Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of tocilizumab on physical function and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic literature review and interpretation

Objective To determine the impact of tocilizumab on physical function and quality of life in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods A systematic literature review was performed to select for trials that could be used to examine the impact of tocilizumab on patients in terms of health-related physical function, quality of life, and quality of sleep. By examining background therapy, disease duration, and remission rates, we were able to determine the impact that a dose of tocilizumab has on various patients. Results A total of 2617 tocilizumab-treated patients and 1271 controls were available for this study. Tocilizumab improved the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index score statistically in comparison to the controls, with odds ratios from 1.4 to 7.0. Tocilizumab improved the physical function measure substantially more than the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) (5 units) – 8.9 and 9.7 – compared to 4.1 and 5.0 for controls. Seven and nine units of improvement were observed when measuring fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, we found that sleep improved (from 7.7 [3.1] to 3.4 [2.2]). Conclusion Tocilizumab improves function and quality of life and decreases fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
PREDICTION OF PRETERM DELIVERY BY FETAL FIBRONECTIN: A META‐ANALYSIS

Objective To assess the cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin test to predict preterm delivery. Data Sources We searched MEDLINE, Current Contents, Index Medicus, and proceedings of meetings for studies published between 1991 and June 1997. Methods of Study Selection Inclusion criteria were prospective cohort study; test performed between 20 and 36 weeks' gestation; fetal fibronectin measured by a previously described assay, with a cutoff level set at 50 ng/mL; test results not disclosed to women or physicians; and fewer than 20% of study participants excluded from the analysis. Tabulation, Integration, and Results Twenty-nine relevant studies were stratified according to the prevalence of pre-term delivery, the number of tests performed, and delivery before 34, 35, or 37 weeks. Sensitivities, specificities, and likelihood ratios were calculated in each study. The sum-mary estimates of the likelihood ratio for tests yielding positive results or tests yielding negative results along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed in each stratum according to a random-effects model. All summary likelihood ratios for a test yielding positive results indicated a significant association with preterm delivery. The strongest association was found between a single test with positive results and delivery before 37 weeks in a low-risk population (likelihood ratio 7.5; 95% CI 4.6, 12.3). This association also was found in high-risk women (likelihood ratio 3.5; 95% CI 2.6, 4.6). In high-risk women, a test yielding negative results was associated with a reduction in risk of preterm delivery (likelihood ratio 0.4; 95% CI 0.3, 0.5). Conclusion Fetal fibronectin in cervicovaginal secretions is associated with preterm delivery in both high-risk and low-risk women.
The development and persistence of leukoagglutinins in parous women.

Leukoagglutinins were shown to occur in sera from nontransfused gravid Negro, Caucasian and Asian women. Investigations into the relationship of parity to the incidence of leukoagglutinins indicated that two pregnancies were usually required before leukoagglutinins became demonstrable in the gravid women. In their second pregnancies, 13 of 68 women (19 per cent) possessed leukoagglutinins. In families with two children, the leukocytes of both offspring contained the potential antigenic stimulus for leukoagglutinin production. In this series with increasing parity, the proportion of women immunized did not significantly differ. The significance of the frequent leukocyte sensitization was discussed. Leukoagglutinins persisted in the sera of parous women for varying periods of time after parturition. The antibodies of 16 of 31 women could still be identified in their sera three years after delivery. The distribution of potentially stimulating leukocyte antigens in the offspring of two large families provided suggestive evidence that the formation of leukoagglutinins had persisted in the two women for eight years after sensitization. The leukoagglutinins found in gravid women had numerous specificities. Eighteen of the 40 specificities (agglutination patterns) of leukoagglutinins were observed in the sera of other women. With increasing time after delivery, the specificity of leukoagglutinating sera tended to become narrower than the serum sample obtained at parturition.
The borders of Fantasia

