Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hypponen has worked extensively with the 1958 Birth Cohort and is an expert on vitamin D and health , publishing frequently in this field

Introduction There is evidence that populations living close to the coast have improved health and wellbeing. Coastal environments are linked to promotion of physical activity through provision of safe, opportune, aesthetic and accessible spaces for recreation. Exposure to coastal environments may also reduce stress and induce positive mood. In addition to these processes we hypothesised that coastal climate may influence the vitamin D status of residents and thus partly explain benefits to health. Materials and Methods Ecological and cross-sectional analyses were designed to elucidate the connection between coastal residence and vitamin D status. We divided residential data, from developed land use areas and the Lower Super Output Areas of the 1958 Birth Cohort participants, into the following coastal bands: <1km, 1-5km, 5-20km, 20-50km and over 50km. In the ecological analysis we used a multiple regression model to describe the relationship between UVvitd and coastal proximity adjusted for latitude. Subsequently, using the residential information of the participants of the 1958 Birth Cohort we developed a multiple regression model to understand the relationship between serum 25(OH)D (a marker of vitamin D status) and coastal proximity adjusted for several factors related to vitamin D status (e.g. diet, outdoor activity). Results We found that coastal proximity was associated with solar irradiance; a 99.6 (96.1-103.3) J/m2/day regression coefficient was observed for settlements <1 km from the coast compared with those above 50 km. This relationship was modified by latitude with lower latitude exhibiting a greater effect. Individuals living in the <1 km coastal category had on average a 4 nmol/l higher vitamin D status compared to those living inland. Conclusion Geographic location in the UK may influence human biochemistry and health outcomes due to environmental factors. This can provide benefits in terms of vitamin D status but may also pose a risk due to higher skin cancer rates. We provide further evidence in support of the claim that coastal environments can provide opportunities for health and wellbeing. Suggested Reviewers: Kaye Brock kaye.brock@sydney.edu. au Brock is an experienced nutritional epidemiologist. Brock et al have investigated multiple environmental factors on the vitamin D status of Finnish men. Elina Hypponen Elina.Hypponen@unisa.edu. au Hypponen has worked extensively with the 1958 Birth Cohort and is an expert on vitamin D and health, publishing frequently in this field Robyn Lucas robyn.lucas@anu.edu. au Lucas is an expert in the field of UV exposure, vitamin D and public health. Lucas et al have highlighted the multifactorial contribution of environment, genes and other factors to the vitamin D status of healthy adults.
Detection of the Cryptosporidium parvum “Human” Genotype in a Dugong (Dugong dugon)

The Cryptosporidium “human” genotype was identified in a paraffin-embedded tissue section from a dugong (Dugong dugon) by 2 independent laboratories. DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene and the acetyl CoA synthethase gene clearly identified the genotype as that of the Cryptosporidium variant that infects humans. This is the first report of the human Cryptosporidium genotype in a nonprimate host.
PEROXIDASE-LABELED ANTIBODY A NEW METHOD OF CONJUGATION

A new method of conjugating horseradish peroxidase with proteins was developed. The carbohydrate moiety of fluorodinitrobenzene-blocked peroxidase was oxidized with sodium periodate to form aldehyde groups. The peroxidase-aldehyde was then bound to free amino groups of proteins unidirectionally at high efficiencies. Peroxidase-labeled immunoglobulin retained its immunologic as well as enzymatic activities.
Management of Patients with Multiple Myeloma in Japan: Data of 1,383 Patients from 16 Hospitals and 1 Treatment Group

The available information regarding relevant treatment approaches and outcome in Japanese myeloma patients has been fragmentary and clarification of the position is required. The Japan Myeloma Study Group collected data on 1,383 patients who had been diagnosed and treated during the 11 year period between 1990 and 2000 from 16 participating hospitals and 1 treatment group to investigate the status of the management of multiple myeloma across Japan. There were 724 (53%) male and 643 (47%) female patients with median age being 66-years-old. More than 60% of the patients were classified as having stage III disease. As initial therapy, 1,162 (84.4%) patients were treated with chemotherapy and the median survival was 3.1 years. High-dose therapy followed by stem cell transplantation (SCT) as part of first-line therapy was given in 113 (7.4%) patients with median survival being 4.4 years.
Early emergency department treatment of acute asthma with systemic corticosteroids.

