LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Follicular red dots: a novel dermoscopic pattern observed in scalp discoid lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND
Scalp dermoscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis of hair and scalp disorders, and specific dermoscopic patterns have recently been associated with several disorders causing noncicatricial alopecia, such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, trichotillomania, and tinea capitis.


OBSERVATIONS
We describe the morphologic and pathologic features of a new dermoscopic pattern, referred to as "follicular red dots," that was found in scalp lesions of 5 patients with active discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). Follicular red dots appear as erythematous polycyclic, concentric structures, with a diameter ranging from 0.16 to 0.47 mm, regularly distributed in and around the follicular ostia. In the pathologic findings, red dots correspond to widened infundibula plugged by keratin and surrounded by dilated vessels and extravasated erythrocytes. Retrospective blinded evaluation of the dermoscopic images of 155 patients with cicatricial alopecia suggests that follicular red dots are a specific feature of DLE because the pattern was not identified in the images of cicatricial alopecia resulting from other diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
The follicular red dot pattern is a specific feature of scalp lesions of active lupus erythematosus of the scalp. Recognition of this distinctive dermoscopic pattern may help the clinician to differentiate DLE from other diseases causing cicatricial alopecia.
Survey on Multi-Access Edge Computing for Internet of Things Realization

The Internet of Things (IoT) has recently advanced from an experimental technology to what will become the backbone of future customer value for both product and service sector businesses. This underscores the cardinal role of IoT on the journey toward the fifth generation of wireless communication systems. IoT technologies augmented with intelligent and big data analytics are expected to rapidly change the landscape of myriads of application domains ranging from health care to smart cities and industrial automations. The emergence of multi-access edge computing (MEC) technology aims at extending cloud computing capabilities to the edge of the radio access network, hence providing real-time, high-bandwidth, low-latency access to radio network resources. IoT is identified as a key use case of MEC, given MEC’s ability to provide cloud platform and gateway services at the network edge. MEC will inspire the development of myriads of applications and services with demand for ultralow latency and high quality of service due to its dense geographical distribution and wide support for mobility. MEC is therefore an important enabler of IoT applications and services which require real-time operations. In this survey, we provide a holistic overview on the exploitation of MEC technology for the realization of IoT applications and their synergies. We further discuss the technical aspects of enabling MEC in IoT and provide some insight into various other integration technologies therein.
Bicalutamide (Casodex) 150 mg plus standard care in early non-metastatic prostate cancer: results from Early Prostate Cancer Trial 24 at a median 7 years' follow-up

Trial 24, one of three ongoing trials in the Early Prostate Cancer programme, is evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of bicalutamide (Casodex) 150 mg following standard care (radiotherapy, radical prostatectomy or watchful waiting) in patients with early, non-metastatic prostate cancer. At 7 years' median follow-up, addition of bicalutamide significantly improved objective progression-free survival (PFS) for patients with locally advanced disease, reducing the risk of progression by 34% versus standard care alone (hazard ratio 0.66; 95% confidence interval 0.55, 0.79; P<0.001). In localized disease, a significant difference in objective PFS was not found. There was no significant difference in overall survival.
To tweet or not to tweet about schizophrenia systematic reviews (TweetSz): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION
The Cochrane Schizophrenia Group (CSzG) has produced and maintained systematic reviews of effects of interventions for schizophrenia and related illness. Each review has a Plain Language Summary (PLS), for those without specialised knowledge, and an abstract, which are freely available from The Cochrane Library (https://summaries.cochrane.org). Increasingly, evidence is being distributed using social media such as Twitter and Weibo (in China) alongside traditional publications.


METHODS AND ANALYSIS
In a prospective two-arm, parallel, open randomised controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio, we will allocate 170 published systematic reviews into the intervention group (tweeting arm/Weibo arm) versus the control group (non-tweeting arm). Reviews will be stratified by baseline access activity, defined as high (≥19 views per week, n=14), medium (4.3 to 18.99 views per week, n=72) or low (<4.3 views per week, n=84), based on Google Analytics, which will also be used for evaluating outcomes. The intervention group will have three tweets daily using Hootsuite with a slightly different accompanying text (written by CEA and AB) and a shortened Uniform Resource Locator (URL) to the PLS: a) The review title as it appears in summaries.cochrane.org, b) A pertinent extract from results or discussion sections of the abstract and c) An intriguing question or pithy statement related to the evidence in the abstract. The primary outcome will be: total number of visits to a PLS in 7 days following the tweet. Secondary outcomes will include % new visits, bounce rate, pages per visit, visit duration, page views, unique page views, time on page, entrances, exiting behaviour and country distribution.


ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
This study does not involve living participants, and uses information available in the public domain. Participants are published systematic reviews, hence, no ethical approval is required. Dissemination will be via Twitter, Weibo and traditional academic means.


TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
ISRCTN84658943.
An Insect-Based Algorithm for the Dynamic Task Allocation Problem

An insect-based algorithm inspired by the division of labor in insect colonies is proposed and applied to the solution of an online scheduling problem. A painting facility is considered for illustrating the problem: Trucks leave an assembly line to get painted in painting booths. The goal is to minimize the makespan, that is, the time needed for painting all given trucks. In this paper we address two issues. First, we propose and analyze four modifications of an insect-based algorithm previously introduced by Cicirello and Smith. Second, we propose an extension of the dynamic threshold model of Theraulaz et al. that was originally used for handling the case in which all booths are identical; in our extension we address the heterogeneous case in which different booths might require different processing times for completing a same task. The paper contains an empirical comparison of different insect-based algorithms for the problem discussed.
Query Expansion Techniques for Information Retrieval: a Survey

With the ever increasing size of web, relevant information extraction on the Internet with a query formed by a few keywords has become a big challenge. To overcome this, query expansion (QE) plays a crucial role in improving the Internet searches, where the user’s initial query is reformulated to a new query by adding new meaningful terms with similar significance. QE – as part of information retrieval (IR) – has long attracted researchers’ attention. It has also become very influential in the field of personalized social document, Question Answering over Linked Data (QALD), and, Text Retrieval Conference (TREC) and REAL sets. This paper surveys QE techniques in IR from 1960 to 2017 with respect to core techniques, data sources used, weighting and ranking methodologies, user participation and applications (of QE techniques) – bringing out similarities and differences.
Low-Dose Glucose-Insulin-Potassium Is Ineffective in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Results of a Randomized Multicenter Pol-GIK Trial

Summary. We aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) in acute myocardial infarction. Experimental data provided evidence of the beneficial effects of GIK on ischemic myocardium. The clinical trials, mostly uncontroled and conducted mainly before the thrombolytic era, were inconclusive due to the small number of patients and discrepancies in protocols. In order to evaluate the efficacy of this intervention, we have performed a prospective multicenter randomized study. The study consisted of 954 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) randomized within 24 hours from the onset of symptoms to low-dose GIK (n = 494), which consisted of 1000 mL 10% dextrose, 32–20 U insulin, and 80 mEq K+, or to the control group (n = 460), which was given 1000 mL 0.09% sodium chloride, by intravenous 24-hour infusion at a rate of 42 mL/h. Cardiac mortality and the occurrence of cardiac events at 35 days did not differ between GIK and control-allocated patients (32 (6.5%) vs. 21 (4.6%), respectively; OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.79–2.68, P = 0.20; and 214 (43.3%) vs. 192 (41.7%), OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.82–1.38, P = 0.62). Total mortality at 35 days was significantly higher in the GIK than in the control group (44 (8.9%) vs. 22 (4.8%), respectively, OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.12–3.47, P = 0.01). The excess of noncardiac deaths in the GIK group may have occurred by chance. Low-dose GIK treatment does not improve the survival and clinical course in acute MI.
The Storyline Annotation and Representation Scheme ( StaR ) : A Proposal

This paper illustrates a proposal for the development of an annotation scheme and a corpus for storyline extraction and evaluation from large collections of documents clustered around a topic. The scheme extends existing annotation efforts for event coreference and temporal processing, introducing additional layers and addressing shortcomings. We also show how a storyline can be derived from the annotated data.
Exercise as a treatment for depression: A meta-analysis adjusting for publication bias.

The effects of exercise on depression have been a source of contentious debate. Meta-analyses have demonstrated a range of effect sizes. Both inclusion criteria and heterogeneity may influence the effect sizes reported. The extent and influence of publication bias is also unknown. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from a recent Cochrane review and searches of major electronic databases from 01/2013 to 08/2015. We included RCTs of exercise interventions in people with depression (including those with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) or ratings on depressive symptoms), comparing exercise versus control conditions. A random effects meta-analysis calculating the standardized mean difference (SMD, 95% confidence interval; CI), meta-regressions, trim and fill and fail-safe n analyses were conducted. Twenty-five RCTs were included comparing exercise versus control comparison groups, including 9 examining participants with MDD. Overall, exercise had a large and significant effect on depression (SMD adjusted for publication bias = 1.11 (95% CI 0.79-1.43)) with a fail-safe number of 1057. Most adjusted analyses suggested publication bias led to an underestimated SMD. Larger effects were found for interventions in MDD, utilising aerobic exercise, at moderate and vigorous intensities, in a supervised and unsupervised format. In MDD, larger effects were found for moderate intensity, aerobic exercise, and interventions supervised by exercise professionals. Exercise has a large and significant antidepressant effect in people with depression (including MDD). Previous meta-analyses may have underestimated the benefits of exercise due to publication bias. Our data strongly support the claim that exercise is an evidence-based treatment for depression.
Predictors for symptom re-exacerbation after targeted stepwise drug discontinuation in first-episode schizophrenia: Results of the first-episode study within the German research network on schizophrenia

