Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cognitive fatigue in patients with myasthenia gravis

Introduction: Cognitive fatigue has frequently been reported in myasthenia gravis (MG). However, objective assessment of cognitive fatigability has never been evaluated. Methods: Thirty‐three MG patients with stable generalized disease and 17 healthy controls underwent a test battery including repeated testing of attention and concentration (d2‐R) and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test. Fatigability was based on calculation of linear trend (LT) reflecting dynamic performance within subsequent constant time intervals. Additionally, fatigue questionnaires were used. Results: MG patients showed a negative LT in second d2‐R testing, indicating cognitive fatigability. This finding significantly differed from stable cognitive performance in controls (P < 0.05). Results of Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test testing did not differ between groups. Self‐assessed fatigue was significantly higher in MG patients compared with controls (P < 0.001), but did not correlate with LT. Conclusions: LT quantifies cognitive fatigability as an objective measurement of performance decline in MG patients. Self‐assessed cognitive fatigue is not correlated with objective findings. Muscle Nerve 56: 449–457, 2017
The Financialization of Housing Production in Brussels.

This article focuses on the financialization of housing production in the Brussels-Capital Region, examining the increased presence and use of financial capital in housing production. Information collected by local administrations when granting building permits is used to undertake a large-scale examination of companies involved in housing provision in Brussels in the 2000s in order to identify the origins of capital invested in housing development projects and to assess to what extent it can be considered as 'financialized'. The use of this data set allows me to estimate the 'market share' of financial capital in housing production and to analyse the geography of these investments in the built environment. This spatial analysis also provides some insights for a discussion about the possible social consequences of this influx of financial capital into the urban space. The task of empirically 'measuring' financialization raises numerous methodological questions. A choice has to be made between a wide range of definitions, both for financial activities and the financialization process. Moreover, for the purpose of quantifying the phenomenon, these concepts are made operational and turned into indicators. In addition to providing information about the investment of financial capital in housing production and the concrete forms it may take in a city such as Brussels, I venture to suggest that this article also contributes to the methodological 'toolbox' available to researchers in the field of financialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Cartilage degradation in temporomandibular joint induced by unilateral anterior crossbite prosthesis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the pathological effects on temporomandibular joint cartilage of an experimentally created unilateral anterior crossbite prosthesis. METHODS Six-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into experimental and control groups and further divided into three subgroups for three time points (n = 9). In experimental groups, the unilateral anterior crossbite was created by bonding two metal tubes on left maxillary and mandibular incisors. 2, 4, or 8 weeks after operation, the histomorphological changes and the expression changes of PCNA, COL II, aggrecan, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, and TIMP-1 in condylar cartilage were investigated by hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue staining, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In experimental groups, decreasing in chondrocytes, cell-free areas, reduction in the thickness of hypertrophic layer, and loss of extracellular matrix were noticed. The expression level of PCNA was decreased at week 2 and week 4. The mRNA expression of COL II was decreased at 4 week and that of aggrecan was increased at 2 week but decreased at 4 and 8 week. The expression of MMP-9, MMP-13, and TIMP-1 was increased at 2-week and decreased at 4- and 8-week, while that of MMP-3 was increased at 4- and 8-week. CONCLUSIONS The present unilateral anterior crossbite prosthesis led to degradation of mandibular condylar cartilage.
Spatial Disparity in Sanitation Facility: An Empirical Analysis

Sanitation is a basic human need. Inadequate sanitation and poor hygienic practices lead to huge public health costs and diseases. This study highlights the interregional and interstate disparity in the coverage of sanitation facility in India based on census data. The best sanitation facilities are available in all states of Northeast India while the central region, followed by the eastern region, reports the lowest access to toilet facility. A disparity index has been worked out to measure the level of disparity in access to sanitation facilities over time. The regression analysis confirms that socio-economic variables such as female literacy rate (FLR) and population below poverty line (BPL) rate are significant determinants of improved sanitation facility. The study reveals the unsatisfactory condition of sanitation facility, especially in rural areas. Though the government is conscious about the construction of the toilets in rural areas, it is found not usable in many cases. Thus, there is a need to make constant efforts to improve the performance of the programmes by making them more responsive to the local needs and aspirations. The programmes should concentrate on changing behaviour and promoting latrine use.
Linking green customer and supplier integration with green innovation performance: The role of internal integration

