose of the present study was empirically to approach proposed differences between acute and chronic forms of depression. Methods. 80 psychiatric inpatients positively screened for depression and diagnosed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), completed a set of questionnaires regarding symptom severity (a simplified version of the Beck Depression Inventory), dysfunctional attitudes (Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale), ruminative response style (Response Styles Questionnaire, Why Ruminate Scale) and interpersonal problems (Inventory of Interpersonal Problems; IIP). Results. 30 patients were diagnosed with chronic forms of depression; 34 patients with acute depression. Patients did not differ regarding symptom severity, ruminative response styles, all but one subscales of the IIP or presence of comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder. However, chronic depression did show higher dysfunctional attitudes than acute depression, and reported higher rates of socially avoidant behavior. Conclusions. In line with previous findings, acute and chronic forms of depression differed in dysfunctional attitudes, which might actually reflect a distinguishing pattern of chronicity. Chronic depression patients also reported higher socially avoidant behavior, which might be crucial to focus in treatment. Surprisingly, other variables that are assumed to characterize chronic depression could not be confirmed as distinguishing features. Future research should take etiological aspects into account.
British Fertility Society Policy and Practice Committee: Adjuvants in IVF: Evidence for good clinical practice

Abstract Optimisation of the environment favourable for satisfactory ovarian response to stimulation and successful embryo implantation remains at the core of assisted conception programmes. The evidence base for the routine use of different adjuvants, alone or in combination, for women undergoing their first in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment cycle and for those with poor prognosis is inadequate. The aim of this document is to update the last review of the available literature carried out by the British Fertility Society Policy and Practice Committee (BFS P&P) published in 2009 and to provide fertility professionals with evidence-based guidance and recommendations regarding the use of immunotherapy, vasodilators, uterine relaxants, aspirin, heparin, growth hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone, oestrogen and metformin as adjuvants in IVF. Unfortunately despite the lapse of 5 years since the last publication, there is still a lack of robust evidence for most of the adjuvants searched and large well-designed randomised controlled trials are still needed. One possible exception is metformin, which seems to have a positive effect in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVF. Patients who are given other adjuvants on an empirical basis should always be informed of the lack of evidence and the potential side effects.
Attitudes about the use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to achieve an understanding what determines the attitude of people toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is essential in decisions about costly therapies in cancer treatment. DESIGN This study involved population-based surveys conducted in 1995 and 2005. SETTING In 1995 and 2005, a quota sample of 2400 Austrians ages > or =15 was selected and invited in writing to participate in a survey to study beliefs and attitudes about cancer, its risk factors, and treatment. The sample comprised 0.04% of the population > or =15 years of age and was representative in terms of age, sex, occupational status, and area of residence. SUBJECTS The subjects included 4073 Austrian adults (2073 participants enrolled in the 1995 survey and 2000 participants of the 2005 survey). INTERVENTION Respondents were visited in their homes by trained interviewers. The interview was face-to-face, using a standardized questionnaire. OUTCOME MEASURES We used a dichotomized variable as the outcome, placing high value on CAM (rated as 1 or 2 on a 5-level Likert scale) versus everything else (rated 3-5). RESULTS Positive personal experiences with people cured of cancer improved the likelihood of a positive perception of CAM (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.59 for those who reported knowing someone who was cured of cancer, compared to those who did not). In multivariate models adjusting for personal attitude toward mainstream medicine, subjects with more formal education were also more likely to believe that CAM is valuable (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.02-1.61), as were women (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.20-1.64) and people ages 70 and above (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.02-2.08). A higher appreciation of mainstream medicine was inversely associated with the value placed on CAM in cancer therapy (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.22-0.85). CONCLUSIONS In this, to our knowledge, the first study to evaluate predictors of CAM preference in cancer treatment in a national probability sample, we found more formal education, female gender, and older age to be the strongest predictors of a person favoring CAM therapy in cancer treatment. Our data also suggest that people who are satisfied with conventional care were less inclined to value CAM, whereas a positive personal experience with cancer cures improved positive perception of CAM.
Efficient $M$ -ary Exponentiation over $GF(2^{m})$  Using Subquadratic KA-Based Three-Operand Montgomery Multiplier

Karatsuba algorithm (KA) is popularly used for high-precision multiplication of long binary polynomials. The only well-known subquadratic multipliers using KA scheme are, however, based on conventional two-operand polynomial multiplication. In this paper, we propose a novel approach based on 2-way and 3-way KA decompositions for computing three-operand polynomial multiplications. Using these novel KA decompositions, we present here a new subquadratic Montgomery multiplier. Our proposed multiplier involves less area and less delay compared to the schoolbook three-operand multiplier as well as the two-operand multipliers based on conventional KA decomposition. We have used the proposed three-operand Montgomery multiplication to derive a novel efficient scheme for m-ary exponentiation, and proposed a novel architecture for exponentiation. We have analyzed the complexities of proposed design, and shown that the proposed exponentiator can have a small lower bound on time complexity amounting to √m-1 multiplication delays, while traditional exponentiators require nearly m multiplication delays. From synthesis results, it is shown that the proposed exponentiator using subquadratic three-operand multiplier approach has significantly less time complexity, less area-delay product, and less power consumption than the existing exponentiators. Moreover, exponentiation-based cryptosystems, such as pairing based cryptography, could achieve high-speed operation using by our proposed multiplier and m-ary exponentiator.
Trends in hip fracture rates in Canada.

CONTEXT Hip fractures are a public health concern because they are associated with significant morbidity, excess mortality, and the majority of the costs directly attributable to osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE To examine trends in hip fracture rates in Canada. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Ecologic trend study using nationwide hospitalization data for 1985 to 2005 from a database at the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Data for all patients with a hospitalization for which the primary reason was a hip fracture (570,872 hospitalizations) were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Age-specific and age-standardized hip fracture rates. RESULTS There was a decrease in age-specific hip fracture rates (all P for trend <.001). Over the 21-year period of the study, age-adjusted hip fracture rates decreased by 31.8% in females (from 118.6 to 80.9 fractures per 100,000 person-years) and by 25.0% in males (from 68.2 to 51.1 fractures per 100,000 person-years). Joinpoint regression analysis identified a change in the linear slope around 1996. For the overall population, the average age-adjusted annual percentage decrease in hip fracture rates was 1.2% (95% confidence interval, 1.0%-1.3%) per year from 1985 to 1996 and 2.4% (95% confidence interval, 2.1%-2.6%) per year from 1996 to 2005 (P < .001 for difference in slopes). Similar changes were seen in both females and males with greater slope reductions after 1996 (P < .001 for difference in slopes for each sex). CONCLUSIONS Age-standardized rates of hip fracture have steadily declined in Canada since 1985 and more rapidly during the later study period. The factors primarily responsible for the earlier reduction in hip fractures are unknown.