Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sorafenib for Advanced and Refractory Desmoid Tumors

BACKGROUND Desmoid tumors (also referred to as aggressive fibromatosis) are connective tissue neoplasms that can arise in any anatomical location and infiltrate the mesentery, neurovascular structures, and visceral organs. There is no standard of care. METHODS In this double‐blind, phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned 87 patients with progressive, symptomatic, or recurrent desmoid tumors to receive either sorafenib (400‐mg tablet once daily) or matching placebo. Crossover to the sorafenib group was permitted for patients in the placebo group who had disease progression. The primary end point was investigator‐assessed progression‐free survival; rates of objective response and adverse events were also evaluated. RESULTS With a median follow‐up of 27.2 months, the 2‐year progression‐free survival rate was 81% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69 to 96) in the sorafenib group and 36% (95% CI, 22 to 57) in the placebo group (hazard ratio for progression or death, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.31; P<0.001). Before crossover, the objective response rate was 33% (95% CI, 20 to 48) in the sorafenib group and 20% (95% CI, 8 to 38) in the placebo group. The median time to an objective response among patients who had a response was 9.6 months (interquartile range, 6.6 to 16.7) in the sorafenib group and 13.3 months (interquartile range, 11.2 to 31.1) in the placebo group. The objective responses are ongoing. Among patients who received sorafenib, the most frequently reported adverse events were grade 1 or 2 events of rash (73%), fatigue (67%), hypertension (55%), and diarrhea (51%). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with progressive, refractory, or symptomatic desmoid tumors, sorafenib significantly prolonged progression‐free survival and induced durable responses. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02066181.)
Molecular imaging of fibrosis: recent advances and future directions

Fibrosis, the progressive accumulation of connective tissue that occurs in response to injury, causes irreparable organ damage and may result in organ failure. The few available antifibrotic treatments modify the rate of fibrosis progression, but there are no available treatments to reverse established fibrosis. Thus, more effective therapies are urgently needed. Molecular imaging is a promising biomedical methodology that enables noninvasive visualization of cellular and subcellular processes. It provides a unique means to monitor and quantify dysregulated molecular fibrotic pathways in a noninvasive manner. Molecular imaging could be used for early detection, disease staging, and prognostication, as well as for assessing disease activity and treatment response. As fibrotic diseases are often molecularly heterogeneous, molecular imaging of a specific pathway could be used for patient stratification and cohort enrichment with the goal of improving clinical trial design and feasibility and increasing the ability to detect a definitive outcome for new therapies. Here we review currently available molecular imaging probes for detecting fibrosis and fibrogenesis, the active formation of new fibrous tissue, and their application to models of fibrosis across organ systems and fibrotic processes. We provide our opinion as to the potential roles of molecular imaging in human fibrotic diseases.
Prediction of Alzheimer’s disease with serum lipid levels in Asian individuals: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background: The serum lipid profile has become a routine clinical test and used as an important predictor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), although its predictive value remains undetermined. Objective: To evaluate the role of serum lipid levels in predicting the risk of AD. Methods: Meta-analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-analyses (CMA) software to investigate the association between four conventional serum lipid profile parameters and the risk of AD, focused on samples from Asian. Results: In total, 3423 AD patients and 6127 healthy participants were involved. The results demonstrated that AD patients showed higher LDL-C and TC levels (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.04–0.51, p = 0.02 for LDL-C; SMD = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.05–0.46, p = 0.02 for TC) compared with those of healthy controls. People with higher LDL-C and/or TC levels had an increased risk of AD (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.07–2.51 for LDL-C and OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.10–2.92 for TC). Conclusions: This study provided evidence that serum LDL-C and TC levels were associated with the risk of AD in Asian individuals. The routine lipid profile may be useful for AD diagnosis, monitoring and treatment.
Nonfocal transient neurological attacks in patients with carotid artery occlusion

