Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Severe Hepatic Injury Caused by Imatinib Mesylate Administered for the Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and the Efficacy of Prednisolone for its Management

Imatinib mesylate is a specific inhibitor of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, which is now widely used for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with a high efficacy. Although severe hepatic injury caused by imatinib mesylate is rare, such a side effect may force patients to discontinue taking imatinib mesylate. In the present paper, we report on the case of a 51-year-old woman with CML who experienced hepatic injury with severe hyperbilirubinemia caused by imatinib mesylate. The findings from a liver biopsy specimen and her clinical course suggested the hepatic injury to presumably have been caused by an allergic mechanism. The co-administration of prednisolone was thus tried, and she has been able to continue imatinib mesylate administration without any liver dysfunction and finally was able to obtain a complete cytogenetic response. We therefore recommend that prednisolone should be tried when severe hepatic injury caused by imatinib mesylate is observed, since it might enable such patients to continue imatinib mesylate treatment and thereby improve the prognosis in such cases.
Henipavirus Encephalitis: Recent Developments and Advances

The genus Henipavirus within the family Paramyxoviridae includes the Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV) which were discovered in the 1990s in Australia and Malaysia, respectively, after emerging to cause severe and often fatal outbreaks in humans and animals. While HeV is confined to Australia, more recent NiV outbreaks have been reported in Bangladesh, India and the Philippines. The clinical manifestations of both henipaviruses in humans appear similar, with a predominance of an acute encephalitic syndrome. Likewise, the pathological features are similar and characterized by disseminated, multi‐organ vasculopathy comprising endothelial infection/ulceration, vasculitis, vasculitis‐induced thrombosis/occlusion, parenchymal ischemia/microinfarction, and parenchymal cell infection in the central nervous system (CNS), lung, kidney and other major organs. This unique dual pathogenetic mechanism of vasculitis‐induced microinfarction and neuronal infection causes severe tissue damage in the CNS. Both viruses can also cause relapsing encephalitis months and years after the acute infection. Many animal models studied to date have largely confirmed the pathology of henipavirus infection, and provided the means to test new therapeutic agents and vaccines. As the bat is the natural host of henipaviruses and has worldwide distribution, spillover events into human populations are expected to occur in the future.
Radial tunnel syndrome: resistant tennis elbow as a nerve entrapment.

1. Resistant cases of tennis elbow are explained on the basis of an entrapment neuropathy of the radial nerve and its branches. 2. An operation is described to explore these nerves through an anterior muscle-splitting incision. 3. Thirty-eight elbows in thirty-six patients have been operated on with improvement in all.
Panic anxiety: a new biological model.

Previously unrecognized similarities among metabolic responses to various maneuvers used to evoke anxiety in patients with panic disorder are described. On the basis of these observations, a new biological model is proposed for panic disorder, in which the primary defect--which is neuroendocrine rather than psychiatric--is operationally placed within the redox-regulating apparatus of the brain stem. This model is consistent with many clinical features of panic disorder and also provides a theoretical framework for further studies of the pathophysiology of this and related conditions (e.g., hyperventilation syndrome).
Changes in breast density

Purpose: To measure changes in breast density in a screening population. Method: Unprocessed mammograms were collected for 8,268 women (6034 and 2234 women with two and three sequential screening rounds respectively) with normal breasts (routine recall), from the OPTIMAM image database. The volumetric breast density (VBD), fibroglandular volume (FGV) and breast volume (BV) were determined and the changes between screening rounds calculated. Linear regression determined if the rate of change in these breast density measures varied significantly with age at initial screen. The women were split into four quartiles according to VBD in both screening rounds, and any changes in the quartile allocation of each woman determined. The VBD for these women was compared to our previously published data for women with screen detected and interval cancers. Results: Averaged over all women, the percentage change in VBD, FGV and BV, over 6 years was -11.2% (95%CI: - 12.2% to -10.2%), -5.3% (95%CI: -6.1% to -4.5%) and 11.5% (95%CI: 10.4% to 12.6%) respectively. The percentage change per month, of VBD, FGV and BD decreased significantly with age (p<0.0001). The percentage change in FGV was more strongly associated with the FGV at initial screen than age. For the least and most dense quartiles (who would be of interest for risk stratification), the majority of women did not change quartile between screening rounds. VBD was higher for women who developed interval cancers. Conclusions: The average VBD decreased by 11% over six years. The majority (~80%) of women do not change quartile of VBD in six years.
Elevated plasma glucagon levels in cirrhosis of the liver.

