Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A multivariate Th17 metagene for prognostic stratification in T cell non-inflamed triple negative breast cancer

ABSTRACT A diversity of T helper (Th) subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17) has been identified in the human tumor microenvironment. In breast cancer, the role of Th subsets remains controversial, and a systematic study integrating Th subset diversity, T cell inflammation, breast cancer molecular subtypes, and patient prognosis, is lacking. In primary untreated breast cancer samples, we analyzed 19 Th cytokines at the protein level. Eight were T cell-specific, and subsequently measured in 106 prospectively-collected untreated samples. The dominant Th cytokines across all breast cancer samples were IFN-γ and IL-2. Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) were expressed at low levels and not associated with any breast cancer subtype. Th17 cytokines (IL-17A and IL-17F) were up-regulated in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), specifically in T cell non-inflamed tumors. In order to get insight into prognosis, we exploited the METABRIC transcriptomic dataset. We derived Th1, Th2, and Th17 metagenes based on manually curated Th signatures, and found that a high Th17 metagene was of good prognosis in T cell non-inflamed TNBC. Multivariate Cox modeling selected the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI), Th2 and Th17 metagenes as additive predictors of breast cancer-specific survival, which defined novel and highly distinct prognostic groups within TNBC. Our results reveal that Th17 is a novel prognostic composite biomarker in T cell non-inflamed TNBC. Integrating immune cell and tumor molecular diversity is an efficient strategy for prognostic stratification of cancer patients.
Recovery with Propofol Anesthesia in Children Undergoing Cleft Palate Repair Compared with Sevoflurane Anesthesia

Background Nowadays, propofol total intravenous anesthesia (propofol TIVA) is a very attractive choice for routine pediatric anesthesia practice. Objectives To compare propofol- vs. sevoflurane-based anesthesia for pediatrics undergoing cleft palate repair in emergence characteristics and respiratory adverse effects. Methods Eighty infants, aged from six months to one year, scheduled for cleft palate repair surgery, were randomly divided into two groups (40 patients each). The group I received general anesthesia induced with intravenous propofol 2.5 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg of lidocaine, fentanyl one µg/kg and cisatracurium 0.15 mg/kg, and maintained by a continuous infusion of propofol 9 mg/kg/hr and cisatracurium 3 µg/kg/hr. While in the group II, general anesthesia induced by O2/sevoflurane, intravenous fentanyl one µg/kg and cisatracurium 0.15 mg/kg then the maintenance was carried out by O2/air, sevoflurane 2 MAC, and cisatracurium three µg/kg/hr. Postoperative FLACC behavioral pain assessment Scale, modified Hannallah score, postoperative laryngeal spasm incidence, the recovery time, time to extubation, and postoperative complication were recorded. Results The quality of emergence was assessed by modified Hannallah score, there was a significant decrease in the number of patients developed agitation after propofol TIVA in comparison to sevoflurane anesthesia (P < 0.001) with a significant decrease in the number of patients developed postoperative laryngeal spasm (P < 0.047). On the other hand, a significantly prolonged time of extubation was observed in the propofol TIVA group (P < 0.001). Conclusions Propofol TIVA regimen was the more peaceful recovery approach with less perioperative respiratory complications than sevoflurane-based anesthesia in infants undergoing cleft palate repair surgery.
Association of spironolactone treatment and arterial stiffness and cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients

Introduction The aim of the current study was to evaluate the association of spironolactone and arterial stiffness and composite cardiovascular disease (CVD, including coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure and ischemic stroke) in hypertensive patients. Material and methods Baseline data were collected and arterial stiffness was presented by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) using applanation tonometry. Serum levels of fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein and creatinine were measured using an automatic biochemistry analyzer. Plasma aldosterone concentration and plasma renin activity were determined by radioimmunoassay. The associations of spironolactone and arterial stiffness and composite CVD were evaluated. Results Compared to patients without spironolactone (n = 274), those with spironolactone (n = 170) were older and more likely to have diabetes and chronic heart failure. No differences in antihypertensive medications used were observed except for spironolactone. Mean number of antihypertensive medications used was significantly higher in the spironolactone group (2.6 ±0.8 vs. 2.2 ±0.6). Compared to patients without spironolactone, those with spironolactone had significantly lower cf-PWV (9.4 ±1.8 vs. 10.1 ±2.2 m/s). After adjustment for covariates, spironolactone was still associated with 10% lower risk of arterial stiffness, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.85–0.97. In patients without arterial stiffness, after adjustment for covariates, no significant association of spironolactone and composite CVD was observed. However, in patients with increased arterial stiffness, after adjustment for covariates, spironolactone was still independently associated with 11% lower risk of composite CVD (95% CI: 0.83–0.97). Conclusions Spironolactone treatment is independently associated with lower cf-PWV and lower prevalence of composite CVD in patients with increased arterial stiffness.
Clinical profile of ossicles in chronic suppurative otitis media: a study of 100 cases

