Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The efficacy and safety of low-dose rituximab in immune thrombocytopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Rituximab has been frequently used as a second-line treatment for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Recently, several studies have proposed low-dose (100 mg or 100mg/m2 per week for 4 weeks) rituximab instead of the standard dose of 375mg/m2 per week for 4 weeks to treat ITP patients. The aim of this review was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose rituximab for patients with ITP. Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase were searched to identify the clinical studies published in full text or abstract that met the predefined inclusion criteria. Efficacy analysis was restricted to the studies enrolling five or more patients. While safety analysis was evaluated based on all the studies reported adverse events. Nine studies (329 patients) were included for effect assessment of low-dose rituximab treatment on the patients with ITP. The pooled overall response rate was 63% (95% CI, 0.54–0.71) while the pooled complete response was 44% (95% CI, 0.33–0.55). Thirty-one patients were reported to experience adverse effects associated with rituximab, among them 30 cases suffered mild to moderate side-effects (grade1-2). Only one patient developed into interstitial pneumonia (grade3). No death was reported. Low-dose rituximab exhibited a satisfactory efficacy and safety profile, indicating that this regimen is a promising therapy for ITP, and should be further investigated through randomized clinical trials with standard-dose rituximab.
A Clinically Evaluated Interferometric Continuous-Wave Radar System for the Contactless Measurement of Human Vital Parameters

Vital parameters are key indicators for the assessment of health. Conventional methods rely on direct contact with the patients’ skin and can hence cause discomfort and reduce autonomy. This article presents a bistatic 24 GHz radar system based on an interferometric six-port architecture and features a precision of 1 µm in distance measurements. Placed at a distance of 40 cm in front of the human chest, it detects vibrations containing respiratory movements, pulse waves and heart sounds. For the extraction of the respiration rate, time-domain approaches like autocorrelation, peaksearch and zero crossing rate are compared to the Fourier transform, while template matching and a hidden semi-Markov model are utilized for the detection of the heart rate from sphygmograms and heart sounds. A medical study with 30 healthy volunteers was conducted to collect 5.5 h of data, where impedance cardiogram and electrocardiogram were used as gold standard for synchronously recording respiration and heart rate, respectively. A low root mean square error for the breathing rate (0.828 BrPM) and a high overall F1 score for heartbeat detection (93.14%) could be achieved using the proposed radar system and signal processing.
Contextualizing medication abortion in seven African nations: A literature review

Abstract We conducted a comprehensive literature review on abortion in seven African countries to synthesize and analyze the landscape of abortion-related scientific knowledge, with the aim of informing abortion-access related research and programs in the region. We find that that abortion is common, despite legal restrictions, and often occurs outside of the formal health care system. Use of medication abortion was reported to be low, potentially due to legal restrictions and insufficient provider training across the continent. Creative interventions that could improve people’s knowledge of and access to safe medication abortion were identified and described.
Australian mental health caregiver burden: a smallest space analysis

Objectives To explore Australian mental health carers’ prioritisation of key elements of caregiving and establish the extent to which particular issues contribute to carer burden. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting All Australian States and Territories. Participants Responses were received from 231 Australian mental health caregivers. Main outcome measures The Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire was used to assess caregiver burden. Results Smallest space analysis identified three distinct regions, which we conceptualise as: 1) promoting the safety and health of mental health consumers; 2) impact of caring on caregivers’ personal lives and 3) enabling daily living functional recovery of mental health consumers. The analysis demonstrates that carers are most concerned with enabling daily living functional recovery, for which the mean value was considerably higher than the personal impact and promoting safety and health regions. In terms of the individual questionnaire items, the issues of most importance are assisting with self-care, worrying about consumers’ future, finances and general health, encouraging consumer involvement in activities and concerns over the treatment consumers are receiving. Conclusion Caregiving often came at significant personal cost. The burden that results from caring for mental health consumers could perhaps be alleviated through the expansion of psychiatric disability services, increasing government financial support and providing tailored psychosocial interventions that meet the needs of families.
Determination of selected dichloroanilines and phthalates in lyophilised mussels samples with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry after QuEChERS clean-up