Fantasy is a strange cosmos indeed: made of pale shadows and dreams, it appears to our minds of avid readers absolutely concrete and true. We can talk with animals, fly with birds, fight against the dangerous dragoon… as we are vivid characters living inside the story. Normally some particular tools are required to become part of this world: we can mention a sincere heart, an innocent mind, a true faith in tales, and the strong will to belong to that magic Kingdom of Fantasia. As we see, no money, no envy, no wickedness are needed: just going and reading. So we are perfectly convinced each of us could change himself/herself in a pure citizen of this magic land where peace, friendship, honesty flourish. And we would like it quite a lot! Unfortunately, the danger stands at the borders of Fantasia and it is waiting to destroy everything: it is the lack of creativeness, the darkness killing moral values, the loss of hope in the future. And in the real world is absolutely easy to leave all the good things behind to follow cruel prophets of death. So, in these painful days, we need to restore and keep safe our fantasy, not only for us but for the next generations to which we commit our Earth: we clearly perceive it is the only wall of defense against savagery, barbarity and bloody cruelty. The essays presented in this volume aim at deeply exploring the fascinating Kingdom we love so much, starting from picture books for little children and ending with literature for young adults. How to cite this book Cagnolati, A. (Ed.). (2015). The borders of Fantasia . Salamanca: FahrenHouse. Table of Contents «Belonging to the Kingdom of Fantasia», Antonella Cagnolati // «Prendere parola, domandare senso. La relazione educativa nella letteratura contemporanea per adolescenti», Ilaria Filograsso // «From Basile to Barbie. Doll fantasies, toy princesses, and clockwork females», Laura Tosi // «La materia di Bretagna secondo Merlino: The Crystal Cave di Mary Stewart», Tiziana Ingravallo // «Eltern-Katalog. Kinderliteratur, Bilderbucher und neue Familien», Maria Teresa Trisciuzzi // «Hermynia Zur Muhlen: Erase una vez … y sera », Leonor Saez Mendez // «Transformations of the Bildungsroman in Young Adult Literature in English», Sarka Bubikova // «Not only Princesses and Knights. How gender image changes in Italian picture books», Irene Biemmi // «Janusz Korczak tra pedagogia dell’impegno e letteratura per l’infanzia», Barbara De Serio // «Promoting readership in African languages: Swahili books for children and youth in East Africa», Flavia Aiello // «La busqueda de identidad entre experiencias de vida y literatura», Francesco Lambiase .
Seasonal development of planktonic rotifers in Slapy Reservoir (Czech Republic)

The rotifer community of the canyon shaped Slapy Reservoir was studied over four years, from 2000 to 2003. A total of 38 rotifer taxa were identified in the pelagial zone. The dominant species, Keratella cochlearis, K. quadrata, Polyarthra dolichoptera, P. vulgaris, Synchaeta lakowitziana and Pompholyx sulcata, were similar to other reservoirs in the same area. Tychoplanktic species, which are typical for communities of upstream reservoirs, are reduced in the Slapy Reservoir. The seasonal fluctuation of rotifer abundance is characterized by a significant spring peak, clear water depression, summer peak and sometimes a lower peak in autumn. Fluctuation of the rotifer species shows a highly unified trend through the years with very low variation through the years. It results from the input of hypolimnetic water from an upstream reservoir, which erased a large part of the effect of year to year climatic fluctuations.
Foot-strike haemolysis after a 60-km ultramarathon.

