Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after lung resection is a prognostic factor for survival.

Background In recent years, the tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) has been considered to a new and independent predictive variable for the prognosis of some kinds of neoplasms. The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of the TSR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods A cohort of 261 NSCLC patients who underwent radical surgery of lung cancer were included in the present study. Two independent observers visually estimated the TSR on hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) stained tissue pathological slices. According to the proportion of stroma ≥50% or <50%, We separate the patients into two groups: those with stroma-poor and those with stroma-rich tumors. Results Both univariate and multivariate analyses disclosed that the TSR was associated with overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR), 1.741; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.040-2.913 and HR, 1.904; 95% CI, 1.132-3.202, respectively]. The HR values for disease-free survival (DFS) were 1.795 (95% CI, 1.073-3.005) and 2.034 (95% CI, 1.210-3.420). The OS and DFS of patients with stroma-poor tumors were better than those with stroma-rich tumors. Conclusions These results demonstrated that the TSR is a new prognostic factor for NSCLC. Stroma-poor tumors were associated with longer disease-free period and better prognosis than were stroma-rich tumors in NSCLC patients. The TSR may contribute to the development of individualized treatment for NSCLC in the future.
On calculating the capacity of an infinite-input finite (infinite)-output channel

A version of the Arimoto-Blahut algorithm for continuous channels involves evaluating integrals over an entire input space and thus is not tractable. Two generalized discrete versions of the Arimoto-Blahut algorithm are presented for this purpose. Instead of calculating integrals, both algorithms require only the computation of a sequence of finite sums. This significantly reduces numerical computational complexity. >
Cerebral calpain in fatal falciparum malaria

Disruption of axonal transport may represent a final common pathway leading to neurological dysfunction in cerebral malaria (CM). Calpains are calcium (Ca2+)‐activated cysteine proteases which have been implicated in axonal injury in neurological diseases of various aetiologies. In this study we examined the association between µ‐ and m‐calpain, the specific inhibitor calpastatin, and axonal injury in post mortem brain tissue from patients who died from severe malaria. Calpains were associated with axons labelled for the β‐amyloid precursor protein that detects impaired axonal transport. Elevated levels of calpastatin were rarely observed in injured axons. There were increased numbers of neurones with µ‐calpain in the nuclear compartment in severe malaria cases compared with non‐neurological controls, and increased numbers of glia with nuclear µ‐calpain in CM patients compared with non‐CM malaria cases and non‐neurological controls. There was marked redistribution of calpastatin in the sequestered Plasmodium falciparum‐infected erythrocytes. Responses specific to malaria infection were ascertained following analysis of brain samples from fatal cases with acute axonal injury, HIV encephalitis, and progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy. Our findings implicate a role for calpains in the modulation of disease progression in CM.
Emotion Recognition from Speech using Representation Learning in Extreme Learning Machines

We propose the use of an Extreme Learning Machine initialised as auto-encoder for emotion recognition from speech. This method is evaluated on three different speech corpora, namely EMO-DB, eNTERFACE and SmartKom. We compare our approach against state-of-the-art recognition rates achieved by Support Vector Machines (SVMs) and a deep learning approach based on Generalised Discriminant Analysis (GerDA). We could improve the recognition rate compared to SVMs by 3%–14% on all three corpora and those compared to GerDA by 8%–13% on two of the three corpora.
Service-Learning within Higher Education: Rhizomatic Interconnections between University and the Real World.