Abstract Plasma glucagon levels (in the basal state, after stimulation with arginine and after suppression by oral glucose) were determined in 36 patients with cirrhosis. The mean basal glucagon levels were 455 ± 63 (S.E.M.) pg per milliliter in eight patients with portacaval shunts, 217 ± 23 pg per milliliter in 28 patients without shunts, and 146 ± 10 pg per milliliter in 15 controls. After arginine stimulation, glucagon rose to 828 ± 122 pg per milliliter in 25 cirrhotic patients and to 409 ± 36 pg per milliliter in the controls. High fasting glucagon levels (490 to 560 pg per milliliter) and an exaggerated elevation after arginine were also found in a noncirrhotic subject with a mesocaval shunt. Since glucagon is degraded in the liver, the abnormal liver-cell function and hepatic blood flow of cirrhosis probably explain the hyperglucagonism found in this condition. The high plasma glucagon levels, however, do not necessarily explain the abnormalities of carbohydrate tolerance found in patients with ci.
Magnetic Investigation of CoFe$_{2}$O $_{4}$ Nanoparticles Supported in Biocompatible Polymeric Microsphere

Magnetic investigation of spinel ferrite nanoparticles dispersed in biocompatible polymeric microspheres is reported in this study. X-ray diffraction data analysis confirms the presence of nanosized CoFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> particles (mean size of ~8 nm). This finding is corroborated by transmission electron microscopy micrographs. Magnetization isotherms suggest a spin disorder likely occurring at the nanoparticle's surface. The saturation magnetization value is used to estimate particle concentration of 1.6times10<sup>18</sup> cm<sup>-3</sup> dispersed in the polymeric template. A T<sup>1/2</sup> dependence of the coercive field is determined in the low-temperature region (T < 30 K). The model of non-interacting mono-domains is used to estimate an effective magnetic anisotropy of K<sub>eff</sub> = 0.6times10<sup>5</sup> J/m<sup>3</sup>. The K<sub>eff</sub> value we found is lower than the value reported for spherically-shaped CoFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles, though consistent with the low coercive field observed in the investigated sample.
Magnetic Resonance Diagnosis of Meniscal Tears in Patients With Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of meniscal tear in patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament tears. Methods: Magnetic resonance images obtained from 41 patients imaged within 6 weeks of injury who had acute anterior cruciate ligament tears identified at arthroscopy were retrospectively reviewed for meniscal tear. Results: With MR imaging the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for diagnosing meniscal tears in the presence of acute anterior cruciate ligament tears were 71%, 93%, and 88%; for the lateral meniscal tears were 57%, 100% and 85%; and for the medial meniscal tears were 100%, 88%, 90%. All false negative cases (n = 6) involved the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. Conclusion: In the presence of acute anterior cruciate ligament tears, MRI imaging has relatively low sensitivity for detecting meniscal tears due to missed tears in the lateral meniscus.
Exploring Local Responses to a Wicked Problem: Context, Collective Action, and Outcomes in Catchments in Subtropical Australia

ABSTRACT Generating effective local responses to natural resource management problems within multilevel resource governance systems is a major challenge. This challenge is highlighted for the “wicked problem” of managing non-point-source pollution, which is increasingly urgent globally for the sustainability of natural water systems. The article explores how local responses to this problem arose in a case study in South East Queensland, Australia. It inductively analyzes three contrasting local catchment cases considering contextual factors (e.g., human–biophysical setting, drivers of change, management arrangements), forms of collective action (e.g., types, mechanisms, and modes of action), and outcomes and adaptation needs (e.g., environmental, social, institutional). Local responses emerged in different ways across the three cases, despite all being situated within the same broader regional governance system. Findings demonstrate innovative practical responses to a regional scale problem, and contribute to better understanding of how local collective action responses emerge for wicked catchment and NRM problems.
The renoprotective effects of structured care in a clinical trial setting in type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy.

