Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF LOW-DOSE ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE TEST IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS

ABSTRACT Background: Previous trials evaluated the incidence of critical illness–related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) using 250 μg adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). However, this supraphysiological dose could result in false-positive levels. We aimed to determine the incidence of CIRCI in septic patients using a 1 μg ACTH stress test. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study on 39 patients with septic shock. Critical illness–related corticosteroid insufficiency was defined as a Δ max cortisol <9 μg/dL after 1 μg ACTH stress test. The primary outcome of the study was death. Secondary outcomes included days of vasopressors, days of mechanical ventilation (MV), amount of fluid per day, the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), and days of intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Results: The incidence of CIRCI in our cohort was 43.6% using 1 μg ACTH. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of ICU scores, laboratory investigations, vasopressors, MV days, amount of fluid per day, and the ICU stay (P = > 0.05). The CIRCI group had lower median survival and survival probability rates (5 days and 48.4%, respectively) compared with the non-CIRCI group (7 days and 49.5%, respectively). In addition, the CIRCI group had a shorter time to develop AKI and a higher probability of developing AKI (4 days and 44.6%, respectively) in comparison with the non-CIRCI group (6 days and 45.57%, respectively). Conclusion: We concluded that the CIRCI group had a lower mean survival rate and a higher incidence of AKI. We recommend the use of 1 μg ACTH test in septic shock patients to identify this subgroup of patients.
A retrospective, non-interventional study of breast cancer patients diagnosed with ER+/HER2 negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer treated with palbociclib in Denmark

Abstract Background The recommended first-line treatment for advanced, ER+/HER2 negative breast cancer is a CDK 4/6 inhibitor in combination with an endocrine backbone. This study investigated the use of palbociclib, as first- or second-line therapy for advanced breast cancer patients in a real-world setting. Material and Methods This retrospective, population-based study included all Danish, advanced breast cancer patients with ER+/HER2 negative disease who initiated first- or second-line treatment with palbociclib from January 1st, 2017, until December 31st, 2020. The primary outcomes were PFS and OS. Results The study included 1054 advanced breast cancer patients with a mean age of 66.8 years. Median OS was 51.7 months (95% CI, 44.9–54.6) for all patients in the first-line setting (n = 728) and median PFS was 24.3 months (95% CI, 21.7–27.8). Patients treated in second line (n = 326) had a median OS of 32.5 months (95% CI, 29.9–35.9) and a median PFS of 13.6 months (95% CI, 11.5–15.7). In first-line setting, the PFS and OS were significantly different for endocrine sensitive patients treated with AI (aromatase inhibitor) (n = 423) vs. fulvestrant (n = 158) as endocrine backbone to palbociclib (median PFS AI 31.3 months vs fulvestrant 19.9 months, p = 0.002 and median OS AI 56.9 months vs. fulvestrant 43.6 months, p = 0.001). In endocrine resistant patients (n = 145), no statistically significant difference in PFS was shown (median PFS AI 21.5 months vs. fulvestrant 12.0 months, p = 0.09), whereas OS was significantly different (median OS AI 43.5 months vs. fulvestrant 28.8 months, p = 0.02). Conclusion In this real-world study, treatment with palbociclib combination therapy met the standards of efficacy set by the phase III trials, PALOMA-2 and PALOMA-3, and the standards set by real-world studies in other countries. The study showed significantly different outcomes in terms of PFS and OS in endocrine sensitive patients comparing AI vs. fulvestrant as endocrine backbone to palbociclib as first-line therapy.
Direct measurement of slip length in electrolyte solutions

Electrokinetic effects and electrostatic repulsion between tracer particles and glass surface have both been proposed as possible sources that would lead to false slip results obtained from velocimetry-based measurements. Using a three-dimensional total internal reflection velocimetry technique, we address such a concern by comparing the measured slip lengths between nonionic solutions and electrolyte solutions whose ionic concentrations have been predicted to reduce the electricity-induced slip effect to a submolecular level. It is observed that the presence of electrolytes has no effect on the measured slip lengths, suggesting that the observed slip velocities are most likely not due to electrostatic and electrokinetic effects, but are consequences of true boundary slip.
Effect of strongly coupled plasma on photoionization cross section

The effect of strongly coupled plasma on the ground state photoionization cross section is studied. In the non relativistic dipole approximation, cross section is evaluated from bound-free transition matrix element. The bound and free state wave functions are obtained by solving the radial Schrodinger equation with appropriate plasma potential. We have used ion sphere potential (ISP) to incorporate the plasma effects in atomic structure calculation. This potential includes the effect of static plasma screening on nuclear charge as well as the effect of confinement due to the neighbouring ions. With ISP, the radial equation is solved using Shooting method approach for hydrogen like ions (Li+2, C+5, Al+12) and lithium like ions (C+3, O+5). The effect of strong screening and confinement is manifested as confinement resonances near the ionization threshold for both kinds of ions. The confinement resonances are very much dependent on the edge of the confining potential and die out as the plasma density is incr.
Regularization of Linear Systems with Sparsity Constraints with Applications to Large Scale Inverse Problems

