Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving prediction of survival and progression in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer following immunotherapy through machine learning of circulating tumor DNA dynamics

Objectives: To use modern machine-learning approaches to enhance and automate the feature extraction from the longitudinal ctDNA data and to improve the prediction of survival and disease progression, risk stratification, and treatment strategies for patients with 1L NSCLC. Methods: Using IMpower150 trial data on untreated metastatic non small cell lung cancer patients treated with atezolizumab and chemotherapies, we developed a machine-learning algorithm to extract predictive features from ctDNA kinetics, improving survival and progression prediction. We analyzed kinetic data from 17 ctDNA summary markers, including cell-free DNA concentration, allele frequency, tumor molecules in plasma, and mutation counts. Our machine-learning workflow (FPCRF) involved functional principal component analysis (FPCA) for automated feature extraction, random forest and bagging ensemble algorithms for feature selection, standard PCA for dimension reduction, and Cox proportional-hazards regression for survival analysis. The dataset was divided into training and test cohorts in the same way as a previous study. Results: 398 patients with ctDNA data (206 in training, 192 in validation) were analyzed. Our machine-learning models automated feature extraction, excelling in predicting overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) at different landmarks. In identical train-test cohorts, our models outperformed existing ones using handcrafted ctDNA features, raising OS c-index to 0.72 and 0.71 from 0.67 and 0.63 for C3D1 and C4D1, and substantially improving PFS to ~0.65 from the previous 0.54 - 0.58, a 12-20% increase. Our model enhanced risk stratification for NSCLC patients, achieving clear OS and PFS separation (e.g., on C3D1, HR: 2.65 [95%CI: 1.78-3.95, P < 0.001] for high vs. intermediate risk, 2.06 [95%CI: 1.29-3.29, P = 0.002] for intermediate vs. low risk; and PFS HR: 2.04 [95%CI: 1.41-2.94, P < 0.001], 1.56 [95%CI: 1.07-2.27, P = 0.02]). Distinct patterns of ctDNA kinetic characteristics (e.g., baseline ctDNA markers, depth of ctDNA responses, and timing of ctDNA clearance, etc.) were revealed across the risk groups. Rapid and complete ctDNA clearance appears essential for long-term clinical benefit. Conclusions: Our machine-learning approach offers a novel tool for analyzing ctDNA kinetics, extracting critical features from longitudinal data, improving our understanding of the link between ctDNA kinetics and progression/mortality risks, and optimizing personalized immunotherapies for 1L NSCLC. Keywords: lung cancer, ctDNA, survival, machine learning, longitudinal kinetics
Influence of Spatial Features on Land and Housing Prices

The analysis of hidden spatial features is crucial for the improvement of hedonic regression models for analyzing the structure of land and housing prices. If critical variables representing the influence of spatial features are omitted in the models, the residuals and the coefficients estimated usually exhibit some kind of spatial pattern. Hence, exploration of the relationship between the spatial patterns and the spatial features essentially leads to the discovery of omitted variables. The analyses in this paper were based on two exploratory approaches: one on the residual of a global regression model and the other on the geographically weighted regression (GWR) technique. In the GWR model, the regression coefficients are allowed to differ by location so more spatial patterns can be revealed. Comparison of the two approaches shows that they play supplementary roles for the detection of lot-associated variables and area-associated variables.
Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine Researchers' Practices and Perceived Barriers Related to Open Science: An International, Cross-Sectional Survey

Introduction and Objective: Open science (OS) aims to make the dissemination of knowledge and the research process transparent and accessible to everyone. With the increasing popularity of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM), our objective was to assess practices and perceived barriers towards OS among CAIM researchers. Methods: We conducted an anonymous online survey of researchers who published in journals listed in Scopus containing the words "complementary", "alternative", or "integrative" medicine in their names. We emailed 6040 researchers our purpose-built electronic survey after extracting their email address from one of their publications in our sample of journals. We questioned their familiarity with different OS concepts, along with their experiences and challenges engaging in these practices over the last 12 months. Results: The survey was completed by 392 researchers (6.5% response rate, 97.1% completion rate). Most respondents were CAIM researchers familiar with the overall concept of OS, indicated by those actively publishing open access (OA) (n=244, 76.0%), registering a study protocol (n=148, 48.0%), and using reporting guidelines (n=181, 59.0%) in the past 12 months. Preprinting, sharing raw data, and sharing study materials were less popular. A lack of funding was reported as the greatest barrier to publishing OA by most respondents (n=252, 79.0%), and that additional funding is the most significant incentive in applying more OS practices to their research (n=229,72.2%). With respect to preprinting barriers, 36.3% (n=110) participants believed there are potential harms in sharing non-peer-reviewed work and 37.0% (n=112) feared preprinting would reduce the likelihood of their manuscript being accepted by a journal. Respondents were also concerned about intellectual property control regarding sharing data (n=94, 31.7%) and research study materials (n=80, 28.7%). Conclusions: Although many participants were familiar with and practiced aspects of OS, many reported facing barriers relating to lack of funding to enable OS and perceived risks of revealing research ideas and data prior to publication. Future research should explore interventions, such as increasing CAIM researchers' funding and educational resources to implement OS practices.
Metaxalone-induced Immune Hemolytic Anemia

Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) is a relatively uncommon cause of anemia, and its diagnosis can be challenging. Although beta-lactam antimicrobial agents are often associated with DIIHA, any medication can potentially cause it. We describe a patient presenting with yellow skin discoloration and orange-colored urine after starting metaxalone for treatment of lumbosacral sprain. Laboratory studies were consistent with warm hemolytic anemia. Symptoms improved remarkably after discontinuation of metaxalone, coupled with initiation of glucocorticoids and rituximab.
Telenursing Interventions for Patients With Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: A Scoping Review.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION To provide an overview of telenursing interventions, primary outcomes, and tools used in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy, a scoping review was conducted. LITERATURE SEARCH PubMed®, Embase®, and CINAHL® databases were searched using the following keywords: telenursing, adverse event, and drug therapy. DATA EVALUATION From the screening process, 11 studies were identified. SYNTHESIS In patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy, telenursing interventions were mainly used to monitor symptoms, particularly fatigue, anxiety, and depression. The interventions used included outcome-specific, nonspecific, and validated tools, or tools developed from reporting systems for adverse events. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Large-scale, well-conducted randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses are needed to test the results of this scoping review.
A phase 3b, multicenter, open‐label, single‐arm study of roxadustat within a US dialysis organization: The DENALI study

Roxadustat is an oral hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor approved in several regions for the treatment of anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD). DENALI, a phase 3b study, evaluated the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of roxadustat in patients with anemia of CKD receiving in‐center or home dialysis.
Classification and naming of polymethine dyes used as staining agents for microscopy. A short guide for biomedical investigators

ABSTRACT The scientific literature contains many accounts of application of polymethine dyes, including cyanine dyes, as imaging agents, i.e., “biological stains,” for microscopic investigation of biological materials. Currently, many such dyes are used as probes for living cells, i.e., “fluorescent probes. ” Polymethine dyes are defined here by two criteria. First, they possess a conjugated chain of (2n + 1) sp2-hybridized carbon atoms that connect a terminal π-electron-accepting (π-electron withdrawing) group with a terminal π-electron-donating group. Second, they have an odd number (2n + 3) of π-centers and an even number (2n + 4) of π-electrons in this chain, where n equals the number of –CR2=CR3– groups, usually vinylene groups –CH=CH–. Commercialization of diverse chemical types of many polymethine dyes has been attempted. The dyes that have achieved wide application, however, are limited in number and it is these dyes that are emphasized here. Because these polymethine dyes sometimes have been described by confusing, and sometimes confused, names, we clarify here the chemical categories and names of such dyes for the nonchemist, biomedical end user of such imaging agents. Nevertheless, the nomenclature presented here is not intended to replace the traditional “chromophore” categories of dyestuff chemistry, because the latter are held in place both by wide usage and by venerable authorities, such as the Colour Index.
Comparison of Two Different Methods for ProSealTM Laryngeal Mask Fixation

Objective: This prospective randomized study compared 2 different methods for ProsealTM Laryngeal Mask Airway (PLMA) fixation. Methods: Patients scheduled for ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy surgery in the lithotomy position were included in the study. General anaesthesia with PLMA was administered to the patients. To achieve PLMA fixation, patients were randomly assigned to either adjustable elastic band (Group I) or adhesive tape fixation (Group II). Fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) evaluation and glottic image grading (grade 1-4) and lip margin distances of PLMA (M1 and M2) were evaluated before and after the surgical procedure. Results: We enrolled 116 patients. Surgery of 7 patients was postponed. PLMA dislocated in 2 patients in group II during positioning. For another patient who used adhesive tape in Group II, it was removed because it could not adhere to properly, and a new sticking plaster was used. The study was completed with 106 patients. In FOB evaluation, the number of patients with optimal FOB grade (FOB grade 1) after PLMA was inserted and fixed was more in Group I than in Group II (P = 0.01). FOB evaluation was repeated at the end of the operation, and the number of patients with the worst FOB grade (FOB grade 4) was 0 (0%) and 11 (10.5%) in Groups I and II, respectively. PLMA displaced more than 1 cm in 10 (18.9%) patients in Group I and in 30 patients (56.6%) in Group II. Conclusion: The adjustable elastic band method is simple, easy, and convenient and can be used in any surgical procedure for PLMA fixation.
Alterations in voxel based morphometry and resting state functional connectivity in men with compulsive sexual behavior disorder in the Sex@Brain study

