LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Blood volume-monitored regulation of ultrafiltration in fluid-overloaded hemodialysis patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND
Data generated with the body composition monitor (BCM, Fresenius) show, based on bioimpedance technology, that chronic fluid overload in hemodialysis patients is associated with poor survival. However, removing excess fluid by lowering dry weight can be accompanied by intradialytic and postdialytic complications. Here, we aim at testing the hypothesis that, in comparison to conventional hemodialysis, blood volume-monitored regulation of ultrafiltration and dialysate conductivity (UCR) and/or regulation of ultrafiltration and temperature (UTR) will decrease complications when ultrafiltration volumes are systematically increased in fluid-overloaded hemodialysis patients.


METHODS/DESIGN
BCM measurements yield results on fluid overload (in liters), relative to extracellular water (ECW). In this prospective, multicenter, triple-arm, parallel-group, crossover, randomized, controlled clinical trial, we use BCM measurements, routinely introduced in our three maintenance hemodialysis centers shortly prior to the start of the study, to recruit sixty hemodialysis patients with fluid overload (defined as ≥15% ECW). Patients are randomized 1:1:1 into UCR, UTR and conventional hemodialysis groups. BCM-determined, 'final' dry weight is set to normohydration weight -7% of ECW postdialysis, and reached by reducing the previous dry weight, in steps of 0.1 kg per 10 kg body weight, during 12 hemodialysis sessions (one study phase). In case of intradialytic complications, dry weight reduction is decreased, according to a prespecified algorithm. A comparison of intra- and post-dialytic complications among study groups constitutes the primary endpoint. In addition, we will assess relative weight reduction, changes in residual renal function, quality of life measures, and predialysis levels of various laboratory parameters including C-reactive protein, troponin T, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, before and after the first study phase (secondary outcome parameters).


DISCUSSION
Patients are not requested to revert to their initial degree of fluid overload after each study phase. Therefore, the crossover design of the present study merely serves the purpose of secondary endpoint evaluation, for example to determine patient choice of treatment modality. Previous studies on blood volume monitoring have yielded inconsistent results. Since we include only patients with BCM-determined fluid overload, we expect a benefit for all study participants, due to strict fluid management, which decreases the mortality risk of hemodialysis patients.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01416753.
Algorithmic Derivation of Centre Conditions

The conditions for a critical point of a polynomial differential system to be a centre are of particular significance because of the frequency with which they are required in applications. We demonstrate how computer algebra can be effectively employed in the search for necessary and sufficient conditions for critical points of such systems to be centres. We survey recent developments and illustrate our approach by means of examples.
Large‐Scale Gene‐Centric Analysis Identifies Polymorphisms for Resistant Hypertension

BACKGROUND
Resistant hypertension (RHTN), defined by lack of blood pressure (BP) control despite treatment with at least 3 antihypertensive drugs, increases cardiovascular risk compared with controlled hypertension. Yet, there are few data on genetic variants associated with RHTN.


METHODS AND RESULTS
We used a gene-centric array containing ≈50 000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify polymorphisms associated with RHTN in hypertensive participants with coronary artery disease (CAD) from INVEST-GENES (the INnternational VErapamil-SR Trandolapril STudy-GENEtic Substudy). RHTN was defined as BP≥140/90 on 3 drugs, or any BP on 4 or more drugs. Logistic regression analysis was performed in European Americans (n=904) and Hispanics (n=837), using an additive model adjusted for age, gender, randomized treatment assignment, body mass index, principal components for ancestry, and other significant predictors of RHTN. Replication of the top SNP was conducted in 241 European American women from WISE (Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation), where RHTN was defined similarly. To investigate the functional effect of rs12817819, mRNA expression was measured in whole blood. We found ATP2B1 rs12817819 associated with RHTN in both INVEST European Americans (P-value=2.44×10(-3), odds ratio=1.57 [1.17 to 2.01]) and INVEST Hispanics (P=7.69×10(-4), odds ratio=1.76 [1.27 to 2.44]). A consistent trend was observed at rs12817819 in WISE, and the INVEST-WISE meta-analysis result reached chip-wide significance (P=1.60×10(-6), odds ratio=1.65 [1.36 to 1.95]). Expression analyses revealed significant differences in ATP2B1 expression by rs12817819 genotype.


