Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High tumour plasma cell infiltration reflects an important microenvironmental component in classic Hodgkin lymphoma linked to presence of B‐symptoms

Plasma cells are important prognostic actors in different malignancies. The tumour microenvironmental composition in classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a major prognostic key element; however, clinicopathological studies regarding plasma cells in cHL are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate CD138+ (also termed SDC1+) plasma cell and IgG4 producing (IgG4+) plasma cells infiltration in the microenvironment of cHL. Immunohistochemistry with anti‐CD138 and IgG4 antibodies was performed on diagnostic tumour biopsies from 124 patients with cHL, on tissue micro array (TMA). In 120 cases, CD138+ plasma cell‐infiltration was associated with the presence of B‐symptoms (P = 0·028) and advanced stage, IIB‐IVB (P = 0·009). In multivariate analysis, CD138+ plasma cells correlated with eosinophil infiltration (P = 0·013). The subgroup of IgG4+ plasma cells was analysed in 122 cases and only correlated to CD138+ plasma cells (P = 0·004). Patients with high proportion of tumour infiltrating CD138+ plasma cells (defined as ≥10%), had a more inferior event‐free survival (P = 0·007) and overall survival (P = 0·004) than patients with a low proportion of infiltrating CD138+ plasma cells (<10%), although significance was not maintained in multivariate analysis. In summary, a high proportion of tumour‐associated plasma cells in cHL reflect an important component in the microenvironment of cHL.
Insights into soy lecithin and egg yolk-based extenders for chilling canine spermatozoa

Summary The aim of this study was to compare different concentrations of soy lecithin (LEC0.01%, LEC0.05% and LEC0.1%) with egg yolk (Control) in cooling extenders during the storage of semen at 5ºC for 5 days. Twelve dogs (n = 12) were selected, and semen was cooled and assessed after 2, 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 h. At each time point, sperm were analyzed for kinetic patterns (using computer-assisted sperm analysis), mitochondrial activity (3′3- diaminobenzidine assay), lipid peroxidation (TBARS assay), DNA fragmentation (SCSA®) and plasma and acrosome membrane integrity (eosin/nigrosin and fast green/rose Bengal stains, respectively). The Control group (1814.4 ± 197.2) presented the highest rates of lipid peroxidation at 120 h. Conversely, progressive motility (42.8 ± 4%), linearity (45.4 ± 1%), and VAP (88 ± 3%) were higher in the Control group. In addition, there was lower mitochondrial activity in the Control group at 72 h. Therefore, our data show that lecithin used at these concentrations was not able to maintain sperm viability at as high qualities as would egg yolk. Moreover, the decrease in high mitochondrial activity and the persistence of sperm motility may indicate a compensatory mechanism in canine spermatozoa (i.e., glycolytic pathway). Furthermore, these higher lipid peroxidation indexes could indicate the necessity for future therapy using extenders and antioxidants over a long cooling time for dog sperm.
Comparison of Different Algorithms for Calculating Velocity and Stride Length in Running Using Inertial Measurement Units

Running has a positive impact on human health and is an accessible sport for most people. There is high demand for tracking running performance and progress for amateurs and professionals alike. The parameters velocity and distance are thereby of main interest. In this work, we evaluate the accuracy of four algorithms, which calculate the stride velocity and stride length during running using data of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) placed in the midsole of a running shoe. The four algorithms are based on stride time, foot acceleration, foot trajectory estimation, and deep learning, respectively. They are compared using two studies: a laboratory-based study comprising 2377 strides from 27 subjects with 3D motion tracking as a reference and a field study comprising 12 subjects performing a 3.2-km run in a real-world setup. The results show that the foot trajectory estimation algorithm performs best, achieving a mean error of 0.032 ± 0.274 m/s for the velocity estimation and 0.022 ± 0.157 m for the stride length. An interesting alternative for systems with a low energy budget is the acceleration-based approach. Our results support the implementation decision for running velocity and distance tracking using IMUs embedded in the sole of a running shoe.
The Relationship of Fluid Administration to Outcome in the Pediatric Calfactant in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Trial*

