Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The contraindication of comedication drugs and drug utilization review

2* agonist for the same receptor. The following interaction may increase or decrease the effectiveness of the drugs or the adverse drug reactions of the drugs. The possibilities of drug interactions should increase as the number of drugs being taken increases in patients. Therefore, patients taking several drugs simultaneously are at the greatest risk for interactions. Drug interactions can contribute to the increasing cost of healthcare because of the costs of medical care that are required to treat problems caused by changes in effectiveness or adverse drug reactions. The drug utilization review (DUR) system has been defined as a structured, ongoing initiative that interprets patterns of drug usage in relation to predetermined criteria and attempts to prevent or minimize inappropriate prescribing. The primary objectives of DUR are to improve the quality of health care for healthcare members and to assist in containing health care costs. In order to achieve these goals, prescription claims must be reviewed both prospectively and retrospectively. The DUR system supplies information to prohibit co-dispensing of contraindicated drugs which increases the risk of drug interactions properly to all the healthcare professionals participating in the care of the patients. In this article, we suggest the importance of DUR in relation to the contraindication of co-medication drugs.
Autonomous global localisation using Markov chains and optimised sonar landmarks

This paper presents both a new sonar based place learning method and a global localisation algorithm based on finite Markov chains for autonomous robots. Landmarks are calculated by projecting the Fourier transform of the depth map obtained from a ring of equally spaced sonar sensors onto a bidimensional base of its vectorial subspace. Resulting landmarks can be acquired at any position of the environment and they do not depend on the robot orientation. Localisation relies on segmenting available landmarks into homogeneous regions and calculating transition matrices between them. Then, the position of the robot is estimated according to finite Markovian chains, but the probability of occupying a given region is modulated by the most recently acquired landmark. The method is valid for complex unstructured environments and it has experimentally proven to be fast, reliable and computationally cheap.
Force tracking in multiple impedance control of space free-flyers

The new algorithm of multiple impedance control (MIC) which enforces designated impedance on both a manipulated object, and all cooperating manipulators is applied to a space robotic system in which robotic arms, mounted on a free-flying-base, manipulate an object. A vigorous stability analysis of the MIC algorithm based on Lyapunov direct method, besides error analysis, show that the MIC law guarantees good tracking of cooperative manipulators and the object, in performing a manipulation task. Also, a force tracking strategy inspired by human control system is added to the MIC algorithm and the general formulation is revised to fulfil a desired force tracking task after impact. A system of three manipulators mounted on a space free-flyer is simulated, and the results show that, even in the occurrence of an impact due to collision with an obstacle, the response of the MIC algorithm is smooth. Also, relying on the new modification of the algorithm, the contact force follows successfully a desired tracking trajectory.
Investigation report of the rescue problem at Hanshin-Awaji earthquake in Kobe

The Great Hanshin-Awaji (Kobe) earthquake killed more than 6500 on January 17, 1995. Many people barely escaped from the debris and actively saved buried people. Rescue facilities are really important for robust social systems. Robotics and mechatronics are effective for advanced rescue equipment and systems. However, there has been little research and development performed until now. In order for robotics researchers to start, analysis of the tasks and requirements is necessary. In this research, the processes of rescue activities just after the disaster were investigated. Specifications of rescue robotic facilities are proposed on the basis of the analysis.
Protocol driven sepsis management—time for a rethink?

Sepsis remains a major public healthcare burden and a potent killer ( see page 507 ). In 2001, Rivers and colleagues published a landmark paper about the early management of severe sepsis, which greatly changed our approach.1 The study's concept of ‘early goal directed therapy (EGDT)’, a protocol driven early intervention using pre-defined resuscitation endpoints for central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure and central venous oxygen saturation, was found to significantly reduce mortality from severe sepsis. Though Rivers et al 1 were not the first to look at goal directed treatment in severe sepsis, they were the first to describe its implementation at the ‘front door’ rather than on the intensive care unit. The mortality reduction in Rivers' study was so impressive that the concept of EGDT was adopted by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC). The SSC, an international body of experts and established critical care organisations, aimed to improve the diagnosis, management and survival of patients with sepsis. Their main goal, a 25% reduction in sepsis mortality by 2009, was to be achieved by changing clinical behaviour through the implementation of clinical guidelines (sepsis bundles) and practice improvement programmes. The concept of care bundles, which is not unique to sepsis, originated from an extensive critical care literature review aiming …
False teeth and Alzheimer's disease