Although green customer and supplier integration have gained much attention, how it affects green innovation performance is still unclear. This study examines the direct and interaction effects of green customer and supplier integration on green innovation performance and the moderating effect of internal integration, using data from 176 Chinese manufacturing firms. The results reveal that green customer integration, green supplier integration, and their interaction are all positively related to green innovation performance. In addition, internal integration moderates the relationship between green customer integration and green innovation performance, but does not moderate the relationship between green supplier integration and green innovation performance. Further analysis indicate that the effects of interaction term on green innovation performance and the moderating effects of internal integration on the relationship between green supplier integration and green innovation performance are significantly different across different firm sizes, providing useful insights for firms. This study provides novel insights for making environmental policies.
Crystal structure and spectroscopic analysis of a new oxalate-bridged MnII compound: catena-poly[guanidinium [[aquachloridomanganese(II)]-μ2-oxalato-κ4 O 1,O 2:O 1′,O 2′] monohydrate]

A novel oxalate-bridged manganese +II compound, catena-poly[guanidinium [[aquachloridomanganese(II)]-μ2-oxalato-κ4 O 1,O 2:O 1′,O 2′] monohydrate], has been synthesized as single crystals at room temperature and characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared and UV–Visible spectroscopic analyses, confirming the formation of a layered-type three-dimensional structure.
Effects of lamotrigine in patients with bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence.

BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder is significantly associated with alcohol use disorders. Anticonvulsant drugs are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and they have also been used to treat alcohol dependence. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate tolerance and safety of lamotrigine in a dual-diagnosis population presenting bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence. Open-label lamotrigine was examined in 28 outpatients with DSM-IV bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence. Lamotrigine was added to existing medication regimens. METHOD Lamotrigine was started at a dose of 25 mg/day and titrated to a maximum dose of 300 mg/day. Subjects received a baseline evaluation which included a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and weekly assessments for 12 weeks with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Severity of Alcohol Dependence Scale (SADS), a Visual Analogue Scale for Craving severity (VASC), and alcohol consumption. The concentration of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) was used as an indirect measure of alcohol consumption. The sample consisted of 18 men and 10 women diagnosed with alcohol dependence and bipolar disorder I (n = 21) or bipolar disorder II (n = 7), with a mean age of 36.5 +/- 7.7 years. RESULTS Significant improvement was observed in HAM-D, YMRS, and BPRS scores (p < 0.01). Craving and CDT also significantly decreased (p < 0.001). Lamotrigine was well tolerated with no dropout subjects due to adverse events. CONCLUSION Lamotrigine is safe and well tolerated in this sample and associated with improvement in mood, alcohol craving and alcohol consumption. A placebo-controlled study would be of interest.
Bipolar or monopolar transurethral resection for benign prostatic hyperplasia?

INTRODUCTION Transurethral resection is currently considered as standard endoscopic treatment for lower urinary tract obstruction due to benign hyperplasia under 80 cc. Monopolar resection loops has been traditionally used but bipolar energy has recently displaced precedent technology. The purpose of this summary is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of both technologies. METHODS To answer this question we used Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We identified 13 systematic reviews including 32 primary studies, among them 31 randomized trials. We concluded although there may be no difference in terms of efficacy among both techniques, the use of bipolar energy reduces the incidence of transurethral resection syndrome and probably reduces the risk of bleeding that requires red blood cell transfusion.
Medium-term results of single-stage posteromedial release and triple arthrodesis in treatment of neglected clubfoot deformity in adults.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the implementation, in a single session, of both massive posteromedial release and triple arthrodesis for rigid neglected clubfoot deformities in adult patients, and its effects on clinical and radiological results. METHODS The procedures were performed in one session on 15 feet of 11 patients [7 male, 4 female; mean age 26 (range: 15 to 50)]. Staples were used for fixation in all patients. For clinical assessment, the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) ankle- hindfoot scale was used. Anteroposterior/lateral side talocalcaneal and talus-1st metatarsal angles were used as radiographic parameters. The mean follow-up was 7.5 years (range: 6 to 11). RESULTS The mean AOFAS score rose from a preoperative 39 (range: 15 to 52) to 88 (range: 76 to 94) in the final follow up (p<0.0001). Among the 15 feet, 9 were evaluated as excellent, 5 as good, and 1 as fair. Significant clinical improvement was obtained between preoperative and postoperative surgical periods (p<0.05). Significant improvements were observed in radiographic parameters (p<0.0001). At final follow-up, radiographic values were within normal physiological limits. Average union time was 12.4 (range: 7 to 36) weeks. While pseudoarthrosis was not observed in any patients, delayed union developed in 2 cases, and talus avascular necrosis in 1. In the preoperative period, 5 patients had various degrees of degenerative changes. Nine patients developed degenerative changes in different joints and of different degrees. CONCLUSION The authors believe that massive soft tissue release and triple arthrodesis performed in a single session yields satisfactory results cosmetically and functionally in neglected clubfoot cases with severe deformities.
Epidemiology of oral yeast colonization and infection in patients with hematological malignancies, head neck and solid tumors.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of oral yeast colonization and infection amongst cancer patients. METHODS Patients with solid tumor, head-neck cancer or hematological malignancy were recruited into the study. Demographic data on age, gender, type of cancer, preceding treatment with antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, chemotherapy, radiation or surgery and presence of dentures were recorded on admission. Oral examination and microbial swabs were obtained and yeast culture, identification and antifungal susceptibility performed. RESULTS Oral yeast colonization was prevalent in 56.8% (227/400) of all cancer patients and 18.9% (43/227) of those had clinical and microbiological evidence of infection. The incidence of oral candidiasis in yeast colonized patients was highest in head neck cancer (29.2%) followed by hematological malignancies (20.5%) and solid tumor (17%) patients. Age and dentures were identified as independent risk factors associated with yeast carriage. Candida albicans was the dominant (74%) species (497.5 per 1000 cancer admissions) followed by C. glabrata (11.5%), C. tropicalis (2.6%), C. krusei (2.6%) and C. parapsilosis (1.9%). The overall resistance to azoles was 28.2% (75/266). Resistance to specific drugs was seen for fluconazole (4.5%), itraconazole (11.7%), ketoconazole (11.3%), voriconazole (0.75%) and caspofungin (41.1%) but none to amphotericin B or nystatin. CONCLUSIONS The highest incidence of oral candidiasis amongst cancer patients was seen in head neck cancers. The majority of infections were caused by C. albicans but almost one third of patients harbored non-C. albicans strains such as C. glabrata which were often more resistant to anti-fungal agents.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Patient Assessments of Interactions With Providers: Disparities or Measurement Biases?

