Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the accuracy of breast cytological diagnosis at seven institutions in southern Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.

OBJECTIVE Cytological examination is inexpensive and relatively simple to carry out and deserves utilization in breast cancer screening. We investigated the status of cytological diagnosis at seven facilities in southern Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. METHODS We collected data on the criteria for cytological judgments and status of breast cytological diagnosis at seven different facilities in this region. RESULTS Among 5693 individuals who underwent breast cytological examination, analyses were conducted on 1250 individuals (22.0%) in whom cytological diagnoses were confirmed by histological diagnoses. Among these patients, cytological diagnosis had an absolute sensitivity of 71.9%, a specificity of 76.0%, a false-negative value of 6.7% and a false-positive value of 0.08%. At three facilities with relatively large numbers of cases (>300), excluding a facility for specialized breast disease, similar trends of high complete sensitivity (94.3, 95.6 and 97.1%, respectively) and low absolute sensitivity (60.4, 74.8 and 57.2%, respectively) were found. No false-negative or false-positive cases were seen in individual facilities with relatively low numbers of cases (<150). CONCLUSIONS The accuracy of cytological diagnosis at the facilities we surveyed was relatively high compared with the goals of assessment of diagnostic accuracy. However, the performance was dependent on the facility type, i.e. number of cases, staff involved and whether it was specialized or not, making the diagnosis specific for this region. We recommend that management of the accuracy of cytological diagnosis be undertaken jointly by multiple facilities to establish systems in Japan that lead to more useful diagnostic tools.
TNF-alpha TGF-beta2 and IL-1beta levels in gingival and peri-implant crevicular fluid before and after de novo plaque accumulation.

AIMS The aim of this split-mouth study was to investigate levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta2) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) after a 21-day-period of de novo plaque accumulation in the same patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS In 25 patients, samples of GCF and PICF were collected in the sulcus of the tooth and of the implant after professional hygiene. After the no-hygiene phase (21 days), second samples of GCF and PICF were taken. Third samples were collected after 69 days of re-establishment oral hygiene techniques. The crevicular fluids were used to determine the volume and the levels of TNF-alpha, TGF-beta2 and IL-1beta. RESULTS The volume of the crevicular fluids increased significantly after 21 days of plaque accumulation around teeth and implants and decreased significantly by 69 days. TNF-alpha and TGF-beta2 did not change significantly among the three different samples. A significant increase of IL-1beta was observed after plaque accumulation around the teeth GCF, whereas in the PICF the increase was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that increased volumes of GCF and PICF could be useful markers of early inflammation in gingival and peri-implant tissues. In the presence of de novo plaque, implants showed lower, and nearly significant, levels of IL-1beta compared with teeth.
Comparison of the Modified Chinese Baecke Questionnaire With a 3-Day Activity Diary in a Hong Kong Chinese Population

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the modified Chinese Baecke Questionnaire, using a 3-day activity diary as a reference, in Hong Kong Chinese population. A total of 198 Chinese subjects aged 18 to 65 years were recruited in Hong Kong. Validity of the questionnaire was assessed using a 3-day activity diary as the reference method. Two-week test–retest reliability was also evaluated. Good reliability for the modified Chinese Baecke Questionnaire was demonstrated (correlation coefficients ranged from 0.65 to 0.90). Cohen’s κ was 41.0% for men and 56.7% for women. High correlation between the weighted total index computed from the questionnaire and daily energy expenditure obtained from the diaries (r = 0.61) was demonstrated (r = 0.56, P < .01 for men and r = 0.59, P < .01 for women). Overall, 2.1% and 4.8% gross misclassifications were found for men and women, respectively. In conclusion, the modified Chinese Baecke Questionnaire was found to be reliable and valid for measuring habitual physical activity in the Hong Kong Chinese adult population.
Enhancing Effect of Dietary Cholesterol and Inhibitory Effect of Pravastatin on Allergic Pulmonary Inflammation

To elucidate the link between the intake of animal fat and asthma, a murine model was developed to examine the effect of dietary cholesterol on pulmonary allergic inflammation. Male C57BL6 mice were fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with 2% cholesterol. Following sensitization and inhalation exposure to ovalbumin, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice in the cholesterol group contained higher numbers of eosinophils and elevated levels of IL-5, PGE2, and MCP-1. In addition, dietary cholesterol also resulted in elevated production of IL-4 and IFN-γ by lymphocytes isolated from the lungs. These inflammatory indicators were all significantly correlated with serum cholesterol levels. In contrast to the effect of dietary cholesterol, adding pravastatin to the drinking water significantly reduced eosinophil infiltration and the levels of IL-5, PGE2 and MCP-1 in lavage fluid. Although dietary cholesterol did not alter baseline IL-12 in the lungs, in mice challenged with ovalbumin the IL-12 levels were reduced in the cholesterol group and elevated significantly in the pravastatin group. The results suggest that dietary cholesterol might enhance pulmonary allergic inflammation, possibly involving both nonspecific inflammatory processes and lymphocyte activities.
Carcinoid tumor of the duodenum: a rare tumor at an unusual site. Case series from a single institution.

