Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Square and stretch multigrid for stochastic matrix eigenproblems

A novel multigrid algorithm for computing the principal eigenvector of column‐stochastic matrices is developed. The method is based on an approach originally introduced by Horton and Leutenegger (Perform. Eval. Rev. 1994; 22:191–200) whereby the coarse‐grid problem is adapted to yield a better and better coarse representation of the original problem. A special feature of the present approach is the squaring of the stochastic matrix—followed by a stretching of its spectrum—just prior to the coarse‐grid correction process. This procedure is shown to yield good convergence properties, even though a cheap and simple aggregation is used for the restriction and prolongation matrices, which is important for maintaining competitive computational costs. A second special feature is a bottom–up procedure for defining coarse‐grid aggregates. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory control and psychopathology: A meta-analysis of studies using the stop signal task

Abstract The Stop Signal Task (SST) is a measure that has been used widely to assess response inhibition. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies that examined SST performance in patients with various psychiatric disorders to determine the magnitude and generality of deficient inhibition. A five-item instrument was used to assess the methodological quality of studies. We found medium deficits in stop signal reaction time (SSRT), reflecting the speed of the inhibitory process, for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (g = 0.62), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) (g = 0.77) and schizophrenia (SCZ) (g = 0.69). SSRT was less impaired or normal for anxiety disorder (ANX), autism, major depressive disorder (MDD), oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder (ODD/CD), pathological gambling, reading disability (RD), substance dependence, and Tourette syndrome. We observed a large SSRT deficit for comorbid ADHD + RD (g = 0.82). SSRT was less than moderately impaired for ADHD + ANX and ADHD + ODD/CD. Study quality did not significantly affect SSRT across ADHD studies. This confirms an inhibition deficit in ADHD, and suggests that comorbid ADHD has different effects on inhibition in patients with ANX, ODD/CD, and RD. Further studies are needed to firmly establish an inhibition deficit in OCD and SCZ. (JINS, 2010, 16, 1064–1076.)
Towards the Synthesis of Proanthocyanidins: Half a Century of Innovation

Results emanating from the synthesis of proanthocyanidins played a crucial role in defining the constitution, regiochemistry, and absolute configuration of this complex but fascinating group of plant secondary metabolites. The initial efforts, commencing in 1966, were focused on structure elucidation of, especially, the procyanidins, profisetinidins, and prorobinetinidins. However, over the past 12 years the emphasis has shifted to the synthesis of the bioactive procyanidins and some of their derivatives at a scale that would permit assessment of their pharmacological properties. With a few exceptions, the vast majority of these synthetic protocols involve the formation of the interflavanyl bond by acid/Lewis acid activation at C-4 of a flavan-3,4-diol or its equivalent, and subsequent trapping of the incipient C-4 carbocation by the nucleophilic centers of a flavan-3-ol (catechin). This review represents the first comprehensive chronicle depicting the development of the subject of proanthocyanidin synthesis.
A Précis of Recent Advances in the Neuropsychology of Mild Cognitive Impairment(s) in Parkinson's Disease and a Proposal of Preliminary Research Criteria

Abstract Cognitive changes of Parkinson's disease (PD) manifest earlier and are more heterogeneous than previously appreciated. Approximately one-third of patients have at least mild cognitive changes at PD diagnosis, and subtle changes might be appreciable among those at risk for PD. Executive dysfunction is the most common cognitive change, but other phenotypes exist. Pathobiologic and potential prognostic differences among cognitive phenotypes remain poorly understood. Progress in the neuropsychology, epidemiology and pathobiology of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in PD is hampered by lack of diagnostic criteria. This study proposes preliminary research criteria for two categories of PD non-dementia cognitive impairment. (JINS, 2011, 17, 393–406)
Self-awareness of Motor Dysfunction in Patients with Huntington's Disease in Comparison to Parkinson's Disease and Cervical Dystonia

