Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health‐related quality of life in men with localized prostate cancer

With the established effectiveness of diverse treatments for localized prostate cancer, the identification of the physical and psychological consequences of the disease and its various treatments has become critical. In the present review, we aim to familiarize the reader with the methodologies of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) research and to review the recent literature on HRQOL outcomes in patients with localized prostate cancer. Studies have shown that prostate cancer and its treatment affect both disease‐specific HRQOL (i.e. urinary, sexual, and bowel function) as well as general HRQOL (i.e. energy/vitality and performance in physical and social roles). However, these effects appear to differ according to the type of treatment, stage of disease, age of the subjects, time after treatment, and, more importantly, race or ethnicity. By including HRQOL in clinical decision‐making, we can help our patients make more informed treatment choices for localized prostate cancer.
Persistence of growth stunting in a Peruvian high altitude community, 1964–1999

The growth of children living in Nuñoa, a Peruvian high‐altitude community, was studied over a 35‐year period using data collected in 1964 and 1999. There had been evidence of a secular trend in growth in the mid‐1980s, but this was before a period of sociopolitical upheaval lasting until the late 1990s partly linked to the activities of the Shining Path group and the Peruvian government's response. Anthropometric data for 576 children examined in 1964–1966 were compared with data from 361 children examined in 1999. Data were converted to Z Scores using NCHS/WHO reference standards. Compared with the 1964 cohort, boys in 1999 had marginally greater height Z Scores, but among females, the trend was reversed. Stunting prevalence had decreased from 1964 levels, but still approached 60% in both sexes, among the highest rates recorded for a modern world population. The prevalence of low weight for height was less than expected, possibly because of the compensatory effect of enlarged chest diameter. This anatomical feature may represent the effect of chronic hypoxic stress, causing growth of the chest cavity at the expense of growth in height. In view of modest improvements during the late 1980s in this population, we believe that the relatively poor growth status of children a decade later may result from food disruption associated with later political instability. Compared with children in a nearby community, which benefits from the socioeconomic infrastructure associated with a large copper mine, Nuñoa children continue to fare relatively poorly. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the avian embryo induces hypervascularization and increased vascular permeability without alterations of embryonic pattern formation.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)--also known as vascular permeability factor--has been implicated in the regulation of blood vessel formation, i.e., vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. High amounts of VEGF mRNA and protein have been detected during embryonic and tumor angiogenesis, but it remained unclear whether the level of VEGF correlated with the extent of vascularization in a given organ or tissue. We examined the role of VEGF and the high affinity, signal-transducing VEGF receptor-2 (flk-1) in the avian embryo. In a gain of function transgene-like approach the retroviral expression vector RCAS was used to increase the level of quail VEGF during critical periods of avian limb bud growth and morphogenesis. In contrast to basic fibroblast growth factor, which recently was demonstrated to induce morphogenetic alterations when overexpressed in this system, overexpression of VEGF in the limb bud exclusively resulted in hypervascularization as reflected by an increase in vascular density. However, cartilage expressing the construct was not vascularized prematurely. Thus hypervascularization was probably due to the augmentation of the VEGF signaling mechanism in a permissive environment. In addition to hypervascularization, vascular permeability was dramatically increased, leading to local and in some cases to general edema. This is the first indication of a link between the functions of VEGF as a vascular growth factor and as a permeability factor. VEGF receptor-2 (flk-1) was found to be upregulated only in those areas where VEGF was overexpressed. This implies a positive feedback system of the VEGF receptor on its own synthesis and would provide a basis for a paracrine system in which ligand concentration is critical for the extent of tissue vascularization. Our results show that the VEGF/VEGF-receptor system is specific and sufficient for the formation of new blood vessels. They also have implications for somatic gene therapy of diseases which are characterized by a lack of blood vessels such as chronic ischemic diseases of heart and brain.
First grids of low-mass stellar models and isochrones with self-consistent treatment of rotation