Abstract Aim Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) is a new category in ICD-11. Research examining underlying brain mechanisms is sparse. Research into neurobiological differences can be helpful in advancing the possibilities of new diagnostic approaches and therapeutic methods. The present study aimed to examine brain matter volume and resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC) in CSBD. Methods Structural and rs-FC magnetic resonance imaging and data from questionnaires were collected in 30 men with CSBD and 32 age- and education-matched controls. Whole brain voxel based morphometry (VBM) and seed based rs-FC in a-priori defined seeds were analyzed. Results Structural analyses showed that men with CSBD had significantly increased gray matter volume in the right cerebellum, middle occipital and superior frontal lobe. No differences in rs-FC could be detected when using these brain structures as seed regions in rs-FC. In contrast, literature based rs-FC analysis revealed decreased rs-FC between the right orbital middle frontal cortex (mOFC) and the right gyrus rectus, as well as between left pallidum and right post/precentral gyrus in men with CSBD. In the left amygdala we observed increased rs-FC with precuneus in this group. In addition, most of these measures correlated with symptom severity. Conclusion Structural findings may underscore the idea that the cerebellum plays an important role in sexual arousal and CSBD. Perhaps, a simultaneous activation of the left amygdala and the precuneus reflects a constant sexual occupation of men with CSBD. Furthermore, lower connectivity between mOFC and gyrus rectus in CSBD may support the assumption that sexual stimuli are evaluated more positively because inhibition is decreased.
Immobile elements as monitors of mass transfer in hydrothermal alteration; Phelps Dodge massive sulfide deposit, Matagami, Quebec

Hydrothermal alteration associated with an Archean stratiform volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit has converted aphyric rhyodacite to chloritite. In addition to normal chlorite components (MgO, FeO, Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 ), the chloritite is enriched in TiO 2 , Zr, Y, and Nb. These elements and Al 2 O 3 are shown to be immobile using binary plots of analyses which produce linear arrays, with high correlation coefficients, that go through bulk composition and origin. Al 2 O 3 is the most immobile, followed by Zr, Nb, TiO 2 , and Y.Immobility requires that these elements became enriched by in situ residual concentration. This was caused mostly by initial wholesale leaching of silica--mainly quartz--followed by leaching of SiO 2 and Fe 2 O (super [whitesunwithrays]) 3 (total iron as Fe 2 O 3 ) from chlorite. Alteration of rhyodacite proceeded from an initial stage of silicification and chloritization (addition of MgO and Fe 2 O (super [whitesunwithrays]) 3 ) of glass and feldspar (loss of Na 2 O and CaO) to a stage of leaching of quartz wherein over 50 percent of the mass of the unit was lost. In the final stage, leaching of Fe 12 Si 8 O 20 (OH) 16 accounted for a further 10 percent loss, leaving Mg- and Al-rich chlorite as essentially the sole component of the chloritite rock.
Local Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Impair Progression of Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Purpose To evaluate the immune regulatory effect of human cord blood myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) models. Methods MDSCs (1 × 106) or PBS were injected into established C57BL/6 EAU mice via the subconjunctival route on days 0 and 7. The severity of intraocular inflammation was evaluated for up to 3 weeks. Tissue injury and inflammation were analyzed using immunolabelled staining, real-time PCR, and ELISA. In addition, immune cells in draining lymph nodes (LNs) were quantified using flow cytometry. Results After 21 days, the clinical scores and histopathological grades of EAU were lower in the MDSCs group compared with the PBS group. Local administration of MDSCs suppressed the oxidative stress and the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the retinal tissues. In addition, it inhibited the activation of pathogenic T helper 1 (Th1) and Th17 cells in draining LNs. MDSCs increased the frequency of CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and the mRNA expression of IL-10, as an immune modulator. Conclusions MDSCs suppressed inflammation and oxidative stress in the retina and inhibited pathogenic T cells in the LNs in EAU. Therefore, ocular administration of MDSCs has therapeutic potential for uveitis.
Validation of RADARSAT Imagery Using In-Situ Measurements from First Year Ridged Ice

