Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Liver-Directed Therapy for Hepatic Metastases in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Dual-Center Analysis

Objectives:To analyze the perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing liver-directed therapy after pancreaticoduodenectomy in a large dual-center cohort of patients. Background:Although aggressive liver-directed therapy may be beneficial, liver-directed therapy may be associated with a high risk of complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods:Of 5025 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Mayo Clinic between 1970 and 2008, 126 (2.5%), patients were identified who were also treated with either simultaneous or staged liver-directed therapy. Data on demographics, primary tumor, and hepatic metastasis characteristics, as well as details of the liver-directed therapy were collected and analyzed. Results:Primary tumor histology included neuroendocrine carcinoma (34.9%), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (33.4%), distal cholangiocarcinoma (8.7%), ampullary carcinoma (7.1%), duodenal carcinoma (4.0%), or other (11.9%). Liver-directed therapies included hepatic resection alone (45.2%), hepatic resection plus ablation (11.1%), ablation alone (7.9%), transarterial chemoembolization (9.5%), and whole-liver irradiation (22.2%). The overall morbidity following liver-directed therapy was 34.1% and overall mortality was 2.4%. Patients undergoing staged liver-directed therapy (14.5%) versus simultaneous pancreaticoduodenectomy plus liver-directed therapy (7.0%) were more likely to develop a liver abscess (P < 0.05). Of those patients who developed complications, the majority (55.8%) were major (Clavien grade ≥3). Conclusions:Pancreaticoduodenectomy plus liver-directed therapy is associated with considerable morbidity. The incidence of hepatic abscess is increased in patients undergoing staged pancreaticoduodenectomy followed by liver-directed therapy.
Leukemic HRX Fusion Proteins Inhibit GADD34-Induced Apoptosis and Associate with the GADD34 and hSNF5/INI1 Proteins

ABSTRACT One of the most common chromosomal abnormalities in acute leukemia is a reciprocal translocation involving the HRX gene (also called MLL, ALL-1, or HTRX) at chromosomal locus 11q23, resulting in the formation of HRX fusion proteins. Using the yeast two-hybrid system and human cell culture coimmunoprecipitation experiments, we show here that HRX proteins interact directly with the GADD34 protein. We have found that transfected cells overexpressing GADD34 display a significant increase in apoptosis after treatment with ionizing radiation, indicating that GADD34 expression not only correlates with apoptosis but also can enhance apoptosis. The amino-terminal third of the GADD34 protein was necessary for this observed increase in apoptosis. Furthermore, coexpression of three different HRX fusion proteins (HRX-ENL, HRX-AF9, and HRX-ELL) had an anti-apoptotic effect, abrogating GADD34-induced apoptosis. In contrast, expression of wild-type HRX gave rise to an increase in apoptosis. The difference observed here between wild-type HRX and the leukemic HRX fusion proteins suggests that inhibition of GADD34-mediated apoptosis may be important to leukemogenesis. We also show here that GADD34 binds the human SNF5/INI1 protein, a member of the SNF/SWI complex that can remodel chromatin and activate transcription. These studies demonstrate, for the first time, a gain of function for leukemic HRX fusion proteins compared to wild-type protein. We propose that the role of HRX fusion proteins as negative regulators of post-DNA-damage-induced apoptosis is important to leukemia progression.
CTG Triplet Repeat in Mouse Growth Inhibitory Factor/Metallothionein III Gene Promoter Represses the Transcriptional Activity of the Heterologous Promoters (*)

Growth inhibitory factor/metallothionein III (GIF/MT-III) is expressed specifically in brain, and neither mRNA nor protein is detected in other organs. This tissuespecific expression might be regulated by negative elements as well as positive elements, such as tissue-specific enhancers. To investigate the repression mechanisms of this gene in organs other than the brain, transfection experiments were performed by using various deletion mutants. Interestingly, a 25 CTG repeat in the promoter region seemed to contribute to the repression activity. Moreover, the repression activity of this 25 CTG repeat was also observed in various promoters and in a direction and position independent manner, indicating that this element could act as a silencer. However, no binding protein was detected by gel-shift and footprint analyses. These results strongly suggest that the CTG repeat functions as a negative element, and that this effect is caused by unknown mechanisms, rather than by interactions between specific cis-elements and specific trans-acting factors as reported previously. It is also possible that the CTG repeat functions as a general silencer in many genes.
General versus specific indices in the assessment of chronic pain coping.