ABSTRACT Mussels, a marine filter organism, constitute a food product and an established sentinel organism for marine pollution. An analytical method following a QuEChERS extraction and clean-up protocol has been developed for the determination of phthalic acid esters (PAE), including di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP), di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-methyl phthalate (DMP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), as well as 3,4-dichloroaniline and 3,5-dichloroaniline in lyophilised mussels samples. A gradient elution program starting from 40% A (methanol-0.1% formic acid) – 60% B (H2O-0.1% formic acid) up to 100% A was applied, with a total duration of 15 min, at a flow rate of 200 μL min−1 using a 1.8 μm particle size C18 analytical column. All target analytes were detected with a triple quadrupole MS, using electrospray ionisation (ESI) in positive ionisation mode, in SRM mode under optimised conditions. Sample preparation consisted of lyophilisation of the mussels sample and grinding, followed by a QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) protocol. Among the different dispersants evaluated for sample clean-up effectiveness, primary secondary amine (PSA) was found to be the most efficient. Results indicated good chromatographic separation, fast sample preparation procedure, low LODs and LOQs, good trueness expressed as recovery and good precision as evaluated by RSD. In the mussels samples examined DEHP was the most abundant PAE, reaching a maximal concentration of 280 μg/kg of lyophilised weight whereas the levels of DnBP were at approximately 36% of the legal migration limit in foods determined by the EU. Graphical Abstract
Pathogenesis, Early Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Management of Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) refers to the damages to the liver and its functions due to alcohol overconsumption. It consists of fatty liver/steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, steatohepatitis, chronic hepatitis with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease are extremely complicated due to the involvement of immune cells, adipose tissues, and genetic diversity. Clinically, the diagnosis of ALD is not yet well developed. Therefore, the number of patients in advanced stages has increased due to the failure of proper early detection and treatment. At present, abstinence and nutritional therapy remain the conventional therapeutic interventions for ALD. Moreover, the therapies which target the TNF receptor superfamily, hormones, antioxidant signals, and MicroRNAs are used as treatments for ALD. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are gaining attention as a potential therapeutic target of ALD. Therefore, in this review, we have summarized the current understandings of the pathogenesis and diagnosis of ALD. Moreover, we also discuss the various existing treatment strategies while focusing on promising therapeutic approaches for ALD.
ATP-induced reversed thermal sensitivity of O2 binding in both major haemoglobin polymorphs of the non-endothermic Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua

ABSTRACT Atlantic cod is a species that is affected by climate change, with some populations being exposed to higher temperatures than others. The two polymorphs of its major haemoglobin type (HbI) show an inverse change in frequency along a latitudinal temperature cline in the North East Atlantic, which has been associated with differences in population performance and behavioural traits. An earlier study at the northern distribution limit of the species reported differential temperature sensitivities of red blood cell oxygen (O2) affinity between the northern cold-water HbI-2 polymorph and its southern, warm-water HbI-1 counter-part, which has since widely been held as adaptive for the species across its distributional range. The present study critically re-examined this hypothesis by comparing the thermal sensitivity of O2 binding in both purified HbI polymorphs from the southern, high-temperature distribution limit of the species under controlled conditions of allosteric modifiers of Hb function. Contrary to the prevailing view, the O2 affinity of the major HbI polymorphs did not differ from each other under any of the tested conditions. Depending on pH and ATP concentration, the temperature-sensitive and temperature-insensitive Hb–O2 affinity phenotypes – previously exclusively ascribed to HbI-1 and HbI-2, respectively – could be induced in both HbI polymorphs. These results are the first to establish a molecular mechanism behind a reversed temperature dependence of red blood cell O2 affinity in a non-endotherm fish and lay the basis for future studies on alternative mechanisms behind the differences in distribution, performance and behavioural traits associated with the different HbI polymorphs of Atlantic cod. Summary: Phenotypic plasticity allows both major haemoglobin polymorphs of non-endothermic Atlantic cod to show ATP-induced reversed thermal sensitivity of oxygen binding at their warming southern distribution limit in the North East Atlantic.
Why do patients seek treatment in hospitals of complementary medicine?

OBJECTIVE This exploratory study evaluated patients' reasons for entering a complementary (alternative) medicine hospital by ranking 15 medical and psychosocial factors that were thought to influence this choice. SUBJECTS AND OUTCOME MEASURES Two hundred patients (200) from two complementary hospitals, one focusing on Traditional Chinese Medicine and one on the Western type of complementary medicine, completed an extensive questionnaire at the beginning of their inpatient treatment. The questionnaire covered personal background; disease parameters; attitude towards conventional medicine; previous experience with, and knowledge of, complementary therapies; expectations concerning the forthcoming treatment; health-related habits; personality traits; and social support. RESULTS Optimistic attitudes towards treatment and a positive appraisal of alternative doctors were frequently stated reasons (80%), as was the disease severity (long duration: 86%; acute progression or imminent surgery: 70%). Previous successes with complementary therapies, however, ranked relatively low (53%). Negative opinions concerning conventional therapies and conventional doctors' treatments were mentioned by 68% of the patients. Many patients felt themselves to be under considerable psychologic stress (74%). A majority (73%) was well informed about complementary therapies, and 65% were curious about the forthcoming therapies. Sixty-eight percent (68%) indicated good health behaviors. Fewer patients mentioned contemplative and/or religious attitudes (44%) or lack of social support (25%). Age primarily accounted for variations in the ranking weights of the two subgroups. The specific type of complementary medicine was of minor influence. In 14 out of 21 personality dimensions, the current patient group showed significant deviations from the healthy reference, which is in good agreement with findings from conventionally treated patients.
The effect of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome on health related quality of life