BACKGROUND The RENAAL Study has confirmed the renoprotective effects of Losartan in type 2 diabetes. In this subgroup analysis from the RENAAL Study, we hypothesized that the intensive care received by patients in a clinical trial setting also reduced the rate of decline in renal function through optimization of all risk factors. METHODS We compared the rate of deterioration in renal function, expressed as the regression coefficient of the monthly serum creatinine (SeCr) reciprocal (beta-1/Cr) in 55 Chinese type 2 diabetic patients before and after entry into the RENAAL Study. RESULTS Of the 55 patients, 44 had at least three out-patient SeCr measurements both before (2.9+/-2.4 years) and after (3.3+/-0.8 years) entry into the study for evaluation. In the Losartan group (n = 24), the median beta-1/Cr fell from -11.4 x 10(-5) l micro mol(-1) month(-1) before entry into the trial to -4.7 x 10(-5) l micro mol(-1) month(-1) following entry (P = 0.001). The respective figures were -9.1 x 10(-5) and -5.0 x 10(-5) l micro mol(-1) month(-1) (P = 0.01) in the placebo group (n = 20). A decrease in beta-1/Cr was observed in 21 (87.5%) and 14 (70.0%) patients in the Losartan and placebo groups, respectively. Spot urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio was reduced by 56% (P = 0.001) in the Losartan group but the change was not significant in the placebo group. At the end of the study, patients in both groups had lower blood pressure and better lipid control. The frequency of patient visits to doctors and nurses were doubled. CONCLUSIONS The rate of renal function decline was significantly reduced in the majority of patients allocated to either Losartan or placebo following entry into the RENAAL study. These results suggest that in patients with diabetic nephropathy, implementation of a structured care protocol in a clinical trial setting facilities intensive treatment of risk factors confering renoprotective effects in addition to those resulting from Losartan treatment.
Evaluation of JPEG and JPEG2000 compression algorithms for dermatological images

Background Some image compression methods are used to reduce the disc space needed for the image to store and transmit the image efficiently. JPEG is the most frequently used algorithm of compression in medical systems. JPEG compression can be performed at various qualities. There are many other compression algorithms; among these, JPEG2000 is an appropriate candidate to be used in future.
MONETARY TRANSMISSION IN THE EMERGING COUNTRY CONTEXT: THE CASE OF SRI LANKA

The main purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive assessment of monetary policy transmission in the emerging country context. As such, the paper examines the effectiveness, relative importance of different transmission channels, distributional effects of monetary policy across different financial institutions as well as the structural changes in monetary transmission in Sri Lanka using monthly and quarterly aggregate data and disaggregated data. Based on the empirical estimates obtained employing both unrestricted and structural vector auto regressions, this study mainly suggests that monetary policy is quite effective to influence target variables of Central Bank of Sri Lanka, i.e. output and prices. It also shows that monetary policy changes affect target variables through intermediate transmission channels such as exchange rates, asset prices as well as bank credit. Based on the bank-wise data, consistent predictions are observed to support the view that small financial institutions find it more difficult to shield their activity against a monetary policy shock than large institutions. Finally, the results suggest that transformations in the economic and financial environment play a role in increasing the sensitivity of output and prices to interest rates suggesting the changes in monetary transmission. These results provide important policy implications for emerging country central banks, particularly Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
A study of ventilator-associated pneumonia: Incidence, outcome, risk factors and measures to be taken for prevention