Introduction Nonfocal transient neurological attacks (TNAs) are episodes with atypical, nonlocalizing cerebral symptoms. We examined the prevalence of nonfocal TNAs, in patients with and without carotid artery occlusion (CAO). Methods We included 67 patients with CAO and 62 patients without CAO. In both groups, patients had a history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or nondisabling ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation that had occurred >6 months before inclusion. Patients without CAO did not have ipsilateral or contralateral carotid artery stenosis of ≥50%. All patients were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire on the occurrence of nonfocal TNA symptoms during the preceding six months. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the occurrence of ≥1 and ≥2 different nonfocal TNAs after adjustments for age, sex, systolic blood pressure and time interval between most recent TIA or ischemic stroke and administration of the questionnaire. Results Forty-three of all patients (33%) had had one or more nonfocal TNAs in the preceding six months. Nonrotatory dizziness (24%) was reported most often. The prevalence of ≥1 nonfocal TNAs was not significantly different between patients with and without CAO (39% vs. 27%; adjusted RR 1.47, 95% CI 0.83–2.61), but the prevalence of ≥2 or more different nonfocal TNAs was higher in patients with CAO (16% vs. 3%; adjusted RR 4.77, 95% CI 1.20–18.98). In patients with CAO who also had a contralateral carotid or vertebral artery steno-occlusion, nonfocal TNAs occurred more often than in patients without any carotid or vertebral artery steno-occlusion (46% vs. 27%; adjusted RR 2.22, 95% CI 1.08–4.60 for ≥1 and 21% vs. 3%; adjusted RR 8.27, 95% CI 1.83–37.32 for ≥2 nonfocal TNAs). Conclusions Patients with CAO more often experienced multiple nonfocal TNAs than patients without CAO.
Comparison of several commonly used detection indicators of cell senescence

Abstract Cell senescence is the state of irreversible growth arrest that can be triggered by a variety of different cellular stresses. Currently, the commonly used detection indicators involved in the study of cell senescence include senescence-associated β-galactosidase, Clusterin, Telomeres/Telomerase, senescence-associated heterochromatin foci, senescence-associated secretory phenotype, senescence marker protein-30, tumor suppressor genes p53 and p16, and other indicators such as Ki67 and decoy receptor 2. These indicators are widely used in the study of cell senescence, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. This review summarizes several commonly used cell senescence indicators and compares their accuracy, credibility, specificity, and the scope of their potential application.
Closing the Gender Gap in Fragile X Syndrome: Review of Females with Fragile X Syndrome and Preliminary Research Findings

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition known to increase the risk of cognitive impairment and socio-emotional challenges in affected males and females. To date, the vast majority of research on FXS has predominantly targeted males, who usually exhibit greater cognitive impairment compared to females. Due to their typically milder phenotype, females may have more potential to attain a higher level of independence and quality of life than their male counterparts. However, the constellation of cognitive, behavioral, and, particularly, socio-emotional challenges present in many females with FXS often preclude them from achieving their full potential. It is, therefore, critical that more research specifically focuses on females with FXS to elucidate the role of genetic, environmental, and socio-emotional factors on outcome in this often-overlooked population.
DNA ploidy status, S-phase fraction, and p53 are not independent prognostic factors for survival in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma FIGO stage I–III

Objectives To assess the effects on relative survival of established and new prognostic factors in stage I–III grade 1–3 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma and in the subgroup of stage I grade 1–2. Methods This was a population-based, retrospective study including all women (n=1113) in the western Swedish healthcare region diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I–III grade 1–3 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma in 2006–2011. Histology, grade, stage, and age were prospectively reported to the regional clinical and national cancer registers. DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction were analyzed by flow cytometer. S-phase fraction cut-off was set at ≥8%. Tumor biopsies were classified as diploid if there was one G0/G1 peak or the DNA index was 1.0±0.04. Overexpression of p53 as determined by immunohistochemistry was positive if strong nuclear staining was found in >30% of the neoplastic cells. Results Based on univariable statistical analyses we found that 5-year relative survival was significantly associated with S-phase fraction, DNA ploidy, p53, stage, grade, and age. Excess mortality for S-phase fraction ≥8%, aneuploidy, and p53 overexpression was 8, 14, and 8 and times higher, respectively. However, in a multivariable regression model, adjusted for stage, grade, and age, S-phase fraction, DNA ploidy, and p53 were not statistically independent prognostic factors (p=0.413, p=0.107, p=0.208, respectively) for 5-year relative survival in stage I–III grade 1–3 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. In a subgroup analysis of stage I grade 1–2, aneuploidy identified a subgroup with impaired 5-year relative survival. Conclusion We can conclude that S-phase fraction, DNA ploidy, and p53 overexpression did not improve identification of high-risk patients by stage, grade, and age in stage I–III endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. In stage I, aneuploidy and grade 2 predicted lower relative survival rates than other variables.
Testing the effect of early‐life reproductive effort on age‐related decline in a wild insect

