Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First trimester Doppler velocimetry of the uterine artery ipsilateral to the placenta improves ability to predict early-onset preeclampsia

Abstract This study sought to investigate the effects of placental laterality on the measurements of uterine artery (UtA) Doppler velocimetry and their application in predicting early-onset preeclampsia (PE). We conducted a prospective cohort study on all women with singleton, uncomplicated pregnancies scheduled for first-trimester nuchal translucency at our institution. Pulsatility index (PI) for both UtAs was measured by Doppler velocimetry, and placental laterality was determined. Additionally, pregnancy outcome data were abstracted from the medical records. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were plotted. Of the 304 patients enrolled, 247 met the inclusion criteria. Among these patients, 240 had uncomplicated delivery, while 7 had early delivery at <34 weeks due to PE. For the uncomplicated pregnancies, PI measurements of the UtA ipsilateral to the placenta were similar (left versus right UtA: 1.06 ± 0.38 vs. 1.04 ± 0.40; P = .745). However, PI measurements of the UtA contralateral to the placenta differed significantly (left versus right UtA: 1.45 ± 0.51 vs. 1.3 ± 0.47; P = .027). In predicting early-onset PE, the ideal cut-off value for the placental side PI was 1.91, with sensitivity 100% and specificity 96.3%. For nonplacental side PI, the ideal cut-off value for PI was 1.975, with sensitivity 57.1% and specificity 79.2%. Using the mean of the left and right UtA PI, the ideal cut-off value was 1.63, with sensitivity 100% and specificity 74.2%. ROC analysis confirmed that PI measurements of the UtA on the placental side were significantly lower than those on the contralateral side, PI measurements of the UtA ipsilateral to the placenta were similar.
Clinical correlates of noise sensitivity in patients with acute TBI

ABSTRACT Primary objective: The impact of noise sensitivity (NS) on the daily functioning of people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is an understudied area, particularly following mTBI. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate clinical markers of NS in a sample of New Zealand adults following mTBI. Research design: Cross-sectional study. Methods and procedures: A community-based sample of 151 adults who had experienced a brain injury in the last two weeks completed assessments estimating cognitive functioning, postconcussion symptoms (including NS), and affective state. Results: Over half the sample (59%) reported some degree of NS. Exploratory statistical analyses indicated that NS was associated with being female, living in a rural area, number of previous brain injuries, cognitive flexibility scores, reaction time, perceptions of recovery, anxiety, and depression. Regression analyses revealed that anxiety was the dominant correlate of NS (B = .120, p < .001, 95% CI [0.069, 1.71]). Conclusions: As the first study to explore the correlates of NS following mild TBI, the findings have important clinical and research implications. The present findings suggest that treatment approaches targeting anxiety may be effective in reducing NS in people who have experienced a brain injury. Moreover, evidence is presented suggesting that NS is unlikely to reflect malingering, and should be treated as a genuine somatic symptom of brain injury.
Direct superior approach with standard instrumentation for total hip arthroplasty: safety and efficacy in a prospective 200-case series

Introduction: Direct Superior Approach (DSA) is a muscle sparing approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) implemented using special instrumentation. There is a lack of information in the literature concerning DSA with standard instrumentation. Materials and methods: 238 patients were recruited for primary THA by a single surgeon from January 2016 until May 2017. 209 patients underwent THA through DSA approach with non-offset acetabular reamers and femoral broaches. We evaluated accuracy of implantation, complications and early functional results. Independent orthopaedic surgeons performed the clinical and radiographic assessments. Results: 200 patients were followed for a year. 3 different implants were used. No sciatic nerve palsies, hip dislocations or fractures were recorded. There was one acute deep and superficial wound infection. The mean functional score was significantly improved at all follow-ups (p < 0.001). 97% of stems were inserted into the neutral coronal and 96% in neutral sagittal alignment. All cups fell within a safe zone of inclination and 91% of anteversion. 2 hips demonstrated heterotopic ossification, Brooker class I. Obese patients had no increased risk of complications. Conclusions: DSA with standard instrumentation is safe and efficacious for THA. It offers fast recovery and facilitates correct implantation of different implants, can be useful even for hip dysplasia and obese patients with minimal complication rates.
The fractal dimension of chromatin - a potential molecular marker for carcinogenesis, tumor progression and prognosis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Fractality is omnipresent in medicine and life sciences. In particular, the fractal principle is found simultaneously at different organization levels of the cell nucleus. The aim of this review is to show whether fractal characteristics of chromatin could be related to tumor pathology and pathophysiology. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the application of fractal measurements of chromatin or DNA for the characterization of physiological or pathological processes, in particular for the detection of preneoplastic changes, the characterization of tumor progression, the differential diagnosis between neoplasms and for prognosis. We used a network-based literature research strategy, i.e. after a systematic investigation by key-words, we looked for all citations (and the citations to these citations) of the selected papers in Scopus and Webofscience. Expert opinion: The fractal dimension (FD) increases during carcinogenesis, thus permitting the diagnosis of malignancy. In various malignant tumors, a higher FD or diminished goodness-of-fit of its regression line indicates a more aggressive behavior and worse prognosis. Applying new spectral techniques, the chromatin FD can be estimated at scales below the light microscopic resolution. The latter also permits the examination of live cells and studies on field carcinogenesis and chemoprophylaxis.
Joint Indian Chest Society-National College of Chest Physicians (India) guidelines for spirometry