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a major cause of hospital morbidity and mortality despite recent advances in diagnosis and accuracy of management. However, as taught in medical science, prevention is better than cure is probably more appropriate as concerned to VAP because of the fact that it is a well preventable disease and a proper approach decreases the hospital stay, cost, morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study is to critically review the incidence and outcome, identify various risk factors and conclude specific measures that should be undertaken to prevent VAP. We studied 100 patients randomly, kept on ventilatory support for more than 48 h. After excluding those who developed pneumonia within 48 h, VAP was diagnosed when a score of ≥6 was obtained in the clinical pulmonary infection scoring system having six variables and a maximum score of 12. After evaluating, the data were subjected to univariate analysis using the chi-square test. The level of significance was set at P<0.05. It was found that 37 patients developed VAP. The risk factor significantly associated with VAP in our study was found to be duration of ventilator support, reintubation, supine position, advanced age and altered consciousness. Declining ratio of partial pressure to inspired fraction of oxygen (PaO2/FiO2 ratio) was found to be the earliest indicator of VAP. The most common organism isolated in our institution was Pseudomonas. The incidence of early-onset VAP (within 96 h) was found to be 27% while the late-onset type (>96 h) was 73%. Late-onset VAP had poor prognosis in terms of mortality (66%) as compared to the early-onset type (20%). The mortality of patients of the non-VAP group was found to be 41% while that of VAP patients was 54%. Targeted strategies aimed at preventing VAP should be implemented to improve patient outcome and reduce length of intensive care unit stay and costs. Above all, everyone of the critical care unit should understand the factors that place the patients at risk of VAP and utmost importance must be given to prevent VAP.
Cascaded Taper Collapsed Region-Based PCF Sensor: Wavelength and Intensity Interrogation

We propose a highly sensitive and compact solid core photonic crystal fiber-based interferometric sensor with dual collapsed tapered region for the interrogation of curvature and temperature. The fabrication of the probe is accomplished by an economical commercial splicer. The distance between two tapered regions has been tuned so that the proposed probe can be used both in intensity and wavelength interrogation with a maximum curvature sensitivity of 18.8 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathrm {dB}}/\text{m}^{-1}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and 14.76 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathrm {nm}}/\text{m}^{-1}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> in intensity and wavelength interrogation, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum temperature sensitivity is found to be 56 pm/°C thereby exhibiting negligible cross sensitivity. The response of the proposed probe to the applied curvature and environmental temperature is found to be linear.
Do Markets Cointegrate after Financial Crises? Evidence from G-20 Stock Markets

The results of the single-equation cointegration tests indicate that patterns of cointegration in the two main and four sub-periods are not homogeneous. Two key findings emerge from the study. First, fewer stock markets cointegrated with S&P 500 during the crisis period than they did during the pre-crisis. In other words, as the 2008 financial crisis deepened, S&P 500 and G-20 stock indices moved towards less cointegration. The decreasing number of cointegrating relationships implies that the U.S. stock markets and other G-20 markets have experienced different driving forces since the start of the U.S. crisis. Second, among those markets that are cointegrated with S&P 500, they happened to be deeply affected by S&P and the shocks emerging from it. The 2007–2009 financial crises can be considered a structural break in the long-run relationship and may have resulted from effective joint intervention/responses taken by members of G-20 nations.
Arab Culture Dimensions in the International and Arab Models

This paper explores the dimensions of Arab culture through a rich comparison of the Arab culture as seen from the international and Arab models of national culture. The paper also put emphasis on the gap between the two. It proves that national culture plays an important role in supporting or rendering the effective organizational culture. Arab culture is a complex collective whole of people’s self-perceptions, values and attitudes that can help us understand how Arab individuals and organizations function in different circumstances and how they prefer to respond to them. The study includes eleven international models and six Arab models of national culture. This study presents a beneficial analysis of these models and emphasizes that international models do not tell the whole story, and that they are insufficient to explain many of the decisions made by Arab managers. It also shows the need to enhance the stereotypical image that can emerge from international models through considering national models. The study provided a broad vision of Arab culture to combine Schein’s three levels of Culture with the main components of the Arab culture.
Single versus double indicator dilution measurements of extravascular lung water