BACKGROUND
After a first episode in schizophrenia guidelines recommend antipsychotic maintenance treatment (MT) for at least 1year. Recent RCTs on subsequent targeted intermittent treatment (IT) after stepwise drug discontinuation yielded noticeably higher relapse rates than during MT also in first-episode patients. Nevertheless, about 50% of patients remain stable under IT. Given the potential adverse effects of antipsychotics and the preference of many patients to discontinue drugs, valid predictors for the feasibility of IT are urgently needed to support decision making.


METHODS
Based on a one-year RCT phase comparing MT with IT in first-episode patients after 1year of MT, conducted within the German Research Network on Schizophrenia (GRNS), predictors for deterioration under IT in 19 feasible patients were identified by logistic regression analysis.


RESULTS
Deterioration occurred in 10 patients (52.6%). Univariate analyses indicated a lower PANSS positive score after acute treatment as well as after one year of MT as significant predictors; in multivariate logistic regression, in addition to the lower PANSS positive score after acute treatment, reaching enduring remission and having had a deterioration both during MT evolved as significant predictors and indicate a higher risk for deterioration.


CONCLUSIONS
Although limited by the small sample size, our findings suggest that patients who show a favorable response and full and enduring symptom remission during antipsychotic treatment, as well as those with marked deterioration despite MT should rather be recommended to remain on treatment because they are at higher risk for symptom re-exacerbation after (stepwise) drug discontinuation.
Difficult Conversations: Teaching Medical Oncology Trainees Communication Skills One Hour at a Time

Difficult conversations about prognosis, end of life, and goals of care arise commonly in medical oncology practice. These conversations are often highly emotional. Medical oncologists need outstanding, patient-centered communication skills to build trust and rapport with their patients and help them make well-informed decisions. Key skills include exploring patients' perspectives, responding to emotion with empathy, and maintaining mindfulness during highly charged conversations. These skills can be taught and learned. Most previously described communication skills training curricula for oncology providers involve multiday retreats, which are costly and can disrupt busy clinical schedules. Many curricula involve a variety of oncology providers, such as physicians and nurses, at various stages of their careers. The authors developed a monthly, one-hour communication skills training seminar series exclusively for physicians in their first year of medical oncology subspecialty training. The curriculum involved a variety of interactive and engaging educational methods, including sociodramatic techniques, role-play, reflective writing, and Balint-type case discussion groups. Medical oncologists in their second and third years of training served as teaching assistants and peer mentors. Learners had the opportunity to practice skills during sessions and with patients between sessions. Learners acquired important skills and found the curriculum to be clinically relevant, judging by anonymous surveys and anonymous responses on reflective writing exercises. Results from the current curriculum are preliminary but lay the foundation for enhanced and expanded communication skills training programs in the future.
The use of PET/CT scanning technique for 3D visualization and quantification of real-time soil/plant interactions

Conventional methodology using destructive sampling, which is laborious and has poor spatial and temporal resolution, has limited our understanding of soil-plant interactions. New non-invasive tomographic techniques have the potential to significantly improve our knowledge. In this study we demonstrated the simultaneous use of PET (positron emission tomography) and CT (X-ray computed tomography) to (a) non-destructively image a whole plant growing in sand, and (b) to link the observed morphology with recently assimilated C. The PET scanner was used to detect and visualize the location of the short-lived radioisotope 11C (with a half-life of 20.4 min) taken up by the plant through 11C-labelled CO2. This provided information on carbon translocation and the metabolism of photo-assimilates in the plant as well as root structure. The CT scanners yielded data on soil and root structure. A medical PET/CT scanner was used to scan a fodder radish plant growing in a pot with test soil composed of homogenous sand. We constructed an air-plant-soil controller system (APS) to control the environmental conditions, such as CO2, temperature and light during the experiment. The plant was allowed to assimilate 11CO2 for 90 min before PET scanning was initiated. We carried out PET scanning for 60 min. Subsequently, the aerial parts of the plant was cut off and the pot was rescanned using a micro-CT scanner to obtain more detailed information on structure of the root system and the growth medium structure. The acquired PET and CT images gave images clearly visualizing the architecture and morphology of root and soil. Using a CT scanner, we were able to detect the main taproot located at 0 to 30 mm depth. With the PET scanner, we were able to measure a signal down to 82 mm below the surface of the sand. We found the highest concentration of 11C at the position of the main root. The PET images, at different time intervals, showed the translocation and metabolisation of photo-assimilates from top to root. Using the micro-CT scanner (voxel size of 90 μm), we were able to detect roots down to 100 mm depth. These findings correlated the PET signals measured down to 82 mm depth. We conclude that the simultaneous use of PET and CT technologies was successfully applied for soil-plant studies. The combined PET/CT technology has potential to provide new fundamental insight into soil-plant interactions and especially into the effect of abiotic stresses in spite of the limitation due to spatial resolution.
Prospective comparison of clinical prognostic scores in elder patients with a pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND
The Geneva Prognostic Score (GPS), the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) and its simplified version (sPESI) are well-known clinical prognostic scores for a pulmonary embolism (PE).


