Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rituximab with high‐dose methotrexate in primary central nervous system lymphoma

The addition of rituximab (R) to chemotherapy improves outcomes in patients with systemic B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas, but the impact in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) receiving high‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is unknown. Patients diagnosed with PCNSL at the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) between 2000 and 2013 were treated with ≥1 cycle of HDMTX 8 g/m2 every 2 weeks, to best response or 10 cycles. After 2006, rituximab 375 mg/m2 was given every 2 weeks with HDMTX for a total of 4 doses. 49 (66%) patients received HDMTX alone and 25 (34%) HDMTX+R, with a median of 5 (range 1–10) HDMTX cycles, and no difference between groups. The median follow‐up was 5 years: 8.8 years (range 3.15–13.5 years) HDMTX and 1.9 years (range 0.5–7 years) HDMTX+R. The 5‐year PFS was 17%, with no difference between groups (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.41–1.35; P = 0.33). The 5‐year OS was 38%, with no difference between the groups OS (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.35–1.52; P = 0.39). In this retrospective study comparing two subgroups of patients treated in different eras, the addition of R to HDMTX did not appear to improve outcomes in PCNSL, possibly consistent with its known poor CNS penetration. It is possible that with a larger sample size, longer follow‐up, or different rituximab dosing/schedule, the addition of rituximab may lead to a statistically significant improvement in outcomes. Prospective randomized trials currently in progress will more definitively estimate the impact of the addition of rituximab to HDMTX‐based chemotherapy for PCNSL. Am. J. Hematol. 90:1149–1154, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antioxidative defence mechanisms against reactive oxygen species in bovine retained and not-retained placenta: activity of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase, catalase and superoxide dismutase.

Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione transferase (GSH-Tr), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-the members of enzymatic antioxidative defence mechanisms against reactive oxygen species-may play an important role in proper or improper release of bovine fetal membranes. The aim of the following study was the determination of GSH-Px, GSH-Tr, CAT and SOD activity in order to define antioxidative status of bovine placenta during retention of fetal membranes (RFM) in cows. Placental samples were collected immediately after spontaneous parturition or during caesarean section before term and at term and divided into six groups as follows: A: caesarean section before term without RFM; B: caesarean section before term with RFM; C: caesarean section at term without RFM; D: caesarean section at term with RFM; E: spontaneous delivery at term without RFM; F: spontaneous delivery at term with RFM. The enzyme activities in placental homogenates were measured spectrophotometrically. GSH-Px activity was statistically significantly higher in fetal than in maternal placenta in all examined groups, increased towards parturition and was higher in caesarean section groups than spontaneous delivery groups. Statistically significantly higher activities were noticed in retained than not-retained placentae. GSH-Tr activity was significantly lower in fetal than in maternal placenta. In preterm groups, the activity was statistically significantly higher in retained than not retained placenta. In term groups, the opposite relationship was observed, higher values in caesarean section groups than spontaneous delivery were noticed. CAT activity was statistically significantly higher in fetal than in maternal part of placenta in all groups examined. The highest values in C and D groups and the differences between retained and not-retained placenta were observed. SOD exhibited the highest values in preterm placenta and alterations between retained and not-retained fetal membranes. In conclusion, the activities of GSH-Px, GSH-Tr, CAT and SOD are altered in cases of retained fetal membranes which may suggest the activation of antioxidative mechanisms caused by the imbalance between production and neutralization of reactive oxygen species.
Indirect Adaptive Control of Induction Motor Drive System With an Elastic Coupling

In this paper, an adaptive control strategy for the field oriented controlled induction motor (IM) drive system with elastic joint is presented. The changeable inertia of the load machine is estimated by the nonlinear extended Kalman filter. Then, the control structure parameters are returned in accordance with the estimated value. The provided experimental results for the IM drive confirm the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Minimally Invasive Application of the Non-Contact-Bridging (NCB) Plate to the Proximal Humerus: An Anatomical Study

