Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
T cell receptor next-generation sequencing reveals cancer-associated repertoire metrics and reconstitution after chemotherapy in patients with hematological and solid tumors

ABSTRACT The dynamics of immunoaging and the onset of immunoparesis in healthy individuals and cancer patients has been controversially discussed. Moreover, the role of chemotherapy on T cell regeneration needs further elucidation in light of novel immunotherapies that have become standard of care for many elderly cancer patients. We used next-generation immunosequencing to study T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire metrics on 346 blood samples from healthy individuals and cancer patients producing a dataset with around 8.8 million TCR reads. This analysis showed that decline of T cell diversity and increase in T cell clonality is a continuous process beginning in healthy individuals over 40 years of age. Untreated patients with both hematological and solid tumors showed blood TCR repertoires with significantly lower diversity and higher clonality as compared to healthy individuals across all decades. Loss in T cell diversity was essentially driven by a loss in richness in aging healthy individuals, while in cancer patients a loss in repertoire evenness was an additional contributing factor. Interestingly, chemotherapy did not impair the regeneration of blood TCR repertoire diversity to pre-treatment age-specific levels. Surprisingly, even patients over the age of 70 years receiving highly T cell toxic therapies reestablished their pre-treatment T cell diversity suggesting rebound thymic activity rather than recovery of T cell counts by peripheral expansion only. Taken together, these data suggest that human TCR repertoire metrics gradually deteriorate in the aging individual, but age-specific TCR metrics are restored after T cell depleting therapy even in elderly cancer patients.
Neonatal Cardiac ECMO in 2019 and Beyond

Worldwide, the use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiac failure has been steadily increasing in the neonatal population and has become a widely accepted modality. Especially in centers caring for children with (congenital) heart disease, ECMO is now an essential part of care available for those with severe heart failure as a bridge to recovery, long term mechanical support, or transplantation. Short-term outcomes depend very much on indication. Hospital survival is ~40% for all neonatal cardiac ECMO patients combined. ECMO is being used for pre- and/or post-operative stabilization in neonates with congenital heart disease and in neonates with medical heart disease such as myocarditis, cardiomyopathy or refractory arrhythmias. ECMO use during resuscitation (ECPR) or for sepsis is summarized elsewhere in this special edition of Frontiers in Pediatrics. In this review article, we will discuss the indications for neonatal cardiac ECMO, the difficult process of patients' selection and identifying the right timing to initiate ECMO, as well as outline pros and cons for peripheral vs. central cannulation. We will present predictors of mortality and, very importantly, predictors of survival: what can be done to improve the outcomes for your patients. Furthermore, an overview of current insights regarding supportive care in neonatal cardiac ECMO is given. Additionally, we will address issues specific to neonates with single ventricle physiology on ECMO, for example cannulation strategies and the influence of shunt type (Blalock-Taussig shunt vs. “right ventricle to pulmonary artery” shunt). We will not only focus on short term outcomes, such as hospital survival, but also on the importance of long-term neuro-developmental outcomes, and we will end this review with suggestions for future research.
MicroRNA-761 inhibits the metastasis of gastric cancer by negatively regulating Ras and Rab interactor 1

Gastric cancer (GC), the second most common malignant cancer worldwide, gives rise to a number of cancer-associated fatalities annually. Accumulating evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRs) may serve as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in GC development. The aim of this study was to discover the expression, function and mechanism of miR-761 in GC progression. First, the findings revealed that the expression level of miR-761 was significantly decreased in GC cell lines and tissues. The functional studies showed that miR-761 in GC cells inhibited tumor proliferation and metastasis. In the mechanistic study, through an online database search and luciferase assay, Ras and Rab interactor 1 (RIN1), which has been demonstrated as an oncogene in various types of cancer, including GC, was identified as a target of miR-761. Notably, miR-761 expression was demonstrated to be negatively correlated with RIN1 mRNA levels in GC tissues. Simultaneously, overexpression of RIN1 partially rescued the inhibitory effect of miR-761 mimic in the GC cells. The present study provided new insights into the role of miR-761 in the progression of GC, and implicated the potential application of miR-761 in GC cell therapy.
Association of circulating total bilirubin level with ischemic stroke: a systemic review and meta-analysis of observational evidence.