BACKGROUND The airway edema and secretions associated with acute asthma are most effectively treated with anti-inflammatories such as corticosteroids delivered by inhaled, oral, intravenous or intra-muscular routes. There is an unresolved debate about the use of systemic corticorticoids in the early treatment of acute asthma for emergency department patients. OBJECTIVES To determine the benefit of treating patients with acute asthma with systemic corticosteroids within an hour of presenting to the emergency department (ED). SEARCH STRATEGY Randomised controlled trials were identified from the Cochrane Airways Group Asthma Register. Primary authors and content experts were contacted to identify eligible studies. Bibliographies from included studies and known reviews were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-randomised trials were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if patients presenting to the ED with acute asthma were treated with IV/IM or oral corticosteroids (CS) vs. placebo within 1 hour of arrival and either admission rate or pulmonary function results were reported. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Trial selection, data extraction and quality assessment were carried out independently by two reviewers, and confirmed with corresponding authors. MAIN RESULTS Twelve studies involving 863 patients (435 corticosteroids; 428 placebo) were included. Early use of CS for acute asthma in the ED significantly reduced admission rates (N = 11; pooled OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.78). This would correspond with a number needed to treat of 8 (95% CI: 5 to 21). This benefit was more pronounced for those not receiving systemic CS prior to ED presentation (N = 7; OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.70) and those with more severe asthma (N = 7; OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.59). Oral CS therapy in children was particularly effective (N = 3; OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.53); no trials in adults used the oral route. Side effects were not significantly different between corticosteroid treatments and placebo. A further search was conducted in September 2000 which did not yield any further trials. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Use of corticosteroids within 1 hour of presentation to an ED significantly reduces the need for hospital admission in patients with acute asthma. Benefits appear greatest in patients with more severe asthma, and those not currently receiving steroids. Children appear to respond well to oral steroids.
Teledermatology for chronic disease management: coherence and normalization

Objective: To explore the importance of `coherence' in the normalization of treatment interventions by examining teledermatology for skin disease management from the perspectives of patients and their advocates. Methods: Twelve teledermatology services were studied using semi-structured interviews. Participants were patients (n = 20) and health professionals, managers and patient advocates (n = 68). Results: Teledermatology lacked coherence for patients and advocates. It was seen to be different from standard dermatology care, but the objectives of it — what it is for — were neither clear nor understandable to participants. Teledermatology `fitting in' with the patient's own lifeworld appeared to be unlikely for patients suffering a range of skin diseases, as features of teledermatology (e.g. absence of talk with consultant, and diagnostic uncertainty) were incongruent with the wide-ranging needs of patients and limited their participation in management. Discussion: Healthcare technology may facilitate greater self-management of chronic disease. However, successful normalization of technology for this purpose will require greater understanding of what it means to patients in the context of their experiences of disease and the parameters of their lives.
Treating childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia without cranial irradiation.

