Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of continuity of care on the postradiotherapy survival of working-age patients with oral cavity cancer: A nationwide population-based cohort study in Taiwan

Objectives Cancer of the oral cavity, a well-known global health concern, remains one of most common causes of cancer mortality. Continuity of care (COC), a measurement of the extent to which an individual patient receives care from a given provider over a specified period of time, can help cancer survivors process their experiences of dealing with the illness and recuperation; however, limited research has focused on the survival rate of working-age patients with oral cancer. Methods A total of 14,240 working-age patients (20 <age ≤65 years) with oral cavity cancer treated with radiotherapy (RT) during 2000–2013 were included in this study from a registry of patients with catastrophic illnesses maintained by the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We evaluated the effects of the Continuity of Care Index (COCI) proposed by Bice and Boxerman, sociodemographic factors, and comorbidities on the survival rate. This study categorized COC into three groups—low (COCI < 0.23), intermediate (COCI = 0.23–0.37), and high (COCI ≥ 0.38)—according to the distribution of scores in our sample. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to determine the demographic factors and comorbidities associated with the survival rate. Results Among all the relevant variables, low COCI, male sex, low socioeconomic status, no receipt of prior dental treatment before RT, residence outside northern Taiwan, chemotherapy receipt, and a history of diabetes increased the risk of mortality. Pre-RT dental evaluation and management was significantly associated with reduced post-RT mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.767, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.729–0.806, p < 0.001). Compared with patients with a high COCI, those with a low COCI exhibited an increased risk of mortality (aHR = 1.170, 95% CI = 1.093–1.252, p < 0.001). The mortality risk in the intermediate COC group was significantly higher than that in the high COC group (aHR = 1.194, 95% CI = 1.127–1.266, p < 0.001). To balance the distribution of the potential risk factors, propensity-score matching was used for the high COC (COCI > 0.38) and non-high COC (COCI ≤ 0.38) groups. After propensity-score matching, the mortality risk in the low and intermediate COC groups was also found to be significantly higher than that in the high COC group (aHR = 1.178, 95% CI = 1.074–1.292, p < 0.001 and aHR = 1.189, 95% CI = 1.107–1.277, p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions In Taiwan, COC and prior dental treatment before RT significantly affected the survival rate of working-age patients with oral cancer. This result merits policymakers’ attention.
Rebuilding and guiding a care community: A grounded theory of end-of-life nursing care practice in long-term care settings.

AIMS To investigate the end-of-life nursing-care practice process in long-term care settings for older adults in Japan. DESIGN A qualitative study based on grounded theory developed by Corbin and Strauss. METHODS Sampling, interviewing and analysis were performed cyclically, with results for each stage used as the basis for data collection and next-stage analysis decisions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from March 2015 - March 2019 with 22 nurses from eight long-term care settings. Analysis was performed using coding, constant comparison and emerging categories. RESULTS The core category, "guiding the rebuilt care community to assist the dying resident" comprised five categories: "assessing the resident's stage," "harmonizing care with the dying process," "rebuilding a care community," "helping community members care for the resident," and "encouraging community members to give meaning. " The participants were the integral members of the care community, as well as guides who helped and encouraged the community. CONCLUSION Results revealed the holistic process of end-of-life nursing-care practice in Japan. Nurses aimed to allow long-term care residents to die as social human beings. Such practice requires nursing expertise, health-care skills and leadership qualities to build and serve care communities. Nurses must also consider residents' uncertainties and vulnerabilities as well as their cultural backgrounds.
Half Soccer Season Induced Physical Conditioning Adaptations in Elite Youth Players

Abstract This study aimed to investigate training-induced fitness changes and their relationship with training-competition load during half a soccer season (18 wks). Training load [heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE)] and match time were monitored, including 108 training (3 223 individuals) and 23 match sessions, in 38 youth elite male soccer players. Fitness variables were assessed before and after the study. Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1) improved (P<0.001; 90%CI: 418–632 m; ES: 2.14). Anthropometrical, jump, sprint, and change-of-direction measures remained unchanged. Jump test correlated with sprint (r=0.74; P<0.001; SEE=3.38 m·s−1) and Yo-Yo IRT1 (r=−0.58; P=0.005; SEE=4.11 m) tests. Initial sum of 6 skinfolds was associated with changes in this same measure (r=−0.51; P<0.001; SEE=21%). Initial Yo-Yo IRT1 results were related to changes in Yo-Yo IRT1 (r=−0.84; P<0.001; SEE=10%) and match time played (r=0.44; P=0.033; SEE=445 m). Mean RPE records were related to training spent within 75–90% maximal HR (r=0.54; P<0.001; SEE=4%). The half-season was beneficial for endurance running performance but not for lower-limb strength-velocity production capacity. The more aerobically deconditioned players played fewer minutes of match, although they showed the greatest improvements in endurance performance. Non-soccer-specific, scientifically based, and individualized fitness programs in addition to soccer-specific training are recommended.
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in Infants and Children: Protocol, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy: 25 Years of Experience