CONCLUSIONS
The ATP2B1 rs12817819 A allele is associated with increased risk for RHTN in hypertensive participants with documented CAD or suspected ischemic heart disease.


CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL
www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifiers: NCT00133692 (INVEST), NCT00000554 (WISE).
Phase II study of biweekly paclitaxel and cisplatin combination chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer: Korea Japan Collaborative Study Group Trial.

BACKGROUND
Benefits of chemotherapy have generally been modest in gastric cancer, although those regimens developed more recently have produced higher response rates. Paclitaxel plus cisplatin is one such regimen and divided administration of paclitaxel has been suggested to be associated with lower neurological and hematologic toxicities and be able to achieve higher paclitaxel dose intensities than paclitaxel administration at 175 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. This study was undertaked to assess the efficacy and toxicity of a biweekly paclitaxel and cisplatin combination treatment in advanced gastric cancer.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients from Japan and Korea, 50 patients in total, were entered into this trial which was conducted from October 2004 to June 2005. Median age of the patients was 57 years (range: 26-78). Paclitaxel 140 mg/m2 was administered intravenously on days 1 and 15 of each 4-week cycle. Cisplatin 30 mg/m2 was also administered on days 1 and 15 with standard hydration. A total of 278 courses of treatment (two treatment courses per cycle) were conducted for 50 patients. The median number of treatment cycles per patient was two with a range of one to six.


RESULTS
Nine of the 50 patients responded to the treatment, with an overall objective response rate of 18% (95% CI, 12-41), which included one complete response. Two patients were not evaluable and 14 patients had stable disease as best response. The median survival duration of the 50 patients was 333 days (range: 52-637+ days). The main toxicity was neutropenia. Significant toxicity (NCI-CTC grade 3 or 4) included neutropenia in 19 patients (38%), anorexia in four (8%), infection in three (6%), anemia in three (6%), and abdominal pain in three (6%).


CONCLUSIONS
Biweekly paclitaxel and cisplatin combination chemotherapy showed modest activity in advanced gastric carcinoma with a favorable toxicity pattern.
Retest reliability of measuring hip extensor muscle strength in different testing positions in young people with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND
In young people with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy weakness of the hip extensor muscles are associated with limitations in activity. It is important that clinicians can reliably measure hip extensor muscle strength to monitor changes over time and the effects of any interventions. Previous research has demonstrated high reliability for measuring strength of all muscles of the lower limb, with the exception of the hip extensors. Therefore the aim of this study was to examine the retest reliability of measuring hip extensor strength in young people with cerebral palsy.


METHODS
Using a test-retest reliability research design, 19 participants with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels II and III) (mean 19 y 2 mo [S D 2 y 5 mo]) attended two testing sessions held 12 weeks apart. Three trials with a hand-held dynamometer were taken at each testing session in supine, prone and standing. Retest reliability was calculated with Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC(2,1)) and with units of measurement (kilograms) converted to a percentage strength change.


RESULTS
ICC values ranged from .74 to .78 in supine, .75 to .80 in prone, and .73 to .75 in standing. To be 95% confident that real change had occurred, an individual's strength would need to increase 55 to 60% in supine, 86 to 102% in prone, and 102 to 105% in standing. To be 95% confident that real change had occurred across groups, strength would need to increase 4 to 8% in supine, 22 to 31% in prone, and 32% to 34% in standing. Higher ICC values were observed when three trials were used for testing.