BACKGROUND Prophylactic cranial irradiation has been a standard treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who are at high risk for central nervous system (CNS) relapse. METHODS We conducted a clinical trial to test whether prophylactic cranial irradiation could be omitted from treatment in all children with newly diagnosed ALL. A total of 498 patients who could be evaluated were enrolled. Treatment intensity was based on presenting features and the level of minimal residual disease after remission-induction treatment. The duration of continuous complete remission in the 71 patients who previously would have received prophylactic cranial irradiation was compared with that of 56 historical controls who received it. RESULTS The 5-year event-free and overall survival probabilities for all 498 patients were 85.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.9 to 91.3) and 93.5% (95% CI, 89.8 to 97.2), respectively. The 5-year cumulative risk of isolated CNS relapse was 2.7% (95% CI, 1.1 to 4.3), and that of any CNS relapse (including isolated relapse and combined relapse) was 3.9% (95% CI, 1.9 to 5.9). The 71 patients had significantly longer continuous complete remission than the 56 historical controls (P=0.04). All 11 patients with isolated CNS relapse remained in second remission for 0.4 to 5.5 years. CNS leukemia (CNS-3 status) or a traumatic lumbar puncture with blast cells at diagnosis and a high level of minimal residual disease (> or = 1%) after 6 weeks of remission induction were significantly associated with poorer event-free survival. Risk factors for CNS relapse included the genetic abnormality t(1;19)(TCF3-PBX1), any CNS involvement at diagnosis, and T-cell immunophenotype. Common adverse effects included allergic reactions to asparaginase, osteonecrosis, thrombosis, and disseminated fungal infection. CONCLUSIONS With effective risk-adjusted chemotherapy, prophylactic cranial irradiation can be safely omitted from the treatment of childhood ALL. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00137111.)
"Curing and Crippling": Biomedical and Alternative Healing in Post-Soviet Russia

From its inception after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, the centrally controlled Soviet medical system attempted to monopolize medical practice-stigmatizing and punishing alternative practitioners who worked outside the state system. Nonetheless, alternative medical practitioners survived the seven decades of Soviet power. Ordinary people never stopped seeking them out, and since the late 1980s, the number of alternative healers in the Russian Federation has increased astronomically. The aim of this article is to analyze the forms of alternative medicine that exist in contemporary Russia and to offer an explanation for their continuing popularity in terms of popular conceptions of health and healing, the functioning of the state medical care system, and the attitudes of Russian physicians toward alternative healing.
Sampling for Approximate Bipartite Network Projection

Bipartite graphs manifest as a stream of edges that represent transactions, e.g., purchases by retail customers. Recommender systems employ neighborhood-based measures of node similarity, such as the pairwise number of common neighbors (CN) and related metrics. While the number of node pairs that share neighbors is potentially enormous, only a relatively small proportion of them have many common neighbors. This motivates finding a weighted sampling approach to preferentially sample these node pairs. This paper presents a new sampling algorithm that provides a fixed size unbiased estimate of the similarity matrix resulting from a bipartite edge stream projection. The algorithm has two components. First, it maintains a reservoir of sampled bipartite edges with sampling weights that favor selection of high similarity nodes. Second, arriving edges generate a stream of similarity updates, based on their adjacency with the current sample. These updates are aggregated in a second reservoir sample-based stream aggregator to yield the final unbiased estimate. Experiments on real world graphs show that a 10% sample at each stage yields estimates of high similarity edges with weighted relative errors of about 1%.
Development and Application of Time-Resolved Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectrometer

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor, an optical sensor exploiting special electromagnetic waves-surface plasmon polaritons to probe interactions between an analyte in solution and a molecular recognition element immobilized on the SPR sensor surface, has been widely used in various realms, such as investigating biomolecular interactions and binding properties, detection of biological and chemical analytes, environmental monitoring, food safety and medical diagnostics. This paper reviews the development of SPR sensors and SPR commercial instruments, and emphatically introduces the time-resolved surface plasmon resonance (TR-SPR) techniques. The excellent performances of high sensitivity and rapid detection are easily achieved with TR-SPR spectrometer, whereas the traditional SPR spectrometer cannot be accomplished. Therefore, TR-SPR spectrometer is appropriate for real time analysis of bio-recognition events and small molecular dynamics. However, only two commercial TR-SPR instruments have been exhibited at present, Thermo FT-SPR 100 and Autolab ESPRIT (SPRINGLE). Unfortunately, the high-priced instruments are not suitable for extensive applications in laboratories at present. Herein, a novel commercial TR-SPR spectrometer has been introduced in this review.
Management of hyperglycemia in the neurosurgery patient