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> To assess the status of ossicular chain intraoperatively in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This was an observational study carried out in the department of ENT for a period of two years. About 100 patients of CSOM both safe and unsafe type was included in the study. They were then posted for appropriate surgery and their intraoperative ossicular findings were recorded. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 100 cases, malleus was found intact in 80 cases, eroded in 17 cases and absent in 3 cases. Incus was the ossicle most commonly found eroded in the study. It was intact in 65 cases, eroded in 29 cases and absent in 6 cases. The most commonly necrosed part was the long process of incus found in 25 cases. Stapes was found to be intact in 77 cases and suprastructure of stapes was eroded in 23 cases. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> We found malleus to be the most resistant ossicle to erosion in CSOM, whereas incus was found to be the most susceptible. The incidence of ossicular erosion was much greater in unsafe CSOM than in safe CSOM. </p>
The level of IL-6 was associated with sleep disturbances in patients with major depressive disorder

Purpose: Major depression disorder (MDD) was associated with inflammatory processes, but association results of inflammatory syndrome and MDD were inconsistent. To provide more evidence, we measured the plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-6, interferon (INT)-α2, INT-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in patients having MDD and explored correlations between the five proinflammatory cytokines and specific depressive symptoms. Patients and methods: Plasma concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, INT-α2, INT-γ, and TNF-α were measured using ELISA for 44 MDD patients and 54 healthy controls. Patients with MDD were assessed on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), and a total score and five syndrome scores were acquired. Results: IL-6 levels in depressed patients were significantly elevated than in healthy controls, but no significant differences were observed in the levels of INF-α2, INF-γ, IL-1β, or TNF-α. In addition, correlation analysis revealed that sleep disturbances positively correlated with IL-6. Although there was no significant difference between the two groups in the levels of INF-α2, a significant positive correlation between IFN-α2 and retardation was observed. Conclusion: Elevated IL-6 levels were observed in MDD patients and IL-6 may correlate with sleep disturbances.
KELL BLOOD GROUP ANTIGENS IN THE BLOOD DONORS ATTENDING BLOOD BANKS OF TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN.

Introduction: Among the complications of blood transfusion, Hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs) and Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) are particularly important. Literature reports frequency of HTRs and related mortality up to 1/76,000 and 1/1.8 million units transfused respectively. These hemolytic reactions are caused by incompatibility between the donor and recipient blood and in cases of HDN, due to feto-maternal incompatibility due to maternal antibodies attacking the fetal red cells. Anti-K antibody is the most common antibody encountered in blood banks after the ABO and Rh antibodies. So routine screening and matching of these blood antigens along with ABO and Rh can further reduce the risk of HTRs and HDN. Existing literature on Kell blood system reports varying frequency of K and k antigens among various populations. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Kell blood group antigens in the blood donor population at Shaikh Zayed and Jinnah Hospitals Lahore and the association of Kell blood group antigens with different ABO blood groups of Lahore population. Study Design: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Research was conducted at the Blood banks of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore and Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Period: 6 months after the approval of synopsis from 15/06/2015 to 15/12/2015. Material and Methods: This study included 192 donors; 96 from Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore and 96 from Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. A written informed consent was taken from every donor. Kell blood group antigens K and k were determined. Results: There were 192 donors, 96 each from Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore and Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Out of these donors 186 (96.9%) were males and 6 (3.1%) were females. The most frequent ABO blood group antigen observed was B, which was seen in 82 (42.7%) donors, followed by O in 68 (35.4%), A in 36 (18.8%) and AB in 06 (3.1%) donors. Kell antigen k was found in 185 (96.3%) donors while K was found in 07 (3.6%) donors. When stratified, there was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of Kell antigens between genders (p=0.08) and ABO blood groups (0.09). The frequency of k antigen was higher among those with blood group B (43.2% vs. 17.8%) as compared to A, and the frequency of K antigen was higher among those with blood group A (42.8% vs. 28.5%) as compared to B, however, this was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The frequency of k was observed to be 96.3%. It was higher in donors with antigen B while the frequency of K was found to be 3.6% and it was higher in donors with antigen A.
Sexual negotiation skills and risky behavior on sexual partnerships, HIV knowledge, and risk perception among urban youth of color: A latent class analysis