This thesis is about numerical methods for the regularization of large scale inverse problems with sparsity constraints. Some new methods are proposed, and applied to an inverse problem from Geotomography, the goal of which is to determine latitudinal and longitudinal corrections to a spherically symmetric wave velocity model of the Earth’s interior. The problem involves a very large, badly conditioned linear system, whose solutions, expressed in an intricate coordinate system, can be sparsely represented under the action of a wavelet transformation. The methods we develop and analyze in this thesis are simple to implement, efficient and easy to parallelize on large machines. In addition, the convergence analysis for the new algorithms assumes minimal conditions on the linear systems they are applied to. This thesis is organized as follows. After the introduction, we give in Chapter 2, an overview of existing schemes for regularization with sparsity constraints, and we introduce new material developed in the remainder of the thesis. Chapter 3 introduces a new firm thresholding based scheme that overcomes some shortcomings of soft thresholding; this scheme applies less penalty to the large coefficients of the iterates, while producing solutions of comparable sparsity. Chapter 4 introduces two novel methods based on an iteratively reweighted least squares strategy. These methods are designed to minimize a new more general sparsity promoting functional, which is especially useful for structured sparse problems, such as those encountered under the action of a wavelet transform. Detailed convergence analysis is provided for these two new algorithms. Chapter 5 discusses techniques that are useful for numerical implementation, such as a fast implementation of a randomized low rank SVD approximation and matrix column norm estimations, useful for large badly conditioned matrices. Finally, Chapter 6 presents the application, collecting ideas from the previous chapters and applying them to the inverse problem.
Tail Dependence of Hedge Funds

This thesis assesses the tail dependence of hedge funds applying various linear and nonlinear methods of tail dependence estimation. The nonlinear methods are all based on concepts from extreme value theory. The methods applied have been developed by Poon et al., Malevergne and Sornette, and Schmidt and Stadtmuller. The linear measures of tail dependence are the classical linear measures of correlation (Pearson’s r, Spearman’s ρ, and Kendall’s τ). The data that has been investigated stems from the S&P 500, the Tremont Hedge Fund Index, and from ISPartners, a hedge fund situated in Zurich and collaborator of this thesis. The gained results are manifold, but some general conclusions can be drawn. For small data sets the linear measures of tail dependence performed better than expected and sometimes almost as good as the nonlinear measures (assuming that their results are more reliable than those obtained with linear measures of tail dependence). The method of Poon et al. performed poorly and was only applied to a small set of the investigated data. The performance of the various tail index estimators that were needed for the methods of Poon et al. and Malevergne and Sornette was quite differing. The Gabaix estimator seems to perform best for small data sets and has been applied to all relations investigated. In general the nonlinear measures of tail dependence seem to perform better than the linear ones, as the variance of their results is generally smaller than the ones of the results derived with linear measures of tail dependence. However, the methods of Malevergne and Sornette might produce spurious results due to an intrinsic asymmetry caused by including the β of an underlying factor model in their methods. Therefore, the method by Schmidt and Stadtmuller might be superior, although its behavior is less smooth than that of Malevergne and Sornette’s methods. The economic interpretation of the results proved to be difficult, as only few tendencies could be extracted from the gained results. It seems that managed futures (CTAs) have small tail dependencies related to market movements, as they often apply trading software that does not show herding behavior in extreme situations. This holds also for hedge funds that do not contain a lot of equity. On the other hand, we have hedge funds that are mainly equity based (e.g event driven funds that try to profit from mispricings in securities related to specific corporate or market events) and, hence, show a higher tail dependence with the market movements. To clarify open questions future research is needed. The next steps could be the prolongation of short times series using benchmarks or to test the various methods with synthetic data sets that possess known properties.
Effect of different levels of green tea (Camellia sinensis) and mulberry (Morus alba) leaves powder on performance, carcass characteristics, immune response and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