Aims.We present an extended grid of state-of-the art stellar models for low-mass stars including updated physics (nuclear reaction rates, surface boundary condition, mass-loss rate, angular momentum transport, rotation-induced mixing, and torque prescriptions). We evaluate the impact of wind braking, realistic atmospheric treatment, rotation, and rotation-induced mixing on the structural and rotational evolution from the pre-main sequence (PMS) to the turn-off.Methods. Using the STAREVOL code, we provide an updated PMS grid. We computed stellar models for seven different metallicities, from [Fe/H] = −1 dex to [Fe/H] = +0.3 dex with a solar composition corresponding toZ = 0.0134. The initial stellar mass ranges from 0.2 to 1.5M⊙with extra grid refinement around one solar mass. We also provide rotating models for three different initial rotation rates (slow, median, and fast) with prescriptions for the wind braking and disc-coupling timescale calibrated on observed properties of young open clusters. The rotational mixing includes the most recent description of the turbulence anisotropy in stably stratified regions.Results. The overall behaviour of our models at solar metallicity, and their constitutive physics, are validated through a detailed comparison with a variety of distributed evolutionary tracks. The main differences arise from the choice of surface boundary conditions and initial solar composition. The models including rotation with our prescription for angular momentum extraction and self-consistent formalism for angular momentum transport are able to reproduce the rotation period distribution observed in young open clusters over a wide range of mass values. These models are publicly available and can be used to analyse data coming from present and forthcoming asteroseismic and spectroscopic surveys such asGaia, TESS, and PLATO.
A familial interstitial 4q35 deletion with no discernible clinical effects

Small deletions on the long arm of distal chromosome 4 do not appear to result in gross congenital malformations, with the most frequently reported clinical findings including mild to moderate intellectual disability, learning disabilities and minor dysmorphic features. Here we report on a cytogenetically detectable familial interstitial chromosome 4 long arm deletion with no discernible phenotypic effects in a mother and her two daughters. The karyotypes of the mother and her two daughters were: 46,XX,del(4)(q35.1q35.2). Based on the results of FISH analyses using whole chromosome specific and subtelomeric probes, the karyotype was designated as: 46,XX,del(4)(q35.1q35.2). ish del(4)(q35‐qter)(WCP4+, 36P21+, dJ963K6‐). Array‐CGH analysis showed an interstitial deletion encompassing 5.75 Mb in the 4q35.1–q35.2 genomic region (chr4:184,717,878–190,469,337; hg19). This is the first report on a cytogenetically detectable familial interstitial chromosome 4 long arm deletion in which there are no discernible phenotypic effects. Both our findings and a review of the literature suggest that more detailed molecular analyses are needed in cases with distal chromosome 4 long arm deletions especially those with breakpoints in the 4q35 region to establish a more precise genotype–phenotype correlation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Threat is in the Air: Machine Learning for Wireless Network Applications

With the spread of wireless application, huge amount of data is generated every day. Thanks to its elasticity, machine learning is becoming a fundamental brick in this field, and many of applications are developed with the use of it and the several techniques that it offers. However, machine learning suffers on different problems and people that use it often are not aware of the possible threats. Often, an adversary tries to exploit these vulnerabilities in order to obtain benefits; because of this, adversarial machine learning is becoming wide studied in the scientific community. In this paper, we show state-of-the-art adversarial techniques and possible countermeasures, with the aim of warning people regarding sensible argument related to the machine learning.
The role of sex steroid hormones in benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract Introduction: The etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains a mystery to scientists; estrogen/androgen imbalance in aged men has been implicated. Methods: Thirty (30) apparently healthy men and newly diagnosed BPH patients were recruited from the Ghana Police Hospital. Lower urinary tract syndrome (LUTS) and prostate volume were assessed via the prostate symptom score sheet (IPSS) and abdominopelvic scan, respectively. Laboratory assays for total prostate specific antigen (tPSA) and hormones [androstenedione (AED), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstanedioladiol (3α-adiol), androstanediol (3β-diol), estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2)] were performed via ELISA techniques. Non-parametric analyses were employed. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: AED was significantly higher in controls compared to the BPH patients. AKRIC2 (3α-diol/DHT) was significantly higher in the BPH group (p < 0.001) whiles AKRIC1 (3β-diol/DHT) was significantly lower. Estradiol was significantly higher in BPH (p= 0.029). Age correlated negatively with T, while a negative correlation was observed between TIPSS and 3β-diol and AKRIC1. Also, prostate volume correlated negatively with fT.tPSA correlated positively with E2 and aromatase activity (E2/T) and negatively with fT. On multiple linear regression, DHT and 3β-diol remained independent predictors for TIPSS and fT for tPSA. Conclusion: Estrogens and androstanediols seem to play a role in BPH development.
Early hemodynamic evaluation of Trifecta and Freestyle bioprostheses in patients with a small aortic root: preliminary results from a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY Aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with a small aortic root is often associated with some degree of obstruction and residual gradients. Stentless valves display better hemodynamic performance than stented valves, and might be ideal in patients with a small aortic annulus. A new stented bioprosthesis, the Trifecta valve, has recently become available and has yielded interesting early results. The study aim was to compare the hemodynamic performance of the Trifecta valve with that of the Freestyle valve in patients with an aortic annulus ≤ 2.3 cm. METHODS Between September 2011 and September 2013, a total of 40 patients with pure aortic stenosis and native aortic annulus diameter ≤ 2.3 cm was randomized to receive either a St. Jude Medical Trifecta stented prosthesis (n = 20) or a Medtronic Freestyle stentless prosthesis (n = 20). Hemodynamics results were compared between the two groups on discharge from hospital. RESULTS The Trifecta valve showed slightly better hemodynamics, with peak gradients of 11 ± 5 mmHg and 17 ± 9 mmHg (p = 0.009), and mean gradients of 5.5 ± 3 mmHg and 7.5 ± 4 mmHg (p = 0.06) for the Trifecta and Freestyle valves, respectively. The average indexed effective orifice area (EOAi) was 1.14 ± 0.23 cm2/m2 and 1.09 ± 0.20 cm2/m2 (p = 0.520) for the Trifecta and Freestyle, respectively. Patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) occurred in two patients of the Freestyle group, and in three patients of the Trifecta group. CONCLUSION In the present study, the stentless and stented prostheses each yielded comparable and excellent early hemodynamics results. The data obtained suggest that Trifecta valve implantation is a valid means of avoiding PPM after AVR in patients with a small native aortic annulus.
The Role of Telecentre in Developing Entrepreneurship: a Case Study on Union Digital Centres in Bangladesh