Background Circulating total bilirubin is a biomarker of ischemic stroke and may serve as a potential prognostic factor. It is imperative to systemically evaluate the correlation between circulating total bilirubin and risk for stroke. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the relationship between total serum bilirubin and risk for stroke. Methods Studies published before 30 June 2017 were searched in four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Central). Additional studies were searched by reviewing references and contacting authors. Cohort, cross-sectional and case-control studies in adults that examined the association between serum total bilirubin and stroke were included irrespective of language and date of publication. The primary outcome of this study was ischemic stroke, and the secondary outcome was stroke. Abstract and full-text were reviewed by two independent reviewers, and disagreement was resolved by consulting a third reviewer. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers using a pre-designed data collection form. Results Eleven observational studies (5 prospective and 6 cross-sectional studies) involving 131,450 subjects were included for analysis. In four studies with 83,380 subjects, the relationship between circulating total bilirubin and ischemic stroke was investigated, ischemic stroke was found in 2,496 patients, and the total odds ratio (OR) of the highest bilirubin and the lowest bilirubin for the occurrence of ischemic stroke was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.58-0.74). Eleven studies with 131,450 subjects explored the correlation between bilirubin and stroke, stroke was reported in 5,060 patients, and the total OR of the highest bilirubin and the lowest bilirubin for the occurrence of stroke was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.68-0.79). A stratified analysis based on the gender showed that the total bilirubin level in males correlated with ischemic stroke or stroke, which was not noted in females. Conclusions The available studies support an inverse association between circulating total bilirubin and risk for ischemic stroke and stroke in males. Prospective studies with large sample size are needed to establish the role of circulating bilirubin in the prevention of stroke.
Fabric texture representation using the stable learned discrete cosine transform dictionary

To obtain a stable fabric texture representation result and improve the computation speed, a novel method based on dictionary learning is presented. The dictionary is learned by the alternating least-squares method using discrete cosine transform (DCT) as the initiation dictionary. To test the effectiveness of the dictionary, we comprehensively investigated 42 diverse fault-free woven fabric samples, and three fabrics with defects. After the preprocessing procedure, the woven fabric samples were characterized by the learned dictionary. The experiments on 37 samples with different fabric densities demonstrated that the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio becomes larger while the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) diminishes as the weaving density increases. For defect fabric samples, the proposed algorithm can efficiently inspect the different types of fabric flaws. Results revealed that the learned dictionary is stable, highly efficient, and suitable for modeling fabric textures. In addition, the algorithm was validated by comparing it with the K-Singular Value Decomposition dictionary and the DCT dictionary. The learned dictionary presented strikingly better results in terms of calculation speed, consistent results, and RMSE. In general, the proposed method can be applied in studying the influence of fabric density on the representation of the fabric texture and detecting fabric flaws.
Students' Views on the Helpfulness of Multimedia Components of Digital Flashcards in Mobile-Assisted Vocabulary Learning.

This study examines learners’ perceptions of the helpfulness of various multimedia components embedded in digital flashcards for explicit, informal foreign language vocabulary learning. Advanced learners of English (N=59) studied 48 new words using digital flashcards on smartphones. After ten days, the learners completed perception surveys. The goal of this study was to investigate which flashcard components were perceived as most helpful in learning vocabulary. The results of nonparametric statistical tests revealed that students perceive Foreign Language (FL) definitions to be significantly less helpful compared to other flashcard components. Moreover, when given a choice between having access to translation or pronunciation, translation was perceived as significantly more helpful in vocabulary learning. These findings have practical implications for the development of multimedia digital flashcards in mobile-assisted language learning applications.
Cervical cancer diagnostics with a multispectral Mueller polarimetric colposcope

Mueller polarimetric imaging appeared to be very promising to detect the modifications in the microstructure of the uterine cervix due to the development of a precancerous lesion, thus providing very useful information for diagnostics to which practitioner cannot to access with classic color imaging. The first multispectral Mueller Polarimetric Colposcope (MPC) for the in vivo analysis of the uterine cervix will be presented. It has been obtained by miniaturizing a Mueller polarimetric imaging system and “grafting” it on a conventional colposcope, which is a low magnification binocular system, currently used in medical practice to examine the uterine cervix for detection of precancerous lesions. The multispectral MPC enables to obtain reliable Mueller polarimetric images in less than 2 seconds with a spatial resolution of 100 μm simultaneously at 450, 550 and 650 nm. Currently, it is being tested in vivo in the University Hospital of Kremlin Bicêtre in France. In order to evaluate the performance of the technique, polarimetric images need to be compared with histological analyses of biopsies. The procedure developed in collaboration with medical doctors to obtain an accurate correlation between polarimetric images and biopsies will be described.
Quantitative Assessment of Hand Spasticity After Stroke: Imaging Correlates and Impact on Motor Recovery