Abstract: Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the most important factor limiting long‐term survival after lung transplantation, and has a substantial impact on patients‘ daily life in terms of disability and morbidity. Aim of our study was to examine the effects of BOS on health related quality of life (HRQL) in lung transplantation patients. Data on HRQL from 29 patients who developed BOS at least 18 months earlier were studied longitudinally. HRQL measures were: the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Self‐rating Depression Scale (ZUNG), and the Index of Well Being (IWB). Furthermore questions concerning activities of daily life and dyspnea were asked. The majority of the patients were male, and the most common diagnosis was emphysema. After the onset of BOS, significantly more restrictions were reported on the dimensions energy and mobility of the NHP. These restrictions appeared to increase over time. After the onset of BOS, STAI scores remained more or less stable and close to the value of the general population. ZUNG scores were significantly higher after the onset of BOS, and patients experienced a lower level of well being than the general population. The percentage of patients that reported to be able to perform activities of daily life without effort declined dramatically after the onset of BOS. Furthermore, the percentage of patients complaining of dyspnea increased after the onset of BOS. In conclusion, our study showed that HRQL was negatively affected by the onset of BOS. However, in spite of these less favorable long‐term results, even patients who develop BOS may at least temporarily benefit from a lung transplantation.
Effects of the Dietary Inclusion of Partially Defatted Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Meal on the Blood Chemistry and Tissue (Spleen, Liver, Thymus, and Bursa of Fabricius) Histology of Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata domestica)

Simple Summary Insects represent a promising feed ingredient for poultry diets, as an alternative to conventional feedstuffs. Black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larvae are processed to obtain two main products: the protein and fat fractions. The possible utilization of BSF defatted meal in Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata domestica) diets has been poorly investigated. However, its effect on in vivo and post-mortem traits, which are extremely important for animal welfare, has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the present study has evaluated the effect of 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% dietary BSF meal replacement on the in vivo haematological parameters and on the post-mortem organ traits. Overall, the obtained results are encouraging as increasing dietary BSF meal did not impair the growth performance or the haematological traits. Furthermore, both the liver and renal function were unaffected or even improved. The antioxidant picture appeared improved and the histological traits were not influenced by the dietary inclusion of BSF meal. From a productive and biological point of view, the dietary replacement up to 9% of BSF meal in Muscovy duck diet is feasible and BSF meal could represent a promising feed ingredient. Abstract The present study has evaluated the effects of dietary partially-defatted black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens L.) larva meal on the blood parameters, antioxidant status, and histological features of the organs of broiler ducks. A total of 192 female 3-days of age Muscovy ducklings (Cairina moschata domestica) were divided into four dietary treatments (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% BSF meal inclusion; 6 pens/treatment, 8 birds/pen). A total of 12 ducks/treatment (2 birds/pen) were slaughtered at 51 days of age and blood samples were collected to evaluate the haematological traits, serum protein, lipid and minerals, liver and renal function serum enzymes, plasma oxidative enzymes, and metabolites. Liver, spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius samples were submitted to histopathological investigations. Between the serum and plasma traits, triglycerides, cholesterol, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, magnesium, malondialdehyde, and nitrotyrosine showed a linear decrease for increasing amounts of dietary BSF meal (p <0.01); in contrast, the serum iron concentration showed a linear increase (p <0.01). Moreover, the histopathological findings were not significantly affected by the dietary BSF larva meal inclusion. The results showed that the inclusion of up to 9% BSF larva meal represents a promising feed ingredient for Muscovy duck nutrition, and improved blood traits were observed.
Deposition of graphene nanoparticles associated with tannic acid in microfiltration membrane for removal of food colouring