CONTEXT Duodenal carcinoids are extremely rare, and their characteristics and biological behavior have not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with resected duodenal carcinoids. METHODS Twenty patients (12 females and 8 males) were investigated. Their average age was 66.4 ± 5.8 years old (43 to 88 years old). The data corresponding to the clinical picture, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with duodenal carcinoid tumors subjected to resection over a period of 18 years (1993-2011) were analyzed. RESULTS The most common symptoms were dyspepsia (50%) and epigastric pain (45%) followed by weight loss (10%) and vomiting (5%). Carcinoid syndrome was not observed in any patient. The lesion was located on the first part of the duodenum in 15 (75%) patients, the second part in 4 (20%) patients, and the third part in 1 (5%) patient. The diagnosis of a carcinoid tumor was established through an endoscopic excision biopsy in 19 (95%) patients and an histopathological examination of the surgical specimen in 1 (5%) patient. The average tumor size was 1.1 cm ± 0.4 cm (0.3 cm to 6.0 cm). Nineteen (95%) patients were initially treated by endoscopic resection of the duodenal lesion. One patient (5%), whose tumor was on the third part of the duodenum underwent a duodenectomy of the third and fourth duodenal parts and duodenojejunal anastomosis. The duodenal carcinoid resection margin was involved in four (20%) patients. Four (20%) patients were subjected to a partial gastrectomy to fully remove the lesion. The tumor was restricted to the submucosal layer in 16 (80%) cases, and it penetrated into the muscular layer in 4 (20%) cases. All patients exhibited positive chromogranin A, neuron-specific enolase, and/or synaptophysin immunostaining. The average duration of the follow-up period was 39.6 months (3 to 96 months). Twelve (60%) of the 20 cases in this series are alive without any evidence of active disease. Only one (5%) patient died due to liver metastases of the duodenal carcinoid. CONCLUSIONS Duodenal carcinoids are rare and indolent tumors usually associated with a benign progression. Duodenoscopy, computerized tomography, and endoscopic ultrasound should be performed to evaluate the tumor size, the level of wall invasion, and the presence of regional or distant lymphatic metastases. Endoscopic removal of tumors smaller than 1.0 cm without periampullary localization or evidence of muscular propria layer invasion assessed by histology and/or endoscopic ultrasound is recommended. The endoscopic resection with a carcinoid tumor size between 1.0 cm and 2.0 cm can be incomplete and require new endoscopic resection or even surgical removal. Duodenal carcinoid larger than 2.0 cm require full-thickness resection and concomitant lymphadenectomy.
Predicting the Effect of Single and Multiple Mutations on Protein Structural Stability

Predicting how a point mutation alters a protein’s stability can guide pharmaceutical drug design initiatives which aim to counter the effects of serious diseases. Conducting mutagenesis studies in physical proteins can give insights about the effects of amino acid substitutions, but such wet-lab work is prohibitive due to the time as well as financial resources needed to assess the effect of even a single amino acid substitution. Computational methods for predicting the effects of a mutation on a protein structure can complement wet-lab work, and varying approaches are available with promising accuracy rates. In this work we compare and assess the utility of several machine learning methods and their ability to predict the effects of single and double mutations. We in silico generate mutant protein structures, and compute several rigidity metrics for each of them. We use these as features for our Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), and Deep Neural Network (DNN) methods. We validate the predictions of our in silico mutations against experimental ΔΔG stability data, and attain Pearson Correlation values upwards of 0.71 for single mutations, and 0.81 for double mutations. We perform ablation studies to assess which features contribute most to a model’s success, and also introduce a voting scheme to synthesize a single prediction from the individual predictions of the three models.
Neurocognitive impairment in bipolar patients with and without history of psychosis.