ABSTRACT Hyperglycemia is associated with adverse outcomes in patients who are candidates for or underwent neurosurgical procedures. Specific concerns and settings that relate to these patients are preoperative glycemic control, intraoperative control, management in the neurological intensive care unit (NICU), and postoperative control. In each of these settings, physicians have to ensure appropriate glycemic control to prevent or minimize adverse events. The glycemic control is usually managed by a neurohospitalist in co-management with the neurosurgery team pre- and post-operatively, and by the neurocritical care team in the setting of NICU. In this review article, we outline current standards of care for neurosurgery patients with diabetes mellitus and/or and hyperglycemia and discuss results of most recent clinical trials. We highlight specific concerns with regards to glycemic controls in these patients including enteral tube feeding and parenteral nutrition, the issues of the transition to the outpatient care, and management of steroid-induced hyperglycemia. We also note lack of evidence in some important areas, and the need for more research addressing these gaps. Where possible, we provide suggestions how to manage these patients when there is no underlying guideline.
COMFORT LEVELS of Nursing Students REGARDING CLINICAL ASSIGNMENT to a Patient with AIDS

For educators, preparing nursing students for the care of persons with AIDS is an important responsibility. A review of the literature suggests that many nursing students are fearful of occupational transmission of HIV and that educational interventions may improve the students' attitudes toward caring for patients with AIDS. The author administered Form A of the Nursing Care Comfort scale to a sample of 122 baccalaureate students. Findings revealed variations in comfort levels relative to specific nursing skills.
Reliability and validity of expected outcomes and barriers for habitual physical activity.

We conducted two studies to examine the reliability and validity of self-report scales for assessing outcome-expectancy values and perceived barriers for participating in regular physical activity. In study one with college students (N = 243), independent and reliable psychometric factors were identified as outcome-expectancy values (psychologic, body image, and health) and perceived barriers (time, effort, and obstacles). alpha internal consistency coefficients ranged from . 47 to . 78, and test-retest stability correlations were . 66 to . 89. In prospective analyses, subscales significantly predicted supervised running (R2 = .27) and free-living physical activity estimated by seven-day recall at two-, five-, and nine-week intervals (R2 ranged from .13 to .24). In study two with employees at CONOCO World Headquarters (N = 968), similar independent scales were derived for outcome-expectancy values (psychologic, body image/health, competition, fun, and social) and perceived barriers (time, effort, obstacles, and limiting health). alpha internal consistencies ranged from . 66 to . 85. In cross-sectional analyses the scales combined with sociodemographic factors were significantly correlated with membership (R2 = .18) and participation (R2 = .17) in the on-site health and fitness program. In each instance outcome-expectancy values and perceived barriers explained variance in physical activity not accounted for by sociodemographics (R2 values increased .12). Membership in health and fitness programs outside the work site was also predicted (R2 = .07) by the scales. The scales provide a reliable and valid measurement technology that can be implemented with college or work site populations. Existing social psychology theories of behavior that include outcome-expectancy values or perceived barriers can now be examined as explanations for the adoption and maintenance of a physical activity program.
Implementation of a Voice Messaging System is Associated With Improved Time-to-Treatment and Overall Survival in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The diagnosis and treatment of cancer is a continuum, with multiple steps and interfaces between patients and providers allowing for potential delays in cancer recognition and subsequent treatment. The diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is especially prone to missteps along the continuum, leading to treatment delays due to non-tissue-based diagnosis and multiprovider treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome measures after implementation of a voice messaging system (VMS) designed to streamline patient referrals to downstream treatment physicians and ultimately reduce delays in HCC treatment, thereby improving outcome measures. METHODS A retrospective study of outpatients with HCC was conducted in a safety net hospital between February 2008 and January 2012. In February 2010, VMS notification of HCC to the ordering physician and downstream treating physicians was implemented. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) preintervention: diagnosis 2 years before implementation or failure of notification following implementation, and (2) postintervention: diagnosis 2 years after implementation. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and survival were compared. RESULTS This study included 96 patients diagnosed with HCC: 51 in the preintervention group and 45 in the postintervention group. The main cause of chronic liver disease was HCV infection, and no differences in symptoms, liver dysfunction, tumor characteristics, or treatment were observed between groups. The time from diagnosis to clinic contact (0.5 vs 2.9 months; P=.003) and time from detection to treatment (2.2 vs 5.5 months; P=.005) was significantly shorter after implementation of the VMS. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A status (hazard ratio [HR], 3.1; 95% CI, 2, 6), treatment (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1, 4), and VMS (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1, 3) were independently associated with overall survival. Patients diagnosed after implementation of the VMS had a median survival of 28.5 versus 15.7 months (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS Implementation of VMS reduces time to treatment and time to clinic visit. Reduction in time to treatment is associated with improved outcome independent of tumor stage, underlying liver function, and treatment.
Biomass , Nutrient , and Trace Element Accumulation and Partitioning in Cattail ( Typha latifolia L . ) during Wetland Phytoremediation of Municipal Biosolids