This paper discusses Service-learning within an Australian higher education context as pedagogy to teach about inclusive education. Using Deleuze and Guattari's (1987) model of the rhizome, this study conceptualises pre-service teachers' learning experiences as multiple, hydra and continuous. Data from reflection logs of pre-service teachers highlight how the learning experience allowed them to gain insights in knowledge as socially just, ethical and inclusive. The paper concludes by arguing the need to consider Service-learning as integral to university education for pre- service teachers. Inclusive education has an emphasis on community and democratic participation where teachers work together to meet the challenges of supporting the diverse needs of students. A critique of social values and a consideration of who is included and excluded in schools is necessary to enable a more inclusive approach (Barton, 2003). In order to better prepare teachers to work in inclusive ways, some significant questions emerge: How can teacher education programs assist teachers to comprehend their role in developing more connected and socially just communities? How can teachers be assisted to understand their work as central to the future role of schooling for social responsibility, democracy, social justice, and civility (Smyth, 2000)? This paper discusses Service-learning within an Australian higher education context as a pedagogy about inclusive education that enables a critique of social values and promotes acceptance of diversity. The theoretical framework draws on Deleuze and Guattari's (1987) notion of rhizome. to analyse data from student reflection logs to suggest shifts that occur in understanding around diversity and inclusion. The paper concludes by advocating the importance of Service-learning within academic learning. Service-Learning Theory
Vertebral Column Resection in Children With Neuromuscular Spine Deformity

Study Design. Retrospective analysis. Objective. To determine, in pediatric patients with neuromuscular deformity undergoing vertebral column resection (VCR), the (1) characteristics of the surgery performed; (2) amount of pelvic obliquity restoration, and coronal and sagittal correction achieved; (3) associated blood loss and complications; and (4) extent to which curve type and VCR approach influenced correction, blood loss, and complications. Summary of Background Data. VCR allows for correction of severe, rigid spinal deformity. This technique has not been previously reported in children with neuromuscular disorders. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 23 children with neuromuscular disorders (mean age, 15 years) and spinal deformities (severe scoliosis, 9; global kyphosis or angular kyphosis, 4; kyphoscoliosis, 10) who underwent VCR. The Student t test was used to compare correction differences (statistical significance, P < 0.05). Results. A mean 1.5 vertebrae (27 thoracic and 6 lumbar) were resected per patient. Significant corrections were achieved in pelvic obliquity (11°, from 19° ± 13° to 8° ± 7°), in major coronal curve (56°, from 94° ± 36° to 38° ± 20°), and in major sagittal curve (46°, from 86° ± 37° to 40° ± 19°). There was no difference in correction between various curve types. VCR was associated with substantial blood loss (mean, 76% [estimated blood loss per total blood volume]), which correlated with patient weight and operating time. Overall, 6 patients experienced major complications: spinal cord injury, pleural effusion requiring chest tube insertion, pneumonia, pancreatitis, deep wound infection, and prominent implant requiring revision surgery. There were no deaths or permanent neurological injuries. Conclusion. VCR achieved significant pelvic obliquity restoration and coronal and sagittal correction in children with neuromuscular disorders and severe, rigid spinal deformity. However, this challenging procedure involves the potential for major complications.
Experimental gastric defect reconstruction with colonic submucosal autograft in dogs.

This study was carried out to test the efficacy of colonic submucosal patches to repair gastric defect in dogs. Under general anesthesia, a five cm square patch of colonic submucosa was used to reconstruct an experimentally induced gastric defect in twelve local breed of dogs of both sexes. Clinically, the animals showed mild deterioration in general condition, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. These signs subsided gradually during the few days after the operation. No serious intraoperative and postoperative complications were encountered. On gross and laparoscopic examination, no distinguishable differences were detected between graft and recipient stomach and only mild adhesions were detected. Histopathological examination revealed excessive granulation tissue and fibrous connective tissue with mature collagen fibres after 60 and 90 days post-surgery, respectively. In conclusion, autologous colonic submucosal graft could be used for reconstruction of experimental gastric defect in dogs.
Cerebral Arterial Pulsation Drives Paravascular CSF–Interstitial Fluid Exchange in the Murine Brain

