Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determining an Appropriate Time to Start Prophylactic Treatment with Intranasal Corticosteroids in Japanese Cedar Pollinosis

Prophylactic treatment with intranasal corticosteroids is effective for pollen-induced seasonal allergic rhinitis. However, the appropriate time to start this treatment remains unclear. We performed a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Starting on 1 February 2014, patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis received either fluticasone furoate nasal spray (FFNS) for 8 weeks (Group A: n = 24), placebo nasal spray for 2 weeks followed by FFNS for 6 weeks (Group B: n = 23), or placebo for 4 weeks followed by FFNS for 4 weeks (Group C: n = 23). The primary endpoint was comparison of the total naso-ocular symptom score (TSS). Secondary endpoints including the increment cost effective ratio (ICER) were also determined. Continuous pollen dispersion began on the 24th of February. Therefore, Group A and Group B received 3-weeks and 1-week of prophylactic treatment, respectively, whereas Group C received post-onset treatment. During the peak pollen-dispersal period, significant differences in TSS were seen between the groups, particularly between Group A and C. The ICER of Group B vs. Group C was lower than that of Group A vs. Group C. These results suggest that long-term prophylactic treatment with FFNS is clinically the most potent treatment, whereas short-term prophylactic treatment is cost effective for pollen-induced allergic rhinitis.
Comorbid anxiety, depression, and cognition in MS and other immune-mediated disorders

Objective To determine whether anxiety and depression are associated with cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS), and whether these associations are similar in other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID; including inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] and rheumatoid arthritis [RA]) and in anxious/depressed individuals (ANX/DEP) without an IMID. Methods Participants (MS: n = 255; IBD: n = 247; RA: n = 154; ANX/DEP: n = 308) completed a structured psychiatric interview, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and cognitive testing, including the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the California Verbal Learning Test, and Letter Number Sequencing test. Test scores were converted to age-, sex-, and education-adjusted z scores. We evaluated associations of anxiety and depression with the cognitive z scores using multivariate linear models, adjusting for disease cohort. Results All cohorts exhibited higher rates of impairment (i.e., z less than or equal to −1.5) in the domains of processing speed, verbal learning, and delayed recall memory relative to general population norms. Higher levels of anxiety symptoms were associated with slower processing speed, lower verbal learning, and lower working memory performance (all p < 0.001); higher levels of depression symptoms were associated with slower processing speed. These associations did not differ across cohorts. Conclusion Anxiety and depression are associated with lower cognitive function in MS, with a similar pattern observed in persons with other IMID, including IBD and RA, and persons without an IMID. Managing symptoms of anxiety and of depression in MS, as well as other IMIDs, is important to mitigate their effect on cognition.
Age-Dependent Progression of Renal Dysfunction After Adrenalectomy for Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas in Japan

Abstract Context In patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs), adrenalectomy causes a rapid decrease in blood pressure and increase in blood potassium levels; however, the effects of these intensive metabolic changes on kidney function with age have not yet been examined in Japan. Objective To investigate factors related to the progression of kidney dysfunction after adrenalectomy in different age groups. Participants Fifty Japanese patients with APAs and 27,572 health checkup patients as controls were examined. Main Outcome Measures We investigated changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after adrenalectomy and characterized patients who progressed to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Results The postoperative cutoff age of CKD is 50 years and age is a unique factor for the progression of CKD after adrenalectomy. Among preoperative patients, CKD was 6% for those <50 years old and 40% for those ≥50 years old, indicating a higher prevalence of CKD with APAs than in control subjects. Median eGFR <50 mL/min/1.73 m2 did not significantly change after adrenalectomy but decreased from 67 to 42 mL/min/1.73 m2 in those with APAs ≥50 years old. Patients with APAs ≥50 years old who progressed to CKD showed higher preoperative aldosterone/renin ratios, lower potassium and chloride levels, lower body mass index, and a higher incidence of a history of cardiovascular events and KCNJ5 mutation rates. Conclusion Age is the most important predictor of the progression of kidney dysfunction after adrenalectomy in Japanese patients with APAs, particularly those with a history of cardiovascular events and positivity for KCNJ5 mutations.
Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Assault Perpetration and Ambiguous Consent in a Representative Sample of College Students

