Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Trial of Radiation Alone vs Combination Chemotherapy Alone for Early-Stage Hodgkin’s Disease: Implications of 25-Year Follow-Up to Current Combined Modality Therapy.

We conducted a prospective randomized trial comparing radiation therapy to MOPP chemotherapy in patients with stages IA through IIIA Hodgkin’s disease (HD). Patients with peripheral stage IA disease received radiation therapy without randomization. Median follow-up is now 25 years. Among the 30 patients with peripheral stage IA disease, all achieved complete response, 4 relapsed (13%), 8 died [27%; 2 from HD, 1 suicide, 1 myocardial infarction (MI), and 4 from second malignancies). Among the 51 patients randomized to receive radiation, 49 (96%) achieved complete response, 19 relapsed (39%), 18 died (35%; 10 from HD, 1 AIDS, 1 anorexia nervosa, 1 pulmonary fibrosis, 3 congestive heart failure, and 2 from second malignancies). In addition, 7 other second cancers have been observed in 6 patients treated with radiation who are alive and significant treatment toxicities affect the lives of 5 others. Among the 54 patients randomized to receive MOPP chemotherapy, 52 (96%) achieved complete response, 7 relapsed (13%), 10 died [18%; 5 from HD, 2 MI (1 in cycle 1), 1 from Pneumocystis pneumonia during treatment, and 2 from second malignancies]. Two other patients are alive with a second cancer and one has AIDS. Disease-free survival is 87% for MOPP and 61% for radiation in the randomized arms at 25 years (p=0.0034). Overall survival is 81% for MOPP and 63% for radiation in the randomized arms at 25 years (p=0.048). When the peripheral IA patients are added to the randomized radiation-treated patients, disease-free survival is 70% (p=0.36 vs MOPP) and overall survival is 67% (p=0.07 vs MOPP). The design of the study permits an analysis of the late effects associated with the administration of radiation alone or MOPP alone as a substantial fraction of patients achieved complete response and remained in their initial remission. Among all patients treated with radiation, 11 died in first remission (5 from a second cancer, 2 from CHF, 1 MI, 1 pulmonary fibrosis, 1 AIDS, 1 suicide). Among all patients treated with MOPP, 3 died in first remission (2 from a second cancer, 1 MI). The difference in survival after achieving initial CR (93% for MOPP, 78% for radiation) is significant (p=0.054). The current standard practice of using combined modality therapy might be expected to incur the toxicities associated with both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Furthermore, synergistic toxicities associated with the combination have been described. Thus, efforts should be made to define the substantial fraction of patients whose disease can be controlled with a single modality and reserve combined modality therapy for the subset that requires it for disease control.
Theoretical Estimation of Bio-Ethanol Potential of Wet Coffee Processing Waste (Pulp Juice and Mucilage)

This study aimed to quantify the wet coffee processing waste and estimate its bio-ethanol potential in Ethiopia and also evaluate the feasibility of bio-ethanol production from wet coffee processing waste. Green coffee production in Ethiopia is increasing from year to year (from 2007 to 2012) and reached 5.6% of world production. There are about 1026 operational wet coffee processing industries and many industries under construction in Ethiopia. In 2012 the estimated amount of wet coffee processing waste from operational industries in Ethiopia is about 291,600,000 and more waste will add up when the industries under construction become functional. Lingo-cellulosic biomasses with the large amount of glucose convertible material are potential feedstock for bio-ethanol production. Lignocellulosic biomass feeds are a highly available, cheaper alternative to corn for use as feedstock for the production of ethanol. These feeds are reliable and sustainable and provide a source for fuel to meet the needs of society and contribute to energy security in an increasingly environmentally sound manner.
Investigation of local brain invasion by cerebral metastases and implications for clinical management