Objectives: To describe a minimal anterolateral acromial approach for minimally invasive (MI) treatment of fractures of the proximal humerus (PH) with the Non-Contact-Bridging (NCB) plate. Design: 1) Cadaver study and 2) clinical case series. Setting: 1) University Institute of Anatomy and the 2) University Level I trauma center. Specimens/Patients: 1) Ten fresh frozen human humeri and 2) 22 patients with 22 isolated proximal humeral fractures. Intervention: 1) Minimal anterolateral acromial approach with MI application of the NCB-PH plate followed by dissection of the axillary nerve and 2) MI fracture fixation using this approach and technique of plate insertion. Main Outcome Measures: 1) Integrity of the axillary nerve and evaluation of its relationship to the implant, and 2) early postoperative functional results. Results: In the cadaver study, the nerve directly crossed over the percutaneously inserted plate in all the arms. The nerve then divided into two branches anterior to the plate in eight arms and divided into two branches directly over the plate in two arms. One branch of the axillary nerve in one arm was injured. In the clinical case series, no intraoperative complications relating to the approach or the implant occurred. No symptoms of axillary nerve lesion have been detected so far in the early follow-up. Conclusions The minimal anterolateral acromial approach is suitable for MI technique to apply the NCB-PH. The relationship of the axillary nerve to the plate is anatomically close. We recommend that strict bone contact be maintained during plate insertion and that screw insertion complies with the guidelines provided for this technique. In a small clinical cases series, the plate and screws were inserted in accordance with these guidelines and no axillary nerve lesions have yet been detected.
The Role of Corticosteroids in the Management of Chronic Subdural Hematomas: A Critically Appraised Topic

Background:Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) occur most commonly in the elderly population. When CSDH patients present with a moderate or severe neurologic deficit and are good surgical candidates, surgery is regarded as the ideal option. However, CSDH patients often have only mild neurologic deficits or are not optimal candidates for surgery. Corticosteroids are often used on these subgroups, but the benefit of this intervention is unknown. Optimal treatment for these patients is not well established. Objective:Critically evaluate the role of corticosteroids in the management of CSDH. Methods:The objective was addressed through the development of a structured critically appraised topic. This included a clinical scenario with a structured question, search strategy, critical appraisal, results, evidence summary, commentary, and bottom line conclusions. Participants included consultant and resident neurologists, a medical librarian, clinical epidemiologists, and clinical content experts in the fields of vascular neurology and neurosurgery. Results:No randomized controlled trials on the topic were discovered. A prospective cohort study was selected as the best currently available evidence. Conclusion:The role of corticosteroids in the management of CSDH is not well defined. Current evidence neither supports nor refutes the use of corticosteroids. A randomized controlled trial is warranted.
COMPLETE PLATELET RECOVERY AFTER TREATMENT OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION IN A CHILD WITH CHRONIC IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA: A Case Report

Helicobacter pylori gastritis has been associated with autoimmune disease, including immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The most recent reports also have supported this association in adults. ITP in children differs from that in adults in terms of clinical picture and mechanisms of thrombocytopenia. The authors report a case of a 12-year-old boy with chronic ITP, in whom they detected H. pylori infection and observed a complete platelet recovery after the eradication of H. pylori.
Immunological risks of minimization strategies

During the past 10 years, minimization strategies have been legitimately initiated to decrease the many toxicities of calcineurin inhibitors, especially nephrotoxicity which was considered to be responsible for the majority of graft losses. Even though CNI‐induced nephrotoxicity is undeniable, we have learned in the past 10 years that DSAs detected with solid‐phase assays are excellent prognostic biomarkers in kidney transplantation (and in other organ transplantations as well) and that chronic antibody‐mediated rejection has become the leading cause of graft loss. In this review, we will focus on the immunological risks linked to various strategies aiming at decreasing CNI doses either at time of transplantation or later in the course of follow‐up. Some of these interventions are associated with an increase in acute cellular rejection rates but also with an improvement in renal function. The effects on antibody‐mediated rejection and occurrence of de novo donor‐specific antibodies are still under‐reported. We are currently missing long‐term data to appreciate the influence of these minimization strategies on graft and patient survival. This then leads to a cautious attitude regarding reducing immunosuppression.
Cell-mediated degradation of strontium-doped calcium polyphosphate scaffold for bone tissue engineering

