Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of acute kidney injury in neurologically and traumatically injured intensive care patients receiving large vancomycin doses

Background: Previous reports note that in a mixed patient population, vancomycin doses >4 g/day are associated with increased rates of acute kidney injury (AKI). Objective: The objective of the study is to determine if vancomycin regimens >4 g/day are associated with a higher incidence of AKI in neurocritical care unit (NCCU) and trauma/burn Intensive Care Unit (TBICU) patients. Materials and Methods: This single-centered, retrospective study enrolled adult patients initiated on vancomycin in the NCCU and TBICU at an academic medical center during 2016. Based on maximum steady-state dose exposure, patients were separated into two groups: ≤4 g/day and >4 g/day. The primary outcome of incidence of AKI was defined by the AKI Network criteria. Results: A total of 284 patients were screened for eligibility; 165 patients met inclusion criteria, 98 patients received ≤4 g/day and 67 patients received >4 g/day. The >4 g/day group had a lower mean age (32.6±11.1 vs. 47.8±16.2, P < 0.001), included more male patients (81% vs. 60%, P = 0.008), were more often treated for a central nervous system infection (31% vs. 11%, P = 0.001), had, on average, more concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs (2.2±1.2 vs. 1.8±0.9, P = 0.02) and had a higher exposure to contrast (94% vs. 79%, P < 0.001). The primary outcome of AKI occurred in 14 patients receiving ≤4 g/day and five patients receiving >4 g/day which was not statistically significant (14% vs. 7%, P = 0.22). Conclusions: Our results indicate that administering >4 g/day of vancomycin to achieve therapeutic vancomycin troughs does not appear to lead to an increased incidence of AKI in a mixed NCCU and TBICU population.
The Contributions of Arterial Cross-Sectional Area and Time-Averaged Flow Velocity to Arterial Blood Flow

Background: Ultrasound has been used for noninvasive assessments of endothelial function in both clinical and athletic settings and to identify changes in muscle blood flow in response to exercise, nutritional supplementation, and occlusion. The purposes of the present study were to examine the reliability and relative contributions of arterial cross-sectional area and time-averaged flow velocity to predict muscle blood flow as a result of fatiguing exercise in men and women. Methods: Eighteen healthy men and 18 healthy women performed 50 consecutive eccentric repetitions of the elbow flexors at 60% of their pretest eccentric peak torque at a velocity of 180° s−1. Test-retest reliability and stepwise linear regression analyses were performed to determine the ability of arterial cross-sectional area and time-averaged flow velocity to predict brachial artery muscle blood flow for the men, women, and combined sample. Results: There was no systematic test versus retest mean differences (P > 0.05) for any of the ultrasound determined variables. The two-variable regression models significantly improved the ability to predict muscle blood flow and were associated with smaller standard error of the estimates (3.7%–10.1% vs. 16.8%–37.0% of the mean baseline muscle blood flow values) compared to the one-variable models. Conclusions: The findings of the present study supported the use of ultrasound for reliable assessments of arterial diameter, arterial cross-sectional area, time-averaged flow velocity, and muscle blood flow from the brachial artery in men and women. Furthermore, time-averaged flow velocity was a more powerful predictor of muscle blood flow than arterial cross-sectional area.
Flows of people in villages and large centres in Bronze Age Italy through strontium and oxygen isotopes

This study investigates to what extent Bronze Age societies in Northern Italy were permeable accepting and integrating non-local individuals, as well as importing a wide range of raw materials, commodities, and ideas from networks spanning continental Europe and the Mediterranean. During the second millennium BC, the communities of Northern Italy engaged in a progressive stabilization of settlements, culminating in the large polities of the end of the Middle/beginning of the Late Bronze Age pivoted around large defended centres (the Terramare). Although a wide range of exotic archaeological materials indicates that the inhabitants of the Po plain increasingly took part in the networks of Continental European and the Eastern Mediterranean, we should not overlook the fact that the dynamics of interaction were also extremely active on local and regional levels. Mobility patterns have been explored for three key-sites, spanning the Early to Late Bronze Age (1900–1100 BC), namely Sant’Eurosia, Casinalbo and Fondo Paviani, through strontium and oxygen isotope analysis on a large sample size (more than 100 individuals). The results, integrated with osteological and archaeological data, document for the first time in this area that movements of people occurred mostly within a territorial radius of 50 km, but also that larger nodes in the settlement system (such as Fondo Paviani) included individuals from more distant areas. This suggests that, from a demographic perspective, the process towards a more complex socio-political system in Bronze Age Northern Italy was triggered by a largely, but not completely, internal process, stemming from the dynamics of intra-polity networks and local/regional power relationships.
Effectiveness of lumbar orthoses in low back pain: Review of the literature and our results