ObjectiveTo compare a simplified method of measuring extravascular lung water (EVLW) using only a single indicator (EVLW-SI) with the standard double indicator dilution technique (EVLW-DI). DesignDirect comparison of EVLW-SI with EVLW-DI in 18 critically ill patients. SettingA general medical ICU in a university-affiliated hospital. PatientsNine men and nine women, ages 19 to 80 yr. Six patients were in shock (four from septic shock), and 11 were in respiratory failure. InterventionsEVLW-DI and cardiac output were measured in triplicate during injection of cold indocyanine green dye. Cardiac output was calculated both from pulmonary artery (COPa) and femoral artery (COfem-di) thermal dilution signals. EVLW-SI and COfem-si were also measured during three additional injections of cold saline using only thermal signals from the pulmonary and femoral arteries. Order of measurements was random. EVLW-SI was measured in ten patients while blood was withdrawn through the femoral catheter and in ten patients without blood drawn through the femoral catheter. Measurements and Main ResultsA total of 84 comparisons were made. Although the overall correlations were good (r2 = .86), EVLW-SI systematically overestimated EVLW-DI (p < .05). This difference was greater when EVLW-SI was measured without blood withdrawal through the femoral catheter. In this subgroup, mean values for EVLW by the two methods were within 20% of one another in only two of ten patients, in contrast to the results in six of eight patients in which blood was withdrawn through the catheter. COfemsi and COfem-di also overestimated COpa. ConclusionTheoretically, neither injection of green dye nor blood withdrawal should be necessary during measurements of EVLW-SI, making it a simpler technique for bedside use than EVLW-DI. However, significant discrepancies exist between the two techniques. Some of this difference is apparently due to technical factors related to catheter design. In any case, we cannot recommend use of the single indicator dilution technique at present to estimate EVLW. (Crit Care Med 1991; 19:84)
Atherosclerotic Expansive Remodeled Plaques: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Geometric arterial remodeling is an important determinant of luminal narrowing in atherosclerotic disease. Expansive remodeling retards while constrictive remodeling accelerates luminal narrowing by plaque formation. Cross-sectional as well as follow-up studies revealed that expansive remodeling is associated with adverse cardiovascular events and a vulnerable plaque phenotype. Although the relation between expansive remodeling and plaque vulnerability is associative rather than causal, expansively remodeled plaques should be considered as a wolf in sheep’s clothes. Further understanding of the processes that regulate arterial remodeling and plaque rupture may lead to new strategies to responsibly manipulate these processes for the benefit of patient outcomes.
Doing Participatory Action Research in a Multicase Study

In this article, we describe an approach for conducting participatory action research (PAR) in a longitudinal multicase study, with particular focus on cross-case analysis. Existing literature has documented the practice of PAR in single-case studies, but far less has been written on how to conduct PAR across multiple cases. There is also a need for instructional examples of multicase study application, particularly methods of cross-case analysis. In PAR, research methods—including data analysis methods—have the power to shape participant inclusion or exclusion, involvement or attrition, and mobilization of knowledge in real time. In response to these challenges, we discuss the analysis methods used in a PAR study of health leadership in Canada. The project, which consisted of six case studies of leadership in major health system change, involved health leaders as collaborators. We address the challenges of doing PAR with collaborators facing time limitations and suggest a project structure for involving collaborators at critical junctures. We present a detailed, two-part method for conducting cross-case data analysis. Our method involved targeted collaborator involvement in data interpretation while also ensuring faithfulness to the coded data. We describe our process for mobilizing study findings through a deliberative dialogue with health leaders.