As part of a serious study on the natural history of AD, it was noted during physical examination whether the patient had false teeth or not. The oral cavity was visually examined by asking the patient to open the mouth and the examiner peered in. The presence of false teeth was operationally defined as "the absence of natural teeth and their replacement, however episodic, with false ones". This overcame the problem of patients who kept their false teeth in a pocket or handbag. At least 50% of the teeth needed to be false to fulfil the definition. If the patient was uncooperative, information was sought from relatives and care staff. Inter-rater reliability as to presence or absence of false teeth was excellent (100%), i.e. no raters disagreed as to presence or absence of false teeth. The diagnosis of AD was made on clinical grounds using strict standardised criteria (McKhann et al. 1984), each patient undergoing a physical and mental state examination (Folstein et al, 1975) and computed tomography (CT) scan. As per the authors' usual practice, expert statistical advice was sought and then completely ignored. A 'statisti cal screen' (or 'data trawl') was performed using
Development of wearable exoskeleton power assist system for lower back support

In this paper, we propose a power assist device for lower back flexion and extension, when carrying a heavy load. To see the effect of the device, we model a human body and analyze a compression force in his lower back, as well as the evaluation of a supported force at a hand position. A prototype of the device is manufactured and a controller of the device is developed, which can follow a voluntary human motion assisting his strength.
Dexamethasone vs prednisone in induction treatment of pediatric ALL: results of the randomized trial AIEOP-BFM ALL 2000.

Induction therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) traditionally includes prednisone; yet, dexamethasone may have higher antileukemic potency, leading to fewer relapses and improved survival. After a 7-day prednisone prephase, 3720 patients enrolled on trial Associazione Italiana di Ematologia e Oncologia Pediatrica and Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (AIEOP-BFM) ALL 2000 were randomly selected to receive either dexamethasone (10 mg/m(2) per day) or prednisone (60 mg/m(2) per day) for 3 weeks plus tapering in induction. The 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse (± standard error) was 10.8 ± 0.7% in the dexamethasone and 15.6 ± 0.8% in the prednisone group (P < .0001), showing the largest effect on extramedullary relapses. The benefit of dexamethasone was partially counterbalanced by a significantly higher induction-related death rate (2.5% vs 0.9%, P = .00013), resulting in 5-year event-free survival rates of 83.9 ± 0.9% for dexamethasone and 80.8 ± 0.9% for prednisone (P = .024). No difference was seen in 5-year overall survival (OS) in the total cohort (dexamethasone, 90.3 ± 0.7%; prednisone, 90.5 ± 0.7%). Retrospective analyses of predefined subgroups revealed a significant survival benefit from dexamethasone only for patients with T-cell ALL and good response to the prednisone prephase (prednisone good-response [PGR]) (dexamethasone, 91.4 ± 2.4%; prednisone, 82.6 ± 3.2%; P = .036). In patients with precursor B-cell ALL and PGR, survival after relapse was found to be significantly worse if patients were previously assigned to the dexamethasone arm. We conclude that, for patients with PGR in the large subgroup of precursor B-cell ALL, dexamethasone especially reduced the incidence of better salvageable relapses, resulting in inferior survival after relapse. This explains the lack of benefit from dexamethasone in overall survival that we observed in the total cohort except in the subset of T-cell ALL patients with PGR. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov (BFM: NCT00430118, AIEOP: NCT00613457).
Metabolite Quantification in Tumours by Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Objectives, Results and Perspectives

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows non invasive detection of tissue metabolism. Absolute or rela- tive quantification of metabolites and chemical compounds detected by 1 H and 31 P MRS can today be performed in a number of pathological tissues including different types of cancer lesions, consequently improving accuracy in disease di- agnosis and prognosis. Methods allowing quantification of tumour metabolites under in vivo MR spectral profiles have been progressively devel- oped in the past and are now entering the clinical routine. Several methods of quantification have been proposed and vali- dated in healthy tissues in a number of single- and multi-centre studies. Most of these approaches are not always directly applicable to cancer lesions because of their inherent heterogeneity or variability in water content, thus peak area ratios can, in some cases, represent better indicators of disease progression and response to therapy. An additional important limitation may derive from the excessive duration of some MRS measurement protocols, which would be added to a rou- tine clinical MRI examination in the same session. We propose a critical overview of the principal methods currently applied for the quantification of metabolites and chemi- cal compounds, mostly detected by 1 H MRS in tumours.
Design and use paradigms for Gazebo, an open-source multi-robot simulator

