Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computationally efficient vascular input function models for quantitative kinetic modelling using DCE-MRI

A description of the vascular input function is needed to obtain tissue kinetic parameter estimates from dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) data. This paper describes a general modelling framework for defining compact functional forms to describe vascular input functions. By appropriately specifying the components of this model it is possible to generate models that are realistic, and that ensure that the tissue concentration curves can be analytically calculated. This means that the computations necessary to estimate parameters from measured data are relatively efficient, which is important if such methods are to become of use in clinical practice. Three models defined by four parameters, using exponential, gamma-variate and cosine descriptions of the bolus, are described and their properties investigated using simulations. The results indicate that if there is no plasma fraction, then the proposed models are indistinguishable. When a small plasma fraction is present the exponential model gives parameter estimates that are biassed by up to 50%, while the other two models give very little bias; up to 10% but less than 5% in most cases. With a larger plasma fraction the exponential model is again biassed, the gamma-variate model has a small bias, but the cosine model has a very little bias and is indistinguishable from the model used to generate the data. The computational speed of the analytic approaches is compared with a fast-Fourier-transform-based numerical convolution approach. The analytic methods are nearly 10 times faster than the numerical methods for the isolated computation of the convolution, and around 4–5 times faster when used in an optimization routine to obtain parameter estimates. These results were obtained from five example data sets, one of which was examined in more detail to compare the estimates obtained using the different models, and with literature values.
Proximal Femur Volumetric Bone Mineral Density and Mortality: 13 Years of Follow‐Up of the AGES‐Reykjavik Study

Bone mineral density (BMD) has been linked to mortality, but little is known about the independent contribution of each endosteal bone compartment and also the rate of bone loss to risk of mortality. We examined the relationships between (1) baseline trabecular and cortical volumetric BMD (vBMD) at the proximal femur, and (2) the rate of trabecular and cortical bone loss and all‐cause mortality in older adults from the AGES‐Reykjavik study. The analysis of trabecular and cortical vBMD and mortality was based on the baseline cohort of 4654 participants (aged ≥66 years) with a median follow‐up of 9.4 years; the association between rate of bone loss and mortality was based on 2653 participants with bone loss data (median follow‐up of 5.6 years). Analyses employed multivariable Cox‐proportional models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with time‐varying fracture status; trabecular and cortical variables were included together in all models. Adjusted for important confounders, Cox models showed that participants in the lowest quartile of trabecular vBMD had an increased risk of mortality compared to participants in other quartiles (HR = 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01 to 1.25); baseline cortical vBMD was not related to mortality (HR = 1.08; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.20). After adjustment for time‐dependent fracture status, results were attenuated and not statistically significant. A faster loss (quartile 1 versus quartiles 2–4) in both trabecular and cortical bone was associated with higher mortality risk (HR = 1.37 and 1.33, respectively); these associations were independent of major potential confounders including time‐dependent incident fractures (HR = 1.32 and 1.34, respectively). Overall, data suggest that faster bone losses over time in both the trabecular and cortical bone compartments are associated with mortality risk and that measurements of change in bone health may be more informative than single‐point measurements in explaining mortality differences in older adults. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Controlled E-field gradient coils for MRI

Peripheral neural stimulation is a major problem in current gradient coil designs. Induced current problems in patients relate directly to gradient strength and modulation frequency. Present designs of gradient coil tend to limit ultra-high-speed imaging methods such as echo-planar imaging (EPI) and echo-volumar imaging (EVI) because of the effect of induced currents in the patient which produce neural stimulation resulting in tingling sensations and involuntary muscle twitch. Neural stimulation could also trigger epileptic fits and/or cardiac fibrillation. For reduction of induced currents, an important aspect is the coil geometry. It is desirable to design the gradient coil in such a way as to prevent closed loop circulating currents within the body. Preliminary results using a four-sector gradient coil with a rectangular geometry, operating in a low mutual coupling mode and using passive E-field control, indicate significant reduction of the E-field within the subject volume of the coil, leading to a reduction of induced currents in a patient. Such a reduction allows safer operation using higher magnetic gradient strengths together with faster scans. Currently very fast scans are prohibited by virtue of the neural stimulation effects produced in present standard coil geometries.
Patientenbeteiligung bei medizinischen Entscheidungen