Abstract Background In recent years, the use of medicinal plants as an alternative to antibiotics has expanded. Plants containing medicines and antioxidants can improve the performance of poultry. Objectives The purpose of this study was to achieve the appropriate levels of green tea leaf powder (GTP) and mulberry leaf powder (MLP) in the diet, which positively affects broilers’ performance. Methods 648 one‐day‐old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated to nine dietary treatments with six replicates and each replicate containing 12 birds based on a completely randomised design (CRD) in a factorial arrangement of 3 × 3 with three levels of GTP, and three levels of MLP for 42 days. Treatments included: (1) no GTP + no MLP (control), (2) 1% GTP + no MLP, (3) 2% GTP + no MLP, (4) no GTP + 1% MLP, (5) 1% GTP + 1% MLP, (6) 2% GTP + 1% MLP, (7) no GTP + 2% MLP, (8) 1% GTP + 2% MLP and (9) 2% GTP + 2% MLP. Results The results revealed that the effect of added powders (2%) was significant and increased daily weight gain (DWG) and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group during the grower and whole phases (p < 0.05). On 35 days, the control and 2% GTP + 2% MLP treatment had the lowest and highest antibodies titre (total and immunoglobulin G [IgG]), respectively (p < 0.05). The groups fed with 1% GTP + 1% MLP showed higher villus height (VH) compared to the control, 2% GTP + 1% MLP, 1% GTP + 2% MLP, and 2% GTP + 2% MLP groups (p < 0.05). The ratio of the villus height to crypt depth (VH: CD) in treatments 1% GTP + no MLP, 2% GTP + no MLP and 1% GTP + 1% MLP was significantly higher than the control treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusions It was concluded that the addition of 2% GTP or MLP could improve humoral immune response and performance, and the addition of 1% GTP without MLP increased VH: CD in broilers.
The impact of organisational factors on treatment outcomes for those seeking alcohol or other drug treatment: A systematic review

Abstract Introduction Organisational factors have been found to be associated with health outcomes in a number of health‐care settings. Despite likely being an important influence on the quality of care provided within alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment centres, the impact of organisational factors on AOD treatment outcomes have not been extensively explored. This systematic literature review examines the characteristics, methodological quality and findings of published studies exploring the association between organisational factors and client AOD treatment outcomes. Methods Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and the Cochrane database were searched from 2010 to March 2022 for relevant papers. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria underwent quality assessment using the Joanna Brigg's Institute critical appraisal tool for cross‐sectional studies, followed by data extraction of key variables pertaining to the aims. A narrative summary was used to synthesise the data. Results Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Organisational factors examined included cultural competency, organisational readiness for change, directorial leadership, continuity of care practices, service access, service to needs ratios, dual diagnosis training, therapeutic optimism and the funding model/health‐care system that treatment was delivered in. Outcome measures included duration, completion or continuation of treatment; AOD use; and patient perceptions of treatment outcomes. Seven out of nine papers found a significant interaction between at least one organisational variable and AOD treatment outcomes. Discussion and Conclusions Organisational factors are likely to impact treatment outcomes for patients seeking treatment for AOD. Further examination of the organisational factors that influence AOD outcomes is needed to inform systemic improvements to AOD treatment.
The Liquid-liquid InterfaceUnder Planetary Rotation

Countercurrent chromatography is a liquid-liquid partition chromatography method allowing high-resolution purifications. It utilises the hydrodynamic behaviour of two immiscible liquid phases in coil columns undergoing a planetary motion generated by a synchronous coil planet centrifuge. In this study planetary rotation is applied to liquid-liquid flows in two types of ring geometries. The influence of the epicyclic force field is studied by applying a variety of different operating conditions, namely rotational speed and the ratio of the planet and sun radii known as the beta value. The results show that variation of the beta value has far greater influence on phase distribution than variation of the rotational speed.
Challenges in the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: the importance of a multidisciplinary approach

ABSTRACT Introduction The diagnosis of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) requires the careful exclusion of secondary causes of interstitial lung disease (ILD), and the collaboration among different specialists is considered paramount to establish a diagnosis with high diagnostic confidence. The multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) has assumed an increasing importance over the years in the different phases of the IPF diagnostic work-up. Areas covered The role of MDD in the diagnosis and management of IPF will be described. Practical insights will be provided into how and when to perform MDD based on the available scientific evidence. Current limitations and future perspectives will be discussed. Expert opinion In the absence of high diagnostic confidence, agreement between different specialists during MDD is recognized as a surrogate indicator of diagnostic accuracy. Often, despite a lengthy evaluation, the diagnosis remains unclassifiable in a significant percentage of patients. MDD therefore appears to be pivotal in attaining an accurate diagnosis of ILDs. The discussion among different specialists can also include other specialists, such as rheumatologists and thoracic surgeons, in addition to the core group of pulmonologists, radiologists, and pathologists. Such discussions can allow greater diagnostic accuracy and have important effects on management, pharmacologic therapies, and prognosis.
Efficient likelihood evaluation for VARMA processes with missing values