Although a simple and useful pulmonary function test, spirometry remains underutilized in India. The Indian Chest Society and National College of Chest Physicians (India) jointly supported an expert group to provide recommendations for spirometry in India. Based on a scientific grading of available published evidence, as well as other international recommendations, we propose a consensus statement for planning, performing and interpreting spirometry in a systematic manner across all levels of healthcare in India. We stress the use of standard equipment, and the need for quality control, to optimize testing. Important technical requirements for patient selection, and proper conduct of the vital capacity maneuver, are outlined. A brief algorithm to interpret and report spirometric data using minimal and most important variables is presented. The use of statistically valid lower limits of normality during interpretation is emphasized, and a listing of Indian reference equations is provided for this purpose. Other important issues such as peak expiratory flow, bronchodilator reversibility testing, and technician training are also discussed. We hope that this document will improve use of spirometry in a standardized fashion across diverse settings in India.
Flipper bone distribution reveals flexible trailing edge in underwater flying marine tetrapods

Hydrofoil‐shaped limbs (flipper‐hydrofoils) have evolved independently several times in secondarily marine tetrapods and generally fall into two functional categories: (1) those that produce the majority of thrust during locomotion (propulsive flipper‐hydrofoils); (2) those used primarily to steer and resist destabilizing movements such as yaw, pitch, and roll (controller flipper‐hydrofoils). The morphological differences between these two types have been poorly understood. Theoretical and experimental studies on engineered hydrofoils suggest that flapping hydrofoils with a flexible trailing edge are more efficient at producing thrust whereas hydrofoils used in steering and stabilization benefit from a more rigid one. To investigate whether the trailing edge is generally more flexible in propulsive flipper‐hydrofoils, we compared the bone distribution along the chord in both flipper types. The propulsive flipper‐hydrofoil group consists of the forelimbs of Chelonioidea, Spheniscidae, and Otariidae. The controller flipper‐hydrofoil group consists of the forelimbs of Cetacea. We quantified bone distribution from radiographs of species representing more than 50% of all extant genera for each clade. Our results show that the proportion of bone in both groups is similar along the leading edge (0–40% of the chord) but is significantly less along the trailing edge for propulsive flipper‐hydrofoils (40–80% of the chord). Both flipper‐hydrofoil types have little to no bony tissue along the very edge of the trailing edge (80–100% of the chord). This suggests a relatively flexible trailing edge for propulsive flipper‐hydrofoils compared to controller flipper‐hydrofoils in line with findings from prior studies. This study presents a morphological correlate for inferring flipper‐hydrofoil function in extinct taxa and highlights the importance of a flexible trailing edge in the evolution of propulsive flipper‐hydrofoils in marine tetrapods.
Granular computing: an introduction

The study is concerned with the fundamentals of granular computing. Granular computing, as the name itself stipulates, deals with representing information in the form of some aggregates (that embrace a number of individual entities) and their ensuing processing. We elaborate on the rationale behind granular computing. Next, a number of formal frameworks of information granulation are discussed including several alternatives such as fuzzy sets, interval analysis, rough sets, and probability. The notion of granularity itself is defined and quantified. A design agenda of granular computing is formulated and the key design problems are raised. A number of granular architectures are also discussed with an objective of delineating the fundamental algorithmic, and conceptual challenges. It is shown that the use of information granules of different size (granularity) lends itself to general pyramid architectures of information processing. The role of encoding and decoding mechanisms visible in this setting is also discussed in detail, along with some particular solutions. We raise an issue of interoperability of granular environments. The intent of the paper is to elaborate on the fundamentals and put the entire area in a certain perspective while not moving into specific algorithmic details.
Granular Computing