vii List of Tables . viii List of Figures . ix Abbreviations used. xi Chapter 1: An introduction to cerebral metastases . 1 1.1 Epidemiology . 1 1.2 Aetiology . 2 1.3 Pathology . 3 1.3. 1 Macroscopic . 3 1.3. 2 Microscopic: the brain-brain metastasis interface . 4 1.4 Symptoms and presentations . 5 1.5 Investigation . 6 1.5. 1 Assessment . 6 1.5. 2 The role of MRI . 6 1.5. 2.1 How many brain metastases are present? 6 1.5. 2.2 Is this solitary lesion a metastasis, an abscess or a high grade glioma? 8 1.5. 2.3 Surgical planning . 11 1.5. 2.4 Predicting the primary cancer . 12 1.5. 2.5 Monitoring response to treatment . 13 1.5. 2.6 Predicting survival . 15 1.5. 2.7 Future directions . 15 1.5. 3 Histopathology . 16 1.6 Treatment . 16 1.6. 1 Surgery . 17 1.6. 2 Radiotherapy . 17 1.6. 2.1 Stereotactic radiosurgery . 17 1.6. 2.2 Whole brain radiotherapy . 19 1.6. 3 Chemotherapy . 19 1.6. 4 Summary of treatment options . 20 1.7 Outcomes and their estimation . 21 1.8 Statement of problem and outline of thesis hypotheses . 23 Chapter 2: Biological markers of local invasion . 25 2.1 Abstract . 25 2.2 Introduction . 26 2.3 Materials and Methods . 27 2.3. 1 Patients and specimens . 27
The Association Between Sleep Quality and Metabolic Factors and Anthropometric Measurements

Background: Several studies have shown that sleep disorders may lead to metabolic or endocrine changes including insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between sleep quality and metabolic factors and anthropometric measurements among personnel of a central petrochemical company in Tehran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 personnel of a central petrochemical company in Tehran, during year 2015. Demographic information including age, gender, educational status, employment duration, working hours per day, marital status, smoking, medical history for disease and drug use, were collected by a questionnaire. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and also height and weight were measured by standard methods and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI) was performed to assess participants’ sleep quality. Serum concentrations of fasting glucose and lipid profiles were measured by the related biochemical kits. Logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate adjusting of factors associated with sleep quality. Results: The mean score for participants’ Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was 4.77 ± 2.62. About 30% of participants had had bad sleep quality. A high body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001) and high waist circumference (P = 0.016) were inversely associated with sleep quality. Serum concentration of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (P = 0.004) and triglyceride (P = 0.001) were statistically higher in participants with lower sleep quality than with those with higher sleep quality. The group with a good sleep quality had a higher serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) than those with a poor sleep quality (P = 0.034). Being female increased the risk of poor sleep quality by 2.5 folds, and with increasing BMI (OR = 1.17) and serum triglyceride (OR = 1.02) the risk of poor sleep quality was increased. Conclusions: People with a poor sleep quality had a higher BMI, waist circumference and serum triglyceride levels and a lower HDL-c concentration. Furthermore, BMI and serum triglyceride concentration are independently associated with the score of sleep quality. Indeed, it is recommended for people to screen for sleep quality to start necessary interventions. Keywords: Sleep Quality, Lipid Profile, Serum Glucose, Body Mass Index, Insulin Resistance, Petrochemical Company
One-lead ECG for identity verification

This research investigates the feasibility of using the electrocardiogram (ECG) as a new biometric for human identity verification. It is well known that the shapes of the ECG waveforms of different persons are different but it is unclear whether such differences can be used to identify different individuals. In this research, we demonstrated successfully that it is possible to identify a specific person from a group of candidates using a one-lead ECG. A one-lead ECG, unlike two-dimensional biometrics, such as the fingerprint, is a one-dimensional, low-frequency signal that can be recorded from electrodes on the hands. This research applied two techniques, template matching and a decision-based neural network (DBNN), to implement the identity verification. Using each of the two methods separately on a predetermined group of 20 subjects, the experimental results showed that the rate of correct identity verification was 95% for template matching and 80% for the DBNN. Combining the two methods produced a 100% correct rate. Our results show that ECG analysis is a potentially applicable method for human identity verification.
Comparative analysis of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producing uropathogens in outpatient and inpatient departments