This paper evaluates the role of a telecentre project- the Union Digital Centres (UDC) in Bangladesh- in developing entrepreneurship among rural youths under Public-Private Partnership. Contrary to engaging qualified operators in terms of efficiency and investment the UDC has employed local youths who are small scale investors, home grown and amateur in skill. Many operators earn very low and some run off the project leading to closure of centres. In this context understanding the issue of entrepreneurship attains significance for the sustainability of the model. Entrepreneurship is defined in terms of operator's income, his/her satisfaction on income and the level of investment. The study hypothesizes that factors responsible for entrepreneurship development include ICT and internet, services, clients' turnout, stakeholders' involvement and experience of the operator. Based on an internet survey and interview of operators and a review of literature the study explores features of UDC facilitated entrepreneurship. It describes stakeholders' involvement in ensuring inputs and their roles in promoting entrepreneurship. An application of a structural equation model supports the hypotheses validating that operator's own initiative synergized with support from the government influence the development of entrepreneurship among operators. The results specify that the UDC bears potential to develop entrepreneurship among operators given they use a variety of equipment and better quality internet, provide a range of services to a greater volume of clients, receive stakeholder's support and demonstrate computer and managerial skills. The government's role in implementation, human resource management and monitoring of the project influences the process. The study also finds that the project experiences a range of challenges from inadequate involvement of partners. Since deficiency in any partner's role can affect the mission of entrepreneurship development, the author suggests that the government must take the lead role in engaging relevant partners to convert the UDC as an enterprise.
Combined effect of electrical stimulation, aging time and marination on quality of chicken breast fillet processed under commercial conditions.

BACKGROUND Electrical stimulation (ES) in poultry processing is reported in the literature with varying degrees of effectiveness. Furthermore, the combined effects of ES and polyphosphate marination are not completely known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of ES, aging time prior to deboning and phosphate marination on meat quality of broiler breast fillets. RESULTS The implementation of ES accelerated pH decline in fillets at any aging time studied regardless of marination treatment, but no differences (P > 0.05) were found in pH of fillets deboned without aging. Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear values of ES fillets significantly decreased (P < 0.05) at 2 h of aging whereas WB of non-ES fillets decreased at 6 h of aging in breast meat, with or without marination. In non-marinated fillets the ES treatment reduced (P < 0.05) cooking loss in meat aged 0, 2 and 4 h. In marinated fillets the ES treatment decreased cooking loss at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h of aging. CONCLUSION ES in carcasses aged 2 or 4 h improves tenderness and reduces cooking loss. Marination improves tenderness in both stimulated and non-stimulated fillets, at all aging times.
Blended Learning Approach to Develop the Teachers' TPACK.