BACKGROUND The various contributors to sport-related anaemia include increased plasma volume, exercise-induced oxidative stress, increased body temperature, acidosis, gastrointestinal bleeding, acute and chronic inflammation as well as compression and damage of red blood cells (RBC) in the capillaries within the contracting muscles. The effective contribution of foot-strike haemolysis is unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 18 Caucasian male athletes (mean age, 42 years; range, 34-52 years) before and immediately after a 60-km ultramarathon. Laboratory investigations included the haematological profile along with haptoglobin, potassium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and albumin concentrations and a haemolysis index (HI). RESULTS No significant variations were found in post-exercise values of haemoglobin, RBC count and haematocrit. Mean corpuscular volume and haptoglobin were significantly decreased, whereas RBC distribution width was increased. The concentration of haptoglobin was reduced by approximately 50%, whereas enzyme concentrations were all remarkably increased. The HI remained below 0.5 g/L. After adjusting for plasma volume change, the increases were 1.7% for potassium (P=0.17), 30% for AST (P<0.01), 49% for LDH (P<0.01) and 2.39-fold for CK (P<0.01). A statistically significant association was found between haemoconcentration-adjusted variations of CK and those of AST (r=0.803; P<0.01) and LDH (r=0.551; P=0.02). DISCUSSION This is the first study demonstrating that long-distance running does not induce clinically significant changes in haemoglobin, haematocrit, RBC count or potassium concentration. The significant post-exercise decrease of haptoglobin reflects a certain degree of haemolysis, but the concentration of cell-free haemoglobin remaining below 0.5 g/L and the non-significant variation in RBC count both indicate that the foot-strike haemolysis is very modest or even clinically negligible.
[Outcomes of inferior access external dacryocystorhinostomy performed by residents].

PURPOSE To assess the outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCREx) performed by residents at the Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, comparing the cases operated on by residents and the cases operated on by staff surgeons. METHODS We performed a retrospective study between January 2006 and December 2007 of all DCREx performed at our hospital. The operations involved 65 cases from 54 patients: 16 operations were performed by residents and 49 by staff surgeons. The cases were divided into two groups: cases operated on by residents and cases operated on by staff surgeons, and the following variables were studied: epidemiologic characteristics of the patients (age, sex), side of intervention, antecedents of lacrimal sac inflammation, type of anesthesia, intrasurgical and postsurgical complications and results. <<Anatomic success>> was defined as the possibility to pass physiologic serum through the lacrimal pathway and <<functional success>> if the patient in addition was without symptoms of epiphora. RESULTS The procedure was successful in 88% of cases: 80% were classified as <<functional success>> while only 8% were considered <<anatomic success>>. The operations performed by residents were successful in 81% of cases (75% <<functional success>> and 6% <<anatomic success>>), whereas staff surgeons achieved success in 90% of cases (82% <<functional success>> - 8% <<anatomic success>>). CONCLUSION The results show that residents with suitable training and supervision can achieve good success rates approaching those of staff surgeon outcomes, without additional complications (Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2009; 84: 501-506).
RGS14 is a bifunctional regulator of Gαi/o activity that exists in multiple populations in brain

Members of the regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) family modulate Gα‐directed signals as a result of the GTPase‐activating protein (GAP) activity of their conserved RGS domain. In addition to its RGS domain, RGS14 contains a Rap binding domain (RBD) and a GoLoco motif. To define the cellular and biochemical properties of RGS14 we utilized two different affinity purified antisera that specifically recognize recombinant and native RGS14. In brain, we observed two RGS14‐like immunoreactive bands of distinct size (60 kDa and 55 kDa). Both forms are present in brain cytosol and in two, biochemically distinct, membrane subpopulations: one detergent‐extractable and the other detergent‐insensitive. Recombinant RGS14 binds specifically to activated Gαi/o, but not Gαq/11, Gα12/13, or Gαs in brain membranes. In reconstitution studies, we found that RGS14 is a non‐selective GAP for Gαi1 and Gαo and that full‐length RGS14 is an approximately 10‐fold more potent stimulator of Gα GTPase activity than the RGS domain alone. In contrast, neither full‐length RGS14 nor the isolated RBD domain is a GAP for Rap1. RGS14 is also a highly selective guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) for Gαi but not Gαo, and this activity is restricted to the C‐terminus containing the GoLoco domain. These findings highlight previously unknown biochemical properties of RGS14 in brain, and provide one of the first examples of an RGS protein that is a bifunctional regulator of Gα actions.
1.25-Gb/s burst-mode receiver ICs with quick response for PON systems