Objective: This longitudinal observational study investigated how neural stretch-resistance in wrist and finger flexors develops after stroke and relates to motor recovery, secondary complications, and lesion location. Methods: Sixty-one patients were assessed at 3 weeks (T1), three (T2), and 6 months (T3) after stroke using the NeuroFlexor method and clinical tests. Magnetic Resonance Imaging was used to calculate weighted corticospinal tract lesion load (wCST-LL) and to perform voxel-based lesion symptom mapping. Results: NeuroFlexor assessment demonstrated spasticity (neural component [NC] >3.4N normative cut-off) in 33% of patients at T1 and in 51% at T3. Four subgroups were identified: early Severe spasticity (n = 10), early Moderate spasticity (n = 10), Late developing spasticity (n = 17) and No spasticity (n = 24). All except the Severe spasticity group improved significantly in Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-HAND) to T3. The Severe and Late spasticity groups did not improve in Box and Blocks Test. The Severe spasticity group showed a 25° reduction in passive range of movement and more frequent arm pain at T3. wCST-LL correlated positively with NC at T1 and T3, even after controlling for FMA-HAND and lesion volume. Voxel-based lesion symptom mapping showed that lesioned white matter below cortical hand knob correlated positively with NC. Conclusion: Severe hand spasticity early after stroke is negatively associated with hand motor recovery and positively associated with the development of secondary complications. Corticospinal tract damage predicts development of spasticity. Early quantitative hand spasticity measurement may have potential to predict motor recovery and could guide targeted rehabilitation interventions after stroke.
Efficacy of thrombolytic therapy with IV streptokinase in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction patients

Background: Acute Myocardial Infarction is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Now there are a number of drugs for Thrombolysis but still Streptokinase is used in many of the centers because of the ease of availability and less cost. ST segment elevation resolution following thrombolysis is simple, non-invasive, accessible tool for the assessment of coronary reperfusion. Objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of thrombolysis in Acute STEMI patients, with respect to resolution of ST-elevation on treatment with streptokinase and also to predict short term outcome during hospital stay in terms of adverse events and mortality.Methods: 60 Acute STEMI patients who had received thrombolytic therapy with streptokinase were studied in three groups namely Category A, Category B and Category C based on ST segment resolution after administration of thrombolytic therapy.Results: Of 60 patients, 9 patients (15%) had <30% ST resolution (no STR), 26 patients (43.3%) had 30-70% ST resolution (partial STR), 25 patients (41.7%) had >70% ST resolution (complete STR). Conclusions: In the present study we conclude that the efficacy of IV streptokinase for thrombolysis in acute STEMI is 41.7%. Patients with no resolution of ST segment 90 minutes following thrombolysis associated with more frequent adverse events and increased mortality compare to partial and complete resolution group.
Therapy Management Using Modified 2-Weeks-On/1-Week-Off Dosing Schedule in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Receiving Sunitinib: A Hypothetical, Illustrative Case Scenario

Case Study This patient case is fictional and does not represent events or a response from an actual patient. The authors developed this fictional case for educational purposes only. Brady, a 54-year-old white male, was diagnosed with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Two and a half years prior, he had undergone a complete left nephrectomy for clear-cell RCC, with clean margins and negative lymph nodes. Post nephrectomy, he was routinely surveyed (every 3–6 months) by radiologic imaging. After 15 months of monitoring, a CT scan revealed small nodules in the left lung. Repeated scans were ordered to be taken in 6 weeks to assess growth kinetics, wherein an increase in the size of a number of nodules was detected. Of particular concern was the location of one of the larger nodules very close to a bronchus. Consequently, a needle biopsy was performed, which recovered malignant cells consistent with mRCC. It was then decided to begin systemic treatment for mRCC. Prior to starting treatment, Brady’s Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) was 0, and he had a Karnofsky score of 90, as he had only slightly diminished stamina that was considered disease related. Accordingly, he was classified as favorable risk by both Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium criteria (Table 1). Brady is married and lives with his wife. He drinks alcohol occasionally but does not have a history of smoking. For the past 22 years, he has been employed full time as a factory assembly line worker, performing skilled, light assembly. In this capacity, Brady works with his hands and must remain on his feet approximately 30% of the working day. As Brady is eligible for early retirement in 11 months, he intends to continue working full time during treatment, if possible. Brady’s medical history includes nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, which is treated with apixaban; hypertension that is adequately controlled (blood pressure 137/79 mm Hg) with lisinopril at 20 mg/day; coronary artery disease; and hyperlipidemia that is treated with atorvastatin at 20 mg/day. He is also taking daily low-dose aspirin (81 mg).
Aspects of physical training related with upper respiratory tract infections: a review

The upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are characterized by symptoms present, mainly, in the nose and pharynx. Physical exercise is one of the factors that can lead to development of URTI, causing a state of immunosuppression during a small-time interval, making the athlete susceptible to development of acute infectious states. Besides its influence in athlete’s quality of life and healthy, the progression of URTI seems to be associated with overtraining state, inducing reduction on physical performance. Several authors have been discussing how the variables of exercise training can alter the incidence and prevalence of URTI, and the present study was developed to present the current knowledge about this tissue, discussing how the modulation in the exercise training variables may interfere in the URTI. Methods: This is a review study. Results: Athletes with different levels of training and different categories in most diverse modalities seem to suffer from symptoms of URTI in training and competitive periods. Increasing of URTI symptoms seems to be related to internal training load and evidence has pointed out that suppression of serum and salivary immunoglobulin concentrations appear to be a factor which influences appearance of these symptoms and may even be used as markers of immune status of athlete. Conclusion: In point of view of reviewed articles, athletes with different levels of training and different categories in most diverse modalities seem to suffer from symptoms of URTI in training and competitive periods. Increasing of URTI symptoms seems to be related to internal training load and evidence has pointed out that suppression of serum and salivary immunoglobulin concentrations appear to be a factor which influences appearance of these symptoms and may even be used as markers of immune status of athlete. However, studies that verify and provide “cutoff points” that indicate a higher risk for URTI onset is still needed.
Comparison of Cleft Lift and Limberg Flap Techniques for Pilonidal Sinus Surgery

Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (SPS) disease is a common health problem affecting mostly young male population that mainly develops within lower midline sinuses in the natal cleft (1). SPS ordinarily exist as an abscess or a sinus tract on the natal cleft with seropurulant discharge (2). Although numerous surgical techniques have been reported in the literature, there is still no consensus for the ideal method for treatment of SPS from abscess drainage to complex advanced off-midline flap mobilizations (3,4). Similar to other surgical techniques, the success of pilonidal sinus surgery can be measured by the rates of complications, recurrence and healing time of the disease. Modification of the midline and positioning of the incision scar to the cleft are the most important factors in wound healing, in addition, a recent Cochrane study reported that off-midline closure techniques should be the standard treatment method in SPS disease (5).
Low Birth Weight and Its Associated Factors among Newborns Delivered at Wolaita Sodo University Teaching and Referral Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, 2018

Background Birth weight has a vital role in determining newborns survival in vulnerable conditions. Low birth weight is associated with fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, impairment of growth and development and also chronic disease later in life. This study was aimed to assess the magnitude of low birth weight and its determinants in Wolaita Sodo University teaching and referral hospital, southern Ethiopia. Methods Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2018. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data was collected by interviewing mothers through structured questionnaire and reviewing neonates' medical records using a checklist. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with neonatal jaundice. Results The proportion of low birth weight in the study area was found to be 15.8% (95% CI 11.7-19.9). Being primiparity [AOR=5.798; 95% (1.572-21.377)], anemia during pregnancy [AOR=3.808; 95% (1.513-9.586)], pregnancy induced hypertension [AOR= 6.955; 95% (2.386- 20.275)], intake herbal medication during pregnancy [AOR=35.762; 95% (4.571-279.764)], drinking alcohol during pregnancy [AOR=8.111; 95% (2.359-27. 895)] were predictors of low birth weight. Conclusion The proportion of low birth weight among newborns delivered at Wolaita Sodo University teaching and referral hospital was comparable with the global prevalence of low birth weight. Parity, anemia, alcohol, herbal medication, and pregnancy-induced hypertension were significantly associated with low birth weight.
Dizziness and balance disorders in the elderly

Background: Patients in the geriatric age are characterized by the presence of degenerative changes, significantly affecting their daily functioning. One of the most common symptoms accompanying the elderly include dizziness and balance disorders. This is an extremely important issue, because even every third patient can report such ailments. Often, especially in the group of geriatric patients, these problems are related to disorders in the circulatory system, and more specifically to orthostatic hypotension. Material and methods: Analysis of available literature, articles in the Google Scholar and PubMed database using keywords: geriatrics, dizziness, balance disorders. Results: In the treatment of dizziness and disorders of the balance we distinguish pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods where kinesitherapy (exercises) looms large. In the case of pharmacological treatment, attention should be focused on causal therapy because symptomatic treatment can cause side effects and should therefore be used as soon as possible. In many cases, pharmacological treatment can be fully replaced by normal and individually conducted physiotherapeutic procedures. Training to which a patient is subjected should consist of many elements, which, however, will be adapted to the conditions that can meet a patient in everyday life. In diagnostics of the above-mentioned problems, research on stabilometric platforms is becoming more and more important. Increasingly, also in the rehabilitation of patients with a problem with equilibrium, modern technology in the form of virtual reality is used. Conclusions: Dizziness and balance disorders can result in many problems, which is why correct diagnosis and effective treatment are so important, especially because it is a problem for more and more people. Greater importance should be attached to prevention. Although modern forms of fighting these disorders are being introduced, there is still a need for further research on their effectiveness.