Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High Frequency of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations with Complex Patterns in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancers Related to Gefitinib Responsiveness in Taiwan

Purpose: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations related to gefitinib responsiveness in non–small cell lung cancer have been found recently. Detection of EGFR mutations has become an important issue for therapeutic decision-making in non–small cell lung cancer. Experimental Design: Mutational analysis of the kinase domain of EGFR coding sequence was done on 101 fresh frozen tumor tissues from patients without prior gefitinib treatment and 16 paraffin-embedded tumor tissues from patients treated with gefitinib. Detection of phosphorylated EGFR by immunoblot was also done on frozen tumor tissues. Results: The 101 non–small cell lung cancer tumor specimens include 69 adenocarcinomas, 24 squamous cell carcinomas, and 8 other types of non–small cell lung cancers. Mutation(s) in the kinase domain (exon 18 to exon 21) of the EGFR gene were identified in 39 patients. All of the mutations occurred in adenocarcinoma, except one that was in an adenosquamous carcinoma. The mutation rate in adenocarcinoma was 55% (38 of 69). For the 16 patients treated with gefitinib, 7 of the 9 responders had EGFR mutations, and only 1 of the 7 nonresponders had mutations, which included a nonsense mutation. The mutations seem to be complex in that altogether 23 different mutations were observed, and 9 tumors carried 2 mutations. Conclusions: Data from our study would predict a higher gefitinib response rate in lung adenocarcinoma patients in Chinese and, possibly, other East Asian populations. The tight association with adenocarcinoma and the high frequency of mutations raise the possibility that EGFR mutations play an important role in the tumorigenesis of adenocarcinoma of lung, especially in East Asians.
Regeneration of Stereocilia of Hair Cells by Forced Atoh1 Expression in the Adult Mammalian Cochlea

The hallmark of mechanosensory hair cells is the stereocilia, where mechanical stimuli are converted into electrical signals. These delicate stereocilia are susceptible to acoustic trauma and ototoxic drugs. While hair cells in lower vertebrates and the mammalian vestibular system can spontaneously regenerate lost stereocilia, mammalian cochlear hair cells no longer retain this capability. We explored the possibility of regenerating stereocilia in the noise-deafened guinea pig cochlea by cochlear inoculation of a viral vector carrying Atoh1, a gene critical for hair cell differentiation. Exposure to simulated gunfire resulted in a 60–70 dB hearing loss and extensive damage and loss of stereocilia bundles of both inner and outer hair cells along the entire cochlear length. However, most injured hair cells remained in the organ of Corti for up to 10 days after the trauma. A viral vector carrying an EGFP-labeled Atoh1 gene was inoculated into the cochlea through the round window on the seventh day after noise exposure. Auditory brainstem response measured one month after inoculation showed that hearing thresholds were substantially improved. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the damaged/lost stereocilia bundles were repaired or regenerated after Atoh1 treatment, suggesting that Atoh1 was able to induce repair/regeneration of the damaged or lost stereocilia. Therefore, our studies revealed a new role of Atoh1 as a gene critical for promoting repair/regeneration of stereocilia and maintaining injured hair cells in the adult mammal cochlea. Atoh1-based gene therapy, therefore, has the potential to treat noise-induced hearing loss if the treatment is carried out before hair cells die.
Mapping Cerebrovascular Reactivity Using Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent MRI in Patients With Arterial Steno-occlusive Disease: Comparison With Arterial Spin Labeling MRI

Background and Purpose— Blood oxygen level-dependent MRI (BOLD MRI) of hypercapnia-induced changes in cerebral blood flow is an emerging technique for mapping cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). BOLD MRI signal reflects cerebral blood flow, but also depends on cerebral blood volume, cerebral metabolic rate, arterial oxygenation, and hematocrit. The purpose of this study was to determine whether, in patients with stenoocclusive disease, the BOLD MRI signal response to hypercapnia is directly related to changes in cerebral blood flow. Methods— Thirty-eight patients with steno-occlusive disease underwent mapping of CVR by both BOLD MRI and arterial spin labeling MRI. The latter technique was used as a reference standard for measurement of cerebral blood flow changes. Results— Hemispheric CVR measured by BOLD MRI was significantly correlated with that measured by arterial spin labeling MRI for both gray matter (R=0.83, P<0.0001) and white matter (R=0.80, P<0.0001). Diagnostic accuracy (area under receiver operating characteristic curve) for BOLD MRI discrimination between normal and abnormal hemispheric CVR was 0.90 (95% CI=0.81 to 0.98; P<0.001) for gray matter and 0.82 (95% CI=0.70 to 0.94; P<0.001) for white matter. Regions of paradoxical CVR on BOLD MRI had a moderate predictive value (14 of 19 hemispheres) for spatially corresponding paradoxical CVR on arterial spin labeling MRI. Complete absence of paradoxical CVR on BOLD MRI had a high predictive value (31 of 31 hemispheres) for corresponding nonparadoxical CVR on arterial spin labeling MRI. Conclusions— Arterial spin labeling MRI confirms that, even in patients with stenoocclusive disease, the BOLD MRI signal response to hypercapnia predominantly reflects changes in cerebral blood flow.
Infection Risk With Biologic Therapy in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The development of biologic drugs revolutionized the management of inflammatory bowel diseases: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. However, while their efficacy has been well established, it remains uncertain to what extent biologic treatments may be associated with important safety risks, such as serious infections, opportunistic infections, or tuberculosis reactivation. Herein, we review and discuss the current evidence on the infection risk associated with biologic therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Whole-Genome Expression Profiling of Thermotoga maritima in Response to Growth on Sugars in a Chemostat