This paper describes burst-mode receiver ICs with quick response for 1.25-Gb/s optical access networks. In a point-to-multipoint fiber access system, such as a passive optical network (PON) system, the receiver should be able to handle burst-data packets with different amplitudes. In burst-mode transmission, a receiver with a quick response is desired for high efficiency in data transmission. In addition, high sensitivity is also required for such a shared access system. To achieve a quick response and high sensitivity at the same time, a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) with three gain modes has been designed. The use of a hysteresis comparator enables fast gain mode switching. A limiting amplifier with feed-forward auto-offset compensation (AOC) is also used for quick response to burst data. These circuit techniques require no external adjustment. Using these design techniques, optical receiver ICs were fabricated in SiGe-BiCMOS technology. The optical receiver built with the ICs exhibits a settling time of under 20 bits and a sensitivity of -30 dBm with wide dynamic range of over 26 dB using a p-i-n photodiode (PD) for burst-mode optical input at 1.25 Gb/s. These fast-response receiver chips improve the data transmission efficiency. The use of a conventional p-i-n PD and the freedom from external adjustment make it possible to build an inexpensive receiver.
Oesophageal high-resolution manometry: moving from research into clinical practice

Manometry measures pressure within the oesophageal lumen and sphincters, and provides an assessment of the neuromuscular activity that dictates function in health and disease. It is performed to investigate the cause of functional dysphagia, unexplained “non-cardiac” chest pain, and in the pre-operative work-up of patients referred for anti-reflux surgery. Manometric techniques have improved in a step-wise fashion from a single pressure channel to the development of high-resolution manometry (HRM) with up to 36 pressure sensors. At the same time, advances in computer processing allow pressure data to be presented in real time as a compact, visually intuitive “spatiotemporal plot” of oesophageal pressure activity. HRM recordings reveal the complex functional anatomy of the oesophagus and its sphincters. Spatiotemporal plots provide objective measurements of the forces that move food and fluid from the pharynx to the stomach and determine the risk of reflux events. The introduction of commercially available HRM has been followed by rapid uptake of the technique. This review examines the current evidence that supports the move of HRM from the research setting into clinical practice. It is assessed whether a detailed description of pressure activity identifies clinically relevant oesophageal dysfunction that is missed by conventional investigation, increasing diagnostic yield and accuracy. The need for a new classification system for oesophageal motor activity based on HRM recordings is discussed. Looking ahead the potential of this technology to guide more effective medical and surgical treatment of oesophageal disease is considered because, ultimately, it is this that will define the success of HRM in clinical practice.
Estimating functions and the generalized method of moments

Estimating functions provide a very general framework for statistical inference, and are particularly useful when one is either unable or unwilling to specify a likelihood function. This paper aims to provide an accessible review of estimating function theory that has potential for application to the analysis and modelling of a wide range of complex systems. Assumptions are given in terms that can be checked relatively easily in practice, and some of the more technical derivations are relegated to an online supplement for clarity of exposition. The special case of the generalized method of moments is considered in some detail. The main points are illustrated by considering the problem of inference for a class of stochastic rainfall models based on point processes, with simulations used to demonstrate the performance of the methods.
Individual differences in pronoun reversal: Evidence from two longitudinal case studies*

ABSTRACT Pronoun reversal, the use of you for self-reference and I for an addressee, has often been associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and impaired language. However, recent case studies have shown the phenomenon also to occur in typically developing and even precocious talkers. This study examines longitudinal corpus data from two children, a typically developing girl, and a boy with Asperger's syndrome. Both were precocious talkers who reversed the majority of their personal pronouns for several months. A comparison of the children's behaviors revealed quantitative and qualitative differences in pronoun use: the girl showed ‘semantic confusion’, using second person pronouns for self-reference, whereas the boy showed a discourse–pragmatic deficit related to perspective-taking. The results suggest that there are multiple mechanisms underlying pronoun reversal and provide qualified support for both the Name/Person Hypothesis (Clark, 1978; Charney, 1980b) and the Plurifunctional Pronoun Hypothesis (Chiat, 1982).
The influence of intravenous amifostine on xerostomia and survival during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: Two year follow-up of a prospective randomized trial.