One first year ridge representative of the ridges characterized during a field program off West Coast Newfoundland in March 1999 is used to develop a comprehensive methodology for on-ice SAR validation studies. This validation study includes measurements such as the temperature, salinity, density, microstructure and in situ confined compressive strength of the ice. A RADARSAT-1 ScanSAR scene is used to illustrate how the ice properties influence the microwave signature of ridged ice and to determine the feasibility of using ScanSAR images for ridge identification. Analysis showed that ScanSAR scenes could be used successfully to identify areas of deformed ice.
Geostatistical techniques for practical wireless network coverage mapping

The problem of mapping the extent of usable coverage of an existing wireless network is important in a large number of applications, including communicating the abilities of the network to users, identifying coverage gaps and planning expansion, discovering opportunities for spectrum reuse, and determining possible sources of interference with other networks. This thesis addresses fundamental but unsolved problems of measurement-based wireless coverage mapping: where should measurements be made, how many are necessary, and what can be said about the coverage at points that have not been measured. To address these problems, this thesis advocates a geostatistical approach using optimized spatial sampling and ordinary Kriging. A complete system for coverage mapping is developed that systematically addresses measurement, sampling, spatial modeling, interpolation, and visualization. This geostatistical method is able to produce more accurate and robust coverage maps than the current state of the art methods, and is able to discover coverage holes as effectively as dedicated heuristic methods using a small number of measurements. Several important practical extensions are investigated: applying these methods to drive-test measurements which have been resampled to alleviate effects from sampling bias, and crowd-sourced coverage mapping applications where volunteer-collected measurements may be sparse or infrequent. The resulting maps can then be refined iteratively, and updated systematically over time using an optimized iterative sampling scheme. An extensive validation is performed using measurements of production WiFi, WiMax, GSM, and LTE networks in representative urban and suburban outdoor environments.
Myelination‐ and migration‐associated genes are downregulated after phagocytosis in cultured oligodendrocyte precursor cells

In the central nervous system, microglia are responsible for removing infectious agents, damaged/dead cells, and amyloid plaques by phagocytosis. Other cell types, such as astrocytes, are also recently recognized to show phagocytotic activity under some conditions. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), which belong to the same glial cell family as microglia and astrocytes, may have similar functions. However, it remains largely unknown whether OPCs exhibit phagocytic activity against foreign materials like microglia. To answer this question, we examined the phagocytosis activity of OPCs using primary rat OPC cultures. Since innate phagocytosis activity could trigger cell death pathways, we also investigated whether participating in phagocytosis activity may lead to OPC cell death. Our data shows that cultured OPCs phagocytosed myelin‐debris‐rich lysates prepared from rat corpus callosum, without progressing to cell death. In contrast to OPCs, mature oligodendrocytes did not show phagocytotic activity against the bait. OPCs also exhibited phagocytosis towards lysates of rat brain cortex and cell membrane debris from cultured astrocytes, but the percentage of OPCs that phagocytosed beta‐amyloid was much lower than the myelin debris. We then conducted RNA‐seq experiments to examine the transcriptome profile of OPC cultures and found that myelination‐ and migration‐associated genes were downregulated 24 h after phagocytosis. On the other hand, there were a few upregulated genes in OPCs 24 h after phagocytosis. These data confirm that OPCs play a role in debris removal and suggest that OPCs may remain in a quiescent state after phagocytosis.
The effects of therapeutic touch and music on sleep quality, menopausal symptoms, and quality of life in menopausal women

This study found that therapeutic touch and music increased sleep quality (subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and sleep disturbances) and quality of life and reduced menopausal symptoms. Abstract Objectives This study aimed to examine the effects of therapeutic touch (TT) and music on sleep quality, menopausal symptoms, and quality of life in menopausal women. Methods This study was carried out in an experimental model with a pretest, a posttest, and a control group. The study was completed with a total of 108 menopausal women in the TT, music, and control groups. Data were collected using a Participant Information Form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Menopause Rating Scale, and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale. TT was applied in the TT group once a week for 4 weeks, and the music group was asked to listen to music for 30 minutes before bedtime every day for 4 weeks. Posttest data were collected in all groups 4 weeks after the pretest. The χ2, analysis of covariance, post hoc tests, and partial η2 methods were used to analyze the collected data. Results When the effect of the pretest scores was adjusted, compared with the control group, there were statistically significant differences in the posttest scores of the participants in both the TT and music groups in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index dimensions of subjective sleep quality (P < 0.001), sleep latency (P ≤ 0.001), and sleep disturbances (P < 0.05). When the effect of the pretest scores was adjusted, compared with the control group, there were statistically significant differences in the posttest scores of the participants in both the TT and music groups in the Menopause Rating Scale and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale (P < 0.001). Conclusions It was concluded that TT and music increased sleep quality (subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and sleep disturbances) and quality of life and reduced menopausal symptoms.