CSF from the subarachnoid space moves rapidly into the brain along paravascular routes surrounding penetrating cerebral arteries, exchanging with brain interstitial fluid (ISF) and facilitating the clearance of interstitial solutes, such as amyloid β, in a pathway that we have termed the “glymphatic” system. Prior reports have suggested that paravascular bulk flow of CSF or ISF may be driven by arterial pulsation. However, cerebral arterial pulsation could not be directly assessed. In the present study, we use in vivo two-photon microscopy in mice to visualize vascular wall pulsatility in penetrating intracortical arteries. We observed that unilateral ligation of the internal carotid artery significantly reduced arterial pulsatility by ∼50%, while systemic administration of the adrenergic agonist dobutamine increased pulsatility of penetrating arteries by ∼60%. When paravascular CSF–ISF exchange was evaluated in real time using in vivo two-photon and ex vivo fluorescence imaging, we observed that internal carotid artery ligation slowed the rate of paravascular CSF–ISF exchange, while dobutamine increased the rate of paravascular CSF–ISF exchange. These findings demonstrate that cerebral arterial pulsatility is a key driver of paravascular CSF influx into and through the brain parenchyma, and suggest that changes in arterial pulsatility may contribute to accumulation and deposition of toxic solutes, including amyloid β, in the aging brain.
Learning from ENRON

By now, nearly everyone in the academic world will have heard of ENRON and other similar scandals that are shaking the financial sector. Some clever bookkeeping manoeuvres put a needed gloss on the company's accounts that helped to boost their stocks to new heights. But when examined critically, a rather different financial situation emerged, which was followed by a sharp dive in ENRON's share price and the ultimate collapse of the company. ENRON was not alone, as the recent fall in the stock market shows— many other companies have cooked their books over the last couple of years in order to improve their performance on the stock market. Indeed, a number of the current economic problems seem to stem from the fact that nobody knows when and where the next ENRON will come to light. It would also appear that even governments are willing to try financial sleight‐of‐hand tricks to put a gloss on their economic forecasts—either to help their re‐election or to comply with externally imposed criteria. As scientists we may sit back and watch with some bemusement—or even pleasure—how the once brash and mighty are falling. But …
Rotator-cuff muscle-recruitment strategies during shoulder rehabilitation exercises.

CONTEXT There are contradictory data on optimal muscle-activation strategies for restoring shoulder stability. Further investigation of neuromuscular-control strategies for glenohumeral-joint stability will guide clinicians in decisions regarding appropriate rehabilitation exercises. OBJECTIVES To determine whether subscapularis, infraspinatus, and teres minor (anteroposterior force couple) muscle activation differ between 4 shoulder exercises and describe coactivation ratios and individual muscle-recruitment characteristics of rotator-cuff muscles throughout each shoulder exercise. DESIGN Crossover. SETTING Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS healthy, physically active men, age 20.55 ± 2.0 y. INTERVENTIONS 4 rehabilitation exercises: pitchback, PNF D2 pattern with tubing, push-up plus, and slide board. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Mean coactivation level, coactivation-ratio patterns, and level (area) of muscle-activation patterns of the subscapularis, infraspinatus, and teres minor throughout each exercise. RESULTS Coactivation levels varied throughout each exercise. Subscapularis activity was consistently higher than that of the infraspinatus and teres minor combined at the start of each exercise and in end ranges of motion. Individual muscle-recruitment levels in the subscapularis were also different between exercises. CONCLUSION Results provide descriptive data for determining normative coactivation-ratio values for muscle recruitment for the functional exercises studied. Differences in subscapularis activation suggest a reliance to resist anteriorly directed forces.
Solitons in Inhomogeneous Magnetized Negative Ion Containing Plasma With Two Temperature Nonisothermal Electrons