Patient assessment surveys have established a primary role in health care quality measurement as evidence has shown that information from patients can affect quality improvement for practitioners and lead to positivemarketwide changes. This article presents findings from the recently released National Healthcare Disparities Report revealing that although most clinical quality and access indicators show superior health care for non-Hispanic whites compared with blacks and Hispanics, blacks and Hispanics assess their interactions with providers more positively than non-Hispanic whites do. The article explores possible explanations for these racial/ethnic differences, including potential pitfalls in survey design that drawbiased responses by race/ethnicity. The article then suggests strategies for refining future research on racial/ethnic disparities based on patient assessment of health care.
What Patients with Addiction Disorders Need from Their Primary Care Physicians: A Qualitative Study

Background Although strong relationships between primary care providers (PCPs) and patients with addictive disease are essential for care, these relationships are often strained. Providers frequently have negative attitudes about treating these patients, in part due to the practical and psychosocial challenges that come with addictive disease. Resulting hostility frequently causes avoidance of primary care by patients with potentially increased morbidity. However, gaining knowledge of patient perspectives on these relationships could improve physician attitudes toward patients with addictive disease and relatedly improve care. Methods The authors conducted 18 semistructured interviews of patients with current or prior debilitating addictive disease recruited from a primary care practice in East Baltimore. Interview transcripts were analyzed using editing analysis to reveal major themes. Results Participants elucidated several provider characteristics that were essential for successful relationships. Providers needed to be knowledgeable about addiction, feel responsible for treating these patients, emphasize overall health, and engage patients in their own care. Additionally, participants strongly desired providers who treated them as “people” that they cared about. Interestingly, interviewees also frequently cited patient characteristics that could affect the strength of patient-provider relationships. These included being concerned about their health, feeling deserving of care, and having appropriate psychiatric care for concomitant mental health conditions. Practical obstacles and a disorganized mindset impeded patient-provider relationships. Conclusions The interpersonal dynamics of the patient-provider relationship are particularly important for patients with addictive disease, as this relationship may be one of the most stable and rewarding in their lives. Patients felt that greater understanding of the practical and psychosocial challenges of addiction enabled providers to more effectively address their health concerns and to be more caring and less judgmental. It is hoped that this work will contribute to providers’ understanding of patients with addictions, thus allowing them to form stronger relationships and ultimately provide better care.
Thrombopoietic cytokines and platelet count in multiple myeloma