ABSTRACT A modified microfiltration (MF) membrane was prepared by flow-through coating method. First the sulfuric acid solution was vacuum filtered on the polyethersulfone (PES) MF membrane, providing the introduction of a sulfonic acid group to the backbone of PES. Sequentially, the polyethyleneimine solution was vacuum filtered to provide amine groups on the membrane surface. Finally, the graphene oxide solution, functionalized with different masses of tannic acid, was vacuum filtered on the membrane surface, producing the cross-linked modified membranes. These were efficient in the removal of anionic food colouring, achieving high removal rates and low fouling, compared to unmodified membrane. The best membrane in terms of bright blue dye removal was the MF PEI5GO1TA4, capable of removing all the feed solution, and demonstrating its possibility of reuse in five cycles of operation. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Radiation Degradation of β-Glucan with a Potential for Reduction of Lipids and Glucose in the Blood of Mice

Water-soluble and low molecular weight (Mw) β-glucans were successfully prepared by γ-irradiation of water-insoluble yeast β-glucans. The radiation dose used for the degradation of yeast β-glucan was remarkably reduced by increasing the pH of the sample or combining with hydrogen peroxide treatment. Radiation-degraded β-glucans with molecular weights in the range of 11−48 kDa reduced the total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and glucose levels in the blood of administered mice. The decreasing levels of both lipid and glucose indexes in the blood of tested mice strongly depended on the molecular weight of the β-glucan, and the radiation-degraded β-glucan with a molecular weight of about 25 kDa was found to be the most effective for the reduction of blood lipid and glucose levels. Particularly, the oral administration of 25 kDa β-glucan, with a daily dose of about 2 mg per head, reduced the total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, and glucose levels in the blood of tested mice to about 47.4%, 48.5%, 45.7%, and 47.2%, respectively. The effects on the reduction of blood lipid and glucose levels were also found to be stable after 20 days of stopping administration. These results indicate that the degraded β-glucan with a molecular weight of about 25 kDa prepared by γ-ray irradiation is a very promising ingredient that can be used in nutraceutical food for therapeutics of diabetic and dyslipidemia.
Growth structures in a thick vapor deposited MgF(2) multiple layer coating.

Recently, there has been considerable interest in the microstructure of thin films and how it depends on various parameters of the deposition process. This interest arises because the microstructure of thin film coatings, in general, and of optical coatings, in particular, determines a number of their properties. Observations of some peculiar structur­ al features in a thick MgF2 coating deposited in numerous individual runs on a stop above a MgF2 boat operated in a big production box coater may help us understand the mecha­ nism of thin film growth from physical vapor deposition and to validate the hard disk models of random ballistic aggrega­ tion as used in recent computer simulations. It may also help to clarify the question of whether thin film growth structures are of a fractal nature. The sample which was brought to the author's attention by B. Wille of Balzers AG in Liechtenstein measured ~30 X 30 mm and was 4-5 mm thick. It had a pronounced columnar and nodular structure which could be seen almost with the unaided eye at its as-grown edge [Fig. 1 (a)]. The thickness is surprising since MgF2 coatings are known to craze because of excessive intrinsic tensile stress when their thickness ex­ ceeds ~1 μm. Why this crazing did not happen with this extremely thick sample may be explained by looking at a fractured edge of the sample [Fig. 1(b)]. Despite the fact that the material deposited from a direct current heated boat was exclusively MgF2, a distinct layering can be seen, which becomes very distinguishable even at a low optical magnifi­ cation of ~10-40X [Figs. l(c)-(e)]. Although no chemical analysis of the sample could be made at that time, one can assume that the clear differentiation of the layers which is synonymous with different optical properties (reflection and
Improving the quality of life during treatment in the Day hospital for early intervention in Psychiatric Hospital "Sveti Ivan".

BACKGROUND The Day hospital for early intervention is a time-limited structured therapeutic program based on different psychotherapy and socio-therapy techniques. The aim of this study was to examine the outcomes of the Day hospital treatment for early intervention on self-esteem, and quality of life, and to determine which patients benefit the most from the program. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The study was conducted on 124 patients with an early phase of psychosis who were treated at the Day hospital. They filled out Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and WHOQOL-BREF upon the admission and again after three months of the treatment. Interaction effects were examined between their sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age, employment status), clinical features (first episode of psychosis or longer duration of illness), and results on applied questionnaires. RESULTS After three months of the treatment, patients evaluated their self-esteem, overall quality of life and satisfaction with different QoL domains (physical and psychological health, environment) as significantly improved. Younger patients had greater increase in estimated self-esteem compared to older patients. No other significant interactions were found. CONCLUSION Notwithstanding the limitations of this study, we may conclude that the findings are encouraging and may assist with development of more effective therapeutic approaches.