CONCLUSIONS
The supine testing position was more reliable than the prone or standing testing positions. It is possible to measure hip extensor strength with sufficient reliability to be able monitor change within groups using the supine position provided three trials are used during testing. However, there is insufficient reliability to monitor changes in hip extensor strength in individuals with cerebral palsy unless they exhibit very large strength increases.
Terlipressin decreases vascular endothelial growth factor expression and improves oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock.

BACKGROUND
Recent clinical data suggest that treatment with terlipressin (TP) may be more advantageous for septic shock than catecholamines. However, it is unknown whether TP would be effective for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients with shock.


OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to compare the impact of TP vs. dopamine on hemodynamic variables and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ARDS patients with shock.


METHODS
We studied 32 ARDS patients with shock despite fluid loading, who were randomized to receive TP (16 patients) or dopamine (16 patients). TP was administered as a continuous intravenous dose of 1.3 μg/kg/h and dopamine was administered in doses up to 20 μg/kg/min to maintain a mean arterial pressure of 70 ± 5 mm Hg for 48 h. Hemodynamic changes, ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO(2)/FiO(2)), and VEGF were recorded prospectively.


RESULTS
There was a significant correlation between the plasma VEGF level and the lung injury score at baseline (r = 0.387, p < 0.01). VEGF concentrations significantly decreased from baseline levels in the TP group (p < 0.05) at 48 h; there was no difference in the dopamine group (p > 0.05) at 48 h vs. baseline. There was no significant difference in the tumor necrosis factor-α concentration between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
TP treatment has the potential to inhibit VEGF and improve oxygenation in patients with shock in the early stage of ARDS.
Enumerating possible Sudoku grids

In some of these boxes, the setter puts some of the digits 1–9; the aim of the solver is to complete the grid by filling in a digit in every box in such a way that each row, each column, and each 3 × 3 box contains each of the digits 1–9 exactly once. In this note, we discuss the problem of enumerating all possible Sudoku grids. This is a very natural problem, but, perhaps surprisingly, it seems unlikely that the problem should have a simple combinatorial answer. Indeed, Sudoku grids are simply special cases of Latin squares, and the enumeration of Latin squares is itself a difficult problem, with no general combinatorial formulae known. Latin squares of sizes up to 11 × 11 have been enumerated, and the methods are broadly brute force calculations, much like the approach we sketch for Sudoku grids below. See [1], [2] and [3] for more details. It is known that the number of 9 × 9 Latin squares is 5524751496156892842531225600 ≈ 5.525 × 10. Since this answer is enormous, we need to refine our search considerably in order to be able to get an answer in a sensible amount of computing time.
[Acute gastric dilatation in a bulimic patient; systemic efects].

OBJECTIVES
To demonstrate through a clinical case the systemic effetcss and complications that can arise after an acute gastric dilatation caused by an eating binge.


CLINICAL CASE
A young woman diagnosed of bulimia nervosa presents to the emergency room after a massive food intake. She shows important abdominal distention and refers inability to self-induce vomit. A few hours later she commences to show signs of hemodynamic instability and oliguria. A CT scan is performed; it shows bilateral renal infarctions due to compression of the abdominal aorta and some of its visceral branches.


INTERVENTIONS
The evaluation procedures included quantification of the gastric volume by CT. A decompression gastrostomy was performed; it allowed the evacuation of a large amount of gastric content and restored blood supply to the abdomen, which improved renal perfusion.


CONCLUSIONS
CT is a basic diagnostic tool that not only allows us to quantify the degree of acute gastric dilatation but can also evaluate the integrity of the adjacent organs which may be suffering compression hypoperfusion.
A telephone-delivered psychosocial intervention improves dementia caregiver adjustment following nursing home placement.

OBJECTIVE
Study the preliminary efficacy of a telephone intervention, Family Intervention: Telephone Tracking-Nursing Home (FITT-NH) for improving dementia caregivers' adjustment following nursing home placement.