Simulators have played a critical role in robotics research as tools for quick and efficient testing of new concepts, strategies, and algorithms. To date, most simulators have been restricted to 2D worlds, and few have matured to the point where they are both highly capable and easily adaptable. Gazebo is designed to fill this niche by creating a 3D dynamic multi-robot environment capable of recreating the complex worlds that would be encountered by the next generation of mobile robots. Its open source status, fine grained control, and high fidelity place Gazebo in a unique position to become more than just a stepping stone between the drawing board and real hardware: data visualization, simulation of remote environments, and even reverse engineering of blackbox systems are all possible applications. Gazebo is developed in cooperation with the Player and Stage projects (Gerkey, B. P., et al., July 2003), (Gerkey, B. P., et al., May 2001), (Vaughan, R. T., et al., Oct. 2003), and is available from http://playerstage.sourceforge. net/gazebo/ gazebo.html.
The polymorphism interleukin 8 −251 A/T influences the susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori related gastric diseases in the Japanese population

Background:Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with variable clinical outcomes, including gastroduodenal diseases, and genetic factors may be relevant in this process. Aims: We investigated the effects of an interleukin 8 (IL-8) gene polymorphism on the risk of gastroduodenal diseases, the degree of H pylori induced gastritis, and IL-8 gene transcription. Subjects: The study was performed in 244 healthy control subjects and 690 H pylori positive patients with non-cardia gastric cancer, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, or gastritis. Methods: We identified the IL-8 −251 A/T polymorphism by direct sequence analysis, and measured the gastritis score and serum pepsinogen (PG). The transcriptional promoter activity of the IL-8 gene was assessed by luciferase assay. Results:IL-8 −251A was associated with a higher risk of gastric cancer and gastric ulcer. Patients carrying IL-8 −251A showed an increased risk of gastric cancer (odds ratios (OR) 2.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–2.92)) and gastric ulcer (OR 2.07 (95% CI 1.37–3.12)). Compared with patients younger than 49 years, atrophy and metaplasia scores in the antrum were significantly higher and the PG I/II ratio significantly lower in −251A carriers than in T/T carriers. In the in vitro assay, IL-8 −251A showed enhanced promoter activity in response to IL-1β or tumour necrosis factor α. Conclusions: The IL-8 −251A allele may be associated with progression of gastric atrophy in patients with H pylori infection, and may increase the risk of gastric cancer and gastric ulcer in Japanese people.
Midwives' attitudes towards giving weight-related advice to obese pregnant women

It is estimated that 1 in 5 pregnant women are obese, this poses a significant risk to maternal, fetal and newborn mortality and morbidity and as such, maternal obesity is recognised as a challenge for contemporary and prospective maternity services. As key practitioners in maternity care, midwives are seen as frontline professionals delivering weight-related advice to obese pregnant women. This study aimed to explore midwives' attitudes towards offering obese pregnant women weight-related advice during pregnancy and the puerperium. Nine midwives were interviewed using an in-depth interview schedule. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's (1978) seven-stage thematic approach. Midwives' knowledge of risk associated with maternal obesity was good; advice giving was mainly confined to community practice; the amount and consistency of advice was determined by: women's responses, women's apparent motivation to change and midwives' self-perception as a role model. Four key themes emerged: challenges for practice; .
Physical Therapy in Stroke Rehabilitation: Bases for Swedish Physiotherapists' Choice of Treatment

The aims of this study were to investigate (1) physiotherapy treatment strategies, (2) the bases for choice of treatment and (3) attitudes among physiotherapists who work with stroke patients of introducing new methods of treatment. Questionnaires were posted to all the 213 members of the Neurological Section of the Swedish Physiotherapy Association, 66% of which were returned. Thirteen were excluded due to lack of experience. Of the remaining 128 physiotherapists, the majority (91%) worked in regional hospitals. Experience of working with patients was considered as most important for the physiotherapists' present view of treatment, while basic training, theory and literature were considered less important. Detailed statements of the treatment of stroke patients were common among the respondents, whereas the theoretical explanations for their selected method of treatment were less elaborate. An open attitude to change and the introduction of new methods of treatment was evident among 75% of the respondents.
Ibrutinib enhances chimeric antigen receptor T-cell engraftment and efficacy in leukemia.

Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is highly promising but requires robust T-cell expansion and engraftment. A T-cell defect in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) due to disease and/or therapy impairs ex vivo expansion and response to CAR T cells. To evaluate the effect of ibrutinib treatment on the T-cell compartment in CLL as it relates to CAR T-cell generation, we examined the phenotype and function of T cells in a cohort of CLL patients during their course of treatment with ibrutinib. We found that ≥5 cycles of ibrutinib therapy improved the expansion of CD19-directed CAR T cells (CTL019), in association with decreased expression of the immunosuppressive molecule programmed cell death 1 on T cells and of CD200 on B-CLL cells. In support of these findings, we observed that 3 CLL patients who had been treated with ibrutinib for ≥1 year at the time of T-cell collection had improved ex vivo and in vivo CTL019 expansion, which correlated positively together and with clinical response. Lastly, we show that ibrutinib exposure does not impair CAR T-cell function in vitro but does improve CAR T-cell engraftment, tumor clearance, and survival in human xenograft models of resistant acute lymphocytic leukemia and CLL when administered concurrently. Our collective findings indicate that ibrutinib enhances CAR T-cell function and suggest that clinical trials with combination therapy are warranted. Our studies demonstrate that improved T-cell function may also contribute to the efficacy of ibrutinib in CLL. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov as #NCT01747486, #NCT01105247, and #NCT01217749.
Prepregnancy habitual intake of vitamin D from diet and supplements in relation to risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study