Bio-ceramic porous scaffolds used in bone tissue engineering are incorporated in vivo by a process of cellular in-growth, followed by cell-mediated degradation and replacement of these scaffolds, in which macrophages and osteoclasts play the key role. Calcium polyphosphate (CPP) is an inorganic polymeric bioceramic which has been increasingly studied as a bone graft. The solution-mediated chemical degradation of strontium-substituted calcium polyphosphate (SCPP) scaffolds is well established in vitro, but an in vitro model of cell-mediated SCPP scaffold degradation has not been investigated. Herein, RAW264.7 (a murine monocyte/macrophage cell line) and osteoclasts were cultured on CPP and SCPP scaffolds. The weight loss and release amount of Sr2+, Ca2+ and PO43− in a degradation medium indicated that macrophages could accelerate the degradation of SCPP. According to the results from MTT assay and scanning electron microscopy, it was found that a low dose of strontium was beneficial to the proliferation of macrophages, while strontium inhibited the activity of osteoclasts. This study will aid in developing SCPP scaffolds for in vivo bone tissue engineering.
The Effect of Loneliness on Social Networking Sites Use and Its Related Behaviors

Introduction: The current research was conducted to examine the effect of “Loneliness”, on time spent in Social Networking Sites (S.N.S), main reasons for S.N. S use, and its related behaviors. Materials and Methods: 156 students of Shiraz University voluntarily participated in this research. Loneliness was assessed usingthe UCLA Loneliness scale. 25% of highest scoring students reported that they were lonely whereas 25% of the lowest scoring students were considered to be non-lonely. The positive and negative reasons of using S.N. S were assessed based on Reasons for Internet Use Scale, and internet behaviors were assessed based on Scale of Internet Behaviors. Results: There was no difference in time spent in S.N. S as well as the positive and negative reasons of using S.N. S (contrary to literature), but internet behaviors showed a significant difference between “lonely” and “non-lonely” individuals. “Lonely” and “non-lonely” individuals showed a significant difference in “social aspect” of S.N. S behaviors. There was also a significant difference between “Lonely” and “non-Lonely” individuals in “Negative impact” of S.N. S behaviors. Yet, there seemed to be no difference in “competency and convenience aspect” of S.N. S behaviors. Conclusions: This study suggested that there is no difference between lonely and non-lonely individuals in reasons for using S.N. S and time spent in S.N. S. This finding stands contrary to previous research findings and general literature on the subject In other words, what drives people to S.N. S at the first place shows no significant difference between lonely and non-lonely individuals while after attending S.N. S, social behavior of lonely individuals shows a significant difference which is consistently enhanced online. Lonely people also significantly develop internet-related problems in their daily functioning, including interference with real life socializing.
Predictors of treatment outcomes after removal of amalgam fillings: associations between subjective symptoms, psychometric variables and mercury levels.