Objectives: Adult studies have demonstrated the relationship between fluid overload and poor outcomes in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome. The approach of pediatric intensivists to fluid management in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome and its effect on outcomes is less clear. In a post hoc analysis of our Calfactant in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome trial, we examined the relationship of fluid balance to in-hospital outcomes in subjects with acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome. Design: Calfactant in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome was a masked randomized controlled trial of calfactant surfactant versus placebo in pediatric patients with acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome due to direct lung injury. Caregivers were encouraged to follow a conservative fluid management guideline based on the adult Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial. Daily fluid balance was collected for the first 7 days after trial enrollment and correlated with clinical outcomes. Patients and Setting: Children admitted to PICUs with acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome from 24 children’s hospitals in six different countries. Intervention: Post hoc analysis of daily fluid balance in subjects from the Pediatric Calfactant in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome trial. Measurements and Main Results: Despite the conservative fluid guideline, fluid management was more consistent with a “liberal” approach. On average, study subjects accumulated 1.96 ± 4.2 L/m2 over the first 7 days of the trial. Subjects who died accumulated on average 8.7 ± 9.5 L/m2 versus 1.2 ± 2.4 L/m2 in survivors. Increasing fluid accumulation was associated with fewer ventilator-free days and worsening oxygenation. Multivariable regression models that included age, gender, Pediatric Risk of Mortality score, initial oxygen saturation index and PaO2/FIO2 ratio, injury category, and treatment arm failed to account for the differences in fluid management. Conclusions: Pediatric intensivists generally follow a “liberal” approach to fluid management in children with acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome. Illness severity or oxygenation disturbance did not explain differences in fluid accumulation but such accumulation was associated with worsening oxygenation, a longer ventilator course, and increased mortality. A more conservative approach to fluid management may improve outcomes in children with acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Edge-Based Fractional-Order Adaptive Strategies for Synchronization of Fractional-Order Coupled Networks With Reaction–Diffusion Terms

In this paper, spatial diffusions are introduced to fractional-order coupled networks and the problem of synchronization is investigated for fractional-order coupled neural networks with reaction-diffusion terms. First, a new fractional-order inequality is established based on the Caputo partial fractional derivative. To realize asymptotical synchronization, two types of adaptive coupling weights are considered, namely: 1) coupling weights only related to time and 2) coupling weights dependent on both time and space. For each type of coupling weights, based on local information of the node’s dynamics, an edge-based fractional-order adaptive law and an edge-based fractional-order pinning adaptive scheme are proposed. Furthermore, some new analytical tools, including the method of contradiction, L’Hopital rule, and Barbalat lemma are developed to establish adaptive synchronization criteria of the addressed networks. Finally, an example with numerical simulations is provided to illustrate the validity and effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Role of the inflammasome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Inflammation is central to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a pulmonary disorder characterized by chronic bronchitis, chronic airway obstruction, emphysema, associated to progressive and irreversible decline of lung function. Emerging genetic and pharmacological evidence suggests that IL-1-like cytokines are highly detected in the sputum and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) of COPD patients, implying the involvement of the multiprotein complex inflammasome. So far, scientific evidence has focused on nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a specialized inflammatory signaling platform that governs the maturation and secretion of IL-1-like cytokines through the regulation of caspase-1-dependent proteolytic processing. Some studies revealed that it is involved during airway inflammation typical of COPD. Based on the influence of cigarette smoke in various respiratory diseases, including COPD, in this view we report its effects in inflammatory and immune responses in COPD mouse models and in human subjects affected by COPD. In sharp contrast to what reported on experimental and clinical studies, randomized clinical trials show that indirect inflammasome inhibitors did not have any beneficial effect in moderate to severe COPD patients.
FREQUENCY, PATTERN AND PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN MEDICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