OBJECTIVE Little is known regarding the impact of psychotic symptoms on the cognitive functioning of bipolar patients. Findings from previous reports are controversial and mainly focused on current psychotic symptoms. The main aim of this study was to ascertain whether the history of psychotic symptoms was associated with greater cognitive impairment in euthymic bipolar patients. METHOD Sixty-five euthymic bipolar disorder patients (DSM-IV criteria; 35 with a history of psychotic symptoms and 30 without such a history) were assessed through a neuropsychological battery targeting attention, psychomotor speed, verbal memory, and executive functions. Thirty-five healthy controls were also included in the study in order to compare the neuropsychological performance among groups. Multivariate analysis of covariance was performed controlling for the effect of residual depressive symptoms as a covariate. The study was conducted from June 2005 to June 2006. RESULTS Bipolar patients with a history of psychotic symptoms showed a higher number of manic episodes and more hospitalizations than patients without such a history (both p < .001). Regarding neuropsychological performance, patients with a history of psychotic symptoms performed more poorly than those without such a history or controls in all verbal memory measures (p < .005). Furthermore, patients with a history of psychotic symptoms were more impaired on tasks related to executive functions compared to healthy controls (p < .05). History of psychotic symptoms was found to be a predictor of verbal memory impairment. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the history of psychotic symptoms may partly account for the cognitive dysfunctions seen in euthymic bipolar patients, especially with regard to persistent verbal memory dysfunction, as well as with some executive dysfunctions.
A Genetically Informed, Group fMRI Connectivity Modeling Approach: Application to Schizophrenia

While neuroimaging data can provide valuable phenotypic information to inform genetic studies, the opposite is also true: known genotypes can be used to inform brain connectivity patterns from fMRI data. Here, we propose a framework for genetically informed group brain connectivity modeling. Subjects are first stratified according to their genotypes, and then a group regularized regression model is employed for brain connectivity modeling utilizing the time courses from a priori specified regions of interest (ROIs). With such an approach, each ROI time course is in turn predicted from all other ROI time courses at zero lag using a group regression framework which also incorporates a penalty based on genotypic similarity. Simulations supported such an approach when, as previously studies have indicated to be the case, genetic influences impart connectivity differences across subjects. The proposed method was applied to resting state fMRI data from Schizophrenia and normal control subjects. Genotypes were based on D-amino acid oxidase activator (DAOA) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) information. With DAOA SNPs information integrated, the proposed approach was able to more accurately model the diversity in connectivity patterns. Specifically, connectivity with the left putamen, right posterior cingulate, and left middle frontal gyri were found to be jointly modulated by DAOA genotypes and the presence of Schizophrenia. We conclude that the proposed framework represents a multimodal analysis approach for incorporating genotypic variability into brain connectivity analysis directly.
TEACHER ATTRITION CATASTROPHE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: A HURDLE INTHE ACHIEVEMENT OF UPE, EFA POLICY GOALS AND MDGS

Ensuring that all students have access to a qualified teacher is a universal struggle. In sub-Saharan Africa, teacher attrition has become a subject of regional concern and schools are facing an alarming phenomenon. The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) indicates that teachers are leaving schools at a shocking rate. In this paper, we argue that teacher attrition, as a subsystem, has negative implications on the quality of teaching and schooling; and that it is also a hurdle in the achievement of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Education For All (EFA) policy goals and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Drawing on the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, literature on attrition and Kurt Lewin's open systems theory, this paper will (1) explore the emerging global trends and challenges in teacher attrition; (2) critically analyse the trends and challenges in teacher attrition; (3) investigate why teachers leave; (4) reflect on how teacher attrition impacts on the quality of teaching and learning; and (5) argue that teacher attrition is a hurdle in the achievement of UPE, MDGs and EFA policy goals.
Long-Term Anti-Hypertensive Therapy with Benidipine Improves Arterial Stiffness over Blood Pressure Lowering

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) reflects arterial stiffness and is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. However, because it is closely related to blood pressure (BP), PWV is an imperfect measure for evaluating the effects of anti-hypertensive drugs on arterial wall properties. To clarify the effect of benidipine on arterial properties, we first derived the regression line between BP and PWV changes in a short-term experiment. Using this line, we evaluated the long-term effect of benidipine on PWV changes. In the short-term experiment, 29 participants were intravenously administered nicardipine for 90 min. Maximum decreases of brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) were plotted against the corresponding decreases in BP. In the long-term experiment, 9 hypertensive patients were treated with benidipine for 1 year, during which BP and baPWV were monitored. After 1 year, benidipine was suspended for 2 weeks, and BP and baPWV were reevaluated. In the short-term experiment, PWV was dependent on BP only, and the equation of the regression line was ΔPWV (cm/s) =10.114 × ΔMBP (mmHg) (r=0.913) or ΔPWV (%) =0.719 × ΔMBP (%) (r=0.926). In the long-term therapy, benidipine treatment achieved stable BP control within 3 months; the real PWV decreases (r-PWV) were almost identical to the PWV decrease estimated (e-PWV) from BP lowering at 3 months. However, r-PWV exceeded e-PWV after 6 months. Relative BP and PWV improvements compared to the control were maintained 2 weeks after suspension of benidipine. In conclusion, long-term benidipine administration improves arterial wall properties beyond what can be accounted for by changes in BP.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout screens and target identification via whole-genome sequencing uncover host genes required for picornavirus infection