OBJECTIVE This analysis aimed to study predictors of different treatment outcomes and associations between subjective symptoms, psychometric variables and mercury levels in patients who subjectively attributed their health problems to dental amalgam. MATERIAL AND METHODS A secondary and retrospective analysis of data of a recently published randomized clinical trial was performed. Seventy-eight patients [44% female, mean (SD) age 35 (6) years, randomly assigned to either amalgam removal or a health promotion program] were included into statistical analysis. Prior to intervention and 12 months later, questionnaires for assessing symptoms, psychological distress and health status were presented, and mercury levels in blood and urine were determined. RESULTS The patients' personality profile at study onset was characterized by slightly reduced extraversion and slightly elevated emotional instability. Overall, subjective symptoms decreased slightly and there were no statistically significant differences in the decrease of symptoms after intervention between both groups. Decrease of mercury levels after intervention was closely associated with removal of amalgam fillings (r(mult) = 0.64 in regression analysis). Statistically significant correlations could be found between mercury levels and subjective symptoms with respect to baseline (r = 0.29-0.39) and to changes after intervention (r = 0.24-0.42), but not for psychological distress (r = 0.05-0.25) and health related quality of life (r = -0.03-0.18). Prediction of symptom improvement after intervention was poor (r(mult) = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS Results contribute some new aspects to the inconsistent findings in the literature with respect to associations between symptoms and subtoxic mercury levels. More emphasis should be placed on exploring individual vulnerability for amalgam sensitivity.
New practical definitions for the diagnosis of autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix–Saguenay

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix–Saguenay (ARSACS) is caused by mutations in the SACS gene. SACS encodes sacsin, a protein whose function remains unknown, despite the description of numerous protein domains and the recent focus on its potential role in the regulation of mitochondrial physiology. This study aimed to identify new mutations in a large population of ataxic patients and to functionally analyze their cellular effects in the mitochondrial compartment.
Prognostic Value of NT-proBNP at Rest and Peak Exercise in Patients With Impaired Left Ventricular Function

We aimed to identify whether N-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) at peak exercise can provide incremental clinical information over resting levels. A total of 90 patients with systolic heart failure were prospectively studied. Levels of plasma NT-proBNP were assessed at rest and at peak exercise during a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Patients were followed-up for 30 ± 10 months. Levels of NT-proBNP at baseline and peak exercise were significantly correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction ([LVEF] r = −.629, P < .001 and r = −.630, P < .001, respectively) and peak oxygen uptake ([Vo 2] r = −.752, P < .001 and r = −.740, P < .001, respectively). Levels of plasma NT-proBNP at peak exercise demonstrated similar predictive ability for the detection of patients with low peak Vo 2 and LVEF <28%. Levels of plasma NT-proBNP can detect low-functional class patients and patients who may be the candidates for heart transplantation with high sensitivity and specificity. At baseline and peak exercise, NT–proBNP demonstrates similar prognostic and predictive ability.
A General Framework for Performance Analysis of Space Shift Keying (SSK) Modulation for MISO Correlated Nakagami-m Fading Channels

In this paper, we offer an accurate framework for analyzing the performance of wireless communication systems adopting the recently proposed Space Shift Keying (SSK) modulation scheme. More specifically, we study the performance of a Nt x 1 MISO (Multiple-Input-Single-Output) system setup with Maximum-Likelihood (ML) detection and full Channel State Information (CSI) at the receiver. The exact Average Bit Error Probability (ABEP) over generically correlated and non-identically distributed Nakagami-m fading channels is computed in closed-form when Nt=2, while very accurate and asymptotically tight upper bounds are proposed to compute the ABEP when Nt > 2. With respect to current literature, our contribution is threefold: i) the ABEP is computed in closed-form without resorting to Monte Carlo numerical simulations, which, besides being computationally intensive, only yield limited insights about the system performance and cannot be exploited for a systematic optimization of it, ii) the framework accounts for arbitrary fading conditions and is not restricted to identically distributed fading channels, thus offering a comprehensive understanding of the performance of SSK modulation over generalized fading channels, and iii) the analytical framework could be readily adapted to study the performance over generalized fading channels with arbitrary fading distributions, since the Nakagami-m distribution is a very flexible fading model, which either includes or can closely approximate several other fading models. Numerical results show that the performance of SSK modulation is significantly affected by the characteristics of fading channels, {e.g.}, channel correlation, fading severity, and power imbalance among the Nt transmit-receive wireless links. Analytical frameworks and theoretical findings are also substantiated via Monte Carlo simulations.
Intimate Partner Violence and Current Mental Health Needs Among Female Veterans