Background: The application of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in the pediatric dysphagia protocol requires specialized knowledge of pediatric conditions that result in dysphagia, recognition of normal and abnormal laryngopharyngeal anatomy and function across ages, and the ability to identify maturational changes in anatomy and function of the aerodigestive tract that pertain to airway protection and swallowing function. Methods: Over the past 25 years, we have performed over 7,000 collaborative Otolaryngology and Speech-Language Pathology FEES examinations in patients ranging from 2 days of age to young adults. During this time period, we have monitored the safety of the procedure, explored the feasibility and utility of FEES across conditions, compared and contrasted FEES to the videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing (VFSS), and developed specific pediatric FEES protocols with operational definitions for identification and interpretation of swallowing parameters. Results: FEES has proved to be a safe procedure in patients across ages. There have been no significant adverse events. FEES is comparable to the VFSS in the assessment of events before and after the swallow. It provides unique information regarding laryngopharyngeal anatomy and function, airway protection integrity, sensory threshold, and secretion management ability, as well as pharyngeal swallowing dynamics and the efficacy of compensatory swallowing strategies. Conclusions: There are specific indications and contraindications for pediatric FEES, and unique components that characterize the pediatric FEES protocols across ages and conditions. FEES procedures performed jointly by an Otolaryngologist and Speech-Language pathologist offer a team approach to interpretation and management recommendations.
Phase I/II Study of Docetaxel and S-1 in Previously-Treated Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: LOGIK0408

Background: As docetaxel plus S-1 may be feasible for cancer treatment, we conducted a phase I/II trial to determine the recommended docetaxel dose and the fixed S-1 dose (phase I), as well as confirm the regimen’s efficacy and safety (phase II) for previously-treated patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: Patients ≤75 years with performance status ≤1 and adequate organ function were treated at three-week intervals with docetaxel on day 1 and 80 mg/m2 oral S-1 from days 1–14. The starting docetaxel dose was 45 mg/m2 and this was escalated to a maximum of 70 mg/m2. In phase II, response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety were assessed. Results: The recommended doses were 50 mg/m2 docetaxel (day 1) and 80 mg/m2 S-1 (days 1–14). Grades 3 and 4 leukocytopenia and neutropenia occurred in 44% and 67% of patients, respectively. Nonhematologic toxicities were generally mild. Overall response to chemotherapy was 7.7% (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6–20.9%), and median PFS and OS were 18.0 weeks (95% CI; 11.3–22.9 weeks) and 53.0 weeks, respectively. Conclusion: Fifty mg/m2 docetaxel plus 80 mg/m2 oral S-1 had a lower response rate than anticipated; however, the survival data were encouraging. A further investigation is warranted to select the optimal patient population.
Finite-Time and Fixed-Time Synchronization of Coupled Memristive Neural Networks With Time Delay

This article is devoted to analyzing the finite-time and fixed-time synchronization of coupled memristive neural networks with time delays. The synchronization is leaderless rather than leader–follower as the tracking targets are uncertain. By designing a proper controller and using the Lyapunov method, several sufficient conditions are obtained to achieve the finite-time and fixed-time synchronization of coupled memristive neural networks by introducing a class of special auxiliary matrices. Moreover, the settling times can be estimated for finite-time synchronization that depends on the initial values as well as fixed-time synchronization that is uniformly bounded for any initial values. Finally, two examples are presented to substantiate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Describing placebos in patient information leaflets: effects on patients’ beliefs

Background: There are ethical shortcomings to current standard practices regarding the provision of information about placebos in clinical trials. Written information about placebos for clinical trial participants can be incomplete and even misleading. We aimed to develop accurate yet accessible written information about placebos for patients who might participate in clinical trials and to test the effects of such information on patients’ beliefs about placebos. Methods: With input from 22 patients and public volunteers, a new, “elaborated” information leaflet was developed to provide accessible and evidence-based information about placebos and their possible effects. A “standard” leaflet was also produced which gave a neutral but incomplete description of placebos. In an online experiment 328 participants with chronic health conditions were randomised to read either the elaborated or the standard leaflet. Participants completed validated measures of the credibility and expected effectiveness of placebo treatment for pain and intentions, attitudes, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms towards taking part in a placebo-controlled trial. Results: The elaborated leaflet had a significant positive effect on participants’ ratings of the credibility (t(326) = -2.78, p<0.01) and effectiveness (t(326) = -2.59, p<0.05) of placebo treatment for pain. It had no effect on intentions to take part in placebo-controlled clinical trials. Conclusions: The elaborated leaflet provided more comprehensive information about placebos than is commonly provided in current clinical trials. Such a leaflet appears to have greater ethical validity and might increase the magnitude of placebo effects. Further research is needed with participants who are actively considering enrolling in a placebo-controlled trial.
Trends and Drivers of Change of Pastoral Beef Production Systems in a Mediterranean-Temperate Climate Zone of Chile