ABSTRACT To provide data necessary to study catabolite-linked transcriptional networks in Thermotoga maritima, we used full-genome DNA microarray analysis of global transcriptional responses to growth on glucose, lactose, and maltose in a chemostat. A much larger number of genes changed expression in cells grown on lactose than on maltose, each relative to genes expressed in cells grown on glucose. Genes encoding putative oligopeptide transporters were often coregulated with adjacent glycosidase-encoding genes. Genes encoding enzymes catalyzing NADH oxidation were up-regulated on both lactose and maltose. Genes involved in iron and sulfur metabolism were differentially expressed in response to lactose. These data help define the sets of coregulated genes and suggest possible functions for their encoded products.
FERMI LAT OBSERVATION OF DIFFUSE GAMMA RAYS PRODUCED THROUGH INTERACTIONS BETWEEN LOCAL INTERSTELLAR MATTER AND HIGH-ENERGY COSMIC RAYS

Observations by the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on the Fermi mission of diffuse γ-rays in a mid-latitude region in the third quadrant (Galactic longitude l from 200° to 260° and latitude |b| from 22° to 60°) are reported. The region contains no known large molecular cloud and most of the atomic hydrogen is within 1 kpc of the solar system. The contributions of γ-ray point sources and inverse Compton scattering are estimated and subtracted. The residual γ-ray intensity exhibits a linear correlation with the atomic gas column density in energy from 100 MeV to 10 GeV. The measured integrated γ-ray emissivity is (1.63 ± 0.05) × 10−26 photons s−1sr−1 H-atom−1 and (0.66 ± 0.02) × 10−26 photons s−1sr−1 H-atom−1 above 100 MeV and above 300 MeV, respectively, with an additional systematic error of ∼10%. The differential emissivity from 100 MeV to 10 GeV agrees with calculations based on cosmic ray spectra consistent with those directly measured, at the 10% level. The results obtained indicate that cosmic ray nuclei spectra within 1 kpc from the solar system in regions studied are close to the local interstellar spectra inferred from direct measurements at the Earth within ∼10%.
Primary trauma diversion: initial experience in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND Trauma is a leading cause of death and loss of workdays in Hong Kong. Reports have suggested that timely provision of care in dedicated trauma centers can improve outcomes. Until recently, ambulances were required to take trauma patients to the nearest hospital's emergency department. This paper reports on the initial experience of primary trauma diversion from scene to a dedicated trauma center in Hong Kong. METHODS This prospective study involved the establishment of primary trauma diversion in the area served by Alice Ho Nethersole Hospital (AHNH), a general hospital in the New Territories. Trauma patients who fulfilled diversion criteria were taken directly to the Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) in Shatin, a university teaching hospital and trauma center for the area. Data were collected to determine the change in time to definitive care for trauma patients and an impact analysis on PWH services was performed. RESULTS There were 60 patients who underwent primary trauma diversion and 35 patients underwent secondary diversion after initial treatment at AHNH. This represented two extra trauma patients per week at PWH. Median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 9 and 52% of patients had been involved in a traffic crash. Of eligible patients, 76% (69 out of 91) diverted correctly according to protocol. Primary trauma diversion patients reached definitive care 97 minutes faster than patients undergoing secondary diversion. CONCLUSION Primary trauma diversion is feasible in Hong Kong and means that patients reach definitive care 97 minutes faster than going to the nearest hospital. Primary trauma diversion protocols should be extended throughout Hong Kong.
The epidemiology of assault across the West Midlands