5536 Background: Amifostine (A, Ethyol) reduced radiotherapy (RT)-induced xerostomia without diminishing tumor control at 12 months in a prospective, randomized trial of patients receiving head and neck RT (Brizel et al, J Clin Oncol 2000;18:3339-45). The FDA approved A for protection against xerostomia based on that trial. We now evaluate follow-up data 12-24 months after RT to further assess both long-term radioprotective effects of A and tumor control. METHODS Adults with head and neck cancer who underwent once-daily fractionated RT for 5-7 weeks (total dose 50-70 Gy) received open-label intravenous A 200 mg/m2 15-30 minutes before each RT fraction (n=150) or no treatment before RT (control; C; n=153). Xerostomia, disease progression, and survival were assessed at 12, 18, and 24 months. RESULTS Minimum followup for all survivors is now 2 years. A continued to result in diminished xerostomia during the second year of follow-up (Table), based on incidence of RTOG Grade ≥2 xerostomia and proportion of patients with meaningful (>0.1 g) unstimulated saliva production. Patients reported less mouth dryness (P<.001) and greater mean benefit overall (P=.053) with A vs C on a Patient Benefit Questionnaire. Locoregional tumor control, progression-free survival, and overall survival were similar between groups (Table). CONCLUSIONS Amifostine provides radioprotection from xerostomia that continues for at least 2 years without evidence of change in tumor control. [Figure: see text] [Table: see text].
Pengaruh Dana Pihak Ketiga, Capital Adequacy Ratio, Return nn Asset, Net Interest Margin dan Non Performing Loan Terhadap Penyaluran Kredit Bank Umum di Indonesia

This research aim to measure impact of internal variable like DPK, CAR, ROA, NIM and NPL toward credit distribution of Commercial Banks in Indonesia. The objects of this research is Banking population because base on Banking function that is intermediation among parties that excess funding with the party that need funding. The population in this research was all commercial Banks during period of January 2009 until December 2013 by using secondary data in the form of time series, totally there are 60 data in a month. Methods used is a Error Correction Model (ECM) in e-views for measuring variable influence towards internal Banking credit distribution in the long term and the short term. The result of this research showed that internal factors (DPK, CAR, ROA, NIM and NPL) used as the independent variable having influence simultaneously and significantly to credit distribution. Variable DPK have positive influence and significant to credit distribution, while for variables each CAR and ROA variables are not have negative influence on credit distribution and of it self. On the other side, for variables NPL have negative influence and significant to credit distribution.
Modular Propagation of Epileptiform Activity: Evidence for an Inhibitory Veto in Neocortex

What regulates the spread of activity through cortical circuits? We present here data indicating a pivotal role for a vetoing inhibition restraining modules of pyramidal neurons. We combined fast calcium imaging of network activity with whole-cell recordings to examine epileptiform propagation in mouse neocortical slices. Epileptiform activity was induced by washing Mg2+ ions out of the slice. Pyramidal cells receive barrages of inhibitory inputs in advance of the epileptiform wave. The inhibitory barrages are effectively nullified at low doses of picrotoxin (2.5–5 μm). When present, however, these inhibitory barrages occlude an intense excitatory synaptic drive that would normally exceed action potential threshold by approximately a factor of 10. Despite this level of excitation, the inhibitory barrages suppress firing, thereby limiting further neuronal recruitment to the ictal event. Pyramidal neurons are recruited to the epileptiform event once the inhibitory restraint fails and are recruited in spatially clustered populations (150–250 μm diameter). The recruitment of the cells within a given module is virtually simultaneous, and thus epileptiform events progress in intermittent (0.5–1 Hz) steps across the cortical network. We propose that the interneurons that supply the vetoing inhibition define these modular circuit territories.