Background: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) recommends screening female patients for intimate partner violence (IPV), yet few studies inform IPV screening efforts among this population. This study examined the proportion of women who experienced IPV within the past year and the associations between IPV and depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol dependence, mental health multimorbidity (ie, 2 or 3 of these conditions), and military sexual trauma (MST) among female veterans. Methods: A cross-sectional mail survey of 160 female VHA patients with an intimate partner within the past year was conducted in 2012 in New England. Self-reported IPV was assessed using the Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream screening tool. The survey also included validated screening measures of depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), PTSD (PTSD Checklist–Civilian), alcohol misuse (10-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), and MST. Results: Approximately 37% of women reported IPV within the past year on the Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream tool. Odds ratios for the associations between reporting IPV and mental health outcomes ranged between 2.75 and 3.67. With the exception of alcohol dependence, IPV remained strongly associated with mental health conditions when adjusting for MST. Conclusions: These findings can increase provider knowledge of the strong connection between past-year IPV and mental health conditions among female veterans. This may encourage IPV screening and facilitate appropriate referrals, treatment conceptualization, and planning within the VHA and other health care settings.
Datives and the non-active voice: Reflexive clitics in Balkan languages

This paper examines in Balkan languages two constructions combining Non-Active morphology / reflexive clitics with datives that are not part of the argument structure of the verb. The first construction is the so-called involuntary state or ‘feel like’ construction, which divides Balkan languages into two groups. Albanian and the South Slavic languages share this construction with similar characteristics, but in Greek and Rumanian it is absent. Involuntary state constructions contain a passive or impersonal core. This core contains an existentially closed or implicit argument due to Argument Saturation. The dative discloses and binds this implicit argument via a formal semantic procedure called Dative Disclosure. The second construction is found in all Balkan languages along parallel lines, and consists of an anticausative core coupled to a dative open to a variety of interpretations. It is proposed that datives in anticausatives are interpreted by an inferential procedure called the Ethical strategy, which differs from Dative Disclosure because it cannot operate on formally present arguments. In addition, Dative Disclosure cannot apply in anticausatives because those lack the appropriate formal argument due to Argument Suppression. In simple terms, involuntary state constructions are based on passive, not on anticausative structures.
4,4′-Dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridinium dichloride

In the title compound, C12H14N2 2+·2Cl−, the 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridinium cation is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation for all non-H atoms = 0.004 Å) and is located on a crystallographic inversion centre. The cations and chloride anions lie in planes parallel to (111) and are connected by N—H⋯Cl and C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds.
Effect of advanced access scheduling on chronic health care in a Canadian practice.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of advanced access scheduling (AAS) on the care of patients with chronic disease within a Canadian family practice. DESIGN Chart abstraction. SETTING A single family physician's practice in Brantford, Ont. PARTICIPANTS Patient charts were reviewed for all patients with a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or coronary artery disease during the years before and after implementation of AAS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The following information was extracted for each study patient: total number of appointments, number of appointments specific to chronic disease management, number of appointments for non-chronic disease, blood pressure (BP), and laboratory markers, including hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) and low-density lipoprotein levels. RESULTS For the year before and the year after implementation of AAS, the mean number of visits per patient was 4.3. The mean number of appointments for chronic disease management decreased significantly from 2.6 to 2.2 (P = .024), and the mean number of visits for non-chronic disease increased significantly from 1.7 to 2.1 (P = .001). The number of times clinical parameters of BP, HbA(1c), and low-density lipoprotein were measured decreased; however, there were no significant changes in actual BP or HbA(1c) levels. CONCLUSION Following a 1-year period using AAS, use of the family health practice by patients with chronic disease was unchanged overall; however, AAS allowed for an increase in visits for non-chronic health conditions without significantly affecting the clinical parameters of BP or HbA(1c).