Abstract Individuals suffering from Huntington's disease (HD) have been shown to present with poor self-awareness of a variety of symptoms. The aim of this study was to better assess the self-awareness of motor symptoms and activities of daily living (ADL) impairment in HD, in comparison to Parkinson's disease (PD) and cervical dystonia (CD). In particular, the anosognosia/anosodiaphoria of involuntary movements has been investigated. Self-awareness was tested in 23 patients with HD by comparing patient and caregiver ratings in reference to clinical control groups (25 PD with dyskinesias, PDdys; 21 PD without dyskinesias, PDndys; and 20 with CD). Patients were assessed neurologically by relevant rating scales. Self-awareness was tested using a scale based on 15 films demonstrating 3 types of motor symptoms (chorea/dyskinesias, parkinsonism, torticollis) as well as the Self-Assessment Parkinson's Disease Disability Scale. General cognitive status, verbal learning, cognitive control, and mood were also analyzed. Our results indicate that self-awareness of choreic movements was affected more severely in HD than in PDdys, despite comparable cognitive status. Patient–proxy agreement on ADL impairment was roughly similar in all clinical groups. The results are discussed in the context of orbitofrontal–limbic pathology as a potential trigger of anosognosia/anosodiaphoria in individuals with HD. (JINS, 2011, 17, 788–795)
Visuospatial Associative Memory and Hippocampal Functioning in Congenital Hypothyroidism

Abstract Congenital hypothyroidism is a pediatric endocrine disorder caused by insufficient endogenous thyroid hormone production. Children with congenital hypothyroidism have difficulties with episodic memory and abnormalities in hippocampal structure, suggesting deficient hippocampal functioning. To assess hippocampal activation in adolescents with congenital hypothyroidism (N = 14; age range, 11.5–14.7 years) compared with controls (N = 15; age range, 11.2–15.5 years), a functional magnetic resonance imaging visuospatial memory task was used. In this task, participants had to decide if object pairings were novel or were previously studied or if object pairs were in the same location as they were at study or had switched locations. Despite no group differences in task performance, adolescents with congenital hypothyroidism showed both increased magnitude of hippocampal activation relative to controls and bilateral hippocampal activation when only the left was observed in controls. Furthermore, the increased activation in the congenital hypothyroidism group was correlated with the severity of the hypothyroidism experienced early in life. These results suggest that perinatal deprivation of thyroid hormone has longstanding effects on hippocampal function and may account for memory problems experienced by adolescents with congenital hypothyroidism. (JINS, 2012, 18, 49–56)
Is Mediastinoscopy Still the Gold Standard to Evaluate Mediastinal Lymph Nodes in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma?

Abstract Objectives In this study, we aimed to define the efficacy of F-18 FDG PET/CT for the detection of mediastinal lymph node metastases by comparing the mediastinal findings of F-18 FDG PET/CT with the histopathological results obtained either by mediastinoscopy or thoracotomy in patients with clinically operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Material and Methods This is a prospective, single-institution study of 68 consecutive patients with suspected or pathologically proven, localized, clinically resectable NSCLC (8 females and 60 males; mean age: 60.36 ± 1.01 years, range: 43–78 years). The patients underwent integrated PET/CT scanning at the same PET center. Standard cervical mediastinoscopy and extended mediastinoscopy were performed to sample the lymph nodes. During thoracotomy, complete mediastinal lymph node dissection was routinely performed. Results Mediastinoscopy gave true positive results in 9 patients and true negative results in 57 patients. There were two false negative results. Mediastinoscopy had a sensitivity of 81.8% (95% CI: 63–82), a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 96–100), a PPV of 100% (95% CI: 77–100), a NPV of 96.6% (95% CI: 93–96), and an accuracy of 97% for the detection of mediastinal lymph node metastases. When PET/CT results were compared with postoperative pathological examination results, PET/CT correctly identified 48 out of 50 patients (96%) who did not have metastatic lymph node involvement. N2/N3 disease was correctly determined by PET/CT in 8 of 11 patients (72.7%) who had positive results on histological analysis. When only N2 and N3 nodal diseases were included in the calculation with the aim of making a comparison with mediastinoscopy (for mediastinal nodes), integrated PET/CT had a sensitivity of 72.7% (95% CI: 51–80), a specificity of 97.7% (95% CI: 92–99), a PPV of 88.9% (95% CI: 62–97), a NPV of 93.3% (95% CI: 88–95) and an accuracy of 92.6% (95% 83–95) for the detection of intrathoracic N2 and N3 nodal metastases. Conclusion Our data shows that due to its high sensitivity and accuracy, mediastinoscopy is still the most reliable method to evaluate mediastinal lymph nodes in patients with NSCLC.
Major Depressive Disorder, Cognitive Symptoms, and Neuropsychological Performance among Ethnically Diverse HIV+ Men and Women