INTRODUCTION: Since its discovery in 1980, extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) have been prevalent throughout the world. Several new and more complicated resistance mechanisms have emerged and have driven the focus away from ESBLs. The present study was conducted to know the isolated prevalence and resistance profile of ESBL-producing Gram-negative uropathogens and outline an empirical therapy for management of urinary tract infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study was conducted over a period of 3 months (April to June 2015) in the microbiology department of our 500-bedded tertiary care referral hospital. Urine specimens were processed as per standard guidelines. Antimicrobial susceptibility and ESBL detection were performed by Kirby–Bauer Disc diffusion method and results were interpreted as per CLSI 2015 guidelines. Production of other beta-lactamases was not studied. Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603 (ESBL positive) and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (ESBL negative) strains were used as quality control. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 111 Gram-negative urinary isolates, 60 were ESBL positive (54%). ESBL prevalence was highest in E. coli (73.3%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (11.7%), Morganella spp. (6.7), Proteus mirabilis (5%), Pseudomonas spp. (1.6%), and Citrobacter spp. (1.6%). Most of the ESBL isolates were from outpatient department (OPD) (76.7%) while only 23.3% were from inpatient department (IPD), P < 0.0001, which was extremely significant. When compared to IPD, OPD isolates were found to be more resistant to fluoroquinolones and cotrimoxazole. CONCLUSION: ESBLs can cause therapeutic failure even when host appears to be susceptible in vitro. Hence, it is important to know its prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile to formulate appropriate antibiotic policy.
HPV vaccine decision-making among young men who have sex with men

Objective: Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination is recommended for all men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA until the age of 26 years. Despite this recommendation, vaccine uptake remains low. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe salient beliefs related to HPV vaccination among young MSM; (2) determine factors that underlie these beliefs; and (3) describe a model for HPV vaccine decision-making. Design: Qualitative descriptive study. Setting: Central Florida, USA. Methods: Semi-structured interviews (N = 22). Results: The majority of respondents had heard of the HPV vaccine, but generally perceived HPV as a women’s health issue. Salient behavioural beliefs about HPV vaccination described physical (such as lowering risk and promoting overall health) and psychological benefits (such as protecting sex partners and providing peace of mind). There was some concern regarding the risks of vaccination including contracting HPV from the vaccine, not knowing if it would be effective, and side effects. Normative influences on decision-making were minimal. Availability, cost and convenience were among the most salient external control factors discussed. Issues surrounding disclosure of sexual orientation, as well as the competence and sensitivity of healthcare providers in dealing with issues of sexuality, were key factors in HPV-related beliefs. Conclusion: Addressing the specific beliefs and concerns expressed by MSM can help to improve the effectiveness of health education interventions promoting vaccination.
The many faces of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Onderzoek naar gedeelde genetische achtergrond COPD en astma De stelling dat astma en COPD twee verschillende manifestaties zijn van dezelfde ziekte staat bekend als de “Nederlandse hypothese”. Joanna Smolonska onderzocht deze hypothese op houdbaarheid in haar promotieonderzoek, dat ze uitvoerde op basis van een Europese database. Haar conclusie: er zijn wel degelijk gedeelde genen, maar er is verder onderzoek nodig om de stelling definitief te bevestigen of te verwerpen. Smolonska voerde haar onderzoek uit in het raamwerk van het COPACETIC-consortium, een Europees studiecentrum voor de studie naar de genetische achtergrond van COPD en emfyseem. Een deel van haar onderzoek had betrekking op mogelijke overeenkomsten tussen COPD en astma, op basis van een gedeelde genetische achtergrond en omgevingsfactoren. Of iemand astma of COPD ontwikkelt, en in welke vorm, hangt in deze “Nederlandse hypothese” af van timing en specifieke interacties tussen genetische factoren en de omgeving. In een analyse van voorgaande studies vond Smolonska inderdaad drie specifieke plekken van een gen op een chromosoom (‘loci’) die met beide ziekten geassocieerd worden. De genen in deze ‘loci’, COMMD10 en DDX1, wijzen op het proteinecomplex NF-kB, dat verantwoordelijk is voor de transcriptie van DNA en het reguleren van een immuunrespons tegen infecties. Verkeerde regulatie van NF-kB wordt geassocieerd met verschillende ziektes, waaronder ontstekingsziektes zoals COPD en astma. Deze bevindingen wijzen er volgens Smolonska op dat de Nederlandse hypothese waar kan zijn, maar er is volgens haar eerst nog verder populatieonderzoek nodig.
Predictors of Mammogram and Pap Screenings Among US Women