The disposable soma theory of ageing predicts that when organisms invest in reproduction they do so by reducing their investment in body maintenance, inducing a trade‐off between reproduction and survival. Experiments on invertebrates in the lab provide support for the theory by demonstrating the predicted responses to manipulation of reproductive effort or lifespan. However, experimental studies in birds and evidence from observational (nonmanipulative) studies in nature do not consistently reveal trade‐offs. Most species studied previously in the wild are mammals and birds that reproduce over multiple discrete seasons. This contrasts with temperate invertebrates, which typically have annual generations and reproduce over a single season. We expand the taxonomic range of senescence study systems to include life histories typical of most temperate invertebrates. We monitored reproductive effort, ageing, and survival in a natural field cricket population over ten years to test the prediction that individuals investing more in early‐reproduction senesce faster and die younger. We found no evidence of a trade‐off between early‐life reproductive effort and survival, and only weak evidence for a trade‐off with phenotypic senescence. We discuss the possibility that organisms with multiple discrete breeding seasons may have greater opportunities to express trade‐offs between reproduction and senescence.
The long-term effects of early-life trauma on psychological, physical and physiological health among the elderly: the study of Holocaust survivors

Abstract Objectives: To study post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth and heart rate variability among elderly Holocaust survivors and a matched comparison group and the mediational effect of post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth on the association between Holocaust experience and heart rate variability. Method: 159 Holocaust survivors and 87 matched participants without Holocaust experience answered post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth questionnaires. Heart rate variability time and frequency parameters were measured for a subsample of N = 133. Results: Holocaust survivors reported higher levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth. Most heart rate variability measures were similar in the two groups, except for better heart rate variability measured by the ratio of low frequency/high frequency among Holocaust survivors. Structural equation modeling showed that belonging to the Holocaust survivor group was associated with higher post-traumatic stress symptoms and higher post-traumatic growth, as well as better heart rate variability scores (standard deviation of normal to normal R-R intervals, high frequency and the ratio of low frequency/high frequency) through the mediation of post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth. Conclusions: The study emphasized the duality of the association between post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth and their integrated effect on heart rate variability.
Human Factors in Pharmacy

Medication errors in the ambulatory setting are common and contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. Given the Institute of Medicine’s recommendation of adopting a systems-based approach to improving medication safety, research has been conducted utilizing human factors and ergonomics conceptual frameworks, approaches, and methods to study pharmacies and pharmacists. This panel will focus on how human factors principles and models have been adapted for contexts where medications are managed. Individual projects address pediatric patients’ medication-related needs, over-the-counter medication safety for older adults, anticoagulation management, automated prescription tracking, and medication safety-related decision making by healthcare professionals. These studies span settings from community pharmacies to inpatient pharmacies to specialty clinics and patients’ homes. By presenting a sample of the growing body of human factors work in pharmacy, this panel will offer unique implications for human factors theory, methods, and application in this important domain.
Using Load-Velocity Relationships to Quantify Training-Induced Fatigue

Abstract Hughes, LJ, Banyard, HG, Dempsey, AR, Peiffer, JJ, and Scott, BR. Using load-velocity relationships to quantify training-induced fatigue. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 762–773, 2019—The purpose of this study was to investigate using load-velocity relationships to quantify fluctuations in maximal strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM]), which occur as a result of training-induced fatigue. The 19 well-trained men (age: 24.3 ± 2.9 years, height: 180.1 ± 5.9 cm, body mass: 84.2 ± 10.5 kg, and squat 1RM: 151.1 ± 25.7 kg) who were recruited for this study attended 5 sessions. After baseline strength testing, individual load-velocity relationships were established using mean concentric velocity during visits 2, 4, and 5, with visit 3 consisting of a bout of fatiguing exercise (5 sets of squats performed to muscular failure with 70% 1RM). Predicted 1RM values were calculated using the minimal velocity threshold (1RMMVT), load at zero velocity (1RMLD0), and force-velocity (1RMFV) methods. Measured 1RM, maximal voluntary contractions, and perceived muscle soreness were used to examine the effects of fatigue in relation to the predicted 1RM scores. The 1RMMVT and 1RMLD0 demonstrated very strong and strong correlations with measured 1RM during each of the sessions (r = 0.90–0.96 and r = 0.77–0.84, respectively), while no strong significant correlations were observed for the 1RMFV. Further analysis using Bland-Altman plots demonstrated substantial interindividual variation associated with each method. These results suggest that load-velocity–based 1RM predictions are not accurate enough to be used for daily training load prescription, as has been previously suggested. Nevertheless, these predictions are practical to implement during an individual's warm-up and may be useful to indicate general fluctuations in performance potential, particularly if used in conjunction with other common monitoring methods.
Efficacy of Sublingual Administration of Dermatophagoides Farinae Drops for Treatment of Pediatric Allergic Rhinitis Accompanied by Adenoid Hypertrophy and Improvement of Immune Function