Abstract Adolescents of color in urban communities are at high risk for contracting HIV, unlikely to have access to HIV testing services, or any other form of screening services. Using latent class analysis among a sample of African American/Black (48.1%) and Hispanic/Latina(o) (42%) youth (N = 668; Mage = 16.30; 51% female), this study examined the association cluster group membership, based on sexual negotiation skills and risk behavior, had on HIV knowledge, perception of risk, and the number of sexual partners. Five distinct cluster groups emerged, with significant heterogeneity observed between cluster groups on select dependent variables. A larger proportion of the study participants were in cluster groups that identified higher levels of sexual negotiation skills; however, variation was present based on risk behaviors. Results provide useful recommendations for research on HIV/AIDS and risk behaviors, as well prevention-intervention programing among urban youth of color.
ORGANIC MATTER AND SOIL FERTILITY IN DIFFERENT SUCCESSIONAL STAGES OF SEASONAL SEMIDECIDUAL FOREST

ABSTRACT The accumulation and transformation of organic matter in the soil are fundamental for the maintenance and improvement of the chemical, physical, and biological attributes of the soil, and consequently, for the tropical forests functioning. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of secondary forests with different successional stages on soil organic matter, carbon and nitrogen stocks, and soil fertility. Three areas of seasonal semideciduous forest, located in Pinheiral - RJ, with different successional stages were selected: initial stage forest - ISF, medium stage forest - MSF, and advanced stage forest - ASF. The values of total carbon and nitrogen, C and N stocks, δ13C (‰) isotope, chemical and granulometric fractionation of soil organic matter, and soil fertility were determined. Based on the values of δ 13C (‰), it was verified that most of the soil carbon of the different successional stages comes from forest species (C3 plants). The areas with the highest succession time (MSF and ASF) possess higher levels of carbon and nitrogen contents and stocks, and carbon associated with minerals compared to ISF. In addition, ASF showed increased phosphorus, fulvic acid, humic acid, whereas soil density exhibited reduced values when compared to that of other areas. The MSF showed, in general, greater fertility of the soil. This study emphasizes the importance of secondary forests that, even in the initial stages of succession, have great potential to store and stabilize organic carbon in the soil.
PHLEBITIS IN PERIPHERAL VASCULAR CATHETERS OF HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS

Objective: To identify the occurrence of mechanical and chemical phlebitis in peripheral venous catheters of hospitalized adult patients. Method: a descriptive observational study with 100 patients over 18 years of age who underwent peripheral venous puncture, performed in September and October 2016 at the Adult Hospitalization Unit of a University Hospital. The site of insertion of the peripheral puncture device was evaluated daily in order to identify signs and symptoms of phlebitis. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, considering statistical significance when p <0.05. Results: Phlebitis occurred in 21% of cases, with grade 1 (52.4%) prevalent. Of the 21 cases, 14 occurred due to mechanical causes, 50% due to repeated punctures and 7 due to chemical causes, which presented a statistically significant value in relation to some medications used (p = 0.008). Conclusion: the result of the study made the importance of the multiprofessional team in the care of these patients perceptible.
An Empirical Examination of a Model of Computer Learning Performance

The growing sophistication of computer applications and the increasing diversity of end users have heightened the importance of and need for end user computer training. Therefore, understanding factors that influence learning performance in computer training continues to be an important issue for information systems research, education, and practice. This paper presents and empirically tests a model of learning performance in computer training. The model assesses the direct influence of computer self-efficacy, computer attitudes, and computer experience and the patterns of relationships among these variables in which they influence learning performance. The results indicate that computer self-efficacy and computer experience had direct and positive effects on learning performance. However, computer attitudes had indirect effect on learning performance through their direct effect on computer self-efficacy. Additionally, computer attitudes and computer experience had positive effects on computer self-efficacy. The results offer practical implications for selecting and preparing individuals for training and designing computer training content.
Attitude of laboratory personnel towards accreditation

A multiple choice questionnaire was submitted to medical technologists in three medical laboratories, at varying times after obtaining an EN 45001 accreditation. A large majority (85‐90 per cent) considered that their workload was increased by the accreditation process. In two laboratories, the technologists did not think that the accreditation process had improved the quality of the results. The major advantages were the fact that everything was traceable, that the technologists felt more sure about the procedures to follow, received more responsibilities and had a better knowledge of the tests they performed. The major disadvantages were the increased paperwork, discrepancies between the procedures and the reality, the fact that more attention is paid to the formalities than to the quality of the results and that the accreditation process decreased the adaptability. The number of advantages mentioned seemed to increase with the interval since the accreditation. A small majority of the technologists preferred working in an accredited laboratory than in a non accredited one.
Application of Bioimage Informatics to Quantification of Focal Adhesions and Invadopodia