Several groups have used genome-wide libraries of lentiviruses encoding small guide RNAs (sgRNAs) for genetic screens. In most cases, sgRNA expression cassettes are integrated into cells by using lentiviruses, and target genes are statistically estimated by the readout of sgRNA sequences after targeted sequencing. We present a new virus-free method for human gene knockout screens using a genome-wide library of CRISPR/Cas9 sgRNAs based on plasmids and target gene identification via whole-genome sequencing (WGS) confirmation of authentic mutations rather than statistical estimation through targeted amplicon sequencing. We used 30,840 pairs of individually synthesized oligonucleotides to construct the genome-scale sgRNA library, collectively targeting 10,280 human genes (i.e. three sgRNAs per gene). These plasmid libraries were co-transfected with a Cas9-expression plasmid into human cells, which were then treated with cytotoxic drugs or viruses. Only cells lacking key factors essential for cytotoxic drug metabolism or viral infection were able to survive. Genomic DNA isolated from cells that survived these challenges was subjected to WGS to directly identify CRISPR/Cas9-mediated causal mutations essential for cell survival. With this approach, we were able to identify known and novel genes essential for viral infection in human cells. We propose that genome-wide sgRNA screens based on plasmids coupled with WGS are powerful tools for forward genetics studies and drug target discovery.
Financial Sector and Economic Development: How Institutions, Financial Markets, and Prudential Oversight can be Enhanced to Accelerate Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

The author began the paper with a brief historical perspective of financial development and economic growth in general and in Sub-Saharan Africa in particular. He then presented the methodology employed during the research. This was followed by the review of the literature. Next the researcher outlined his findings preceded by analysis and policy implications for decision-makers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The writer ended the paper with some policy recommendations to accelerate the development of the financial sector and spur economic growth and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuraecemia in young and old hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND There is strong correlation among hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia which are important risk factor for the cardiovascular disease. Objective of this study was to assess and compare the prevalence of obesity, hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia among young and old hypertensive patients in the local setting. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at medical Out-patient Department at Shahina Jamil Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, from September 2007 to February 2008. Eighty-six patients seen in the medical outpatient department were enrolled in the study. Patients with age 15 years or above and diagnosed as case of systemic hypertension were included. Patients with endocrine disease, pregnancy, coarctation of aorta, and renal disease leading to hypertension were excluded from the study. RESULTS Total eighty-six patients with mean age of 53.7 +/- 12.9 years were included in the study. Patients were divided into younger age group (age < 46 years) and older age group (age > or = 46 years). Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 29.7 +/- 5.2 in the younger age group and 26.9 +/- 4.7 in the older age group, mean serum cholesterol level was 192.2 +/- 14.2 mg/dL in younger age group and 190.9 +/- 18.3 mg/dL in the older age group, mean serum triglyceride level was 170.5 +/- 13.7 mg/dL in younger age group and 166.6 +/- 21.4 mg/dL in the older age group and mean serum uric acid levels were 5.6 +/- 0.7 mg/dL in younger age group and 5.7 +/- 1.2 mg/dL in the older age group. Overweight and obese patients were 70.9% with its higher prevalence in younger (86.2%) as compared to older patients (63.2%). Hypercholesterolemia was found in 27.9% of the patients, with a frequency of 24.1% in younger patients and 29.8% in the older patients. Hypertriglyceridemia was seen in 66.3% of the patients, with a frequency of 69.0% in younger patients and 64.9% in the older patients. Hyperuricemia was present in 37.2% of the hypertensive patients with a frequency of 34.5% in the younger patients and 38.6% in the older patients. CONCLUSION Hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperuricemia are not associated with the age of the hypertensive patients. Increased BMI is more frequent in the young as compared to the old hypertensive patients.
Peptide Binding to Active Class II MHC Protein on the Cell Surface1

Solution studies have demonstrated the existence of two functionally distinct isomers of empty class II MHC: an active isomer that binds peptide and an inactive isomer that does not. Empty MHC molecules on the surface of APCs can load antigenic peptides directly from the extracellular medium, facilitating the generation of a diverse peptide repertoire for T cell presentation. In this report, we examine I-Ek on the surface of Chinese hamster ovary cells with respect to the active and inactive isomers. As in the case of purified soluble active I-Ek, active I-Ek on the cell surface is unstable, decaying to the inactive form in ∼14 min. Evidence is presented suggesting that at steady state <1% of the total cell surface I-Ek is active and that a significant fraction of these active molecules originates from intracellular pools as well as reactivation of inactive cell surface I-Ek.