Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence and Clinical Relevance of Non-expandable Lung in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Prospective, Single-Center Cohort Study of 229 Patients.

RATIONALE Non-expandable lung is a recognised phenomenon that can create management challenges in mesothelioma. Its prevalence and clinical importance are unknown. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of non-expandable lung and to evaluate whether there was any association between non-expandable lung and survival in a clinical cohort of mesothelioma patients. METHODS This was a prospective, observational cohort of mesothelioma patients, seen in a single centre between 01/03/2008 and 03/08/2017. Baseline characteristics were collected at diagnosis. Serial chest radiographs were assessed for the presence of pleural effusions and non-expandable lung (defined as a lack of lung expansion following pleural aspiration or drainage). Patients were followed up until death or censored on 14/03/2019. RESULTS Of 229 patients, 192 (82.7%) had a pleural effusion at presentation, with non-expandable lung observed in 64/192 (33.3%). Breathlessness and cough were more frequent with pleural effusions, especially with underlying non-expandable lung, whilst chest pain was more prevalent in patients without effusions. Patients with pleural effusions, both with and without underlying non-expandable lung, were more likely to have epithelioid disease, early stage disease and to receive chemotherapy than patients with no pleural effusion. Non-expandable lung was an independent risk factor for short survival, with a hazard ratio for mortality of 1.80 (95% confidence interval 1.16 to 2.80) compared with patients without non-expandable lung. The presence of a pleural effusion did not appear to be associated with a worse prognosis compared to patients with an effusion (adjusted HR 1.86, 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 3.72). CONCLUSION This is the first study to describe the prevalence and clinical implications of non-expandable lung in mesothelioma. It demonstrated that NEL is a relatively common phenomenon that is associated with significant symptomatology and shorter survival.
Diarrhetic shellfish toxicity in relation to the abundance of Dinophysis spp. in the German Bight near Helgoland

Diarrhetic shellfish toxicity is caused by the accumulation of okadaic acid and its deriv- atives, which are produced by particular species of Dinophysis Ehrenberg 1839 and Prorocentrum Ehrenberg 1833 (Dinoflagellata). In the German Bight (North Sea) around the island of Helgoland, 4 toxic Dinophysis species occur, of which 2 exhibited successive biomass maxima in summer 2000 (D. norvegica Claparede et Lachmann 1859 with cell concentrations of max. 400 cell l -1 and D. acumi- nata Claparede et Lachmann 1859 with max. cell concentrations of over 4000 cells l -1 ). In contrast to findings in other marine areas, toxicity of Mytilus edulis Linne 1758 could be clearly attributed to the observed increases in cell abundances of both species. In several Mytilus samples toxin concentra- tions (max. 460 ng diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxins g -1 hepatopancreas) were in a range which is considered dangerous for human consumption. While mussel toxicity coincided with concentration increases of both Dinophysis species, toxicity of the particulate substance in the water (max. 26 ng l -1 ) could be detected only during cell concentration maxima of D. acuminata. Mussel toxicity lasted 3 wk after the end of the D. acuminata bloom, and this is attributed to extended toxicity of decaying Dinophysis cells and detritus. Elevated summer temperatures and low silicate concen- trations evidently supported the development of high concentrations of D. acuminata.
The big fish strikes again but in a different place : social comparison theory and children with special needs

This paper will address the implications of Big-Fish Little Pond Effect (BFLPE) and social comparison theory and school placement of students with special needs. It made use of the PISA data base to determine if type of educational placement had an impact on the academic self-concept with children with special needs. Multiple regression techniques were used to delineate the relationships.
On the Possibility of Relativistic Shock-Wave Effects in Observations of Quasar Luminosity

A growing number of conflicts within the Standard Model call into question the fundamental interpretation of the Doppler component of the putative Hubble Expansion Law and the nature of events in spacetime associated with conventional coordinates of the line element as attached to the physical basis of the observer. Also of paramount importance is that Einstein’s geometrodynamics is not a complete theory of gravity. We postulate that nonlinear effects associated with the propagation of light in an intense gravitational field produces shock waves creating ‘light-booms’ along boundary conditions at cosmological distances approaching the limit of observation that if correct would explain Quasi-Stellar Object (QSO) luminosity. These gravitational shock waves are considered observationally manifest in the spectrum of QSOs and Supernova as a continuous front of ‘light booms’ produced by superluminal boosts associated with continuous coordinate transformations relative to a distant observer. This model aligns with the view suggesting that QSOs are most likely a form of Seifert spiral galaxy with Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) in the vicinity of the putative observational limit of the Hubble radius, HR.
An orderly personality partially explains the link between trait disgust and political conservatism