Cytokines like interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β are both implicated in multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis and megakaryopoiesis. The dynamic interaction between thrombopoiesis and thrombopoietic cytokines in MM may affect platelet (PLT) counts. Sixty-eight patients with MM (30 female, 38 male; median age 58 (40–79), 38 newly diagnosed, 15 in plateau, and 15 relapse and/or refractory patients) and 21 controls were included in the study. Plasma levels of thrombopoietin (TPO), IL-1β, IL-11 and IL-6 were measured by ELISA. PLT counts were not different between the control group and MM patients with various disease stages and activity. IL-6 and TPO levels were higher in MM patients than healthy subjects (p < 0.001). PLT counts were inversely correlated with TPO (r = −0.566; p < 0.001) and positively correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.263; p = 0.04) levels in MM patients. TPO and IL-6 levels were significantly correlated (r = 0.305; p < 0.001). Disease activity has no effect on plasma cytokine levels. TPO levels were higher in stage III than stage I (p = 0.05) and stage II (p = 0.03) patients in newly diagnosed MM. High TPO levels induced by IL-6 may sustain normal PLT counts despite bone marrow infiltration by plasma cells and decreased PLT half-life.
SUT-NANOTEC-SLRI beamline for X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

The SUT-NANOTEC-SLRI beamline was constructed in 2012 as the flagship of the SUT-NANOTEC-SLRI Joint Research Facility for Synchrotron Utilization, co-established by Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) and Synchrotron Light Research Institute (SLRI). It is an intermediate-energy X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) beamline at SLRI. The beamline delivers an unfocused monochromatic X-ray beam of tunable photon energy (1.25-10 keV). The maximum normal incident beam size is 13 mm (width) × 1 mm (height) with a photon flux of 3 × 108 to 2 × 1010 photons s-1 (100 mA)-1 varying across photon energies. Details of the beamline and XAS instrumentation are described. To demonstrate the beamline performance, K-edge XANES spectra of MgO, Al2O3, S8, FeS, FeSO4, Cu, Cu2O and CuO, and EXAFS spectra of Cu and CuO are presented.
Analysis of the bacterial seal at the implant-abutment interface in external-hexagon and Morse taper-connection implants: an in vitro study using a new methodology.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare, in vitro, external-hexagon and Morse taper implant systems with respect to bacterial sealing between implants and abutments using a new methodology. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two groups of implants were tested. Group 1 implants had an external-hexagon implant-abutment interface (Neodent) and group 2 implants featured a Morse taper (Neodent) interface. The implants were perforated apically with a 1-mm bur until the bur reached the internal chamber. Prosthetic components were adapted with the recommended torque (32 and 10 Ncm, respectively) for each group. The implants were attached to an assay vial, with the abutment end positioned into the tube. With a sterilized syringe, the assay vials were filled with liquid culture medium (brain heart infusion broth). All the specimens were sterilized by gamma radiation. After the efficacy of sterilization had been confirmed using control samples, the apical hole was carefully opened and inoculated with Escherichia coli. RESULTS Samples were examined daily for evidence of contamination. Within a 14-day period, 60% of the samples of group 1 were contaminated and 30% of group 2 samples were contaminated. After this period there was no further contamination in either group. CONCLUSION Although both systems exhibited bacterial contamination, the Morse taper implants of the system used in this study provided a better bacterial seal than external-hexagon implants of the same system.
Relationship of cognitive reserve and APOE status to the emergence of clinical symptoms in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease

The APOE ε4 allele increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, whereas the APOE ε2 allele reduces risk. We examined whether cognitive reserve (CR), as measured by an index consisting of education, reading, and vocabulary, modifies these associations. CR was measured at baseline in 257 cognitively normal individuals (mean age 57.2 years) who have been followed for up to 17 years (mean follow-up = 9.2 years). Cox regression models showed that CR and APOE ε4 independently affected the risk of progressing from normal cognition to onset of clinical symptoms: CR reduced risk by about 50% in both ε4 carriers and non-carriers, while ε4 increased risk by about 150%. In contrast, APOE ε2 interacted with CR, such that CR was more protective in ε2 carriers than non-carriers. This suggests that individuals with an ε2 genotype may disproportionately benefit from lifetime experiences that enhance cognition.
From Individual Cognition to Social Ecosystem: A Structuration Model of Enterprise Systems Use

In this paper, we argue that one can understand the adoption and routine use of enterprise systems by examining the fit between the system and the social structures of the organization. We develop a model of the adoption and longterm use of enterprise systems based on sociological concepts (Lord Anthony Giddens’ structuration theory) rather than the usual cognitive psychology concepts. We focus on the adoption and use of three versions of an enterprise KMS to support sales representatives at a multinational pharmaceutical firm. Our first study (a five-year case study of the KMS that went through one failed deployment and two successful ones) shows that the structures of signification, legitimation, and domination all influence loyal use, although domination may be less important. Our second study (a survey of 893 users at the firm) shows that the structures of signification, legitimation, and domination explain about 50 percent of the variance in ongoing loyal use but that their relative importance depends on the job experience of the users: signification and legitimation influence novices more, and signification and domination influence experts more. We believe that this parsimonious three-factor model offers a useful approach for future research and practice.