METHODS
Caregivers were enrolled on average 6 weeks following the care-recipients' placement in a nursing home. Baseline assessment included self-report measures of caregiver emotional functioning, staff-caregiver interactions, placement satisfaction, health-related quality of life, and social support. Caregivers were randomly assigned to FITT-NH (n = 24) or a non-contact control condition (n = 22). Caregivers were urn randomized to balance groups on caregiver gender, relationship (spouse versus other), and facility type (dementia special care versus general). The intervention was entirely telephone-delivered in 10 contacts over 3 months. Caregivers randomized to non-contact control were not prevented from using other community-based mental health or support resources, therefore reflecting standard care. Intervention strategies were based on assessment of caregiver emotional adjustment, family functioning, staff-caregiver interactions, health, and social support. Treatment strategies are based on models of stress and coping process and family functioning.


RESULTS
Groups did not differ in caregiver age, education, gender, relationship to the care recipient, length of caregiving, length of dementia diagnosis, or time since placement. Using mixed model analysis of variance, caregivers receiving FITT-NH showed a significant reduction in feelings of guilt related to placement, F(1,43) = 5.00, p < 0.05, and reported more positive perceptions of interactions with staff, F(1,43) = 4.59, p < 0.05, compared to standard care.


CONCLUSION
Findings provide preliminary evidence for FITT-NH as a potentially efficacious, brief, targeted psychosocial intervention for improving caregiver emotional adjustment following nursing home placement.
polymer solar cells

nature photonics | VOL 6 | MARCH 2012 | www.nature.com/naturephotonics 153 Harnessing solar energy is one of the most promising ways to tackle today’s energy issues. Although the present dominant photovoltaic (PV) technology is based on inorganic materials, high material and manufacturing costs limit its wide acceptance1. Intensive research has been conducted towards the development of low-cost PV technologies, of which organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices are one of the promising. OPV devices are based on organic semiconductors — carbon-based materials whose backbones are comprised mainly of alternating C–C and C=C bonds. Electron delocalization along the conjugated backbone is responsible for the semiconducting properties of OPV devices2. One of the major differences between organic semiconductors and inorganic semiconductors is the presence of tightly bonded excitons (electron–hole pairs) resulting from their low dielectric constant (εr ≈ 2–4). The binding energy of the Frenkel exciton is in the range of 0.3–1 eV (refs 2,3). Such a large binding energy prevents exciton dissociation by an electrical field (a non-radiative decay channel) and can achieve a high electroluminescent efficiency in organic light-emitting devices. The weak intermolecular van de Waals interaction enables the realization of low-cost, large-area deposition technologies such as roll-toroll printing3. In recent years, organic electronic devices such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic thin film transistors, OPVs and organic memory devices have attracted considerable attention, owing to their potential low cost and high performance characteristics. OLED displays have gained a considerable share in the portable electronics market, for use in devices such as smart phones. However, research into OPV cells continues to lag behind, despite the first patent4 and the first paper5 by Tang appearing ahead of those of OLEDs, probably owing to the fact that developing alternative energy sources has been viewed, until recently, as being relatively unimportant. OPVs are divided into two different categories according to whether their constituent molecules are either small or large (polymers). These two classes of materials are rather different in terms of their synthesis, purification and device fabrication processes. Polymer solar cells (PSCs) are processed from solution in organic solvents, whereas small-molecule solar cells are processed mainly using thermal evaporation deposition in a high-vacuum environment. Using the solution process to fabricate small-molecule solar cells has recently been gaining momentum6, although the film quality and crystallization is expected to be an issue. PSCs are attractive owing to a number of advantageous features7, including their thin-film architecture and low material consumption resulting from a high absorption coefficient, their use of organic polymer solar cells
Cleaner production in small firms taking part in Mexico's Sustainable Supplier Program