The primary aim of the current study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of self-reported sexual assault (SA) perpetration, defined as nonconsensual sexualized touching or attempted or completed oral, vaginal, or anal penetration since starting college among men, women, and gender nonconforming (GNC) students. A secondary aim was to examine the prevalence and correlates of self-reported sexual encounters when the respondent was unsure that their partner consented (ambiguous consent). In spring 2016, 1,671 randomly sampled students (67% response rate) at two interconnected urban undergraduate institutions participated in an online survey about sexual experiences and personal and social contextual correlates. Prevalence estimates for SA perpetration and ambiguous consent were estimated and logistic regression was used to test bivariate associations between these two outcomes and a range of potential correlates. Approximately 2% of students self-reported any SA perpetration and 9% reported any ambiguous consent experiences since starting college. Pre-college SA perpetration, past-year SA victimization, belief in and use of nonverbal consent strategies, binge drinking, and depression symptoms were associated with higher odds of both SA perpetration and ambiguous consent while at college. Hookups were associated with higher odds of ambiguous consent; family social support was associated with lower odds of ambiguous consent. Findings of similar correlates for SA perpetration and ambiguous consent point to prevention programming focused on verbal consent strategies, alcohol harm reduction approaches, and pre-college interventions.
S‐1 plus Raltitrexed for Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Phase II Trial

Abstract Lessons Learned. The upregulation of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and thymidylate synthase (TS) are important mechanisms of resistance to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) after long exposure to 5‐FU. S‐1 (containing a DPD inhibitor) combined with raltitrexed (a TS inhibitor) showed a moderate effect, which needs further study as a third‐ or later‐line therapy in mCRC. Background. 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) is a fundamental drug in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Patients with mCRC are often exposed to 5‐FU and/or its analogues for a long time because of its central role in treatment regimens. The upregulation of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and/or thymidylate synthase (TS) are important mechanisms of resistance of 5‐FU. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of S‐1 (containing a DPD inhibitor) and raltitrexed (a TS inhibitor) for refractory mCRC, a one‐center, single‐arm, prospective phase II trial was conducted. Methods. Patients who had mCRC that had progressed after treatment with fluoropyrimidine, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin and who had at least one measurable lesion were eligible for this trial. Patients received oral S‐1 (80–120 mg for 14 days every 3 weeks) plus an intravenous infusion of raltitrexed (3 mg/m2 on day 1 every 3 weeks). The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. Results. In total, 46 patients were enrolled. Three patients did not complete the first assessment because of adverse events and unwillingness, leaving tumor response evaluation available in 43 patients. Of 43 evaluable patients, the ORR was 13.9% and disease control rate was 58.1%. In the intention‐to‐treat population (n = 46), the ORR was 13.0% and disease control rate was 54.3%. Median PFS and median OS were 107 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 96.3–117.7) and 373 days (95% CI, 226.2–519.8), respectively. Most of the adverse effects were mild to moderate. Conclusion. S‐1 combined with raltitrexed for refractory mCRC showed moderate effect, and it is worthy of further study as third‐ or later‐line therapy in mCRC.
Epidemiologic and Ecologic Investigations of Monkeypox, Likouala Department, Republic of the Congo, 2017

Monkeypox, caused by a zoonotic orthopoxvirus, is endemic in Central and West Africa. Monkeypox has been sporadically reported in the Republic of the Congo. During March 22–April 5, 2017, we investigated 43 suspected human monkeypox cases. We interviewed suspected case-patients and collected dried blood strips and vesicular and crust specimens (active lesions), which we tested for orthopoxvirus antibodies by ELISA and monkeypox virus and varicella zoster virus DNA by PCR. An ecologic investigation was conducted around Manfouété, and specimens from 105 small mammals were tested for anti-orthopoxvirus antibodies or DNA. Among the suspected human cases, 22 met the confirmed, probable, and possible case definitions. Only 18 patients had available dried blood strips; 100% were IgG positive, and 88.9% (16/18) were IgM positive. Among animals, only specimens from Cricetomys giant pouched rats showed presence of orthopoxvirus antibodies, adding evidence to this species’ involvement in the transmission and maintenance of monkeypox virus in nature.
Implementation of a spatio-temporal figure of merit for new automatic dose rate control regimes in dynamic x-ray imaging

This work describes a new approach to automatic dose rate control (ADRC) for dynamic x-ray imaging, utilizing a spatial frequency weighted signal difference to noise ratio (SDNR(u)). Three aspects of ADRC programming using SDNR(u), which contains information on the target material, velocity and size, were examined. First, whether SDNR(u) can be held constant at the requested level over some patient thickness range for five materials relevant to interventional imaging (iron, gadolinium, platinum, bismuth, and tantalum). Second, the efficiency of the new ADRC was compared to the current settings using a figure of merit (FOM), defined as SDNR(u)2/reference air kerma rate for iron and platinum, over a range of simulated patient thicknesses. Third, the ability of the new ADRC to optimize exposure parameters for iron, iodine, gadolinium, tantalum, platinum and bismuth was examined. A phantom of 20 mm PMMA and 2 mm Al sheets was used to simulate patient equivalent thicknesses between 25 mm to 375 mm. The relevant metal foil targets were placed at the phantom centre and imaged on a Siemens Artis Q cardio-angiography system. SDNR(u) and reference air kerma were measured, along with the FOM for the relevant conditions. The optimal exposure factor study was made for patient equivalent thicknesses of 100 mm, 200 mm and 300 mm. The new ADRC regulation held SDNR(u) constant versus phantom thickness within 5%, for the five materials studied. FOM increase compared to the current regulation used on the Artis Q ranged between 18% and 296% (averaged over all thicknesses), and depended on acquisition mode and material. Material optimization via the new ADRC increased FOM by 68%, 165%, 164% and 32% for gadolinium, tantalum, platinum and bismuth respectively, corresponding to potential dose savings of 40%, 62%, 62% and 24% for the same target SDNR(u). An SDNR(u) driven approach to the ADRC logic of dynamic imaging systems is a viable alternative to current programming, with a resulting improvement in imaging efficiency and corresponding dose reduction.
Evaluation of the All Right? Campaign's Facebook intervention post-disaster in Canterbury, New Zealand.