A theoretical framework has emerged recently to guide research in the teachers’ use of ICT and it is the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK). Early research indicates that Blended learning is increasingly being adopted at all levels of educational system. It is considered as a way to foster engaging in interactive learning experiences. The purpose of this article was to determine the levels of ICT knowledge on e-course design through blended learning approach among science teachers of secondary schools in Yemen. The study was conducted on the sample of 60 science teacher trainees in Ibb city. The ICT knowledge scale was used based on TPACK. To analyze the data t-test was used. The findings in this study indicated that TPACK has provided a valuable tool for assessing teacher knowledge in the area of technology integration, the teachers’ ICT knowledge was above average in two groups, and there is significant difference between experimental and control groups on ICT knowledge scale. Recommendations are made for future research on online collaboration activities to raise awareness of factors related to online group work and to determine the in-service training needs of teachers on ICT use to follow-up support and to ensure successful utilization of new technologies.
Vancomycin Ototoxicity: a Reevaluation in an Era of Increasing Doses

ABSTRACT Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity have historically been documented as relatively rare complications of vancomycin monotherapy. Recent reports have linked aggressive vancomycin dosing strategies to significant risks of nephrotoxicity. We evaluated the rate of high-frequency hearing loss detected by audiometry for patients on vancomycin therapy. For this purpose, we used retrospective case-control analysis of audiometry results for patients on vancomycin therapy for whom baseline and follow-up exams were available. Analysis of 89 patients for whom audiograms were performed after an average of 27 days of vancomycin therapy showed a 12% rate of high-frequency hearing loss, with a trend in univariate analysis toward a higher rate with advanced age. The mean of the highest vancomycin trough levels for both patients with worsening audiograms and those without worsening audiograms was 19 mg/liter. Regression tree modeling demonstrated that for patients <53 years old, the rate of high-frequency hearing loss detected by audiogram was 0%, while for patients >53 years old, the incidence was 19% (P = 0.008). We conclude that a significant rate of high-frequency hearing loss in older patients receiving vancomycin monotherapy was detected by audiometry. While these data urge caution against continued indiscriminate vancomycin dose escalation to treat infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus strains for which vancomycin MICs are 2 mg/liter, further prospective studies are needed to determine the clinical significance and reversibility of these effects.
Adult neural progenitor cells provide a permissive guiding substrate for corticospinal axon growth following spinal cord injury

Adult neural progenitor cells (NPC) are an attractive source for cell transplantation and neural tissue replacement after central nervous system (CNS) injury. Following transplantation of NPC cell suspensions into the acutely injured rat spinal cord, NPC survive; however, they migrate away from the lesion site and are unable to replace the injury‐induced lesion cavity. In the present study we examined (i) whether NPC can be retained within the lesion site after co‐transplantation with primary fibroblasts, and (ii) whether NPC promote axonal regeneration following spinal cord injury. Co‐cultivation of NPC with fibroblasts demonstrated that NPC adhere to fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix produced by fibroblasts. In the presence of fibroblasts, the differentiation pattern of co‐cultivated NPC was shifted towards glial differentiation. Three weeks after transplantation of adult spinal‐cord‐derived NPC with primary fibroblasts as mixed cell suspensions into the acutely injured cervical spinal cord in adult rats, the lesion cavity was completely replaced. NPC survived throughout the graft and differentiated exclusively into glial cells. Quantification of neurofilament‐labeled axons and anterogradely labeled corticospinal axons indicated that NPC co‐grafted with fibroblasts significantly enhanced axonal regeneration. Both neurofilament‐labeled axons and corticospinal axons aligned longitudinally along GFAP‐expressing NPC‐derived cells, which displayed a bipolar morphology reminiscent of immature astroglia. Thus, grafted astroglial differentiated NPC promote axon regrowth following spinal cord injury by means of cellular guidance.
A parallel and automatically tuned algorithm for multispectral image deconvolution

In the era of big data, radio astronomical image reconstruction algorithms are challenged to estimate clean images given limited computing resources and time. This article is driven by the need for large-scale image reconstruction for the future Square Kilometre Array (SKA), which will become in the next decades the largest low and intermediate frequency radio telescope in the world. This work proposes a scalable wide-band deconvolution algorithm called MUFFIN, which stands for ‘MUlti Frequency image reconstruction For radio INterferometry’. MUFFIN estimates the sky images in various frequency bands, given the corresponding dirty images and point spread functions. The reconstruction is achieved by minimizing a data fidelity term and joint spatial and spectral sparse analysis regularization terms. It is consequently non-parametric w.r. t. the spectral behaviour of radio sources. MUFFIN algorithm is endowed with a parallel implementation and an automatic tuning of the regularization parameters, making it scalable and well suited for big data applications such as SKA. Comparisons between MUFFIN and the state-of-the-art wide-band reconstruction algorithm are provided.