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to look at accident and emergency (A&E) attendances and admissions after assault in the West Midlands NHS region across a wide range of acute units. Methods: This study used data from two sources, the A&E Minimum Data Set and the Hospital Episode Statistics database. Analyses were based on data from 12 of the 21 acute trusts in the West Midlands NHS region for the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000. Results: Analyses were performed on 15 969 A&E attendances and 1596 admissions. Some 67.4% of attenders and 84.2% of those admitted were male. The mean age of the patients was between 27 and 29 years. Attendance peaked between 2100 and 0259, especially on Friday and Saturday night. The most common injury was to the head. Some 75.3% of A&E attenders were discharged home. The average stay in hospital was two days and six deaths were recorded. Those living in the most deprived areas were nearly four times more likely to be admitted than those in the least deprived areas (175.9 per 1000 compared with 45.1 per 1000). Conclusions: This study shows assault is predominately a male phenomenon, worst in the evenings and at weekends, and is positively related to deprivation. It is probable that the levels recorded will be an underestimate, however with some additions to the information collected hospital records could create the basis for a comprehensive surveillance system.
Affect‐ and role‐based loyalty to supervisors in Chinese organizations

Astudy conducted in a Taiwanese financial services company revealed that affect- and role-based loyalty are two distinct types of loyalty to supervisors. The ethical behaviour of supervisors, perceived supervisor support, interpersonal justice, and respect for hierarchy predicted affect-based loyalty, whereas only interpersonal justice and respect for hierarchy predicted role-based loyalty to the supervisor.Affect-based loyalty had a more positive correlation with supervisory satisfaction than did role-based loyalty, and role-based loyalty had a more positive correlation with extra-role performance and attendance than did affect-based loyalty.
Modified Dachengqi Decoction Combined with Conventional Treatment for Treating Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review Based on Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective. This study intended to systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of modified Dachengqi Decoction (MDD) combined with conventional treatment for treating acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Method. An extensive search was performed within 6 English and Chinese electronic databases from inception to April 2012. Methodological quality was assessed according to Cochrane risk of bias assessment. Data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.1. Results. A total of 16 studies (involving 1112 patients) were included. The result showed that MDD and its modification combined with routine treatment were more effective in improving FEV1%pred, enhancing the significant effectiveness, reducing PCO2, and shortening duration of mechanical ventilation. Adverse events were reported in two trials with symptom of diarrhea, while no serious adverse effect was reported. Conclusion. Modified Dachengqi Decoction appears to be effective for treating AECOPD. However, more regular designed RCTs are needed because of insufficient methodological problems.
Cloning and characterization of the gene product of the form II ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase gene of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides

We report the cloning and characterization of the gene product of the gene for the form II ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides. We present evidence that the form II enzyme is encoded by a single gene in R. sphaeroides; however, this gene does hybridize to a second chromosomal locus.
Burnout and personality in extreme nursing: an empirical study

Previous research into the causes of burnout has mainly been concerned with external triggers, such as onerous work criteria or organisational or social influences. On the other hand, the question repeatedly posed is why,under the same working conditions, one individual burns out, while another shows no symptoms at all. It seems fair to assume that other causes such as personality may also play a role but such factors as individual reactions and personality have largely been ignored as a possible aetiology of burnout development. In preparation of a long-term study, this general cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between burnout and personality variables. The different personality variables having a possible impact on burnout were determined in a number of prestudies. The scales of these prestudies were selected according to their relevance for descriptive theories reported in scientific literature. The data were gathered from 119 people working in intensive care units. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used as well as certain subscales of the following personality questionnaires: Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI), Inventory of Aggressivity (IA), Trier Personality Questionnaire (TPQ), Scales of Control (SC), Locus of control (LC) and the Logo-test (LOGO). All these aspects were descriptively but not yet quantitatively reported in scientific literature. Although multiple regression does not show all the personality variables as predictors for the burnout dimensions, the research hypothesis is confirmed: personality is significantly related to certain aspects of burnout. "Neuroticism", "extraversion", "external locus of control", "job-distance inability", "existential frustration" and "ability of love" prove to be personality traits with an impact on the development or the presence of burnout. The evaluation of our data shows that the factor "Mental Health" or "Psychoprotection" is important for all the burnout variables. It measures personality traits such as a high self-esteem, efficient coping strategies and autonomy. The results of this study identifying mental health as a consequence of a meaningful life as a protective factor, and an external locus of control, neuroticism and extraversion as factors promoting burnout, might in future both be used to predict and prevent a burnout syndrome. As a consequence of our results individuals can use their knowledge of their own personal disposition to avoid the development of burnout; for example, by regulating their motivation and their engagement and enthusiasm for the job, and by seeking sensible leisure activities. On the other hand, the empirically established association between personality and burnout can be used as a basis for personality questionnaires to identify people susceptible to burnout.
From ‘Breathless Catalogue’ to ‘Beyond Text’: A Hundred Years of Children’s Folklore Collecting