The All Right? campaign was developed as a mental health promotion campaign following the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquakes. One aspect of the overall campaign was the utilisation of social media as a means of promoting wellbeing messages. This research evaluates the use of the All Right? Facebook page as a means of promoting wellbeing after a major natural disaster. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to gather data about the social media component of the All Right? campaign. Findings indicate that the All Right? Facebook page has become a valued source of consistent wellbeing tips and advice -'the place that I go'. Wellbeing reminders posted on the page were especially valued following earthquake aftershocks. High proportions of respondents to a survey (n = 212) linked from the All Right? Facebook page agreed that the page was helpful (98%), gave people ideas of things that they can do to help themselves (96%), and made people think about their wellbeing (93%). Over four fifths (85%) of respondents had done activities as a result of what they saw on the All Right? Facebook page. Success factors for the Facebook page often mirrored those for the campaign itself, including: local research to inform the use of appropriate language for translating evidence-based wellbeing messages into a local setting; not being marketed as a government message; and effectively combining public health and communications expertise. Success factors specific to the Facebook page included: regular posts with a focus on issues that affect everyone in Canterbury post-disaster; timely posts, especially immediately following aftershocks; a consistent tone for the All Right? Facebook page; and balancing wellbeing facts and tips with other content that was relevant to the Canterbury population. The overall success of the All Right? Facebook page was reliant on being part of a trusted population-wide mental health promotion campaign.
Percutaneous renal mass biopsy: historical perspective, current status, and future considerations

ABSTRACT Introduction: Percutaneous renal mass biopsy has evolved over the last decade with improvements on previous pitfalls including low tissue yield, high non-diagnostic rates, and complications. As understanding of tumor biology and natural history of renal cortical neoplasms has improved, percutaneous renal mass biopsy is poised to have an expanding role in an area characterized by individualized management and refined risk stratification. Areas covered: This review summarizes the evolution of renal mass biopsy to its current state with respect to outcomes, indications, and clinical guidelines. Expert opinion: With improved understanding of differential biological potential of renal cortical neoplasms combined with technical improvements in diagnostic yield and accuracy, utilization of renal mass biopsy is becoming an important adjunct to patient care in a broad range of clinical scenarios, including active surveillance, thermal ablation, and use of primary systemic therapy in localized and advanced settings.
Electroanalytical Approaches for Determination of Prostate Cancer Drugs in Biological Samples and Dosage Forms

Abstract Prostate cancer is the second most common malignant type of cancer in men and fifth among fatal types of cancer. Because drugs used in prostate cancer, such as in many other drugs, are also present in low concentrations in body fluids, it is important to develop highly sensitive and sensitive methods that allow the correct amount of prostate cancer drugs to be determined at low concentrations in biological specimens. Electrochemical approaches for the quantitation of prostate cancer drugs have several advantages over other common techniques, including sensitive, selective, fast, broad linear concentration range. Over the years, various modified working electrodes such as graphite, glassy carbon, carbon paste electrode, carbon composites, and nanotubes have been developed and used in various forms for electroanalytical determinations of prostate cancer drugs. One of the important developments in the electroanalytical chemistry is the surface modification of electrodes. The various sensing strategies for the electrochemical detection techniques such as voltammetry, polarography, amperometry, potentiometry have been used for prostate cancer drugs. This review focuses on studies published over the past years on sensitive and selective detection of prostate cancer drugs in biological fluids and dosage forms using electrochemical methods.
Dynamic Leadership Emergence: Differential Impact of Members’ and Peers’ Contributions in the Idea Generation and Idea Enactment Phases of Innovation Project Teams