Considering an inhomogeneous plasma having cold positive and negative ions, together with two temperature nonisothermal electrons in the presence of an external magnetic field, the relevant Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation is obtained by adopting a reductive perturbation technique. An investigation on the existence and propagation of the modes in such a plasma model reveals that two types of the modes (fast and slow modes) are possible. The KdV equation is solved for its solitary wave solution for both the modes, and the amplitude and width of the resulting fast and slow solitons are examined under the effects of the concentration and temperature of the electron species at lower temperature, negative ion density together with the strength of the magnetic field, and its obliqueness thetas (the angle between the directions of the magnetic field and the wave propagation). It is observed that the properties of the solitons are significantly modified by the presence of the colder electron species and the nonisothermality of the plasma. Unlike the usual case of negative ion containing plasmas, the rarefactive solitons do not occur in the present plasma model.
Evaluation of Suspicious Nipple Discharge by Magnetic Resonance Mammography Based on Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Magnetic Resonance Imaging Descriptors

Purpose: To evaluate the findings of magnetic resonance mammography for suspicious nipple discharge based on breast imaging-reporting and data system magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) descriptors and establish any correlations with the histopathologic diagnoses. Methods: Forty-seven patients with suspicious nipple discharge underwent MRI using a 1.5-T system. Images were evaluated for a signal of abnormal discharge, related abnormal enhancement according to the breast imaging-reporting and data system MRI descriptors, and the presence of clustered ring enhancement and were compared with the histopathologic diagnoses established in 39 lesions. Results: The most common finding in patients with suspicious nipple discharge was non-masslike enhancement. Seventeen malignant and 22 benign lesions were detected. The most frequent findings in the malignant lesions were "segmental" (59%), "heterogeneous" (57%), and plateau pattern (40%). Clustered ring enhancement was found in 60% of the enhanced malignant lesions (P = 0.002). The combination of segmental distribution and clustered ring enhancement showed a significant association with malignant lesions (P = 0.004). Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging provides clinically useful information in patients with suspicious nipple discharge.
Microwave ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma using a new percutaneous device: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND Thermal ablative techniques have gained increasing popularity as safe and effective options for patients with unresectable solid malignancies. Microwave ablation has emerged as a relatively new technique with the promise of larger and faster ablation areas without some of the limitations of radiofrequency thermal ablation. Herein, we report our preliminary results on the feasibility and efficacy of thermal ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a new 2.45-MHz microwave generator. PATIENTS AND METHODS Under ultrasound guidance 194 HCCs in 144 patients were treated through a percutaneous approach. The median diameter of lesions was 2.7 cm (range=2.0-11.0 cm); 68 lesions had a diameter greater than 30 mm. We used a microwave generator (AMICA-GEM, Apparatus for MICrowave Ablation) connected to a 14- or 16-gauge coaxial antenna endowed with a miniaturized sleeve choke to reduce back heating effects and increase the sphericity of the ablated area. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan was carried out one month after treatment, and then every three months to assess efficacy. RESULTS Complete ablation was achieved in 94.3% of the lesions after a mean of 1.03 percutaneous sessions. For small HCCs (diameter <3 cm) complete necrosis was obtained in 100%. Local tumor progressions were found in 10 treated lesions (5.1%) a median of 19.5 months after ablation. Minor complications occurred in 5.1% procedures. No deaths, or other major complications occurred. CONCLUSION In our experience, the new device for microwave ablation proved to provide an effective and safe percutaneous ablative method, capable of producing large areas of necrosis.
Lymphoma Immunophenotyping: A New Era in Paraffin-Section Immunohistochemistry

Recent advances in immunohistochemistry have made it possible to investigate lymphomas for the expression of a wide range of antigens in fixed tissues. Epitope retrieval, sensitive detection methods, and the availability of new monoclonal antibodies have all contributed to one's ability to perform detailed immunophenotyping that previously could only be done in cryostat sections or by flow cytometry. Current lymphoma classifications make use of characteristic immunophenotypic profiles that aid in the reproducible diagnosis and subcassification of these neoplasms. The following is a review of the current state of immunophenotyping for lymphoid neoplasms in fixed tissues.
Effect of cationic and anionic dye adsorption from aqueous solution by using chemically modified papaya seed