This research assesses the environmental and economic benefits and costs of cleaner production projects formulated by smalland medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participating in a sustainable supply program in Mexico. The program was designed as a public-private voluntary partnership to spur cleaner production dissemination in SMEs that are part of global supply chains. The study analyzes how project benefits varied as a function of different types of cleaner production applications, company characteristics and participant profiles. The results, based on statistical evidence from 1,934 cleaner production projects formulated by a group of 972 small and medium sized firms, indicate that on average waste recycling and waste prevention projects yielded higher economic and environmental value than energy efficiency and water conservation projects. Waste reduction applications also showed more attractive net present values than technology innovations or best practices. Economic and environmental benefits of cleaner production are positively related to firm size. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on how larger supplier and waste recycling projects influence potential positive outcomes of cleaner production applications in a program such as the Mexican sustainable supply program. More broadly, it provides evidence on the potential costs and benefits of sustainable supply efforts.
Beta-blockers and health-related quality of life in patients with peripheral arterial disease and COPD

BACKGROUND
Beta-blockers are frequently withheld in patients with cardiovascular disease who also have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because of concerns that they might provoke bronchospasm and cause deterioration in health status. Although beta1-selective beta-blockers are associated with reduced mortality in COPD patients, their effects on health status are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between beta-blockers and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with peripheral arterial disease and COPD.


METHODS
Of the original cohort of 3371 vascular surgery patients, 1310 had COPD of whom 469 survived during long-term follow-up. These COPD patients were sent the Short Form-36 (SF-36) health-related quality of life questionnaire, which was completed and returned by 326 (70%) patients.


RESULTS
No significant differences in any of the SF-36 domains were observed between COPD patients who did and did not use beta-blockers (p > 0.05 for all). Furthermore, beta-blockers were not associated with any impairment in HRQOL among patients with COPD.


CONCLUSION
Beta-blockers had no material impact on the HRQOL of patients with peripheral arterial disease who also had COPD. This suggests that beta-blockers can, in most circumstances, be administered to patients with COPD without impairment in HRQOL.
Study of an Extremely Wideband Monopole Antenna with Triple Band-Notched Charactersistics

Three notched bands are generated, at selected frequencies, in an extremely wideband base antenna to support multiple communication systems while avoiding inference from other existing narrowband systems. The design of a fully printed extremely wideband antenna and creating triple band-notched functions are addressed in this paper. Measurements demonstrate that the proposed printed base antenna has an extremely wide 2 : 1 VSWR bandwidth from 0.72 GHz, to 25GHz with a ratio bandwidth of 34 : 1. The antenna has a simple structure and can be fabricated at low cost for multi-band and wideband wireless communication devices. Besides, this paper presents a technique to form three notched bands within the operating frequency range of the base antenna. By introducing a half-wavelength U-shaped defected ground structure (DGS) and a pair of quarter-wavelength open arc-shaped slots to the radiating patch, three notched bands are created to prevent interference from WLAN (2.4–2.484 GHz and 5.15– 5.85GHz) systems and downlinks of X-band satellite communication (7.25–7.75GHz) systems. Received 4 November 2011, Accepted 5 December 2011, Scheduled 18 December 2011 * Corresponding author: Jianjun Liu (jianjun@science.mq.edu.au).
Stationary resistive field distribution along epoxy resin insulators in air under DC voltage

The stationary resistive field distribution on the gas-solid interface along epoxy resin insulators is theoretically and experimentally investigated. Due to the phenomenon that the charge carriers necessary for the conduction process originate from natural ionization and a constant generation rate is assumed, the resulting electric conductivity of gases under dc voltage stress is nonlinearly depending on the field strength. A simulation model which considers the relevant characteristic is used to calculate the electric field in gas-solid insulation systems. The influence of the ion pair generation rate of the gas, the electric field strength and the surface conductivity of an insulator on the resistive field distribution is investigated. The results are compared to simulations, in which the electric conductivity of the gas is assumed to be constant. The simulations are verified by measurements of the surface potential along an epoxy resin insulator under dc voltage.