Background: The most common cancers among women are breast and cervical cancer. Although early detection of cancer has been shown to increase the likelihood of survival, many women are not screened for these cancers as often as practice guidelines recommend. The objective of this study was to examine the mammography and Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening practices among women within the United States, and to determine predictors of screening. Methods: Data from the 2012 and 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used. The association between demographic predictors (age, marital status, education level, employment status, income, health insurance, and medical cost concerns) and having Pap or mammogram screening consistent with guideline recommendations was assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results: Pap and mammography screenings were positively associated with younger age, minority race, being married, having a higher level of education, being employed, having higher household income, having health insurance and not having financial concerns regarding affording doctor visits. Blacks and Hispanic women were more than twice as likely to have Pap screenings (Black: OR=2.16, 95% CI 1.972.36; Hispanic: OR=2.33, 95% CI = 2.11-2.58) and mammograms (Blacks: OR=2.11, 95% CI 1.88-2.36; Hispanics OR=1.82, 95% CI 1.60-2.07) compared to White women. Women earning less than $10,000 per annum were much less likely to have cervical cancer screenings (OR=0.57, 95% CI 0.51-0.65) compared to women with higher incomes while mammography screening was less likely among women who reported financial barriers to health care (OR=0.59, 95% CI 0.53-0.64). Conclusions: Women from minority ethnic groups were more likely to be screened for cervical cancer compared to White, non-Hispanic women. Women from low-income households and women who could not visit a doctor due to costs had the strongest association with lacking screenings.
Speeding up acquisition of his and her : Explicit L1/L2 contrasts help

This paper reviews three pedagogical intervention studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of providing pre-adolescent and adolescent learners in communicatively-oriented classrooms with explicit metalinguistic information and opportunities to use it. The studies, which target the possessive determiners (PDs), his and her , follow a pretest/posttest design and were carried out in intact treatment and comparison classes. Measures consist of grammaticality judgement, metalinguistic comment, and oral picture description tasks. A number of issues are discussed in the context of older children’s second language learning in a classroom setting. These include implementing age-appropriate instruction that takes into account learners’ cognitive and linguistic readiness for form-focused instruction, their learning style and motivation, and the context of instruction.
Utilisation of Formal Health Care and Out-of-Pocket Payments in Rural Bangladesh

This paper provides an analysis of the utilisation of formal health care and out-ofpocket (OOP) payments in rural areas of Bangladesh. The broader focus of the investigation is to gauge how far Bangladesh has to traverse to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). We used the data from the baseline survey (conducted in diversifi ed geographical locations on about 4,000 households) of a longitudinal research project (entitled Microinsurance, Poverty and Vulnerability) of the Institute of Microfi nance (InM). The study fi nds that over 12-month period, only 40 per cent of the 6,352 sick individuals utilised formal health care. The poor and the children are the most deprived section in the utilisation. Out-of-pocket expenses per affected household during 12 months preceding the survey was BDT 4,686, which accounted for about 6 per cent of the total household expenditure. Drug, the single largest component of the OOP category, accounts for about 60 per cent of the direct OOP expenditure. The incidence of catastrophic expenditure was 15 per cent at the 10-per cent threshold level. In about 33 and 41 per cent of the cases, households needed to borrow or deplete assets for coping with inpatient care and catastrophic illnesses, respectively. Poor effective access to formal healthcare and high OOP expenditure indicate that Bangladesh has major challenges to overcome in achieving the universal health coverage. Membership in Grameen Kalyan micro health insurance scheme, essentially a discounted basic care package, has a significant association with the likelihood of using formal health care, though access to microcredit appear not to relieve households of the need to search for additional funds to cope with catastrophic events. An obvious suggestion is to introduce a risk-sharing mechanism (e.g., micro health insurance) to pool funds for the provision of health care in rural areas. Awareness building on the value of professional medical advice and measures targeted at effective regulation of the prices of essential drugs and restricting the sales of over-the-counter drugs are also put forward as elements of a sound public health policy framework.
Situating genre on YouTube: We rant, we laugh, we conquer?