Back pain and diseases of the spine are today a health disorder of outstanding epidemiological, medical, and health economic importance. The cost of care for patients with lumbosciatic complaints are steadily increasing. Accordingly, the guidelines and treatments are constantly renewed. One concept is the orthotic care. In the following we want to give an overview of the literature and the effectiveness of lumbar orthoses in low back pain supplemented by our own data. A prospective randomized study with 230 patients, divided into three groups, each with two subgroups. Three Orthoses by the TIGGES-Zours GmbH were prescribed; a demountable two-step lumbar orthosis, three-step bridging orthosis and a four-step flexion orthosis modular system. Each were compared to the nonmodular equivalent. All six groups showed improvement in pain intensity and functional capacity at 6 and 12 weeks. The modular groups were found to have improvement in the frequency of use. The subjective effectiveness and sensitivity for the modular and non-modular groups was assessed as being good. In the literature, there are no clear guidelines for an orthotic supply. The studies do not seem to be meaningful and universal due to the difficult ascertainability of pain. There is a need for further research here. Nevertheless, the authors of this review are of the opinion that the implementation of trunk orthoses is void of side effects and beneficial to patients. The modular systems seem to have an advantage as well as higher patient satisfaction.
Assessment of tear-evaporation rate in thyroid-gland patients

Objective To assess the tear-evaporation rate in thyroid-gland patients using a VapoMeter. Methods Twenty thyroid gland patients aged 18–43 years (mean 34.3±6.3 years) completed the study. Additionally, an age-matched control group of 20 patients aged 18–43 years (32.2±5.1 years) was enrolled in the study for comparison purposes. An Ocular Surface Disease Index dry-eye questionnaire was completed, followed by a test to determine the tear-evaporation rate using the VapoMeter. The test was performed three times per subject by the same examiner. Two readings were obtained each time. Results Significant differences (P<0.05) were found between mean Ocular Surface Disease Index and tear-evaporation-rate scores within the study and control groups. The average tear-evaporation rate was much higher in the study group (median 41.2 [IQR 41.4] g/m2⋅h) than the control group (15.7 [13.7] g/m2⋅h). Moreover, the average Ocular Surface Disease Index score for thyroid-gland patients was much higher (15.6 [23.4]) compared to the control group (5.5 [7.50]). Conclusion The tear-evaporation rate in thyroid-gland patients was found to be much higher than normal-eye subjects.
Less than you think: Prevalence and predictors of fake news dissemination on Facebook

Fake news sharing in 2016 was rare but significantly more common among older Americans. So-called “fake news” has renewed concerns about the prevalence and effects of misinformation in political campaigns. Given the potential for widespread dissemination of this material, we examine the individual-level characteristics associated with sharing false articles during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. To do so, we uniquely link an original survey with respondents’ sharing activity as recorded in Facebook profile data. First and foremost, we find that sharing this content was a relatively rare activity. Conservatives were more likely to share articles from fake news domains, which in 2016 were largely pro-Trump in orientation, than liberals or moderates. We also find a strong age effect, which persists after controlling for partisanship and ideology: On average, users over 65 shared nearly seven times as many articles from fake news domains as the youngest age group.
The validity of two commercially-available sleep trackers and actigraphy for assessment of sleep parameters in obstructive sleep apnea patients

Objective The use of activity and sleep trackers that operate through dedicated smartphone applications has become popular in the general population. However, the validity of the data they provide has been disappointing and only Total Sleep Time (TST) is reliably recorded in healthy individuals for any of the devices tested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of two sleep trackers (Withings pulse 02 (W) and Jawbone Up (U)) to measure sleep parameters in patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods All patients evaluated for OSA in our sleep laboratory underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG). PSG was conducted simultaneously with three other devices: two consumer-level sleep monitors (U and W) and one actigraph (Bodymedia SenseWear Pro Armband (SWA)). Results Of 36 patients evaluated, 22 (17 men) were diagnosed with OSA (mean apnea-hypopnea index of 37+ 23/h). Single comparisons of sleep trackers (U and W) and actigraph (SWA) were performed. Compared to PSG, SWA correctly assessed TST and Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO), and U and W correctly assessed Time In Bed (TIB) and light sleep. Intraclass correlations (ICC) revealed poor validity for all parameters and devices, except for WASO assessed by SWA. Conclusions This is the first study assessing the validity of sleep trackers in OSA patients. In this series, we have confirmed the limited performance of wearable sleep monitors that has been previously observed in healthy subjects. In OSA patients, wearable app-based health technologies provide a good estimation of TIB and light sleep but with very poor ICC.
When Something Is at Stake: Differences in Soccer Performance in 11 vs. 11 During Official Matches and Training Games