Abstract Major depressive disorder (MDD), cognitive symptoms, and mild cognitive deficits commonly occur in HIV-infected individuals, despite highly active antiretroviral therapies. In this study, we compared neuropsychological performance and cognitive symptoms of 191 HIV-infected participants. Results indicated that participants with a formal diagnosis of current MDD performed significantly worse than participants without MDD in all seven neuropsychological domains evaluated, with the largest effect sizes in information processing speed, learning, and memory. In addition, a brief assessment of cognitive symptoms, derived from a comprehensive neuromedical interview, correlated significantly with neurocognitive functioning. Participants with MDD reported more cognitive symptoms and showed greater neurocognitive deficits than participants without MDD. These findings indicate that HIV-infected adults with MDD have more cognitive symptoms and worse neuropsychological performance than HIV-infected individuals without MDD. The results of this study have important implications for the diagnosis of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–10)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast: Report of a Case

We present the case of a 73‐year‐old woman with pure squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the left breast. This non‐invasive malignancy exhibited pure squamous type of architectural and cytologic features without any evidence of glandular differentiation either in the initial needle core biopsy or in the subsequently performed excisional biopsy and simple mastectomy. The tumor spanned 1.6 cm, involved numerous ducts and terminal ducts and extended into lobules, and was characterized by keratinizing squamous cells with intermediate‐grade nuclei. Intercellular bridges extended between the malignant squamous cells. Keratinous debris with “pearl” formation was evident in most involved glands. No invasive carcinoma was identified. There was no evidence of metastatic disease in the ipsilateral sentinel lymph nodes. Thus far, only three cases of squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the breast have been reported in one series—none of which showed any evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease at last follow‐up. In our case, treated exclusively by surgery, there was no evidence of disease 11 years after diagnosis.
Quality of life measures for myasthenia gravis and evaluation of non‐motor symptoms

Health‐related quality of life measures have become an important tool in measuring clinical outcomes. Disease‐specific health‐related quality of life scales, particularly in diseases that might fluctuate, can draw attention to non‐motor symptoms and guide symptom management. The following review provides an overview of quality of life (QOL) with a focus of disease‐specific QOL measures for myasthenia gravis. We also review the current understanding of non‐motor symptoms in myasthenia gravis and suggest that QOL measures might be a useful way of accounting for these symptoms. After reading the review, the reader will have a better understanding of QOL measures and how they can be used for patient care and clinical research.
Rehabilitation of Executive Functions in Patients with Chronic Acquired Brain Injury with Goal Management Training, External Cuing, and Emotional Regulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Executive dysfunction is a common consequence of acquired brain injury (ABI), causing significant disability in daily life. This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of Goal Management TrainingTM (GMT) in improving executive functioning in patients with chronic ABI. Seventy patients with a verified ABI and executive dysfunction were randomly allocated to GMT (n=33) or a psycho-educative active control condition, Brain Health Workshop (BHW) (n=37). In addition, all participants received external cueing by text messages. Neuropsychological tests and self-reported questionnaires of executive functioning were administered pre-intervention, immediately after intervention, and at 6 months follow-up. Assessors were blinded to group allocation. Questionnaire measures indicated significant improvement of everyday executive functioning in the GMT group, with effects lasting at least 6 months post-treatment. Both groups improved on the majority of the applied neuropsychological tests. However, improved performance on tests demanding executive attention was most prominent in the GMT group. The results indicate that GMT combined with external cueing is an effective metacognitive strategy training method, ameliorating executive dysfunction in daily life for patients with chronic ABI. The strongest effects were seen on self-report measures of executive functions 6 months post-treatment, suggesting that strategies learned in GMT were applied and consolidated in everyday life after the end of training. Furthermore, these findings show that executive dysfunction can be improved years after the ABI. (JINS, 2016, 22, 436–452)
Rifaximin in der Remissionserhaltung der hepatischen Enzephalopathie bei Leberzirrhose