The Vanderbilt Pain Management Inventory (VPMI) (Brown & Nicassio, 1987) was created to assess two forms of coping with chronic pain: active and passive. The aim of the present paper was to extend the utility of the VPMI to evaluate specific coping strategies. 210 chronic pain patients participated in the first study. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the Active and Passive scales of the VPMI could be divided into four reliable scales: Catastrophizing, Social Support Seeking, Suppression and Behavioural Coping. Studies 2 and 3 evaluated the criteria validity of the general and specific scales in relation to pain intensity, negative mood and impairment in two samples of pain patients (N=112 and N=135). Passive coping, and especially catastrophizing, showed a strong consistent relationship with deficient outcomes in adaptation.
Double-alkylator non-total-body irradiation regimen with autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in pediatric solid tumors.

PURPOSE To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of cyclophosphamide (CTX) when administered with fixed doses of carboplatin, etoposide, and melphalan (CEM) followed by autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) in children with recurrent or high-risk solid tumors as a consolidation chemotherapy, and to make preliminary observations on efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-seven patients with solid tumors between the ages of 2 and 21 years were enrolled. Twenty of 27 had recurrent disease, whereas seven were treated in first remission. Nine were treated with melphalan 50 mg/m2/d for 4 days, carboplatin 300 mg/m2/d for 4 days as a continuous infusion (CI), and etoposide 200 mg/m2/d for 4 days as a CI (level I). CTX 750 mg/m2/d for 4 days was added to this regimen for the next 18 patients (level II). Seven of nine patients at level I and four of 18 at level II received bone marrow (BM) only, while two of nine at level I and 14 of 18 at level II received BM plus peripheral-blood stem cells (PBSC). RESULTS The median time to reach an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) greater than 500/microl was 12.5 and 10 days for patients who received BM only and BM plus PBSC, respectively. Three cases of grade 3 mucositis, one Candida sepsis, and two transient hypoxemias were the main nonfatal toxicities. No toxic mortality was observed among level I patients. Three of 18 (16%) level II patients, all in second CR, died of transplant-related complications. Median follow-up is 29 months. Nine died of progressive disease (one second malignancy), six relapsed and are alive with disease, and nine are in continuous CR. Among the 15 PNET/Ewing's sarcoma patients, seven are in continuous CR (three of nine in second CR/VGPR, four of six in first CR/VGPR). CONCLUSION The addition of CTX 3 g/m2 to CEM followed by autologous HSCT as a consolidation therapy resulted in 16% toxic mortality in children with recurrent or high-risk solid tumors. Further CTX dose escalation was aborted. No common nonhematologic toxicity was identified. The event-free survival (EFS) of 66% +/- 19% at 3 years for patients with metastatic PNET/Ewing's sarcoma in first remission is encouraging. However, this is based on only six patients. Both level I and II need further exploration in high-risk pediatric solid tumors in first remission.
Algal productivity modeling: A step toward accurate assessments of full‐scale algal cultivation