Simple Summary Livestock production systems show modifications over time due to both internal and external variables. The relationships between internal variables allow the definition of typological groups of production systems. Knowing the typological groups and their temporal evolution allows the identification of continuity strategies at the private and public levels. With this aim and using data from livestock surveys conducted in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015, four typological groups of beef production in a Mediterranean-temperate climate zone of Chile were identified. The typological groups differed in size, productive orientation, breeds used, and response to changes in external variables, among other aspects. These groups require different continuity strategies, which include, their sustainable intensification and the need to focus on pastoral production using low external inputs to enhance the production of “natural” beef for high-value niche markets. Abstract The present study used surveys of the cattle sector over the period of 2009–2015 to develop a typology of cattle farms to evaluate their evolution over time and to identify variables that may be associated with systems’ adaptive changes and continuance. Four groups of farms were defined using multivariate analyses as follows: Group I are small calf-cow operations using non-specialized beef breeds; Group II is similar to Group I but employs specialized beef breeds; Group III is dedicated to finishing cattle, and Group IV are larger farms (>1000 animals) with a complete cycle of breeding and fattening. In general, beef cattle production in the temperate—Mediterranean Southern Zone of Chile is declining in response to the opening up of the economy that allows for ample imports, the high opportunity cost of land, and recurrent droughts associated with climate change. Current policies and regulations have modified farms’ businesses models depending on their ease of access to markets, farm size and financial capacity. The defined groups require different development paths and strategies. Sustainable intensification is an alternative strategy for farms in Group I and II, particularly if they were to contract the finishing stage of their cattle with Group III farms. In contrast, it is suggested that Group IV farms concentrate on pastoral production using low external inputs to enhance the production of “natural” beef for high-value niche markets, with positive externalities.
Introgression of a cry1Ab transgene into open pollinated maize and its effect on Cry protein concentration and target pest survival

In Africa, the target pests of genetically modified Bt maize are lepidopteran stem borers, notably Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Gene flow between Bt maize hybrids and open pollinated varieties (OPVs) that do not contain the Bt trait is highly likely in areas where both types of maize are cultivated. Consequently, introgression of the cry1Ab transgene into local OPVs will result in unknown patterns of Cry1Ab protein expression in plants during follow-up seasons when recycled seed of OPVs is planted. Too low concentrations of Cry protein in such plants may result in selection for resistant alleles and accelerate resistance evolution. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of introgression of the cry1Ab transgene into an OPV, on Cry protein concentration levels and pest survival. Bt transgene introgression was done by crossing a transgenic donor hybrid containing the cry1Ab gene with a non-Bt OPV as well as with a non-Bt near-isogenic hybrid. F1 and F2 crosses as well as back crosses were done yielding 11 genotypes (treatments). Cry1Ab protein concentrations in leaf tissue of these crosses were determined by means of ELISAs. All crosses that contained the transgene had similar or higher Cry1Ab concentrations when compared to the Bt parental hybrid, except for the Bt x OPV F1-cross that had a significantly lower Cry1Ab concentration. Survival B. fusca larvae were evaluated in assays in which larvae were reared for 14 days on whorl leaf tissue of the different treatments. Larval survival did not differ between any of the maize plant treatments which contained the Bt gene. Results suggest that Bt transgene introgression into OPVs may produce plant progenies that express Cry1Ab protein at sufficient concentrations, at last up to the F2 seed, to control B. fusca larvae. Resistance evolution is however not only influenced by the frequency of pest individuals that survive exposure to the Cry proteins but also by factors such as genetics of the pest and recipient OPV, pest biology and migration behaviour.
Specific staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types and clonal complexes are associated with low-level amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefalotin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius

Abstract Background Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a common pathogen in dogs and methicillin resistance has emerged over recent decades. According to the current guidelines, S. pseudintermedius displaying oxacillin resistance should be reported as resistant to all β-lactams. Objectives To identify possible associations between β-lactam resistance levels and clonal complexes (CCs) and/or staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types in methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP). Methods MICs of oxacillin, penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefalotin were determined by broth microdilution for 86 clinical canine MRSP isolates from Denmark and the Netherlands. PCR and sequencing were used for SCCmec typing and MLST. Results Isolates belonged to CC71 (n = 36), CC258 (n = 33), CC45 (n = 11), CC68 (n = 1) and five singleton STs. SCCmecII-III was exclusively found in CC71 and SCCmecIV was significantly associated with CC258. SCCmecV and non-typeable SCCmec types occurred in 4 and 14 isolates, respectively. SCCmecIV was associated with lower MICs of oxacillin (<2 mg/L), ampicillin (<8 mg/L) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (<4 mg/L) and with susceptibility to cefalotin (<4 mg/L). All isolates harbouring SCCmecV were susceptible to cefalotin as well. Conclusions SCCmec types were associated with different CCs and with either high- or low-level resistance to different β-lactams. The finding of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (20%) and cefalotin (70%) in vitro susceptibility across all CCs might have clinical implications, since amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and first-generation cephalosporins are first-choice antibiotics for treatment of S. pseudintermedius infections. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic and clinical outcome studies are warranted to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of these β-lactams for treatment of MRSP infections.
Optimal GNSS Pulse Blanking in the Presence of Signal Quantization

Pulsed interference can severely degrade the performance of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. For this reason, several mitigation techniques have been developed for reducing the impact of disturbing signals. Among the different pulsed interference mitigation techniques, Pulse Blanking (PB) has received particular attention due to its simplicity and effectiveness. In this paper, the performance of PB is assessed in the presence of signal conditioning and the impact of front-end parameters, such as the number of bits used for quantization and the gain of the Automatic Gain Control (AGC), is analyzed. The theoretical analysis is supported by Monte Carlo simulations and experimental results, which show that signal conditioning plays a fundamental role in the design of interference mitigation techniques.
PREVALENCE OF NAIL ABNORMALITIES IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects about 2% of general population. Clinically, disease can present with cutaneous and nails lesions. Nail abnormalities can be seen in up to two-thirds of patients with psoriasis and both fingernails and toenails may be affected. Objective: The objectives of our study were to evaluate the frequency and clinical presentations of nail abnormalities in patients with psoriasis. Also, we aimed to find correlation between nail changes and some clinical parameters. Methods: One hundred and ten patients with psoriasis were included in this study. A detailed history and examination was recorded for all study subjects, including the age and gender of the patients, type of psoriasis, duration, and extent of disease. Finger and toe nails were clinically examined and nail changes were noted. In the case of clinically suspected of fungal infection, further mycological investigations were performed. Results: Nail abnormalities were present in 67 patients (60.9%) with psoriasis. Nail pitting was the most common lesion observed on fingernails, followed by discoloration of nail plate. Subungual hyperkeratosis of nail plates were significantly more frequent on the toenails. Positive mycological culture was in 14 (20.8%) psoriatic patients with nail involvement. Also, positive correlation between nail abnormalities and duration of psoriasis was found. Conclusions: Nail involvement is common in patients with psoriasis and accompanies skin lesions on the body surface. Pitting and subungual hyperkeratosis are the most frequent nail abnormality in psoriatic patients.
A Deep Learning Model for Cell Growth Inhibition IC50 Prediction and Its Application for Gastric Cancer Patients

Heterogeneity in intratumoral cancers leads to discrepancies in drug responsiveness, due to diverse genomics profiles. Thus, prediction of drug responsiveness is critical in precision medicine. So far, in drug responsiveness prediction, drugs’ molecular “fingerprints”, along with mutation statuses, have not been considered. Here, we constructed a 1-dimensional convolution neural network model, DeepIC50, to predict three drug responsiveness classes, based on 27,756 features including mutation statuses and various drug molecular fingerprints. As a result, DeepIC50 showed better cell viability IC50 prediction accuracy in pan-cancer cell lines over two independent cancer cell line datasets. Gastric cancer (GC) is not only one of the lethal cancer types in East Asia, but also a heterogeneous cancer type. Currently approved targeted therapies in GC are only trastuzumab and ramucirumab. Responsive GC patients for the drugs are limited, and more drugs should be developed in GC. Due to the importance of GC, we applied DeepIC50 to a real GC patient dataset. Drug responsiveness prediction in the patient dataset by DeepIC50, when compared to the other models, were comparable to responsiveness observed in GC cell lines. DeepIC50 could possibly accurately predict drug responsiveness, to new compounds, in diverse cancer cell lines, in the drug discovery process.