A detailed description of an algorithm for the evaluation and differentiation of the likelihood function for VARMA processes in the general case of missing values is presented. The method is based on combining the Cholesky decomposition method for complete data VARMA likelihood evaluation and the Sherman-MorrisonWoodbury formula. Potential saving for pure VAR processes is discussed and formulae for the estimation of missing values and shocks are provided. The report concludes with description of numerical results obtained with a Matlab implementation of the algorithm, which is in a companion report. Differentiation with respect to matrices, solution of vector-Yule-Walker equations, VARMA model simulation and the determinant of a low rank update are discussed in appendices.
Space velocities of 14 globular clusters

Relative proper motions for 14 globular clusters are converted to absolute proper motions using a new procedure that uses results from the Lick program of proper motions relative to galaxies. These absolute proper motions are then used to derive space velocities for the clusters. The space velocities generally confirm the picture of disk and halo populations of globulars that had been deduced from radial velocity data alone, but there are a few surprises; most notably M4 and M28 are moderately metal-poor but in orbits confined to the disk. We also find a very high space velocity for M5
The effects of a dietary supplement on brain function and structure in Junior A ice hockey players: a prospective randomized trial

Background Neurocognitive impairment linked to head impact exposure in otherwise healthy, non-concussed athletes may be associated with adverse long-term outcomes. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a dietary supplement, Synaquell, supports brain function and structure in male Junior A ice hockey players over the course of a season. Methods Players underwent pre-season testing, were randomized into a placebo or dietary supplement group, then were retested after the season. Objective tests included: NeuroCatch(R) portable evoked potential platform, King-Devick Test of rapid number naming, and blood biomarker assay for neurofilament light chain (NfL). Results Multivariate analysis revealed significant differences in neurocognitive changes between groups from pre to postseason after controlling for covariates related to head impact exposure. Post-hoc tests showed significant within-subject differences between groups from pre- to post-season in both N100 latency (p = 0.005) and King-Devick score (p = 0.043). Univariate tests of the NeuroCatch results replicated prior findings of a N400 amplitude decrease (p = 0.017) and N100 latency increase (p = 0.049) in the placebo group, but not in the dietary supplement group. Conclusions This prospective, randomized trial showed that, compared to the placebo group, a multi-ingredient dietary supplement significantly affected objective measures of brain function and structure in Junior A ice hockey players from pre- to post-season. Further investigation into the effects of dietary supplementation on the contact athletes brain is warranted.
Dialysis education and options for late presenters—An ongoing dilemma

Pre‐dialysis education forms a crucial part of dialysis preparation. Acute start dialysis patients often commence and remain on in‐center hemodialysis (ICHD) without the benefit of an informed decision making process for kidney replacement therapy options. The aim of this review is to evaluate the evidence surrounding methods of education provision to the acute dialysis start population and their associated outcomes. Publications have described a holistic education pathway with multimedia provision of information and interactive experiences. One or more trained specialist nurses provided information over 3–5 sessions. Formal education was mostly initiated as an inpatient. 86%–100% of acute start dialysis patients are initiated and remain on ICHD. Following formal education, 21%–58% of patients chose peritoneal dialysis (PD), 10%–24% home hemodialysis, 33%–58% ICHD. This brings the number of patients maintained on an independent form of dialysis similar to the planned dialysis start population. Patients commenced on PD without needing temporary hemodialysis, hence avoided complications associated with such. Patients aged under 75 (p < 0.0001) and males (p = 0.006) were more likely to be influenced by education to select PD. The adjusted 5 year survival rates among discharged patients were similar between home and ICHD groups (73% vs. 71% respectively), with a comparable age of death. A targeted education program in the acute dialysis start population has proven to be feasible. Adaptations are likely required for each center; however, various methods have been shown to be effective, with an increased number of patients choosing an independent dialysis modality when given the choice.
Online error rate control for platform trials

Platform trials evaluate multiple experimental treatments under a single master protocol, where new treatment arms are added to the trial over time. Given the multiple treatment comparisons, there is the potential for inflation of the overall type I error rate, which is complicated by the fact that the hypotheses are tested at different times and are not necessarily pre‐specified. Online error rate control methodology provides a possible solution to the problem of multiplicity for platform trials where a relatively large number of hypotheses are expected to be tested over time. In the online multiple hypothesis testing framework, hypotheses are tested one‐by‐one over time, where at each time‐step an analyst decides whether to reject the current null hypothesis without knowledge of future tests but based solely on past decisions. Methodology has recently been developed for online control of the false discovery rate as well as the familywise error rate (FWER). In this article, we describe how to apply online error rate control to the platform trial setting, present extensive simulation results, and give some recommendations for the use of this new methodology in practice. We show that the algorithms for online error rate control can have a substantially lower FWER than uncorrected testing, while still achieving noticeable gains in power when compared with the use of a Bonferroni correction. We also illustrate how online error rate control would have impacted a currently ongoing platform trial.