Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infections during tumour necrosis factor-alpha blocker therapy for rheumatic diseases in daily practice: a systematic retrospective study of 709 patients.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the rate of infections in rheumatic patients treated with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha blockers in daily practice and to determine potential risk factors of infections. METHODS Systematic retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary-referral centre of all patients receiving at least one TNF-alpha blocker, between 1997 and December 2004. Serious infections were defined as life-threatening, requiring hospitalization or sequelae. The incidence of infections during the first TNF-alpha blocker course was compared with the incidence during the period just before such therapy, in the same patients and a number needed to harm was calculated. Univariate and multivariate analysis between patients who suffered from at least one infection during treatment or not, was conducted in order to determine potential associated risk factors. RESULTS Among the 709 patients treated with at least one TNF-alpha blocker, 57.7% had rheumatoid arthritis; a total of 275 infectious events in 245 patients (34.5%) were reported during all treatment courses. Among these infections, 47 infections in 44 patients (6.2%) fulfilled the definition of serious infections. The incidence rate of serious infections was 3.4 +/- 38.7 per 100 patient-yrs before TNF-alpha blocker therapy vs 10.5 +/- 86.9 during the first TNF-alpha blocker course (P = 0.03, number needed to harm = 14). The single risk factor picked up by multivariate analysis to explain infections was previous joint surgery [odds ratio (OR) = 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (1.43-2.98), P < 0.0001] and, if surgery was taken out of the model, the cumulative dose of steroids [OR = 1.28 (1.04-1.59), P = 0.02]. CONCLUSION The rate of serious infections during TNF-alpha blocker treatment observed in daily practice conditions was much higher than in phase III trials evaluating TNF-alpha blockers. Serious infections are frequent in daily practice and close monitoring is required.
Tiempo cotizado, ingresos salariales y sus consecuencias para las pensiones: diferencias por género al final de la vida laboral

The study of gender differences in the labour trajectories of women and men between 45 and 65 years old, enable to measure their impact on gender wage gap. The analysis of several aspects of these paths, such as the length in the Social Security system, periods of interruption throughout their working lives or the number of employment interruptions, shows that women spend more and longer periods out of employment. This fact notably explains the observed gender wage differentials. Consequently, if women suffer a double penalty, because they accumulate fewer periods of contribution and have lower incomes, their retirement pensions will always be lower than those of men. The recent reform of the pension system and tightening of requirements may worsen their situation and likely increase the gender gap in contributive pensions.
T E C H N I C a L a D V a N C E Open Access

Decentral gene expression analysis: analytical validation of the Endopredict genomic multianalyte breast cancer prognosis test Abstract Background: EndoPredict (EP) is a clinically validated multianalyte gene expression test to predict distant metastasis in ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer treated with endocrine therapy alone. The test is based on the combined analysis of 12 genes in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Recently, it was shown that EP is feasible for reliable decentralized assessment of gene expression. The aim of this study was the analytical validation of the performance characteristics of the assay and its verification in a molecular-pathological routine laboratory.
Non-surgical periodontal treatment: where are the limits? An SEM study.

In the present scanning electron microscopic study, the possibilities and limitations of non-surgical root planing were investigated. 10 single-rooted teeth from 4 patients with advanced periodontitis were studied. The root surfaces were cleaned and planed without flap reflection, using fine curettes. The teeth were then extracted and the root surfaces were systematically examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the presence of residual bacteria and calculus. 29 of 40 curetted root surfaces were free of residues, if they were reached by the curette. On the remaining 11 surfaces, only small amounts of plaque and minute islands of calculus were detected, primarily at the line angles and also in grooves and depressions in the root surfaces. Instrumentation to the base of the pocket was not achieved completely on 75% of the treated root surfaces, however. The primary reason for this was the extremely tortous pocket morphology on the teeth selected for study. In conclusion, it may be stated that during non-surgical root planing in cases of advanced periodontitis, surfaces that can be reached by curettes are usually free of plaque and calculus. However, in many cases the base of the pocket will not be reached. It is for this reason that deep periodontal pockets should be treated with direct vision, i.e., after the reflection of conservative flaps.
Platelets contain releasable coagulation factor IX antigen