Corresponding author Essam Adel Abdel-Rahman 01026336225 Essamadel_1000@yahoo.com ABSTRACT Background: The incidence of thrombocytopenia in intensive care units (ICUs) has been found to be 13 44%. We chose to study the incidence, risk factors and transfusion requirements of thrombocytopenia in tertiary care ICUs. Objective: The purpose of this study to determine the period prevalence of thrombocytopenia whether admission thrombocytopenia (AT) or new onset thrombocytopenia (NOT) among Egyptian patients in medical ICU of Zagazig university hospital. To identify pattern of thrombocytopenia in critically ill patients including etiology, severity and timing pattern. To identify the impact of thrombocytopenia on the patients' outcome in MICU. Methods: This study was conducted in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) of the Internal Medicine Department Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt, in the period extending from March 2017 to March 2018. Results: The study included 400 patients admitted consecutively to MICU of internal medicine hospital in Zagazig university fulfilling the inclusion criteria, sixty-six patients were excluded from the study because of incomplete data (17 patients), loss of follow up within the ICU (24 patient). 359 patients were eligible for analysis, those patients were classified into two groups. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is a frequent laboratory finding among critically in patients, which is generally correlated to the severity of illness. Most cases of thrombocytopenia are detected at time of admission and the rest of them develop during ICU stay. Among our Egyptian patients the most common cause of thrombocytopenia on admission is the chronic liver disease with liver cirrhosis, while the most common cause of thrombocytopenia which develop during ICU stay is sepsis. Thrombocytopenia is generally associated with higher APACHE II score when compared to normal platelet count indicating that it is associated with higher degree of morbidity and expected higher mortality rate. Key words; Thrombocytopenia, Frequency, Pattern, Prognostic Significance, Heparin; Intensive care units; Mortality
What is the optimal radiation dose for non-operable esophageal cancer? Dissecting the evidence in a meta-analysis

The standard radiation dose 50.4 Gy with concurrent chemotherapy for localized inoperable esophageal cancer as supported by INT-0123 trail is now being challenged since a radiation dose above 50 Gy has been successfully administered with an observable dose–response relationship and insignificant untoward effects. Therefore, to ascertain the treatment benefits of different radiation doses, we performed a meta-analysis with 18 relative publications. According to our findings, a dose between 50 and 70 Gy appears optimal and patients who received ≥ 60 Gy radiation had a significantly better prognosis (pooled HR = 0.78, P = 0.004) as compared with < 60 Gy, especially in Asian countries (pooled HR = 0.75, P = 0.003). However, contradictory results of treatment benefit for ≥ 60 Gy were observed in two studies from Western countries, and the pooled treatment benefit of ≥ 60 Gy radiation was inconclusive (pooled HR = 0.86, P = 0.64). There was a marginal benefit in locoregional control in those treated with high dose (> 50.4/51 Gy) radiation when compared with those treated with low dose (≤ 50.4/51 Gy) radiation (pooled OR = 0.71, P = 0.06). Patients that received ≥ 60 Gy radiation had better locoregional control (OR = 0.29, P = 0.001), and for distant metastasis control, neither the > 50.4 Gy nor the ≥ 60 Gy treated group had any treatment benefit as compared to the groups that received ≤ 50.4 Gy and < 60 Gy group respectively. Taken together, a dose range of 50 to 70 Gy radiation with CCRT is recommended for non-operable EC patients. A dose of ≥ 60 Gy appears to be better in improving overall survival and locoregional control, especially in Asian countries, while the benefit of ≥ 60 Gy radiation in Western countries still remains controversial.
Is emotion regulation associated with cancer-related psychological symptoms?