Patientenbeteiligung bei medizinischen Entscheidungen wird mittlerweile von allen Beteiligten im Gesundheitswesen, von Patienten, Ärzten, in der Pflege und von Seiten der Forschung sowie von Krankenkassen als sinnvoll angesehen1. Der Ansatz zur Beteiligung von Patienten bei konkreten Behandlungsentscheidungen, die Partizipative Entscheidungsfindung (engl: shared decision making), wurde in den Neunzigerjahren [1] entwickelt. In den letzten Jahren wurde das Vorgehen auch im deutschen Sprachraum weiterentwickelt, hinsichtlich der Definitionen präzisiert [2] und in anwendungsorientierten Forschungsprojekten im Rahmen eines Förderschwerpunktes des Bundesministeriums für Gesundheit und Soziale Sicherung „Der Patient als Partner im medizinischen Entscheidungsprozess“ untersucht [3]. Mit diesem Ansatz wurde eine praktikable Vorgehensweise für das Gespräch während der ärztlichen Konsultation entwickelt, um Patienten anhand von konkret umsetzbaren Handlungsschritten bei medizinischen Entscheidungen zu beteiligen.
Prevalence of Depression in Various Ethnic Groups of Immigrants and Refugees: Suggestions for Prevention and Intervention

There are remarkable differences in the prevalence of and vulnerability to depression between ethnic groups of immigrants and refugees. Correlates of depression in various ethnic groups are examined in this article, and issues for prevention and intervention are discussed. Analysis of the research data indicates that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that intervention and prevention programmes should be constructed in such a manner that they meet the special needs of specific categories of immigrants and refugees.
Assessment of the radio-frequency electromagnetic fields induced in the human body from mobile phones used with hands-free kits

In this study, the radiation emission from mobile phones when used with wireless and wired hands-free kits (HFK) was evaluated to determine the necessity for a dedicated compliance procedure and the extent to which the use of wired and wireless HFK can reduce human exposure. The specific absorption rates (SAR) from wireless HFK were determined experimentally. Wired HFK were evaluated dosimetrically while connected to mobile phones (GSM900/1800, UMTS1950) under maximized current coupling onto the HFK cable and various wire routing configurations. In addition, experimentally validated simulations of a wired HFK and a mobile phone operating on anatomical whole-body models were performed. The maximum spatial peak SAR in the head when using wired HFK was more than five times lower than ICNIRP limits. The SAR in the head depends on the output power of the mobile phone, the coupling between the antenna and cable, external attenuation and potential cable specific attenuation. In general, a wired HFK considerably reduces the exposure of the entire head region compared to mobile phones operated at the head, even under unlikely worst-case coupling scenarios. However, wired HFK may cause a localized increase of the exposure in the region of the ear inside the head under worst-case conditions. Wireless HFK exhibit a low but constant exposure.
Bisphosphonate Drug Holiday and Fracture Risk: A Population‐Based Cohort Study

Holidays from bisphosphonates (BPs) may help to prevent rare adverse events such as atypical femoral fractures, but may be appropriate only if risk of osteoporosis‐related fractures does not increase. Our objective was to compare the incidence of osteoporosis‐related fractures among women who had a BP holiday to those who continued to use BPs. This retrospective cohort study, conducted within four Kaiser Permanente integrated health system regions, included 39,502 women aged ≥45 years with ≥3 years exposure to BP. Participants with a BP holiday (≥12 months with no use) were compared to persistent (use with ≥50% adherence) and nonpersistent (use with <50% adherence) users for incident osteoporosis‐related fractures. The BP holiday (n = 11,497), nonpersistent user (n = 10,882), and persistent user groups (n = 17,123) were observed for 156,657 person‐years. A total of 5199 osteoporosis‐related fractures (including 1515 hip fractures and 2147 vertebral fractures) were observed. Compared to the persistent use group, there was a slight difference in overall osteoporosis‐related fracture risk (HR 0.92; 95% CI, 0.84 to 0.99)and no difference in hip fracture risk (HR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.10) for the BP holiday group. A slight reduction in risk of vertebral fracture was observed (HR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.95). Compared to the nonpersistent user group, the BP holiday group was at decreased risk for osteoporosis‐related fractures (HR 0.71; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.79), vertebral fractures (HR 0.68; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.78), and hip fractures (HR 0.59; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.70). Women who undertake a BP holiday from BP of ≥12 months duration for any reason after ≥3 years of BP use do not appear to be at greater risk of osteoporosis‐related fragility fracture, hip, or vertebral fractures compared to ongoing BP users. In our cohort, BP holiday remains a viable strategy for balancing the benefits and potential harms associated with long‐term BP use. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Identification of immunogenic proteins of Candida parapsilosis by serological proteome analysis