A new biomass productivity model was parameterized for Chlorella vulgaris using short‐term (<30 min) oxygen productivities from algal microcosms exposed to 6 light intensities (20–420 W/m2) and 6 temperatures (5–42°C). The model was then validated against experimental biomass productivities recorded in bench‐scale photobioreactors operated under 4 light intensities (30.6–74.3W/m2) and 4 temperatures (10–30°C), yielding an accuracy of ± 15% over 163 days of cultivation. This modeling approach addresses major challenges associated with the accurate prediction of algal productivity at full‐scale. Firstly, while most prior modeling approaches have only considered the impact of light intensity on algal productivity, the model herein validated also accounts for the critical impact of temperature. Secondly, this study validates a theoretical approach to convert short‐term oxygen productivities into long‐term biomass productivities. Thirdly, the experimental methodology used has the practical advantage of only requiring one day of experimental work for complete model parameterization. The validation of this new modeling approach is therefore an important step for refining feasibility assessments of algae biotechnologies. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 987–996. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) Scale to Hepatic Encephalopathy, as Defined by Electroencephalography and Neuropsychometric Testing, and Ascites

OBJECTIVE:It has recently been suggested that the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is a better and a more objective predictor of mortality in patients with end-stage liver disease. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship of the MELD score to hepatic encephalopathy (HE), as determined by electroencephalography (EEG) and clinical and neuropsychometric examination, and ascites.METHODS:A total of 66 patients underwent EEG, a neuropsychometric screening by Mini-Mental State Examination, Trails Making Tests, Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure, and Hopkins Verbal Learning Tests, and a clinical assessment for HE. The MELD score was calculated as previously described by using serum creatinine, bilirubin, and international normalized ratio. Subclinical HE was diagnosed if clinical examination did not detect HE but neuropsychometric tests and EEG were abnormal.RESULTS:Sixteen patients had no HE, 28 had subclinical HE, and 22 had clinical HE. Age, sex, race, and cause of liver disease were similar in all three groups. Child-Turcotte-Pugh score was significantly higher in patients with clinical HE compared with the other two groups. There was only a modest correlation (r = 0.5) between Child-Turcotte-Pugh and the MELD scores. The distribution and mean MELD scores were similar in patients with or without HE as determined by clinical or neuropsychometric examination and EEG. Approximately 90% of patients with clinical HE or abnormal EEG and neuropsychometric tests had a MELD score less than 25. Similarly, the MELD score was not affected by the severity of ascites.CONCLUSION:The MELD score does not correlate well with severity of HE or ascites. Patients with HE and ascites might not receive liver transplantation in a timely manner if MELD scores were to be used exclusively for organ allocation.
Correlates of Calcaneal Quantitative Ultrasound Parameters in Patients with Diabetes: The Study on the Assessment of Determinants of Muscle and Bone Strength Abnormalities in Diabetes

Objective Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) provides an estimate of bone mineral density (BMD) and also evaluates bone quality, which has been related to increased fracture risk in people with diabetes. This study aimed at assessing the correlates of calcaneal QUS parameters in diabetic subjects encompassing various degrees of micro and macrovascular complications and a wide-range of peripheral nerve function. Methods Four hundred consecutive diabetic patients were examined by QUS to obtain values of broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), the speed of sound (SOS), quantitative ultrasound index (QUI), and BMD. Results Among surrogate measures of complications, sensory and motor nerve amplitude and heart rate response to cough test and standing correlated with QUS parameters at univariate analysis, together with age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, lipid profile, and renal function. Multivariate analysis revealed that BUA, SOS, QUI, and BMD were independently associated with age, male gender, hemoglobin A1c, BMI (or fat, but not fat-free mass), and somatic and autonomic nerve function parameters. Conclusions These data indicate that peripheral nerve dysfunction is associated with worse QUS parameters, possibly contributing to increased fracture risk in diabetes. The positive relation of QUS measures with adiposity needs further investigation. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01600924).
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy made easier: a practical guide, tips and tricks

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) plays an integral role in managing large renal stones. Establishing percutaneous renal access is the most crucial step in the procedure and requires a thorough understanding of renal, retroperitoneal and thoracic anatomy to minimize the risk of complications. Moreover, access to fluoroscopy and the proper equipment are critical to ensuring complete stone removal. In this review we describe the technique of PCNL used in a high‐volume endourology centre, where the urologist is involved in all aspects of the procedure.
Influence of the addition of lupine protein isolate on the protein and technological characteristics of dough and fresh bread with added Brea Gum