Abstract Olthof, SBH, Frencken, WGP, and Lemmink, KAPM. When something is at stake: Differences in soccer performance in 11 vs. 11 during official matches and training games. J Strength Cond Res 33(1): 167–173, 2019—11 vs. 11 training games are used to mimic the official match, but differ in playing duration and a consequence of winning or losing. Anxiety levels, crowd pressure, and the intention to win are examples of constraints present in the match, but absent or less prevalent in training. The aim is, therefore, to compare soccer performance in official matches with 11 vs. 11 training games. Six elite youth soccer teams played 5 official matches and 15 training games. Soccer performance, defined as a combination of game characteristics (game duration, transitions, and ball possession duration) and physical (distance covered, high-intensity distance, and sprints), technical (passing), and team tactical performance (inter-team and intra-team distances) and corresponding interaction patterns, was determined with video footage and positional data (local position measurement system). Soccer performance in official matches differed from similar training games, in a way that players covered more distance, sprinted more often, but game pace was lower and players made more mistakes. In addition, team width was smaller and length-per-width ratio larger and teams were tighter coupled in official matches. 11 vs. 11 training games can be used to mimic the match, in particular the team tactical performance. Coaches could increase physical and technical representativeness of training games by raising the stakes and increasing the consequence of winning or losing.
The Decision to Move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community

The research examined factors related to the decision to move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). Employing a sample obtained from a recently opened comprehensive CCRC, 184 residents and 246 waiting list respondents were surveyed concerning their decision to move. Residents evidenced significantly more "risk" factors than waiting list applicants and reported significantly more reasons for selecting a CCRC. Reasons for choosing a CCRC were guaranteed health care, freedom from home maintenance, and supportive services. The vulnerability of residents requires careful attention for planning and managing services to maintain independence.
Efficacy and tolerance of high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost after external radiotherapy in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) boost in anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). Material and methods This was a monocentric retrospective study involving patients treated by external irradiation (± chemotherapy), with HDR-BT boost, for a localized ASCC. Clinical evaluation was performed every six months. Oncological results were analyzed with: local relapse-free survival (LRFS), colostomy-free survival (CFS), metastatic-free survival (MFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Acute and late toxicities were collected (CTCV4.0) and LENT/SOMA score was performed. Results From May 2005 to January 2018, 46 patients (pts) were analyzed. The median follow-up was 61 months (10-145 months), the median age was 65 years (34-84 years), with a sex ratio M/F = 0.24. The TNM classification was as follows: T1 – 13 pts (21.7%), T2 – 34 pts (73.9%), T3 – 2 pts (4.3%), N+ – 6 pts (13.1%). External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) delivered a median dose of 45 Gy (36-50.4 Gy) in 25 fractions, and HDR-BT 12 Gy (10-18 Gy) in 3 fractions. The median overall treatment time (OTT) was 58 days (41-101 days), with a median EBRT/brachytherapy interval of 17 days (4-60 days). Oncological findings showed 5-year rates of LRFS 81.2%, MFS 88.7%, DFS 70%, and OS 90%. All abdominoperineal amputations were performed in case of local relapse (4 pts, 8.7%), leading to a 5-year CFS of 79.5%. Acute urinary toxicities were frequent (G1 41.3%, G2 4.3%). The acute digestive toxicities were: G1 71.7%, G2 6.5%, and G3 2.2%. The late urinary toxicities were: G1 4.3%, G2 2.2%, and G3 2.2%. Late digestive toxicities were: G1 56.5%, G2 8.7%, G3 2.2%, and G4 2.2%. Conclusions In ASCC management, HDR-BT boost appears to be a treatment with a long-term acceptable toxicity profile, shorter than EBRT boost, with a reduction of side effects.
“It feels like home, this is my Malmö” : Place, media location and fan experiences of The Bridge

This article focuses on fan experiences of place in the Scandinavian crime series The Bridge (Bron||Broen). It offers four in-depth portraits of fans representing different modes of engaging with geographies of the imagination based on participant observations and qualitative semi-structured interviews with 80 audience members conducted in Denmark, Sweden and the UK. The analysis draws attention to fans’ emotional engagement with the show, and to how the experience of the media location of a drama set in the borderland between Denmark and Sweden induces a ‘sense of place’ in fans’ imagination. Based on the analysis of fans’ experience of place in the drama and the emotional landscapes of Scandinavian crime fiction more broadly, the article engages in a broader discussion of the significance and contingency of place to fans’ emotional experience of television drama. I argue that the relationship between media fandom and sites of media production is best understood in terms of a series of continuities and disjunctures between the materiality/virtuality of media tourism and travelling. These are actualised and shaped by the different dimensions of knowledge – from locality to genericity, embodied to imagined – that fans bring into the playful and affective process of engaging with media. The findings of this kind of longitudinal, empirical research into the lived experiences of place thus add to a nuanced understanding of the relationship between media fandom and sites of media production based on prolonged and in-depth interactions with audiences.
In vitro Activities of Six Antifungal Agents Against Aspergillus terreus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Fungi have become one of the most serious causes of superinfections in immunocompromised patients. Aspergillus terreus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have emerged in recent years as potentially important pathogens in such hosts. In this study, the authors compared the in vitro activity of voriconazole, posaconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, caspofungin, and amphotericin B against clinical isolates of A. terreus and S. cerevisiae recovered from various body sites. Posaconazole and itraconazole were the most active in vitro against A. terreus, and voriconazole had the best in vitro activity against S. cerevisiae.
Cost-Effectiveness of Aclidinium Bromide Compared with Tiotropium Bromide from the Perspective of Copd Patient Populations