ABSTRACT Individuals who are more easily disgusted tend to be more politically conservative. Individuals who have a preference for order also tend to be more politically conservative. In the present research, we hypothesised that these three variables are psychologically interrelated. Specifically, trait disgust encourages a generalised search for order, which, in turn, encourages the endorsement of political positions that aim to maintain societal order. Taking an individual differences approach, we operationalised the preference for order via Orderliness, one aspect of the Big Five trait Conscientiousness. Across six samples (total N = 1485), participants completed measures of trait disgust, aspect/trait personality, and political orientation. Analyses revealed that Orderliness was a consistent mediator of the association between trait disgust and conservatism. Analyses of subscales of disgust revealed preliminary evidence that Orderliness most consistently mediated the relationships between Contamination, Pathogen, and Sexual disgust and conservatism. These data suggest that disgust-sensitive people extend their preference for order in the physical environment (e.g. tidying up one's room) to the sociopolitical environment (e.g. strengthening traditional norms). The present findings illustrate one way in which emotional, cognitive, and personality processes work together to influence political orientation.
Fatty acid biomarkers reveal niche separation in an Arctic benthic food web

Marine fatty acids (FA) are synthesized primarily by phytoplankton and have a wide variety of structures. Biochemical restrictions on the synthesis or modification of FA in animals make it possible to recognize those derived from their prey; numerous studies have demonstrated the trans- fer of FA from prey to predator at various trophic levels. Although rarely occurring, a few FA found in animals, including the C20 and C22 non-methylene-interrupted (NMI) FA, can be traced to quite specific prey types. These unusual lipids are synthesized de novo by certain benthic mollusks, partic- ularly bivalves, through chain elongation and desaturation of common monounsaturated FA precur- sors. Their proportions vary among species, suggesting that they might be particularly suitable as biomarkers in food web studies. We recently discovered NMI FA in 2 species of sympatric, benthic- feeding pinnipeds in Alaska, bearded seals Erignathus barbatus and Pacific walruses Odobenus ros- marus. Significant differences in proportions of 6 NMI FA, and patterns of other FA, demonstrated considerable dietary separation between the bearded seals and walruses. This is the first report of NMI FA in marine mammals, and the first use of these specific FA biomarkers in evaluating trophic pathways in mammals. These individual FA biomarkers, together with suites of other FA, have wide application in understanding marine food webs, including those in the Arctic where rapid environ- mental change threatens fragile ecosystems.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of adverse cardiovascular events associated with proton pump inhibitors used alone or in combination with antiplatelet agents

Abstract The potential association between major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and concomitant treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and clopidogrel has been debated since 2009. Recent reports, however, suggest that PPIs may increase the risk of MACE independently of clopidogrel. This review evaluates epidemiological findings relevant to the association between PPIs, taken alone or concomitantly with antiplatelets, and the risk of MACE. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Relevant studies were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and then screened. Included studies were categorized into three groups: Group A: PPIs versus no PPIs; Group B: combined PPIs and clopidogrel versus clopidogrel alone; Group C: combined PPIs and other drugs versus other drugs. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for each outcome of interest in each comparison group. Of the 1667 studies identified, 118 were included in the systematic review, of which 66 were included in the meta-analyses. Among Group A observational studies, RRs for MACE outcomes were statistically significant for some patient populations but not others. Pooled RRs from Group A RCTs were not statistically significant for any outcome. Pooled RRs for Group B observational studies were statistically significant for all-cause mortality and MI, but were diminished in magnitude when pooling was restricted to propensity score matched studies or post hoc analyses of RCTs. Group C studies did not demonstrate an association with MACE. Findings do not consistently support an association between MACE and PPIs when taken alone, or concomitantly with antiplatelets.
Invariant Natural Killer T-cell Dynamics in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–associated Tuberculosis

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (PLWH). PLWH with TB disease are at risk of the paradoxical TB-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) when they commence antiretroviral therapy. However, the pathophysiology is incompletely understood and specific therapy is lacking. We investigated the hypothesis that invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells contribute to innate immune dysfunction associated with TB-IRIS. Methods In a cross-sectional study of 101 PLWH and HIV-uninfected South African patients with active TB and controls, iNKT cells were enumerated using α-galactosylceramide-loaded CD1d tetramers and subsequently functionally characterized by flow cytometry. In a second study of 49 people with HIV type 1 (HIV-1) and active TB commencing antiretroviral therapy, iNKT cells in TB-IRIS patients and non-IRIS controls were compared longitudinally. Results Circulating iNKT cells were reduced in HIV-1 infection, most significantly the CD4+ subset, which was inversely associated with HIV-1 viral load. iNKT cells in HIV-associated TB had increased surface CD107a expression, indicating cytotoxic degranulation. Relatively increased iNKT cell frequency in patients with HIV-1 infection and active TB was associated with development of TB-IRIS following antiretroviral therapy initiation. iNKT cells in TB-IRIS were CD4+CD8– subset depleted and degranulated around the time of TB-IRIS onset. Conclusions Reduced iNKT cell CD4+ subsets as a result of HIV-1 infection may skew iNKT cell functionality toward cytotoxicity. Increased CD4– cytotoxic iNKT cells may contribute to immunopathology in TB-IRIS.
PREPARATION AND BIOMEDICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF JELLYFISH ( CHRYSAORA QUINQUECIRRHA) COLLAGEN FROM SOUTHEAST COAST OF INDIA