Rifaximin ist ein Breitbandantibiotikum, welches nahezu vollständig (>99%) im Darm verbleibt, sodass systemische Nebenwirkungen und/oder Resistenzentwicklungen auch bei Langzeitbehandlung sehr gering sind. Verschiedene Studien konnten für Rifaximin in der Behandlung der hepatischen Enzephalopathie (HE) bei Leberzirrhose eine signifikante Wirksamkeit bei geringem Nebenwirkungsprofil nachweisen (Zeneroli et al. Chemotherapy 2005; 51 [Suppl 1]: 90–95). Neben der Behandlung der akut auftretenden HE ist zusätzlich die remissionserhaltende Therapie wichtig. Als Standardpräparate gelten seit Langem nicht resorbierbare Disaccharide wie Lactulose (Sharma et al. Gastroenterology 2009; 137: 885–891).
Substâncias vasoativas e a modulação do sistema microvascular hepático

PURPOSE. To review some aspects of the hepatic phylogeny and ontogeny, the hepatic microvascular system, and the modulation of the tonus on this vascular system by different vasoactive substances. METHOD. Text books and articles from MEDLINE-indexed journals were consulted. RESULTS. Fifty-two articles, that were published between 1949 and 1997, were selected. They provided us with information concerning hepatic phylogeny and ontogeny, the hepatic microvascular system, and the modulation of the tonus in this vascular system. CONCLUSION. The architecture of the hepatic microvascular system, a unique and complex vascular system, is well suited to the functions of the organ. Different factors, including endothelial vasoactive substances, participate in the modulation of the vascular resistance through the liver adequating the liver perfusion to the homeostatic needs. The liver is eminently a maintainer of internal stability.
Projection of older Australians with a history of midlife obesity and overweight 2010–2050

Objective: This study projects midlife obesity status in future older Australians. Design and Methods: Cross‐sectional prevalence of being obese or overweight by broad age groups was interpolated to obtain single‐year‐age data. These estimates were then used to derive prevalence of normal weight and underweight. Data by birth year and year of observation of persons aged 30–70 years were used to construct prediction equations. Results: Results show that older people with a history of midlife obesity is projected to rise substantially in the future. For people aged 65 years, midlife obesity was estimated at 22% in 2010 and is projected to increase to 43% for males and 37% for females in 2050. Conclusion: While the proportion of individuals with midlife normal weight is projected to decline substantially, prevalence of midlife overweight remains almost stable. The number of persons aged 65 years and over having a history of midlife obesity is projected to increase nearly six‐fold from less than 500,000 persons in 2010 to 2.8 million in 2050. In comparison, between 2010 and 2050, Australia's older population aged 65 years and over is projected to increase by only 2.5‐fold. Growing obesity prevalence in the Australian population translates into a large increase in older people with a history of midlife obesity, with major implications for the future burden of disease in older persons.
Risk of malignant brain tumor as a second primary is significantly reduced after treatment of breast cancer