&NA; Platelets take up plasma proteins into their alpha granules. Platelet activation releases the alpha granule contents. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that human platelets also contain some coagulation factor IX in their alpha granules. Platelets were examined by immunofluorescence microscopy. Activated and unactivated platelets were quick frozen on to slides and dehydrated in situ to preserve optimal morphology. The slides were stained by indirect immunofluorescence for factors V and IX. Unactivated platelets showed coarsely granular staining for factor V and finely granular staining for factor IX. Staining for factor V was diffuse after activation, while staining for factor IX disappeared. Thus, the results support the conclusion that platelets contain factor IX which can be released upon activation. Immunoelectron microscopic studies were conducted to more precisely localize the site of the platelet factor IX. As expected, factor V was primarily localized in the alpha granules of unactivated platelets. By contrast, factor IX was observed both in alpha granules and diffusely in the platelet cytoplasm and membrane‐bounded vesicles. After activation, staining for both factors V and IX was primarily in the open canalicular system. The physiological importance of this small amount of factor IX is unknown. However, it may be significant since only a few percent of normal IX levels are required to support haemostasis in the absence of trauma, and platelet factor IX could be released at sites of active coagulation.
At home away from home: visitor accommodation and place attachment

Second-home owners often establish deep connections with their dwellings, and the broader landscapes of which these dwellings are part. In this research, we consider whether, and to what extent, visitors to commercial tourist accommodation also experience feelings of place attachment and home. These issues were investigated via a case study approach, centred on a youth hostel located in a high-amenity coastal area of New Zealand. The hostel’s publicly available visitor books were analysed to draw out expressions of people–place relationships, as well as key demographic information. Five themes were identified in visitors’ written reflections: repeat visits; home experience; identity and feeling; escape; and social landscape. Like the second home, the hostel provided a set of experiences considered very distinct from the typically city-based primary home, centred on a sense of freedom, relaxation and proximity to nature. It was paradoxically regarded as a place to seek change as well as familiarity. We conclude that for first-time visitors home-like experiences appear to be stimulated by social encounters and the physical environment, while for returnees they are underscored by familiarity and endorsement of identity over time.
Evolution of the Arterial Structure and Function From Infancy to Adolescence Is related to Anthropometric and Blood Pressure Changes

Objective—To develop a normative data set and to study the relationship among arterial structure, different anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and arterial function during healthy childhood using very-high-resolution ultrasound (25–55 MHz). Methods and Results—In 135 healthy children between 0 and 18 years of age, we assessed the structure of the carotid arteries, larger peripheral arteries, aorta, and left ventricle with ultrasound. Arterial stiffness was assessed by pulse wave velocity and endothelial function by brachial flow-mediated dilation. Reference curves adjusted for age and body surface area of arterial lumen diameters, intima-media thickness, and adventitia thickness were developed. Arterial walls thicken during childhood predominantly as a result of a progressive increase in intima-media thickness. There were significant associations among lumen diameter (R2 range, 0.20–0.88 for different arteries; P<0.001), intima-media thickness (R2 range, 0.47–0.85; P<0.001), left ventricular mass (R2=0.90; P<0.001), and adventitia thickness (R2 range, 0.15–0.22; P<0.001) with sex, age, body surface, and systolic blood pressure. Arterial wall stress was associated with lumen diameter (R2 range, 0.52–0.83; P<0.001) and intima-media thickness (R2 range, 0.53–0.88; P<0.001). Limited relationships were found among arterial wall layer thickness, stiffness, and endothelial function. Conclusion—In healthy children, the evolution of the arterial structure is mainly related to anthropometrics and blood pressure.
A National Human Neuroimaging Collaboratory Enabled by the Biomedical Informatics Research Network (BIRN)

The aggregation of imaging, clinical, and behavioral data from multiple independent institutions and researchers presents both a great opportunity for biomedical research as well as a formidable challenge. Many research groups have well-established data collection and analysis procedures, as well as data and metadata format requirements that are particular to that group. Moreover, the types of data and metadata collected are quite diverse, including image, physiological, and behavioral data, as well as descriptions of experimental design, and preprocessing and analysis methods. Each of these types of data utilizes a variety of software tools for collection, storage, and processing. Furthermore sites are reluctant to release control over the distribution and access to the data and the tools. To address these needs, the biomedical informatics research network (BIRN) has developed a federated and distributed infrastructure for the storage, retrieval, analysis, and documentation of biomedical imaging data. The infrastructure consists of distributed data collections hosted on dedicated storage and computational resources located at each participating site, a federated data management system and data integration environment, an extensible markup language (XML) schema for data exchange, and analysis pipelines, designed to leverage both the distributed data management environment and the available grid computing resources.
Frequency weighted generalized total least squares linear prediction for frequency estimation

This paper presents a frequency weighted generalized total least squares linear prediction for estimating closely spaced sinusoids. In this method, the received data is first processed by a pole-zero prefilter and then a generalized total least squares linear prediction is applied to the prefiltered signal. A procedure of optimizing the generalized solution is introduced. By computer simulations, it is shown that the solution can outperform the existing well known total least squares solutions especially in low signal-to-noise ratio.
A Two Point Boundary Value Problem for a Class of Differential Inclusions