OBJECTIVES
To compare the prognostic performance of these scores in elderly patients with a PE.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
In a multicenter Swiss cohort of elderly patients with venous thromboembolism, we prospectively studied 449 patients aged ≥ 65 years with a symptomatic PE. The outcome was 30-day overall mortality. We dichotomized patients as low vs. higher risk in all three scores using the following thresholds: GPS scores ≤ 2 vs. > 2, PESI risk classes I-II vs. III-V and sPESI scores 0 vs. ≥ 1. We compared 30-day mortality in low- vs. higher-risk patients and the areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC).


RESULTS
Overall, 3.8% of patients (17/449) died within 30 days. The GPS classified a greater proportion of patients as low risk (92% [413/449]) than the PESI (36.3% [163/449]) and the sPESI (39.6% [178/449]) (P < 0.001 for each comparison). Low-risk patients based on the sPESI had a mortality of 0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0-2.1%) compared with 0.6% (95% CI 0-3.4%) for low-risk patients based on the PESI and 3.4% (95% CI 1.9-5.6%) for low-risk patients based on the GPS. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.77 (95% CI 0.72-0.81), 0.76 (95% CI 0.72-0.80) and 0.71 (95% CI 0.66-0.75), respectively (P = 0.47).


CONCLUSIONS
In this cohort of elderly patients with PE, the GPS identified a higher proportion of patients as low risk but the PESI and sPESI were more accurate in predicting mortality.
The pinch blepharoplasty revisited.

BACKGROUND
The prevention of scleral show is truly one of plastic surgery's Holy Grails. This postoperative problem may be considered subtle, but it represents the most common cause of the "operated" look that we all strive to avoid. Of course, the postoperative fear of a true ectropion is all too common. These concerns, borne out in patient results following the traditional skin-muscle technique, are what drove the author to consider the "pinch" blepharoplasty.


METHODS
All patients who were candidates for a lower blepharoplasty, primary or secondary, underwent the pinch blepharoplasty. Patients excluded were only those who underwent a carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of the lower eyelid, as no skin excision was planned.


RESULTS
Of the 77 blepharoplasties performed, there were no postoperative findings of lower eyelid malposition: no taping was necessary, no significant scleral show was evident, and no ectropion was produced. There was also noticeably less bruising and swelling postoperatively with this technique. Moreover, it was apparent that the crepe-like skin at the lower eyelid was often fully effaced or improved significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
The pinch blepharoplasty has proved to be a superior approach to lower eyelid rejuvenation. This series suggests that with this technique significantly more crepe-like skin can be removed with reliably less chance of scleral show.
Biogeochemical implications of the isotopic equilibrium fractionation factor between the oxygen atoms of acetone and water

Abstract Carbonyl oxygens of organic molecules undergo isotopic exchange with water during reversible hydration reactions. The equilibrium isotopic fractionation factors between the carbonyl oxygen of acetone and water at 15°, 25°, and 35°C are 1.028, 1.028, and 1.026 respectively. The differences between the δ 18 O values of the carbonyl oxygen of acetone and of the water with which it is in equilibrium are similar to the differences that have been observed between the δ 18 O values of cellulose and the water used in its synthesis by a variety of aquatic plants and animals. Additionally, the identity of the acetone-water fractionation factors at 15° and 25°C parallels the observation that the difference between the δ 18 O values of cellulose and water shows no temperature dependence for individual species of plants grown over the same temperature range. These results are discussed in relation to the proposal that the oxygen isotopic relationship between cellulose and water is established by isotopic exchange occurring during the hydration of carbonyl groups of the intermediates of cellulose synthesis.