Background The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of sublingual administration of Dermatophagoides farinae drops for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) accompanied by adenoid hypertrophy and the effect on immune function in children. Material/Methods Eosinophil counts in peripheral blood before and after treatment were determined; serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), total IgE (T-IgE), immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) before and after treatment were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The total effective rate in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). In both the study and control groups, symptom scores, medication scores, eosinophil counts in the peripheral blood, and serum levels of IgE, T-IgE, and IL-6 were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), while the serum levels of IgG4 and IL-2 were significantly higher than those before treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, symptom scores, medication scores, eosinophil counts in the peripheral blood, and serum levels of IgE, T-IgE, and IL-6 in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), while the serum levels of IgG4 and IL-2 were significantly higher in the study group than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Sublingual administration of D. farinae drops improved the clinical symptoms of pediatric AR caused by Dermatophagoides mites and improved the immune functions in children.
A model of successful DNP and PhD collaboration

Background and purpose: Within nursing education, the existence of two graduate-level programs has created some challenges. Role confusion between the practice-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the research-focused Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is compounded by competition for similar positions. Collaboration between DNP and PhD nurses, however, benefits the health care system and patients. Methods: The complementary skills of these two groups of nurses are detailed, and a model for building PhD-DNP partnerships is presented based on a collaborative PhD-DNP project that resolved a negative trend in outcomes from cardiac surgery. The clinical pathway created by the project met national benchmarks, improved interprofessional staff communication, and resulted in uniform and improved patient care. Conclusions: Although role differentiation for doctoral nurses can be challenging, role integration is critical. Building collaborative partnerships between these groups of nurses benefits the health care system, as well as patients, and this partnership is sustainable through successful collaborative projects. Implications for practice: Doctoral-prepared nurses must understand each other's background and education and focus on what each can contribute. In the beginning, as with any collaborative relationship, collaborators must discuss and agree on ground rules, team roles, responsibilities, and time line for projects.
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation over right posterior parietal cortex on attention function in healthy young adults

Attention involves three distinct networks for alerting, orienting, and executive control. Interventions targeting the specific attentional networks remain lacking. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to modulate cortical excitability, which potentially serves as an interventional tool to treat individuals with attention impairment. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of applying tDCS over the right posterior parietal cortex (PPC) on the performance of the three attentional networks. Twenty‐six healthy young adults performed the Attention Network Test before and after anodal or sham tDCS stimulation over the right PPC. The alerting, orienting, and executive effects were assessed before and after the stimulation. The results demonstrated that the orienting effect was significantly improved after real tDCS relative to sham, whereas the alerting and executive control effects remained unaffected. Consistent with previous clinical and functional imaging studies, this suggests that the right PPC is actively engaged with the spatial orienting of attention.
The Brain Resting-State Functional Connectivity Underlying Violence Proneness: Is It a Reliable Marker for Neurocriminology? A Systematic Review

Introduction: There is growing scientific interest in understanding the biological mechanisms affecting and/or underlying violent behaviors in order to develop effective treatment and prevention programs. In recent years, neuroscientific research has tried to demonstrate whether the intrinsic activity within the brain at rest in the absence of any external stimulation (resting-state functional connectivity; RSFC) could be employed as a reliable marker for several cognitive abilities and personality traits that are important in behavior regulation, particularly, proneness to violence. Aims: This review aims to highlight the association between the RSFC among specific brain structures and the predisposition to experiencing anger and/or responding to stressful and distressing situations with anger in several populations. Methods: The scientific literature was reviewed following the PRISMA quality criteria for reviews, using the following digital databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Psicodoc, and Dialnet. Results: The identification of 181 abstracts and retrieval of 34 full texts led to the inclusion of 17 papers. The results described in our study offer a better understanding of the brain networks that might explain the tendency to experience anger. The majority of the studies highlighted that diminished RSFC between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala might make people prone to reactive violence, but that it is also necessary to contemplate additional cortical (i.e., insula, gyrus [angular, supramarginal, temporal, fusiform, superior, and middle frontal], anterior and posterior cingulated cortex) and subcortical brain structures (i.e., hippocampus, cerebellum, ventral striatum, and nucleus centralis superior) in order to explain a phenomenon as complex as violence. Moreover, we also described the neural pathways that might underlie proactive violence and feelings of revenge, highlighting the RSFC between the OFC, ventral striatal, angular gyrus, mid-occipital cortex, and cerebellum. Conclusions. The results from this synthesis and critical analysis of RSFC findings in several populations offer guidelines for future research and for developing a more accurate model of proneness to violence, in order to create effective treatment and prevention programs.