To the Editor: Treatment of glioblastoma, which represents 60%-75% of primary malignant brain tumors, remains unsatisfactory, and overall mortality is high. Standard treatment includes maximal surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy with temozolomide. A recent study showed that the addition of bevacizumab (Avastin) to radiotherapy and temozolomide did not improve survival, but did improve progression-free survival, maintenance of baseline quality of life, and performance status. However, the rate of adverse events was higher with bevacizumab than with placebo. Glioblastoma and breast cancer share pathophysiologic characteristics:
Associations between plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids, plasma stearoyl‐CoA desaturase indices and body fat

Stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD)‐1 deficient mice are resistant to obesity and plasma SCD indices are related to obesity in humans. Both n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) regulate expression of the SCD enzymes. Whether higher plasma PUFA were associated with lower SCD indices in humans was examined.
Vitamin D status of Year 3 children and supplementation through schools with fortified milk

Abstract Objective To evaluate levels of vitamin D3 and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and the ratio of HDL-C to LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), in schoolchildren receiving vitamin-D-fortified, fat-depleted, high-Ca milk in schools. Design Cross-sectional study of previously randomised schools receiving supplemental milk, compared with a matched control group. Setting Low-decile Year 1–6 schools in the Waikato region of New Zealand. Subjects Year 3 children from either milk schools or control schools, consenting to blood sampling. Results For eighty-nine children receiving supplementary daily milk, vitamin D3 levels were significantly higher than in eighty-three control children matched for age, sex, body composition and ethnicity (mean (sd): 49·6 (15·8) v. 43·8 (14·7) nmol/l, P = 0·011), as were HDL-C levels (mean (sd): 1·47 (0·35) v. 1·35 (0·29) mmol/l, P = 0·024) and HDL-C:LDL-C (median: 0·79 v. 0·71, P = 0·026). LDL-C levels were similar in both groups (mean (sd): 2·07 (0·55) v. 2·16 (0·60) mmol/l, P = 0·31). Of control children, 32/83 (20·2 %) of the milk group (Pearson’s χ2 = 7·00, P = 0·008). Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D3) levels in the milk group were still below the lower end of the recommended normal range (60 nmol/l). Conclusions Vitamin D3 levels are low in low-decile Year 3 children in midwinter. Levels are improved with vitamin-D-fortified milk but still below the recommended range. HDL-C and HDL-C:LDL-C levels are improved in the milk-supplemented group. This supports the supply of vitamin-D-fortified, fat-reduced milk to schools.
Factors associated with overweight in children in Rasht, Iran: gender, maternal education, skipping breakfast and parental obesity

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to investigate the determinants of overweight and obesity among 6- to 11-year-old schoolchildren in Rasht, Iran. Design Cross-sectional survey. Data on age, weekly frequency of skipping breakfast, physical activity and hours of television viewing were collected. Information on birth weight, parental age, parental educational levels, parental weight and height, and mother’s employment status were gathered through self-administrated questionnaires given to the parents. Setting Elementary schools in Rasht. Subjects A total of 6635 children (3551 boys and 3084 girls) attending elementary schools in Rasht were studied. Results The overall prevalence of overweight was 11·5 % and 15·0 % for boys and girls, respectively; while the overall prevalence of obesity was 5·0 % and 5·9 %, respectively. Children with more educated mothers had a higher prevalence of overweight than children with less educated mothers. Logistic regression analysis showed that children with overweight/obese parents, children with more educated mothers and children who often skipped breakfast were more prone to overweight and obesity. Conclusions These data suggest that overweight and obesity is a public health concern in this age group in Rasht. The observed sex and social differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity call for policy makers’ attention.
Relationship between raised BMI and sugar sweetened beverage and high fat food consumption among children

Longitudinal evidence of relationships between unhealthy diets and BMI in children is crucial for appropriately targeting obesity prevention activities. The objective was to determine the relationship between frequency of consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) and high fat foods (HFFs) and body weight in Australian children aged from 4 to 10 years.