Abstract Objectives: This study examined the cross-sectional and prospective relationships between subjective (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression and experiential avoidance) and objective (high-frequency heart rate variability [HF-HRV]) measures of emotion regulation (ER) and a set of psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, fear of cancer recurrence [FCR], insomnia, fatigue, pain, and cognitive impairments) among women receiving radiation therapy for non-metastatic breast cancer. Design: Eighty-one participants completed a battery of self-report scales within 10 days before the start of radiotherapy (T1) and within 10 days after its end (T2; approximately 6 weeks after T1). HF-HRV at rest was measured at T1. Results: Canonical correlation analyses revealed that higher levels of experiential avoidance and expressive suppression were cross-sectionally associated with higher levels of all symptoms, except pain, at T1 and at T2 (both p’s < 0.0001). Higher levels of suppression and reappraisal at T1 were marginally associated with reduced FCR and with increased depression and fatigue between T1 and T2 (p = 0.07). HF-HRV was not associated with symptoms cross-sectionally or prospectively. Conclusions: Although preliminary, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that maladaptive ER strategies, assessed subjectively, may cross-sectionally act as a transdiagnostic mechanism underlying several cancer-related psychological symptoms.
Flapless Extraction and Immediate Implant Placed Into a Mandibular Molar Site: A Clinical Case Report and 5-Year Follow-Up.

The longevity of an immediate implant placement in a molar area with the flapless extraction technique has not yet been deeply investigated, and only a few studies have previously been published. This article describes a successful case of immediate implant placement with a follow-up evaluation after more than five years. An immediate implant was placed in a fresh socket after an atraumatic extraction with no flap elevation. When measured with a periodontal probe, the distances between the implant and socket wall were as follows: buccal, 5mm; proximal, 4mm; and lingual, 3mm. A modified "sandwich" bone augmentation technique (allograft in the apical portion of the socket and xenograft in the top of it) was used with a barrier. At the four-month mark, complete radiographic socket fill and implant stability were observed. After 5 years and 3 months of follow-up evaluations, bone levels seemed to be stable with remodeling. Periodontal conditions of adjacent teeth were unchanged during the follow-up period. This case showed the bone healing and dimensional stability of an immediate implant placement after functional restoration. However, dentists must be aware of the importance of patient selection to avoid treatment complications and risks.
Crystal structure of Kumaglobin: a hexacoordinated heme protein from an anhydrobiotic tardigrade, Ramazzottius varieornatus

Tardigrades, also known as water bears, can survive extreme conditions. For example, tardigrades have high tolerance to extreme desiccation because they can enter an anhydrobiotic state, in which they show no or nearly undetectable metabolic processes. Proteins from anhydrobiotic tardigrades with low homology to known proteins from other organisms are new potential targets for structural genomics. Here, we present spectroscopic and structural characterization of an unprecedented globin protein (Kumaglobin: Kgb) found in an anhydrobiotic tardigrade. Spectroscopy reveals that Kgb contains hexacoordinated low‐spin heme, which is not capable of binding to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) unlike other globin proteins, such as neuroglobin. Interestingly however, when distal histidine is replaced with alanine, H2S is capable of binding to heme, implying that the distal histidine of Kgb binds tightly to heme. The overall structure of Kgb at 1.5 Å resolution shows high resemblance to well‐characterized eukaryotic globin proteins, such as myoglobin and cytoglobin. However, the heme coordination geometry in Kgb is unique because the distal histidinyl ligand is located at the 11th position of helix E while it is found at 7th position on helix E in many known globin proteins. The unusual conformation of distal histidine in Kgb is stabilized by a hydrogen bond with the carbonyl O atom of A103. Furthermore, bulky residues exist around the heme cofactor, resulting in a ruffling conformation of the porphyrin ring. Based on our study, Kgb is thought to be involved in electron transfer or enzymatic reactions rather than transporting or storing ligands.
Neutrophil count and percentage: potential independent prognostic indicators for advanced cancer patients in a palliative care setting