Jellyfishes were carefully collected from Parangipettai coastal waters, Southeast coast of India, during post monsoon season. The present research aimed to isolate and characterize the collagens for the first time from marine waters. Collagens (acid-solubilized and pepsin-solubilized collagens) were prepared and partially characterized from jellyfish, Chrysaora quinquecirrha whole tissue (WT) and nematocyst suspension (NS. The yield of collagen was 0.48% of GSC and 1.28% of PSC on the basis of lyophilized dry weight. Amino acid content of WT and collagenase digested NS revealed that hydroxyproline and glycine were present in the amounts of 1.8 & 9.2 % and 5.14 & 28.3 % respectively, moreover it was relatively stable at 29.0 °C for 60 min. The highest utilization of collagen is in pharmaceutical applications including production of wound dress ings, vitreous implants and as carriers for drug delivery. Moreover, collagen is used for the production of cosmetics as it has a good moisturizing property. Thus the jellyfish tissues and nematocyst suspension will have potential source in biomedical applications, their relevance studies are in progress.
MicroRNA‐194 reduces inflammatory response and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells permeability through suppression of TGF‐β/SMAD pathway by inhibiting THBS1 in chronic idiopathic urticaria

Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a polyetiological dermatologic disease. Reports have stated that some microRNAs (miRNAs) have their roles to play in inflammatory response. In this present study, we aim to investigate whether miR‐194 has an effect on attenuating inflammatory response and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) permeability of CIU mast cells through TGF‐β/SMAD pathway by binding to thrombospondin 1 (THBS1). The Gene Expression Omnibus database was used to obtain the CIU‐related microarray data, and then the analysis of differentially expressed genes was conducted and the miRNA regulated by THBS1 was predicted. After transfection of different mimic, inhibitor, or small interfering RNA, the effect of miR‐194 on inflammatory reaction, mast cell degranulation, histamine release rate, HDMECs permeability, and the expression of THBS1, interferon γ (IFN‐γ), TGF‐β, Smad3, and interleukin 4 (IL‐4) were detected. THBS1 was verified to be the miR‐194 target. After transfected with overexpressed miR‐194 and si‐THBS1, the degranulation rate, histamine release rate, and HDMECs permeability were significantly reduced, while the expression of IFN‐γ was higher, and the expression of THBS1, TGF‐β, Smad3, IL‐4 was significantly lower, accompanied with alleviated inflammatory reaction. Our study provides evidence that miR‐194 negatively modulates THBS1 and inhibits the activation of TGF‐β/SMAD pathway, thereby alleviating the inflammatory response and HDMECs permeability of mast cells in CIU.
The neuroinflammatory biomarker YKL-40 for neurodegenerative diseases: advances in development

ABSTRACT Introduction: Neuroinflammation is a common pathophysiological mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) YKL-40 has recently been candidated as a neuroinflammatory biomarker of ND. Areas covered: We provide an update on the role of CSF YKL-40 as a pathophysiological biomarker of ND. YKL-40 may discriminate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) from controls and may predict the progression from the early preclinical to the late dementia stage. In genetic AD, YKL-40 increases decades before the clinical onset. It does not seem a specific biomarker of a certain ND although sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jacob disease shows the highest YKL-40 concentrations. YKL-40 may discriminate between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and ALS-mimics. YKL-40 is potentially associated with the rate of ALS progression. YKL-40 correlates with biomarkers of neuronal injury, large axonal damage and synaptic disruption in various ND. It is not associated with the presence of the APOE-ε4 allele whereas possibly linked to aging, female sex, Hispanic ethnicity and some genetic variants of the chitinase-3-like 1 locus. Expert opinion: There is growing evidence expanding the relevance of CSF YKL-40 as a pathophysiological biomarker for ND. Patients showing high YKL-40 levels might benefit from targeted clinical trials that use compounds acting against neuroinflammatory mechanisms, independently of the initial clinical diagnosis of ND.
Cytogenetic identification of four generations of crossbred buffaloes maintained in a conservation program in the Marajó island/Brazil