This body of research seeks to understand iterations of ranting manifest via YouTube video blogs through a rhetorical lens. I employ comparative theory to develop a description of the rant as a recurring typology, equipped with excremental metaphors inspired by Burke’s concept of catharsis. I then differentiate YouTube vlog ranting from ‘live’ ranting by applying Carolyn Miller’s theory of genre as social action. Using Miller’s paradigm, I turn to contemporary research in media studies and humor communication, in order to develop a methodology equipped to analyze YouTube vlog rants as generic texts. I contend that the meaning constructed in YouTube vlogs must be interpreted beyond the oral performance of the rant, and explicate a methodological approach that accounts for editing, camera positioning (confessional-style format), scripting, setting, and any other superfluous additions that exists outside of the diegetic action of the vlog. In the culminating chapter of the exposition, I provide a preliminary application of the method. I also discuss the social implications of comedic vlog rants, and suggest that YouTube vlogging creates a unique subject position for the vlogger; a subject position that enables greater social influence and the potential for celebrity status. I conclude by questioning what role this subject positioning might play in reinforcing or subverting heteronormativity – based on a hypothesis that adherence to hegemonic ideals surrounding gender and sexuality is positively correlated with popularity (and participation in revenue sharing).
Changes in the time of flight of a laser pulse during paper compression

La presente communication etudie la correlation entre la duree de trajet (DDT) des impulsions laser et la densite du papier, le grammage et l'epaisseur. A cette fin, des echantillons de papier ont ete comprimes de 500 a 1100 kg/m 3 , et ont ete traverses par des impulsions laser pendant le pressage. Des changements ont ete observes dans l'epaisseur des echantillons et dans la DDT des impulsions laser. Les resultats indiquent que la DDT diminue durant la compression, ce qui signifie que les distances entre les diverses surfaces de diffusion diminuent. Cet effet est cause par la compression. Ce phenomene devient plus prononce a mesure que le grammage s'accroit. A moins de 280 g/m 2 , cependant, la compression a peu d'effet sur le signal de DDT.
Fertility problems in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age with high prevalence. It is a leading cause of infertility in women; this draws an attention to this issue. In this study we aimed to know the prevalence, clinical features, fertility problems and management of PCOS. Methods: In this prospective observational study, women who consulted Obstetrics & Gynaecology department were screened to identify the PCOS problems through clinical histories, PCOS questionnaire and ultrasonography over a period of 6 months at Rajiv Gandhi institute of medical sciences (RIMS) in Kadapa, India. Patients diagnosed with PCOS were assessed for their clinical manifestations, severity, life style and treatment given, and were educated accordingly through patient counselling and leaflets. Results: We observed 6.39 % prevalence out of 970 women. 59 (95.1%) patients were complained irregular menstrual cycles. Infertility was significantly high in PCOS women i.e. 13.35%. 64.4% of PCOS patients had miscarriages. Conclusions: PCOS is a complex condition with high prevalence of fertility problems, needing due attention. There is need to create attentiveness towards this issue. Early diagnosis and proper management with appropriate medicines and lifestyle modifications will improve the condition and prevents complications.