Integrating functional leadership theory with models of the team creativity and innovation, we present a dynamic model of leadership emergence where leadership emergence is shaped by (a) the type of contributions members express (constructive contributions proposing new ideas, or supportive contributions affirming ideas with merit), (b) when those contributions are expressed (i.e., in the idea generation or idea enactment phase), and (c) the extent fellow teammates themselves are contributing in constructive or supportive ways in those phases. We tested our theoretical model in two studies involving simulated teams engaged in an innovation design challenge. In both studies, we found that constructive contributions were more strongly related to leadership emergence in the idea generation phase than in the idea enactment phase. Moreover, the impact of constructive contributions on leadership emergence in the idea generation phase was stronger when there was a “void”— that is, fellow teammates’ constructive contributions were low. Surprisingly, in both studies, we found consistent evidence that supportive contributions also enhanced leadership emergence in the idea generation phase, whereas the findings on supportive contributions and leadership emergence in the idea enactment phase were mixed. Overall, our model highlights the importance of integrating dynamic and contextualized aspects of teams into theories of leadership emergence and also sheds new light on the processes underlying emergent forms of leadership in the early phases of the innovation cycle.
A system of linear equations for the identification of DNA binding affinity of zinc fingers

In a recent article (1), the authors examined biophysical characteristics in the interaction between methylated DNA and ZBTB38 protein, which possesses five zinc finger domains (ZFs 6 –10) in the C-terminal region. While the authors identified that ZFs 6 –9 were minimal structural elements for high-affinity DNA binding, the role of ZF 10 remained inconclusive. Here, we show that the binding data shown in Fig. 1 of the paper can be used to predict the role of ZF 10 in regard to binding to methylated DNA with an algebraic technique of solving a system of linear equations (2). Fig. 1 of the paper reports dissociation constants (KD) of 5.3 nM, 5.0 nM, and 40.6 nM for ZFs 6 –10, ZFs 6 –9, and ZFs 7–10, respectively. From this information, a system of linear equations of binding affinity ( G) with three unknowns can be established using the thermodynamic relation, G RT ln KD (3), with an assumption of additivity in the binding (4). ZFs 6 –10: G(ZF 6) G(ZFs 7–9) G(ZF 10) 46.7 kJ/mol ZFs 6 –9: G(ZF 6) G(ZFs 7–9) 46.9 kJ/mol ZFs 7–10: G(ZFs 7–9) G(ZF 10) 41.7 kJ/mol By solving the three equations, we obtained that G(ZF 6) 5.0 kJ/mol, G(ZF 7–9) 41.9 kJ/mol, and G(ZF 10) 0.2 kJ/mol. Our calculation clearly suggests that ZF 10 in ZBTB38 protein does not contribute to binding affinity in agreement with the speculation made in the paper (1).
Decellularized extracellular matrix microparticles seeded with bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells for the treatment of full-thickness cutaneous wounds

Extracellular matrix materials mechanically dissociated into submillimeter particles have a larger surface area than sheet materials and enhanced cellular attachment. Decellularized porcine mesothelial extracellular matrix microparticles were seeded with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and cultured in a rotating bioreactor. The mesenchymal stromal cells attached and grew to confluency on the microparticles. The cell-seeded microparticles were then encapsulated in varying concentrations of fibrin glue, and the cells migrated rapidly off the microparticles. The combination of microparticles and mesenchymal stromal cells was then applied to a splinted full-thickness cutaneous in vivo wound model. There was evidence of increased cell infiltration and collagen deposition in mesenchymal stromal cells-treated wounds. Cell-seeded microparticles have potential as a cell delivery and paracrine therapy in impaired healing environments.
T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia as a Consequence of Thymus Autonomy

Thymus autonomy is the capacity of the thymus to maintain T lymphocyte development and export independently of bone marrow contribution. Prolonging thymus autonomy was shown to be permissive to the development of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), similar to the human disease. In this study, performing thymus transplantation experiments in mice, we report that thymus autonomy can occur in several experimental conditions, and all are permissive to T-ALL. We show that wild type thymi maintain their function of T lymphocyte production upon transplantation into recipients with several genotypes (and corresponding phenotypic differences), i.e., Rag2−/−γc−/−, γc−/−, Rag2−/−IL-7rα−/−, and IL-7rα−/−. We found that the cellularity of the thymus grafts is influenced exclusively by the genotype of the host, i.e., IL-7rα−/− versus γc−/−. Nonetheless, the difference in cellularity detected in thymus autonomy bore no impact on onset, incidence, immunophenotype, or pathologic condition of T-ALL. In all tested conditions, T-ALL reached an incidence of 80%, demonstrating that thymus autonomy bears a high risk of leukemia. We also analyzed the microbiota composition of the recipients and their genetic background, but none of the differences found influenced the development of T-ALL. Taken together, our data support that IL-7 drives cellular turnover non–cell autonomously, which is required for prevention of T-ALL. We found no influence for T-ALL in the specific combination of the genotypic mutations tested (including the developmental block caused by Rag deficiency), in microbiota composition, or minor differences in the genetic background of the strains.