The effect of protein lupine isolate (LI) and addition of brea gum (BG) on a basic bread formulation is described. The major objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of the addition of LI on the quality and quantity of the proteins of fresh bread with BG. Protein quality was determinate by the Chemical Score method corrected for protein digestibility (CSCD%). The bread dough characteristics were determined by farinograph and alveograph. Fresh bread characterization was performed by measuring the physical parameters and evaluating the crumb structure. The effect of LI and BG on available lysine, the loss of available lysine ratio, and the chemical composition of the breads were also determined. The addition of LI on the bread formulation improved the protein content and the CSCD% of lysine. The dough with LI was less resistant to prolonged kneading and less manageable. With BG addition, the dough became stickier. The quality of fresh bread was affected by the addition of LI: the fresh bread had lower specific volume and more heterogeneous crumbs than that of the control group. The addition of BG did not influence the quality of the bread made with the mixed flour, but it had a positive effect on the loss of available lysine.
Determining the Value of Sequential and Concurrent NPD Processes

The value of using sequential (SE) and concurrent engineering (CE) processes for new product development (NPD) is quantitatively determined by means of the maximum expected payoff method. This method models a process into a sequence of intervals and calculates the value of the maximum benefit as a result of optimum decisions during each interval. SE and CE processes are evaluated in terms of the parameters: simultaneity and intensity of interaction. The maximum expected payoff method shows under what conditions SE or CE is best, and the effect of incomplete information and resultant rework. Results are compared to actual NPD processes with good agreement.
Bronchiectasis: how to be an orphan with many parents?

When René Laennec first described bronchiectatic lesions, he wrote: “Je me contenterai donc de donner deux exemples propres à faire connaître plus amplement l'altération organique assez rare dont il s'agit” [1]. Loosely translated, it shows us that during his discovery he had the conviction that bronchiectatic lesions were a rather rare phenomenon. However, at that time, Laennec was the first and only person to characterise these lesions, suggesting that his contemporaries had completely overlooked their existence. What is unsought will go undetected. Bronchiectasis, an orphan disease in the spotlight: more common than previously thought yet lots still to discover http://ow.ly/Ut1eT
ASBESTOS (CHRYSOTILE, AMOSITE, CROCIDOLITE, TREMOLITE, ACTINOLITE, AND ANTHOPHYLLITE)

Asbestos is the generic commercial designation for a group of naturally occurring mineral silicate fibres of the serpentine and amphibole series. These include the serpentine mineral chrysotile (also known as ‘white asbestos’), and the five amphibole minerals – actinolite, amosite (also known as ‘brown asbestos’), anthophyllite, crocidolite (also known as ‘blue asbestos’), and tremolite (IARC, 1973; USGS, 2001). The conclusions reached in this Monograph about asbestos and its carcinogenic risks apply to these six types of fibres wherever they are found, and that includes talc containing asbestiform fibres. Erionite (fibrous aluminosilicate) is evaluated in a separate Monograph in this volume. Common names, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry numbers and idealized chemical formulae for the six fibrous silicates designated as ‘asbestos’ are presented in Table 1.1. Specific chemical and physical properties are also presented.
Radiation safety program for the cardiac catheterization laboratory

The Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions present a practical approach to assist cardiac catheterization laboratories in establishing a radiation safety program. The importance of this program is emphasized by the appropriate concerns for the increasing use of ionizing radiation in medical imaging, and its potential adverse effects. An overview of the assessment of radiation dose is provided with a review of basic terminology for dose management. The components of a radiation safety program include essential personnel, radiation monitoring, protective shielding, imaging equipment, and training/education. A procedure based review of radiation dose management is described including pre‐procedure, procedure and post‐procedure best practice recommendations. Specific radiation safety considerations are discussed including women and fluoroscopic procedures as well as patients with congenital and structural heart disease. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
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The effects of intramuscular saline (control), atropine (2 mg), pralidoxime (600 mg) or a combination of the two drugs on heat exchange was evaluated in four healthy males during moderately intense seated, cycle exercise (55% bO2 peak) in a temperate environment (Ta = 30.30C, Pw = 1.0 kPa). Esophageal, rectal, and mean skin temperatures, and chest and forearm sweating were continuously measured. Skin blood flow (FBF) from the forearm was measured twice each minute by venous occlusion plethysmography. Whole body sweating was calculated from weight changes. The expected result of atropine injection, decreased eccrine sweating (-60%, p < 0.05) with ensuent elevated esophageal (+0.40C, p < 0.05) and skin temperatures (+2.IOC, p < 0.05) was observed relative to control. Heart rate (+28 b.minl) and FBF(+9 ml.100cc-lmin1 ) were higher after atropine. Pralidoxime, in general, did not affect the core and skin , temperature responses to the exercise differently from control; however, a slightly elevated FBF (+3ml.100cc-l 1min1, 33%) compensated for the reduction in whole body sweating (-45%, p < 0.05) ) that we observed. The combination of the drugs resulted in significantly higher esophageal (0.40C) and skin (0.90C) temperatures than atropine alone, as has been previously shown. The thermoregulatory disadvantage of inhibited sweating by atropine was partially compensated for by enhanced skin blood flow in this environment where Ta > Tsk. Pralidoxime was shown to decrease whole body sweating, by a mechanism as yet unexplained.
First human case of tick-borne encephalitis virus infection acquired in the Netherlands, July 2016

In July 2016, the first autochthonous case of tick-borne encephalitis was diagnosed in the Netherlands, five days after a report that tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) had been found in Dutch ticks. A person in their 60s without recent travel history suffered from neurological symptoms after a tick bite. TBEV serology was positive and the tick was positive in TBEV qRT-PCR. TBEV infection should be considered in patients with compatible symptoms in the Netherlands.
Deployment of application on Cloud and enhanced data security in Cloud computing using ECC algorithm

Cloud Computing is the impending need of computing which is used for the IT Industries It is one of the hottest topic in research areas. Scalibility and Flexibility increases for the computing services. Cloud Computing is the fastest growing technology for IT Industry. The Information is being transmitted via the network therefore security is one of the major issue. The Application is deployed on the Cloud and for the secure transmission of the data we will be using ECC Algorithm in our project because of its advantages in terms of CPU utilization, time for Encryption and Key Size. This Paper will explore the deployment of Application on the Cloud and increases the security level by implementing ECC Algorithm,Digital Signature and Encryption.
Comparing Outcomes of Best-Practice and Research-Based Outpatient Treatment Protocols for Adolescents

Abstract Comparisons of well-developed practice-based interventions with research-based interventions are rare. This quasi-experimental study compares the outcomes of 274 adolescents (75% male; 63% weekly+ users; 54% dependent; 27% prior treatment; 73% with co-occurring problems) who received Chestnut Health System's best-practice Outpatient Treatment (CHS) or Cannabis Youth Treatment (CYT) research-based interventions. Ninety-five percent of participants completed follow-up interviews at three, six, nine, and 12 months after their intake GAIN interview. Initially, the CYT cohort scores indicated greater severity on several substance-related measures, while the CHS cohort scored higher on prior mental health treatment, victimization, and illegal activities measures. Adolescents in the CHS cohort were more likely to have longer lengths of stay and receive over three times as many hours of treatment. Mixed effects models revealed that CHS participants were significantly more likely to report a decrease in recovery environment risk, an increase in self-help attendance after treatment, and greater decreases in emotional problems, while CYT participants were significantly more likely to report decreases in their substance use. The results suggest that neither the best-practice nor the research-based interventions were clearly superior and call for a more rigorous randomized field experiment to better understand the differences in effectiveness between interventions.