Systemic candidiasis is the leading fungal bloodstream infection, and its incidence has been on the rise. Recently, Candida parapsilosis has emerged as an increasingly prevalent fungal pathogen, but little is known about its antigenic profile. Hence, the current work was performed to discover immunogenic proteins of C. parapsilosis using serological proteome analysis.
Association of hip strength estimates by finite‐element analysis with fractures in women and men

Finite‐element analysis (FEA) of quantitative computed tomography (QCT) scans can estimate site‐specific whole‐bone strength. However, it is uncertain whether the site‐specific detail included in FEA‐estimated proximal femur (hip) strength can determine fracture risk at sites with different biomechanical characteristics. To address this question, we used FEA of proximal femur QCT scans to estimate hip strength and load‐to‐strength ratio during a simulated sideways fall and measured total hip areal and volumetric bone mineral density (aBMD and vBMD) from QCT images in an age‐stratified random sample of community‐dwelling adults age 35 years or older. Among 314 women (mean age ± SD: 61 ± 15 years; 235 postmenopausal) and 266 men (62 ± 16 years), 139 women and 104 men had any prevalent fracture, whereas 55 Women and 28 men had a prevalent osteoporotic fracture that had occurred at age 35 years or older. Odds ratios by age‐adjusted logistic regression analysis for prevalent overall and osteoporotic fractures each were similar for FEA hip strength and load‐to‐strength ratio, as well as for total hip aBMD and vBMD. C‐statistics (estimated areas under ROC curves) also were similar [eg, 0.84 to 0.85 (women) and 0.75 to 0.78 (men) for osteoporotic fractures]. In women and men, the association with prevalent osteoporotic fractures increased below an estimated hip strength of approximately 3000 N. Despite its site‐specific nature, FEA‐estimated hip strength worked equally well at predicting prevalent overall and osteoporotic fractures. Furthermore, an estimated hip strength below 3000 N may represent a critical level of systemic skeletal fragility in both sexes that warrants further investigation. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Respiratory symptoms of school children and their home environment in Northern Transdanubia, Hungary

This cross-sectional study covering all children visiting third grade classes with more than ten children in any elementary school of Hungary used parent-completed questionnaires on the children's present and past health condition, the parents' respiratory health and smoking habits, the home environment and the families' socio-economic status. Around 6670 children from the Northern-Transdanubian region were included in the present analysis using multiple logistic regression. The prevalence of children with bronchitic and asthmatic symptoms was 14.7% and 16.6%, respectively. The prevalence of asthma ever diagnosed by a physician was 7.2% and that of a doctor-diagnosed allergy was 21.3%. Heating with coal or wood, industrial emissions in the neighbourhood, outdoor and indoor use of pesticides, air conditioners, new wallpaper or plastic floor cover and carpets in the child's room and mould growth were found to be the strongest determinants of respiratory or allergic symptoms of the children in the home.
Superoxide dismutase recombinant Lactobacillus fermentum ameliorates intestinal oxidative stress through inhibiting NF‐κB activation in a trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid‐induced colitis mouse model

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) can prevent and cure inflammatory bowel diseases by decreasing the amount of reactive oxygen species. Unfortunately, short half‐life of SOD in the gastrointestinal tract limited its application in the intestinal tract. This study aimed to investigate the treatment effects of recombinant SOD Lactobacillus fermentum in a colitis mouse model.
Primary bone lymphoma presenting as a monoarthritis.