A two point boundary value problem for differential inclusions with relaxed one sided Lipschitz right-hand side in Banach spaces with uniformly convex duals are studied. We use successive approximations to obtain nonemptiness and compactness of the solution set as well as its continuous dependence from the initial conditions and the right-hand side. The relaxation theorem is also proved. AMS subject classification: 34B15, 34A60
Multiple sclerosis: Distribution of inflammatory cells in newly forming lesions

CD4 T‐cell–dependent macrophage activation directed against a myelin or oligodendrocyte antigen is generally thought to be the mechanism causing myelin destruction in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, areas within expanding MS lesions may exhibit prominent oligodendrocyte loss and apoptosis in the absence of infiltrating lymphocytes. The present study was designed to further investigate the inflammatory profile of different regions within rapidly expanding MS lesions.
Awe’s effects on generosity and helping

It is unclear whether positive emotionality in general, or some specific positive emotions (e.g. other-oriented ones), but not others (e.g. self-oriented and, possibly, stimulus-oriented ones), enhance prosocial thoughts, dispositions, and behavior. We focus here on awe and argue that, although being primarily stimulus-oriented and not necessarily social in its very nature, awe should enhance prosociality for several theoretical reasons. In replicating and extending previous initial research, we found in two online experiments that the induction of awe (video clip or recall), compared to the induction of amusement or a neutral condition, leads to increased prosocial behavioral intentions of generosity (spontaneous sharing of hypothetical gains) and help of a person in need – in hypothetical everyday life situations. Awe’s effect on prosociality was independent from participants’ religiosity (in both experiments) but seemed to be clearer for those in need of such affective stimulation, i.e. less agreeable participants (Experiment 2).
Numerical magnetohydrodynamics in astrophysics: Algorithm and tests for multidimensional flow

We describe a numerical code to solve the equations for ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). It is based on an explicit finite difference scheme on an Eulerian grid, called the Total Variation Diminishing (TVD) scheme, which is a second-order-accurate extension of the Roe-type upwind scheme. We also describe a nonlinear Riemann solver for ideal MHD, which includes rarefactions as well as shocks and produces exact solutions for two-dimensional magnetic field structures as well as for the three-dimensional ones. The numerical code and the Riemann solver have been used to test each other. Extensive tests encompassing all the possible ideal MHD structures with planar symmetries (\ie ~one-dimensional flows) are presented. These include those for which the field structure is two-dimensional ({\it i.e.}, those flows often called ``$1 + 1/2$ dimensional'') as well as those for which the magnetic field plane rotates ({\it i.e.,}, those flows often called ``$1 + 1/2 + 1/2$ dimensional''). Results indicate that the code can resolve strong fast, slow, and magnetosonic shocks within 2-4 cells while more cells are required if shocks become weak. With proper stiffening, rotational discontinuities are resolved within 3-5 cells. Contact discontinuities are also resolved within 3-5 cells with stiffening and 6-8 cells without stiffening, while the stiffening on contact discontinuities in some cases generates numerical oscillations. Tangential discontinuities spread over more than 10 cells. Our tests confirm that slow compound structures with two-dimensional magnetic field are composed of intermediate shocks (so called ``2-4''
Electrocardiographic Changes Reflecting Left Atrial Abnormality in Hypertension

To separate the effects of hypertension and atherosclerosis on the left atrium, the electrocardiograms of 76 hypertensive patients and 76 normal control subjects, matched for age and sex, were studied. Four established criteria for left atrial abnormality were used. One or more positive criteria were satisfied in 45 of the 76 patients and 28 had two or more positive criteria. In contrast, only four of the 76 normal subjects had one abnormal criterion; none had more than one. In 37 patients selective coronary cinearteriography was performed and five of these with abnormal P waves had no arteriographic evidence of atherosclerosis. Eleven of 45 patients with left atrial abnormality had repeated episodes of atrial arrhythmias, whereas only one of the 31 patients with normal P waves had an atrial arrhythmia, demonstrating that repeated atrial arrhythmias are more frequent in patients with left atrial abnormality.Left atrial abnormality was, therefore, a frequent finding in hypertension; it may occur even in the absence of cardiac enlargement and coronary arterial disease. It was, at times, the sole sign of cardiac abnormality in hypertension.
Goal-Oriented Experiences and the Development of Knowledge

This research investigates the learning that occurs throughout several information acquisition and choice experiences. The effects of three factors that may naturally vary in consumer experiences are studied: a consumer's goals, how much the consumer knows about the product's features prior to information acquisition and choice, and the content of feedback received after choice. Results show that the information consumers learn is organized in memory around the goal(s) that drives the experiences. Further, higher levels of prior feature knowledge result in more accurate knowledge after experience, but, contrary to predictions, subjects with no prior feature knowledge are quite adept at focusing on their goal in the choice process and learning goal-appropriate information. The presence of feedback and its consistency with a consumer's goal are also shown to affect the goal orientation and organization of brand and feature knowledge gained during choice experiences. Copyright 1993 by the University of Chicago.
Calcium supplements with or without vitamin D and risk of cardiovascular events: reanalysis of the Women’s Health Initiative limited access dataset and meta-analysis