Os bufalos domesticos sao divididos em dois grupos: os bufalos de rio, com numero diploide 2n= 50 e os bufalos de pântano, 2n= 48. O cruzamento F1 entre estes resultam em animais com 2n= 49, que sao viaveis ​​e ferteis. No Brasil os bufalos d o tipo Baio e da raca Carabao sao mantidos em um programa de conservacao genetica que visa manter esses grupos separados , conservando seu patrimonio genetico in situ e ex situ . O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar citogeneticamente bufalos da raca Carabao, tipo Baio e suas crusas F1, F2, F3 e F4 mantidos em um programa de conservacao genetica. As metafases foram obtidas a partir de cultura de linfocitos de 50 animais da raca Carabao, 45 do tipo Baio e 10 descendentes de uma femea mestica. Os animais do tipo Baio apresentaram 2n= 50, os da raca Carabao 2n= 48. Para os descendentes foram observados 2n= 48 e 2n= 49, com variacoes morfologicas no primeiro par. O numero diploides 2n= 49 confirma a presenca de animais cruzados no programa de conservacao. Assim, a exclusao destes animais e seus descendentes e altamente recomendada dos rebanhos originais a fim de manter os genotipos separados para cada grupo genetico.
Evaluation of interventions to make top tether hardware more visible during child restraint system (CRS) installations

Abstract Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine whether specific child restraint system (CRS) or vehicle conditions improve top tether attachment rates during volunteer installations. Methods: A factorial randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate 4 different experimental categories: (1) Color of tether adjuster casing (black or red), (2) labeling on tether adjuster casing (labeled with “Tether: Use for forward-facing” or unlabeled), (3) storage location of tether (bundled in a rubber band on the back of CRS or Velcroed over the forward-facing belt path), and (4) labeling in vehicle (labeled under head restraint and below anchor or unlabeled). Ninety-six volunteers were randomly assigned to one combination of conditions. One installation per volunteer was completed. The primary outcome measure was acceptable attachment of the top tether to the tether anchor. The secondary outcome measure was overall secureness of the installation. Pearson’s chi-square tests were used to identify significant predictors of acceptable outcomes and logistic regression was used to investigate interaction effects. Results: A total of 66/96 subjects (68.8%) attached the top tether in an acceptable manner, with either zero errors (n = 50) or minor errors (n = 16). A total of 30/96 subjects (31.2%) had unacceptable tether outcomes, with either major errors (n = 10) or nonuse the tether at all (n = 20). None of the 4 experimental categories significantly affected tether outcomes. Subjects who opted to install the CRS with the lower anchors (LAs) had higher rates of acceptable tether attachment compared to subjects who installed using the seat belt or those who used both LA and seat belt together (χ2 = 6.792, P = .034). Tether outcomes were not correlated with previous CRS experience, use of instruction manual(s), age, or sex. Only 15.6% of subjects produced overall correct and tight installations. Of those who used the seat belt in some manner, 70.2% neglected to switch the retractor into locking mode. Conclusions: Conditions in this study including tether color, tether labeling, storage location, and vehicle labeling did not significantly affect tether attachment rates. High rates of tether misuse and nonuse warrant further exploration to find effective solutions to this usability problem.
Rhetorical Devices in English Advertisement Texts in India : A Descriptive Study

The subject of relationship between religion and economy raises many issues. It touches the originality of religion and economy and their nature of relationship including their independence and dependence. Western scholarship on the subject has useful insights for the Muslim policy makers on religion based economy. This research undertakes Marx and Weber’s thought on the subject and relates the issue with the current reality in industrialized countries such as Singapore. The findings show that Marx is a reductionist and Weber’s thesis highlights the independent role of religion in fostering economy although he remains pessimistic regarding its religiosity. The more plausible view is that though religion is an independent variable, yet there is interdependence between religion and economy. The economical modalities influence religious life in many ways. This challenge calls Muslim policy makers for a continuous intellectual effort in making creative contributions in making religion based economy possible.
The Accuracy of 22 Fetal Weight Estimation Formulas in Diabetic Pregnancies

Purpose: The objective of this study was to estimate the accuracy of 22 fetal weight estimation formulas in diabetic pregnancies uncomplicated and complicated by fetal macrosomia. Methods: Retrospectively collected data of 317 pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus and 78 cases of fetal macrosomia were used in this study. Study inclusion criteria were women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, full-term singleton pregnancy, and an interval from the ultrasound to delivery of ≤7 days. The estimated fetal weight was calculated using 22 formulas. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and two-way random interclass correlation coefficient were chosen for statistical analysis. Results: In the group of gestational diabetes, MAPE ranged from 8.43 ± 10.17 to 54.01 ± 9.50%. Most of the formulas showed a tendency to estimate a lower fetal weight in comparison to the actual birth weight. In the group of fetal macrosomia, the correlations were poor. Only three formulas reached the threshold of MAPE <10%. Conclusions: The formula by Hsieh might be considered the best for fetal weight estimation in diabetic pregnancies. The combination of the best formulas might improve the accuracy of estimation. None of the formulas were accurate enough to predict fetal macrosomia.