Objective: To assess the cost­effectiveness of aclidinium vs. tiotropium in GOLD II, III, & IV COPD patients from the perspective of COPD patient populations. Methods: A cost-utility analysis was performed using the perspective of >65 yearold Medicare COPD patient populations. A Markov model decision tree was utilized to compare aclidinium and tiotropium in order to measure cost per qualityadjusted life year (QALY) gained for each treatment method. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for variables with uncertainty (e.g., exacerbations, recurrent exacerbations) in the aclidinium arm and patients’ Medicare Part D plan costs. Results: Aclidinium yielded $60,817 and 13.49 QALYs over the treatment period and tiotropium yielded $36,963 and 13.12 QALYs, leading to a final incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $63,718/QALY for aclidinium vs. tiotropium in the base case analysis. Two-way sensitivity analyses related to annual drug costs suggested that as aclidinium cost falls below $2,400, it is preferred to tiotropium at any cost. Costs above $3,400 favor tiotropium therapy. For higher threshold willingness-to-pay (WTP) of $110, 840 (based on WTP for dialysis in the U.S.), aclidinium becomes preferable at a much higher cost (<$3,700). A higher exacerbation rate (40%) for aclidinium from the base case yields an ICER of $73,353/QALY. Conclusions: Based on the cost-utility analysis, aclidinium was found to be slightly more effective at a much larger incremental cost when compared to tiotropium. Large variability in patient costs based on the various Medicare Part D plans available resulted in a wide range of ICERs.
Comparison of Knowledge and Performance between Faculty Members and PhD Students in Personal Information Management: Presenting an Instructional Model based on Lifelong Learning

Introduction: Health care professionals deal with a large amount of information as they usually have various educational, scientific, clinical and administrative responsibilities. In this study we tried to investigate the knowledge of Iranian faculty members and PhD candidates of Tehran University of Medical Sciences about Personal Information Management (PIM) in order to present an instructional model to improve PIM skills. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive snowball sample of 40 Iranian faculty members and PhD candidates of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. We used N8 to codify and analysis interview concepts. Results: Participants had little knowledge about how to manage their personal information. The use of PIM was in low rate among participants. Faculty members were more successful in organizing and retrieving personal information; while PhD candidates were more skilled in acquiring and keeping personal information. Conclusion: PIM is the missing link in the medical education in which various spectrums of instructional techniques is needed for the prosper implementation and usage of PIM in the medical field. We suggested an instructional model based on learning theories to educate and improve participants’ knowledge and skills in PIM.
From Nakhchivan to Kemah: The Western Extent of Brick Persianate Funerary Architecture in the Sixth/Twelfth Century AD

Abstract This paper is an investigation into the western extent of a regional school of funerary architecture that developed in the Ildegÿzid ruled lands of north-west Iran in the sixth/twelfth century. The formal, decorative, and epigraphic elements of two octagonal tombs, the Yusuf ibn Kuthayyir tomb in Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan) and the Mengilcek Ghazi tomb in Kemah (Turkey) are examined in detail. By comparing these two buildings and demonstrating the similarities and differences, elements of the dynamic nature of architectural development in Anatolia in the late sixth/twelfth century may be better understood.
Regional disparity in economic and human development in India

Trends in regional disparity in the economic and human development in India over the last two decades and the direction of their causality are examined. While PCI does not show any significant trend in regional disparity, 19 out of 25 human development indicators (HDI's) display a marked decline. The Indian regional data suggests two-way causality between human and economic development. The structure of the estimated equations varies over time when HDI's are the cause and PCI is the effect, but remains the same in the reverse causality case. Moreover, it takes about eight years for HDI's to influence PCI, but PCI affects the HDI's in two years. The paper concludes by arguing that the central institutions like Finance Commission and Planning Commission need not be unduly concerned about regional imbalance in human nor in economic development. Emphasis on economic growth as per the national priority is likely to address the issue of twin disparities in income and human development in the shortest time.