Objectives To investigate the effects of personal calcium supplement use on cardiovascular risk in the Women’s Health Initiative Calcium/Vitamin D Supplementation Study (WHI CaD Study), using the WHI dataset, and to update the recent meta-analysis of calcium supplements and cardiovascular risk. Design Reanalysis of WHI CaD Study limited access dataset and incorporation in meta-analysis with eight other studies. Data source WHI CaD Study, a seven year, randomised, placebo controlled trial of calcium and vitamin D (1g calcium and 400 IU vitamin D daily) in 36 282 community dwelling postmenopausal women. Main outcome measures Incidence of four cardiovascular events and their combinations (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularisation, death from coronary heart disease, and stroke) assessed with patient-level data and trial-level data. Results In the WHI CaD Study there was an interaction between personal use of calcium supplements and allocated calcium and vitamin D for cardiovascular events. In the 16 718 women (46%) who were not taking personal calcium supplements at randomisation the hazard ratios for cardiovascular events with calcium and vitamin D ranged from 1.13 to 1.22 (P=0.05 for clinical myocardial infarction or stroke, P=0.04 for clinical myocardial infarction or revascularisation), whereas in the women taking personal calcium supplements cardiovascular risk did not alter with allocation to calcium and vitamin D. In meta-analyses of three placebo controlled trials, calcium and vitamin D increased the risk of myocardial infarction (relative risk 1.21 (95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.44), P=0.04), stroke (1.20 (1.00 to 1.43), P=0.05), and the composite of myocardial infarction or stroke (1.16 (1.02 to 1.32), P=0.02). In meta-analyses of placebo controlled trials of calcium or calcium and vitamin D, complete trial-level data were available for 28 072 participants from eight trials of calcium supplements and the WHI CaD participants not taking personal calcium supplements. In total 1384 individuals had an incident myocardial infarction or stroke. Calcium or calcium and vitamin D increased the risk of myocardial infarction (relative risk 1.24 (1.07 to 1.45), P=0.004) and the composite of myocardial infarction or stroke (1.15 (1.03 to 1.27), P=0.009). Conclusions Calcium supplements with or without vitamin D modestly increase the risk of cardiovascular events, especially myocardial infarction, a finding obscured in the WHI CaD Study by the widespread use of personal calcium supplements. A reassessment of the role of calcium supplements in osteoporosis management is warranted.
Employees perceptions about knowledge sharing impacts on organizational practices

This article main objective is to identify the organizations processes which facilitate knowledge sharing, application and impacts on organizational practices. The research question for this study was: what are the impacts of the knowledge sharing processes on organizational practices? The research was qualitative and also quantitative. The qualitative approach involved semi structured group interviews with the goal to identify forms of knowledge sharing and collaboration among co-workers and also from document analysis on organizational evidences: reports, procedure sheets and manuals and also from observation grids filled during factory visits. These techniques were used to better understand the context and the processes they used to share knowledge within one organization from the heat water sector. The quantitative methodology was applied through a questionnaire filled in by workers from several sectors and departments of the organization. The study reveals as main findings the main forms used for knowledge sharing: suggestion boxes, several types of workshops and several transversal projects of improvement, quality and maintenance; and the main impacts of knowledge sharing in the organizational practices of Alpha organization.
The Role of Semantics, Argument Structure, and Lexicalization in Compound Stress Assignment in English

It is generally assumed that noun-noun compounds in English are stressed on the left-hand member (e.g.cóurtroom wátchmaker). However, there is a large amount of variation in stress assignment (e.g. silk tíe, Madison Ávenue, singer-sóngwriter) whose significance and sources are largely unaccounted for in the literature. This article presents a study in which three kinds of factors held to play a role in compound stress assignment are tested: argument structure, lexicalization, and semantics. The analysis of 4,353 noun-noun compounds extracted from the Boston University Radio Speech Corpus shows that there is indeed a considerable amount of variation in stress assignment. Overall, semantics turns out to have the strongest effect on compound stress assignment, whereas an approach relying on argument structure is much less successful in predicting compound stress. The article presents for the first time large-scale empirical evidence for the assumption that lexicalization has an effect on compound stress assignment. The article also makes a methodological contribution to the debate in showing that (and how) corpus-based studies using acoustic measurements can shed new light on the issue of variable compound stress. *