Primary bone lymphomas (PBL) are uncommon malignancies that account for approximately 3% of malignant bone tumors. We report a case of primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) of the right elbow presenting as a monoarthritis and review clinical and radiologic presentations and therapeutic strategies of these uncommon diseases. A 68-year-old man, was admitted for 4 months history of intense pain and swelling of the right elbow, without any other associated signs. Physical examination showed elbow inflammation, redness, and swelling; the patient was unable to fully extend this joint. Pain occurred with active and passive motion of the elbow in any direction. The general physical examination was normal and there were no fever. Laboratory investigations showed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate at 25 mm, C-reactive protein at 40 mg/L, and the complete blood cell count was normal. Radiographic examinations revealed osteolytic lesions of the right ulna and elbow joint (Fig. 1). Axial computed tomography showed sequestrum formation with a soft tissue mass. Histologic bone examination confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. The synovium was reported to show nonspecific inflammation. Physical and radiologic studies showed no evidence of lymphadenopathy, organomegaly, or other mass lesions in the body. There was no peripheral lymphocytosis or bone marrow involvement. The diagnosis of stage IE primary NHL of the right elbow was confirmed, and the patient received chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP). Consolidation radiotherapy and surgery treatment will be discussed later.
Rheumatologist Perceptions of Sources of Health Care Disparities in Minority Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Disparities in health outcomes among minority patients persist and in some patients have worsened. A large body of evidence indicates minority differences in all-cause mortality, chronic disease prevalence, and poorer functional status. When compared with nonminority rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, minority counterparts have poorer health outcomes, including worse disability and pain and a poorer overall health perception. Genetics, socioeconomic, cultural, behavioral, and intraindividual factors, as well as their interactive effects, have been documented as potential contributors to inequities across numerous diseases and conditions between Whites and minority groups. The study of socioeconomic factors, such as education and income, has predominated, but independently has not completely explained the reasons for disparities, even after statistical adjustment. A patient’s mistrust of the physician or the health care system, inadequate access or use of the health care system, low health literacy, language barriers, and treatment refusal are also among possible forces. In addition, provider-patient factors, including prejudice, stereotyping, and ambiguity surrounding minority patient interactions have been posited as contributors to disparities in medical treatment and health outcomes. Reasons for these disparities among minority RA patients are largely unexplored, although substantial data demonstrate that minorities are disproportionately affected by the consequences of arthritis. Because arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are projected to increase to a quarter of the adult population by 2030, examination of relevant factors that contribute to health disparities is needed. The purpose of this exploratory study was to survey rheumatologist perceptions of behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes related to treatment and health outcomes of minority RA patients.
In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus rhamnosus IMC 501®, Lactobacillus paracasei IMC 502® and SYNBIO® against pathogens

Probiotic lactobacilli have a great potential to produce antimicrobial compounds that inhibit and control the microbial pathogen growth. The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus IMC 501® and Lactobacillus paracasei IMC 502®, and their 1 : 1 combination, named SYNBIO®, were studied using four different methods.
Mesalamine-induced multiple pulmonary cavitary nodules associated with cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA).

Mesalamine, sulfasalazine, and other 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) derivatives are regarded as the mainstay of medical management for patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis or Crohn colitis. Sulfasalazine is composed of the active component for colitis therapy, 5-ASA, and sulfapyridine, which accounts for many of its side effects. Consequently, a number of 5-ASA compounds, such as mesalamine, have been developed with efficacy comparable with sulfasalazine but fewer side effects. Mesalamine is an encapsulated 5-ASA compound, which is generally better tolerated than sulfasalazine. Frequent side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, arthralgia, and headache. Pulmonary toxicity, mainly in the form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, is rare. Pulmonary vasculitis associated with c-ANCA has been reported thus far only 2 times in conjunction with 5-ASA compounds, once with mesalamine. 4 A discussion of these is provided in this communication. In the present report, we describe a case of mesalamineinduced multiple pulmonary cavitary nodules, associated with positive c-ANCA. The patient we describe responded promptly to discontinuation of mesalamine treatment, without further immunosuppressive intervention.
Hypoparathyroidism in the adult: Epidemiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, target‐organ involvement, treatment, and challenges for future research

Recent advances in understanding the epidemiology, genetics, diagnosis, clinical presentations, skeletal involvement, and therapeutic approaches to hypoparathyroidism led to the First International Workshop on Hypoparathyroidism that was held in 2009. At this conference, a group of experts convened to discuss these issues with a view towards a future research agenda for this disease. This review, which focuses primarily on hypoparathyroidism in the adult, provides a comprehensive summary of the latest information on this disease. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Tuberculosis associated with infliximab, a tumor necrosis factor alpha-neutralizing agent

Background Infliximab is a humanized antibody against tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) that is used in the treatment of Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Approximately 147,000 patients throughout the world have received infliximab. Excess TNF-α in association with tuberculosis may cause weight loss and night sweats, yet in animal models it has a protective role in the host response to tuberculosis. There is no direct evidence of a protective role of TNF-α in patients with tuberculosis. Methods We analyzed all reports of tuberculosis after infliximab therapy that had been received as of May 29, 2001, through the MedWatch spontaneous reporting system of the Food and Drug Administration. Results There were 70 reported cases of tuberculosis after treatment with infliximab for a median of 12 weeks. In 48 patients, tuberculosis developed after three or fewer infusions. Forty of the patients had extrapulmonary disease (17 had disseminated disease, 11 lymph-node disease, 4 peritoneal disease, 2 pleural dis.