MATTHEW E. BERGINSKI: Application of Bioimage Informatics to Quantification of Focal Adhesions and Invadopodia. (Under the direction of Shawn M. Gomez, Eng.Sc.D.) The development of the ability to fluorescently label functional proteins and visualize their subcellular localization using microscopy in living cells, has made it possible to study a wide range of single cell phenomena. To understand the results of imaging assays, cell biologists have used manual methods for determining the quantitative properties of the cellular structures visualized fluorescent microscopy. As the quantity and complexity of the images that can be collected using fluorescence microscopy has increased, a new subfield of Bioinformatics has developed, named Bioimage Informatics, which specializes in adapting and developing new methods to quantify the image sets resulting from biological assays. In this thesis, I describe the application and development of Bioimage Informatic methods to the analysis of Focal Adhesions and Invadopodia. Focal Adhesions are subcellular protein complexes, whose role include acting as the points of contact for cellular motility and sensing the outside environment. Focal Adhesions have traditionally been analyzed using manual methods, which has limited the number of Focal Adhesions that could be analyzed and the depth of properties that could be collected. I have developed a set of methods which can identify, track and quantify Focal Adhesion properties from live cell image sets. This Focal Adhesion analysis framework has been expanded to include spatial and global methods for describing Focal Adhesion morphology. I have also developed a system for quantifying Invadopodia properties. Invadopodia are subcellular protein complexes present in metastatic cancer cells, which actively degrade the extracellular matrix, allowing migration of cancer cells away from primary tumors. This analysis system has two parts, one which can follow single Invadopodia and assess their properties and a complementary component which assesses degradation behavior in cell populations.
Effects of heat stress on growth performance, selected physiological and immunological parameters, caecal microflora, and meat quality in two broiler strains

Objective This study was conducted to investigate the effects of normal and heat stress environments on growth performance and, selected physiological and immunological parameters, caecal microflora and meat quality in Cobb 500 and Ross 308 broilers. Methods One-hundred-and-twenty male broiler chicks from each strain (one-day-old) were randomly assigned in groups of 10 to 24 battery cages. Ambient temperature on day (d) 1 was set at 32°C and gradually reduced to 23°C on d 21. From d 22 to 35, equal numbers of birds from each strain were exposed to a temperature of either 23°C throughout (normal) or 34°C for 6 h (heat stress). Results From d 1 to 21, strain had no effect (p>0.05) on feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), or the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Except for creatine kinase, no strain×temperature interactions were observed for all the parameters measured. Regardless of strain, heat exposure significantly (p<0.05) reduced FI and BWG (d 22 to 35 and 1 to 35), immunoglobulin Y (IgY) and IgM, while increased FCR (d 22 to 35 and 1 to 35) and serum levels of glucose and acute phase proteins (APPs). Regardless of temperature, the Ross 308 birds had significantly (p<0.05) lower IgA and higher finisher and overall BWG compared to Cobb 500. Conclusion The present study suggests that the detrimental effects of heat stress are consistent across commercial broiler strains because there were no significant strain×temperature interactions for growth performance, serum APPs and immunoglobulin responses, meat quality, and ceacal microflora population.
Bayesian Network Decision-Support for Severe Lower Limb Trauma

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 Table of contents -----------------------------------------------------------------------------7 List of tables ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------13 List of figures ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------15 List of abbreviations -------------------------------------------------------------------------18 Key definitions --------------------------------------------------------------------------------20 CHAPTER ONE Introduction 1.1 The Significance of Severe Lower Limb Trauma -----------------------------22 1.1.1 The Health Impact of Injuries 22 1.1.2 The Health Impact of Lower Limb Injuries 23 1.1.3 Factors that Influence the Health Impact of Severe Lower Limb Injuries 26 1.1. 4 Military Lower Limb Injuries 29 1.2 Contemporary Management of Severe Lower Limb Trauma -------------30 1.2. 1 Advances in Trauma Care 30 1.2. 2 Principles of Lower Limb Trauma Management 32 1.3 Decision-Making following Severe Lower Limb Trauma --------------------44 1.3. 1 Defining the problem 44 1.3. 2 Goals of Contemporary Management 45 1.3. 3 Guidelines for the Management of Severe Lower Limb Trauma 45 1.3. 4 Key Decisions in Severe Lower Limb Trauma Management 47