Abstract This lecture draws attention to research into children’s folklore in Britain from the last century, stressing its potential to inform understandings of contemporary childhoods, particularly children’s play. The emphasis is on archival sources, such as the collections of Norman Douglas, James Ritchie, and Iona and Peter Opie. The changing nature of contemporary evidence, such as children’s self-produced films of their play shared on YouTube, is also illustrated, and the importance of a multimodal approach stressed. The author compares the historical sources with the collectors’ published work, and highlights the need for rigour in appraising these differing forms of evidence.
Proposed Definition and Classification of Cerebral Palsy-Understanding Report of International Workshop on Definition and Classification of Cerebral Palsy April 2006

Proposed definition of cerebral palsy(CP) is a group of disorders of the development of movement and posture,that are attributed to non-progressive disturbances that occurred in the developing fetal and infant brain. Types of cerebral palsy are divided into spastic(diplegia,hemiplegia,quatriplegia),dyskinetic(athetotic,dystonic),ataxic (simple ataxia,ataxic diplegia),and mixed CP(primarily spasticity with athetosis).
Nasal Myiasis: A Case Report

Nasal myiasis is a rare condition, with only a few reported cases and no treatment consensus. We propose a conservative treatment approach with saline irrigation and debridement. Two patients in the ICU of Norfolk General Hospital, a tertiary academic referral center, presented simultaneously with nasal myiasis. Both patients were negative for necrotic masses or tumors, and neither patient had any contributory medical comorbidities. Both patients were treated conservatively with a single dose of pyrantel pamoate, daily sinus irrigation with saline, and daily bedside endoscopic debridement. After 2 days, the nasal myiasis resolved, and both patients recovered without sequelae. We conclude that this conservative, nonsurgical approach to management is both safe and effective.
Reducing world switches in virtualized environment with flexible cross-world calls

Modern computers are built with increasingly complex software stack crossing multiple layers (i.e., worlds), where cross-world call has been a necessity for various important purposes like security, reliability, and reduced complexity. Unfortunately, there is currently limited cross-world call support (e.g., syscall, vmcall), and thus other calls need to be emulated by detouring multiple times to the privileged software layer (i.e., OS kernel and hypervisor). This causes not only significant performance degradation, but also unnecessary implementation complexity. This paper argues that it is time to rethink the design of traditional cross-world call mechanisms by reviewing existing systems built upon hypervisors. Following the design philosophy of separating authentication from authorization, this paper advocates decoupling of the authorization on whether a world call is permitted (by software) from unforgeable identification of calling peers (by hardware). This results in a flexible cross-world call scheme (namely CrossOver) that allows secure, efficient and flexible cross-world calls across multiple layers not only within the same address space, but also across multiple address spaces. We demonstrate that CrossOver can be approximated by using existing hardware mechanism (namely VMFUNC) and a trivial modification of the VMFUNC mechanism can provide a full support of CrossOver. To show its usefulness, we have conducted case studies by using several recent systems such as Proxos, Hyper-Shell, Tahoma and ShadowContext. Performance measurements using full-system emulation and a real processor with VMFUNC shows that CrossOver significantly boosts the performance of the mentioned systems.
Evidence and evidence gaps in therapies of nasal obstruction and rhinosinusitis

Therapeutic decisions in otorhinolaryngology are based on clinical experience, surgical skills, and scientific evidence. Recently, evidence-based therapies have gained increased attention and importance due to their potential to improve the individual patient’s treatment and their potential at the same time to reduce treatment costs. In clinical practice, it is almost impossible to stay ahead of the increasing mass of literature and on the other hand critically assess the presented data. A solid scientific and statistical knowledge as well as a significant amount of spare time are required to detect systematic bias and other errors in study designs, also with respect to assessing whether or not a study should be part of an individual therapeutic decision. Meta-analyses, reviews, and clinical guidelines are, therefore, of increasing importance for evidence-based therapy in clinical practice. This review is an update of the availability of external evidence for the treatment of nasal obstruction and rhinosinusitis. It becomes evident that both groups of diseases differ significantly in the availability of external evidence. Furthermore, it becomes obvious that surgical treatment options are normally based on evidence of significantly lower quality than medical treatment options.
Mnemonic Aids During Tests: Worthless Frivolity or Effective Tool in Statistics Education?

Researchers have explored many pedagogical approaches in an effort to assist students in finding understanding and comfort in required statistics courses. This study investigates the impact of mnemonic aids used during tests on students’ statistics course performance in particular. In addition, the present study explores several hypotheses that have been proposed to explain the potential benefit of using these aids during examinations. These include the student engagement hypothesis, the perception of control hypothesis, the dependency hypothesis, and a placebo effect hypothesis. The results indicate that student-generated testing aids are clearly superior to the other forms of in-test aids examined, however they were not superior to conditions where mnemonic aids are not allowed. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the four hypotheses regarding the beneficial effects of mnemonic aids used during examinations.