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the count and percentage of neutrophils as prognostic indicators in advanced cancer patients undergoing palliative care. 378 consecutive patients receiving treatment at the palliative care unit of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center between July 2013 and October 2015 were reviewed. In 106 of these patients, the data were extended during the follow-up. The cut-off values selected for the neutrophil count and percentage were 8.0×109/L and 85%, respectively. Both a high pretreatment neutrophil count (HR = 1.828, 95% CI: 1.409∼2.371, P<0.001) and a high pretreatment neutrophil percentage (HR = 1.475, 95% CI: 1.106∼1.967, P=0.008) were independent prognostic factors for decreased overall survival. Furthermore, in the follow-up cohort of readmitted patients (n = 106), patients with a newly increased neutrophil count or percentage were respectively, 1.837 (95% CI: 1.096∼3.079) and 3.268 (95% CI: 1.848∼5.778) times more likely to have a poor prognosis compared with patients with low neutrophil conditions (P=0.021, P<0.001). In conclusions, both high pretreatment or newly increased count and percentage of neutrophils were confirmed as independent prognostic factors for adverse outcomes. These parameters may be used as stratification factors in identifying advanced cancer patients with poor prognosis in palliative care settings.
When (not) to Look for Contrastive Alternatives: The Role of Pitch Accent Type and Additive Particles

This study investigates how pitch accent type and additive particles affect the activation of contrastive alternatives. In Experiment 1, German listeners heard declarative utterances (e.g., The swimmer wanted to put on flippers) and saw four printed words displayed on screen: one that was a contrastive alternative to the subject noun (e.g., diver), one that was non-contrastively related (e.g., pool), the object (e.g., flippers), and an unrelated distractor. Experiment 1 manipulated pitch accent type, comparing a broad focus control condition to two narrow focus conditions: with a contrastive or non-contrastive accent on the subject noun (nuclear L+H* vs. H+L*, respectively, followed by deaccentuation). In Experiment 2, the utterances in the narrow focus conditions were preceded by the unstressed additive particle auch (“also”), which may trigger alternatives itself. It associated with the accented subject. Results showed that, compared to the control condition, participants directed more fixations to the contrastive alternative when the subject was realized with a contrastive accent (nuclear L+H*) than when it was realized with non-contrastive H+L*, while additive particles had no effect. Hence, accent type is the primary trigger for signaling the presence of alternatives (i.e., contrast). Implications for theories of information structure and the processing of additive particles are discussed.
Pulicaria crispa mitigates gastric ulcer induced by ethanol in rats: role of treatment and auto healing

Abstract Context: Stomach ulcers are the common gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic impact of Pulicaria crispa aerial parts ethanol extract against gastric ulcer in rats. Materials and methods: Ulcer was induced by one oral dose of ethanol (0.5 ml/100g body weight) on 24 hours empty stomach, then the plant extract (500 mg/kg b.wt.) was orally administered daily for one week. Ranitidine (100 mg/kg b.wt.); as a reference drug was evaluated. Stomach acidity and volume, as well as lesion counts were measured. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were estimated. Assay of different marker enzymes; succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase), acid phosphatase (AP) and 5′-nucleotidase (5′NT) were determined. Interlukin-10 (IL-10), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were also determined. Stomach histopathological assessment was detected. Results: Gastric ulcer showed drastic changes in oxidative stress, cell organelles and inflammatory markers. These biomarkers served as good tools to identify the presence of gastric ulcer. Treatment with P. crispa recorded amelioration in most parameters exceeding the auto healing effect. Conclusion: Healing potency of P. crispa is possibly related to its content of glycosides, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, sterols and triterpenes.
Ganoderic acid A against cyclophosphamide‐induced hepatic toxicity in mice

This study clarified the protective effect of ganoderic acid A (GAA) on cyclophosphamide (CP)‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Hepatic injury mice were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (200 mg/kg). The results showed that the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum and liver of the CP group mice were increased, and the levels of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α in serum were increased. With the increase of the thioredoxin interaction protein (Txnip)/Trx/NF‐кB pathway, the histological structure of the liver has significantly changed as well as apoptosis events. On the contrary, the levels of ALT, AST, and cytokines in serum and liver in mice have been improved after GAA administration. Furthermore, the protein levels of the Txnip/Trx/NF‐кB pathway and apoptosis‐related protein including Bax, Bcl‐2, caspase‐3, and ‐9 were restored by GAA. In conclusion, GAA can be used as an effective drug to improve the hepatotoxicity caused by CP.