The basic ideas and principles of granular computing (GrC) have been studied explicitly or implicitly in many fields in isolation. With the recent renewed and fast growing interest, it is time to extract the commonality from a diversity of fields and to study systematically and formally the domain independent principles of granular computing in a unified model. A framework of granular computing can be established by applying its own principles. We examine such a framework from two perspectives, granular computing as structured thinking and structured problem solving. From the philosophical perspective or the conceptual level, granular computing focuses on structured thinking based on multiple levels of granularity. The implementation of such a philosophy in the application level deals with structured problem solving.
A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy of zoledronic acid (ZOL) in the treatment and prevention of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for elderly patients. Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, VIP, and Embase were investigated through June 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) involving ZOL injections for OVCF were enrolled. Outcome indicators included the bone mineral density (BMD), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), recompression vertebral fracture (RVF), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and bonemetabolism (Procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide [PINP] and bcross-linked C-telopeptide of type I collagen [b-CTX]), bone cement leakage. Review Manager 5.3 was used to analyze these indicators. Results: In this study, (1) Eight studies had met the eligibility criteria, a total of 578 participants were involved (285 and 293 in the experimental (ZOL) group and control [no ZOL] group, respectively). (2) The BMD scores of patients with OVCF in the experimental group were significantly higher than that in the control group (P< .05).
Platelet-rich plasma injection for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used as an alternative therapy to reduce pain and improve functional restoration in patients with Achilles tendinopathy (AT). We evaluated the current evidence for the efficacy of PRP as a treatment for chronic AT. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of PRP with that of with placebo injections plus eccentric training as treatment for AT. The articles were uploaded over the establishment of the databases to May 01, 2018. The Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) tool was used to assess methodological quality. Outcome measurements included the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A), visual analog scale (VAS) and Achilles tendon thickness. Statistical analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3. 5 software. Results: Five RCTs (n = 189) were included in this meta-analysis. Significant differences in the VISA-A were not observed between the PRP and placebo groups after 12 weeks [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.2, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.36 to 0.76, I2 = 71%], 24 weeks (SMD = 0.77, 95% CI: −0.10–1.65, I2 = 85%) and 1 year (SMD = 0.83, 95% CI: −0.76–2.42, I2 = 72%) of treatment. However, PRP exhibited better efficacy than the placebo treatment after 6 weeks (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.15–0.77, I2 = 34%). Two studies included VAS scores and tendon thickness. VAS scores after 6 weeks (SMD = 1.35, 95% CI: −0.1.04–3.74, I2 = 93%) and 24 weeks (SMD = 1.48, 95% CI: −0.1.59–4.55, I2 = 95%) were not significantly different. However, VAS scores at the 12th week (SMD = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.53–1.68, I2 = 83%) and tendon thickness (SMD = 1.51, 95% CI: 0.39–2.63, I2 = 53%) were significantly different. Conclusion: PRP injection around the Achilles tendon is an option for the treatment of chronic AT. Limited evidence supports the conclusion that PRP is not superior to placebo treatment. These results still require verification by a large number of well designed, heterogeneous RCT studies.
Anemia epidemiology, pathophysiology, and etiology in low‐ and middle‐income countries

Anemia affects a third of the world's population and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, decreased work productivity, and impaired neurological development. Understanding anemia's varied and complex etiology is crucial for developing effective interventions that address the context‐specific causes of anemia and for monitoring anemia control programs. We outline definitions and classifications of anemia, describe the biological mechanisms through which anemia develops, and review the variety of conditions that contribute to anemia development. We emphasize the risk factors most prevalent in low‐ and middle‐income countries, including nutritional deficiencies, infection/inflammation, and genetic hemoglobin disorders. Recent work has furthered our understanding of anemia's complex etiology, including the proportion of anemia caused by iron deficiency (ID) and the role of inflammation and infection. Accumulating evidence indicates that the proportion of anemia due to ID differs by population group, geographical setting, infectious disease burden, and the prevalence of other anemia causes. Further research is needed to explore the role of additional nutritional deficiencies, the contribution of infectious and chronic disease, as well as the importance of genetic hemoglobin disorders in certain populations.
Lidocaine‐Propitocain Cream, a Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics, Effectively Relieves Pain Associated With Vascular Access Intervention Therapy in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Placebo‐Controlled, Double‐Blind, Crossover Study