Papaya seed (PS) was modified using chemically esterification of carboxyl group to improve performance in adsorption capacity for removal cationic and anionic dye from aquoues solution. The operation parameters investigated included initial concentrations, (50-500 mg/L) and various adsorbent (NPS and EPS). The experimental data were analyzed by using Langmuir and Freundlich models of adsorption. The adsorption isotherm data for MB were best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm and the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was found to be 250.00 mg/g and 200.00 mg/g at 30 ° C for EPS and NPS respectively, while for CR for both adsorbents (NPS and EPS) the best fit experimental data were Freundlich isotherm. The adsorption kinetics can be predicted by the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order.The experiment data were obeys pseudo-second order with higher coefficient of correlation R 2 ≥ 0.99. The result revealed that NPS can be act as good adsorbent for removal anionic dye (CR) and EPS can be remarkable as excellent adsorbent modified of PS for cationic dye removal. Keywords-adsorption; methelyne blue; congo red; esterification, isotherm; kinetics
Handoffs and Patient Safety

Effective handoff communication is critical for patient safety. Research is needed to understand how information processes occurring intra-shift impact handoff effectiveness. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine medical-surgical nurses’ (n = 21) perspectives about processes that promote and hinder patient safety intra-shift and during handoff. Results indicated that offgoing nurses’ ability to grasp the story intra-shift was essential to convey the full picture during handoff. When oncoming nurses understood the picture being conveyed at the handoff, nurses jointly painted a full picture. Arriving and leaving the handoff with this level of information promoted patient safety. However, intra-shift disruptions often impeded nurses in their processes to grasp the story thus posing risks to patient safety. Improvement efforts need to target the different processes involved in grasping the story and painting a full picture. Future research needs to examine handoff practices and outcomes on units with good and poor practice environments.
Global microRNA profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVES To explore the post-transcriptional regulation of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) transcriptome by microRNAs in Behçet's disease (BD). METHODS Using TaqMan Low Density Array-based microRNAs expression profiling, the expression of 750 mature human microRNAs in PBMCs from 5 BD patients and 3 healthy controls (HC) was compared. The expression of deregulated microRNAs was then validated by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), in 42 BD patients and 8 HC. RESULTS In the initial screening, 13 microRNAs appeared deregulated in BD vs HC. Among them, the differential expression of miR-720 and miR-139-3p was confirmed by qRT-PCR, (p<0.05 and FDR<5%). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for miR-139-3p, miR-720 and miR-139-3p+miR-720 in the validation cohort were 0.84, 0.87 and 0.92 respectively, indicating good discrimination between BD patients and HC. Post-hoc analysis showed that 9 out of 13 microRNAs from the discovery phase were significantly upregulated in active vs. quiescent BD, suggesting inflammation as a key regulator of microRNAs machinery in BD. In silico analysis revealed that several BD candidate susceptibility genes are predicted target of significantly deregulated microRNAs in active BD. A significant enrichment in microRNAs targeting elements of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) and T-cell receptor signalling pathways was also assumed. CONCLUSIONS miR199-3p and miR720 deserve further confirmation as biomarkers of BD in larger studies. PBMCs from active BD displayed a unique signature of microRNAs which may be implicated in regulation of innate immunity activation and T-cell function.
Pathophysiologic Aspects of Major Depression Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Mood disorders, particularly major depression, are the most frequent complication of traumatic brain injury. Major depression is present in about 40% of patients hospitalization for a traumatic brain injury. Anxiety disorders, substance abuse, dysregulation of emotional expression, and aggressive outbursts are frequently associated with major depression, and their coexistence constitutes a marker of a more disabling clinical course. The complex interactions of genetic, developmental, and psychosocial factors determine patients' vulnerability to developing affective disturbances following a traumatic brain injury. Symptoms of depression cluster into the domains of low mood and distorted self-attitude, lack of motivation and anhedonia, subjective cognitive complaints, and hyperactive and disinhibited behavior. It is reasonable to assume that these symptomatic clusters have specific underlying mechanisms that need to be integrated in a comprehensive pathophysiologic model.