Biomass and contaminant accumulation and partitioning in plants determine the harvest stage for optimum contaminant uptake during phytoremediation of municipal biosolids. This wetland microcosm bioassay characterized accumulation and partitioning of biomass, nutrients (N and P), and trace elements (Zn, Cu, Cr, and Cd) in cattail (Typha latifolia L.) in a growth room. Four cattail seedlings were transplanted into each 20-L plastic pail containing 3.9 kg (dry wt.) biosolids from an endof-life municipal lagoon. A 10-cm-deep water column was maintained above the 12-cm-thick biosolids layer. Plants were harvested every 14 d over a period of 126 d for determination of aboveground biomass (AGB) and belowground biomass (BGB) yields, along with contaminant concentrations in these plant tissues. Logistic model fits to biomass yield data indicated no significant difference in asymptotic yield between AGB and BGB. Aboveground biomass accumulated significantly greater amounts of N and P and lower amounts of trace elements than BGB. Maximum N accumulation in AGB occurred 83 d after transplanting (DAT), and peak P uptake occurred at 86 DAT. Harvesting at maximum aboveground accumulation removed (percent of the initial element concentration in the biosolids) 4% N, 3% P, 0.05% Zn, 0.6% Cu, 0.1% Cd, and 0.2% Cr. Therefore, under the conditions of this study, phytoremediation would be most effective if cattail is harvested at 86 DAT. These results contribute toward the identification of the harvest stage that will optimize contaminant uptake and enhance in situ phytoremediation of biosolids using cattail. Biomass, Nutrient, and Trace Element Accumulation and Partitioning in Cattail (Typha latifolia L.) during Wetland Phytoremediation of Municipal Biosolids
The Separation of Fe from Ga to Produce Ultrapure 67Ga

The production of 67Ga at iThemba LABS is performed by the proton bombardment of a tandem natZn/natZn target. 67Ga is separated from the target material using a method based on target dissolution, in acidic media, and dual chromatographic methods on Amberchrom CG-161M. The result is a product with a high radionuclidic purity 67Ga having such a low Fe content in the final product that it may be used in the labelling of peptides.
Improved rigorous perturbation bounds for the LU and QR factorizations

Combining the modified matrix–vector equation approach with the technique of Lyapunov majorant function and the Banach fixed point theorem, we obtain improved rigorous perturbation bounds for the LU and QR factorizations with normwise perturbation in the given matrix. Each of the improved rigorous perturbation bounds is a rigorous version of the first‐order perturbation bound derived by the matrix–vector equation approach in the literature, and we present their explicit expressions. These bounds are always tighter than those given by Chang and Stehlé in the paper entitled “Rigorous perturbation bounds of some matrix factorizations”. This fact is illustrated by numerical examples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.