Vitamin D may play a pivotal role in regulating insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. However, the effect of vitamin D intake, either from the diet or from supplements, on the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains unclear. We prospectively examined the association of prepregnancy habitual intake of vitamin D from diet and supplements with the risk of incident GDM in a well‐established cohort.
Experimental Performance of Solar Receivers Designed to Use Oil as a Heat Transfer Fluid

A parabolic dish concentrator (PDC) has been designed to be used for charging a thermal energy storage (TES) that is for indirect cooking purpose. Three different receivers have been designed, fabricated, and their performance tested experimentally. The three designs are Volumetric Flask (VF), Volumetric Box (VB), and Conical Tube (CT) receivers. The receivers have been fabricated to use oil as a heat transfer fluid. Of the three designs, the CT receiver has the highest efficiency for a given flow rate, thus making it the best receiver. A positive displacement pump was also designed and constructed for the experimental tests. The pump is used to drive the oil through the receivers and also to act as a flow meter. Thus a low-cost and high-temperature positive displacement pump and a flow meter have been designed and fabricated for use in solar thermal studies.
GREEN GROWTH AND POSSIBILITIES OF ITS ENSURING

The article identifies selected environmental aspects of ensuring green growth, which are being significantly affected by the ongoing globalisation process and subsequent economic growth accompanied by international trade liberalisation and movement of capital and investments in transforming economies. They represent positive and negative effects, whose extent can be significantly affected by structural changes, environmental policy of state and transnational environmental regulation. In Europe 2020 strategy, the European Union specifies green growth factors whose implementation presupposes the adoption of particular measures at the level of the European Union itself as well as within national economies, aiming at environmental burden reduction. It predominantly concerns the solution of economic growth in relation to its material and energetic demands, structural changes execution as well as the adoption of efficient legislation regarding environmental protection. In this relation, production innovations, changes to implemented technologies and substitutions of production inputs are gaining importance. Increased legislative effectiveness presupposes an increase of economic and environmental efficiency of implemented economic tools, aiming at the strengthening of stimulus and fiscal functions of public finance. Keywwords: environment, environmental policy, positive and negative effects of the globalisation process, environmental policy tools, transnational regulation
In vivo imaging of colitis and colon cancer development in mice using high resolution chromoendoscopy

Background: Mouse models of colitis and cancer are indispensable for our understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases. In the past, mice had to be sacrificed in order to analyse colitis activity and tumour development. We have developed a safe method for high resolution endoscopic monitoring of living mice. Methods: Mice developing colitis or colonic tumours were anaesthetised using avertine and repeatedly examined by endoscopy. A novel miniendoscope (1.9 mm outer diameter), denoted Coloview, was introduced via the anus and the colon was carefully insufflated with an air pump before analysis of the colonic mucosa. An extra working channel allowed the introduction of biopsy forceps or injection needles as well as surface staining with methylene blue in order to visualise the surface of the crypts and the pit pattern architecture. Results: Endoscopic pictures obtained were of high quality and allowed monitoring and grading of disease. Scoring of colitis activity as well as tumour size and growth was possible. In addition, pit pattern analysis using chromoendoscopy permitted discrimination between inflammatory and neoplastic changes. Biopsies yielded enough tissue for molecular and histopathological analyses. Conclusions: In summary, chromoendoscopy in mice allows monitoring of the development of colitis and colon cancer with high resolution. Manipulations such as local injection of reagents or taking biopsies can be performed easily.
The Changing Status of Animals: Christian and Secular Teaching

ABSTRACT Recent improvements in the welfare and moral status of animals are commonly perceived as resulting from secular, rather than Christian, teaching. To investigate whether this is currently the case, questionnaires were sent to Christian ministerial training courses and to university departments of philosophy. Responses to items common to both indicate that while secular courses attend to animal issues more frequently and rigorously, ministerial courses are increasingly including them. The findings would also suggest that Christian teaching is affording a higher status to animals than has traditionally been the case.