Vascular access intervention therapy (VAIVT) is necessary to maintain vascular access in patients undergoing hemodialysis. VAIVT‐associated vasodilatation is painful. However, few reports have focused on effective pain relief at the time of VAIVT. The present study was performed to determine whether lidocaine‐propitocain cream, a eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA), effectively reduces VAIVT‐associated pain in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover study was conducted in a single center. Among 210 patients who underwent a total of 437 VAIVT procedures from August 2017 to June 2018, 30 patients were randomly allocated to either the EMLA–placebo arm or placebo–EMLA arm at the time of VAIVT. EMLA application significantly reduced the visual analog scale score compared with placebo (47.0 ± 21.1 vs. 68.6 ± 20.7 mm, respectively; P < 0.05). EMLA is a safe and effective treatment for relief of VAIVT‐associated pain in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Liuwei Dihuang Decoction for primary osteoporosis

Background: Primary osteoporosis (POP) is one kind of global disease, as a serious threat to human health. Liuwei Dihuang Decoction (LWDHD) has been recommended to treat osteoporosis alone or combined with medicine in China; however, its efficacy is unclear. The object of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LWDHD in the management of POP. Methods: We will search The Cochrane Library, Medline, PubMed, Elsevier, Springer, Web of Science, Ovid, WHO ICTRP, CNKI, CBM, VIP, and WanFang Database from their inception to February 2019. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of LWDHD for the treatment of POP will be included. The language is limited to Chinese and English. The fracture incidence will be accepted as the primary outcomes. Data synthesis, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis will be performed by using RevMan V.5. 3.5 software. Results: A high-quality synthesis of current evidence for the treatment of POP with LWDHD will be provided from efficacy and safety. Conclusion: This systematic review will generate evidence for judging whether LWDHD is an effective and safe intervention for POP or not. PROSPERO registration number: PROSPERO CRD 4201926066.
Metabolic characteristics of obese children with fatty liver

Abstract To investigate metabolic differences between simple obese children and those comorbid with fatty liver disease. Obese children hospitalized in our center from 2014 to 2016 were included and divided into simple obese group and obese with fatty liver group by ultrasound-based diagnosis of fatty liver. Epidemiology data and serum biochemical studies were recorded. Body Mass Index (BMI) and homeostasis model insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were calculated accordingly. A total of 186 obese children were enrolled in this study, including 93 cases of obese children and 93 obese patients’ comorbid with fatty liver. The proportion of male, age, waist circumference (WC), BMI, fasting blood-glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting insulin (FINS), and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in obese patients with fatty liver (P <.05). Age and BMI were found to be independent risk factors for fatty liver disease (OR >1, P <.05). Among obese children, male and elder patients and individuals with higher uric acid are more susceptible to fatty liver.
No unitary theory of PM spin two and gravity

We examine the generic theory of a partially-massless (PM) spin-two field interacting with gravity in four dimensions from a bottom-up perspective. By analyzing the most general form of the Lagrangian, we first show that if such a theory exists, its de Sitter background must admit either so(1, 5) or so(2, 4) global symmetry, depending on the sign of the PM kinetic term: the former for positive sign and the latter for negative sign. Further analysis reveals that the coupling constant of the PM cubic self-interaction must be fixed with a purely imaginary number in the case of positive sign. We conclude that there cannot exist a unitary theory of PM spin-two field coupled to Einstein gravity with a perturbatively local Lagrangian. Finally, in the case of negative sign we recover conformal gravity. Unité Mixte de Recherche 7164 du CNRS
Beneficial effects of trimetazidine as a metabolic therapy on cardiac recovery and quality of life for patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective: The retrospective study investigated the effect of trimetazidine (TMZ) as a metabolic therapy on cardiac recovery and quality of life (QOL) for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We included 100 CHD patients who underwent PCI in the Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University between January 2016 and June 2016. Patients were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. Patients in the control group took secondary prevention medications and those in the experimental group were given secondary prevention medications and three-month oral administration of TMZ. The treadmill exercise test, the echocardiogram, the six-minute walking test (6MWT), the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) were administered to 100 patients. Results: Patients who had taken secondary prevention medications and oral administration of TMZ in the experimental group were compared to those patients who had just taken secondary prevention medications in the control group on metabolic equivalents (METs), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDd), the SF-36 and SAQ subscale scores: the experimental group exhibited increased METs and LVEF, and decreased LVEDd compared with the control group; there were significant differences in the SF-36 domains of general health, role physical, bodily pain and social functioning between two groups; the 6MWT distance was longer in the experimental group than in the control group; the experimental group had higher SAQ subscale scores of physical limitation, angina stability, treatment satisfaction and disease perception than the control group. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that oral administration of TMZ as a metabolic therapy may improve cardiac recovery and QOL for CHD patients undergoing PCI.