Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular disease in patients with psoriatic arthritis: correlation or causation?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a pleiotropic inflammatory disease from the spectrum of spondyloarthritides which can potentially affect many organ systems. The chronic nature of the inflammatory milieu presented in rheumatic diseases, is similar to that of atherosclerosis, suggesting a common pathogenic basis. Effector cells of innate and adaptive immunity along with pro-inflammatory cytokines and other immune mediators may work together to potentiate endothelial damage and accelerate cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Thus, the risk of CVD and associated complications in PsA might be elevated, especially in patients with severe psoriasis, long-standing disease, and multiple comorbidities. This narrative review focuses on the prevalence of CVD in PsA patients, the overlapping molecular features in the pathogenesis of both conditions, and summarizes the benefits of the current treatments on impairments resolution.
Can Hinokitiol Kill Cancer Cells? Alternative Therapeutic Anticancer Agent via Autophagy and Apoptosis

암은 유전적, 대사질환적 그리고 감염성 질환 등에 의해 유발되는 생명을 위협하는 심각한 질환으로서, 세포의 성장이 정상적으로 통제되지 않으며, 공격적인 형태로 주변의 조직이나 장기로 침범하는 경향을 보이는 생명을 심각하게 위협하는 질병이다. 지난 수십 년 간, 인류의 건강을 위협하는 암을 정복하기 위한 지속적인 노력이 있었고, 암 신생 기전 및 항암제 연구가 항암제 내성에 대한 연구와 함께 다양한 연구주제로 다루어져 왔다. Hinokitiol (β-thujaplicin)은 측백나무과 편백속에 속하는 나무에서 분비되는 terpenoid 물질로서, 항염증작용, 항균작용 및 몇몇 암세포 주에서 autophagy를 통한 항암효과가 있는 것으로 잘 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는, hinokitiol이 세포 영양상태의 변화유무에 관계없이, transcription factor EB (TFEB)의 핵으로의 이동을 촉진한다는 것을 확인하였다. TFEB의 핵으로의 이동은 autophagy 및 lysosome관련 유전자의 발현을 촉진시키고, 세포질 내에 증가된 autosome과 lysosomal puncta의 관찰을 가능하게 하였다. Hinokitiol를 HCC827세포에 처리한 경우에서, 세포 내 autophagy의 증가와 더불어, mitochondria의 hyper-fragmentation과 mitochondria의 authophagic degradation (mitophagy)가 함께 증가되는 것이 관찰되었다. Hinokitiol은 자궁경부암 세포주인 HeLa세포와 비소세포 폐암 세포주인 HCC827에서 암세포 특이 독성을 나타내었다. 더욱이, TFEB 과발현을 통해 autophagy를 인위적으로 증가시킨 HeLa 세포에서 hinokitiol에 대한 세포독성은 더욱 강화된 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과들을 통해, hinokitiol은 TFEB의 핵으로의 이동을 촉발시키는 강력한 autophagy inducer임을 확인할 수 있었다. 본 연구에서 처음으로 확인된 hinokitiol에 의한 TFEB의 활성화 및 비소세포성 암세포에서 항암효과의 상승작용은 다양한 항암제 저항성 세포들에 대한 새로운 치료법 및 대체요법 개발과 관련된 의미 있는 결과로 향후, 분자수준의 작용기작에 대한 추가적인 연구가 수행되어야 할 것으로 사료된다.
High prevalence of asymptomatic peptic ulcers diagnosed during screening endoscopy in patients with cirrhosis

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is more prevalent in cirrhotics and this may aggravate prognosis. We investigated the prevalence of PUD in cirrhotics and its potential association with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, the underlying etiology and severity of liver disease, and other manifestations of portal hypertension (PH). Methods: We enrolled consecutive asymptomatic cirrhotic patients who underwent screening endoscopy in a tertiary hospital during a 12-month period. We recorded the presence of PUD and the endoscopic findings associated with PH. H. pylori infection was documented through either histology or CLO-test. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on elastography, liver biopsy or a combination of clinical, biochemical and imaging data. Results: One hundred patients (M/F: 54/46, mean age: 61±14 years) were included in the analysis. Viral hepatitis (37%) and alcohol (22%) were the most common causes of cirrhosis. Child-Pugh stage was A/B/C: 60/35/5. PUD was found in 19 patients (14 gastric, 5 duodenal). H. pylori infection was diagnosed in 54%. Varices were detected in 59% (39% needed treatment). PH gastropathy was present in 81% (severe in 33%). The presence of PUD was unrelated to the etiology and the severity of liver disease or to other endoscopic manifestations of PH. No correlation was found between PUD and H. pylori infection. Conclusions: A high prevalence of PUD was observed in our cirrhotic patients, although they were asymptomatic and had no known risk factors of ulcerogenicity. The value of screening endoscopy for the early diagnosis and treatment of PUD in cirrhotics deserves further investigation.
Genetics of psoriasis: a basis for precision medicine

Abstract Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease with a background of polygenic inheritance. Both environmental and genetic factors are involved in the etiology of the disease. In the last two decades, numerous studies have been conducted through linkage analysis, genome-wide association study (GWAS), and direct sequencing to explore the role of genetic variation in disease pathogenesis and progression. To date, >80 psoriasis susceptibility genes have been identified, including HLA-Cw6, IL12B, IL23R, and LCE3B/3C. Some genetic markers have been applied in disease prediction, clinical diagnosis, treatment, and new drug development, which could further explain the pathogenesis of psoriasis and promote the development of precision medicine. This review summarizes related research on genetic variation in psoriasis and explores implications of the findings in clinical application and the promotion of a personalized medicine project.
Exploring dopamine function in the rat ventral tegmental area : the influence of persistent pain

This thesis describes an investigation into the pharmacological and neurobiological nature of one of the key neural populations in the interactions between pain- and reward-related information - the dopaminergic (DA) neurones of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The aim of these experiments collectively was to increase understanding of the functioning of the VTA neurones in various pain-related contexts, in the hope that this information will act as a foundation upon which further developments in knowledge occur. Ultimately, it is hoped that such advances in understanding could lead to the development of effective therapeutics down the line. Through a series of five projects employing intra-VTA in vivo electrophysiology in the anaesthetised rat in combination with a variety of pharmacological and nociceptive manipulations, the work described in this thesis explored the activity of spontaneously firing VTA neurones. Initial experiments attempted to both electrophysiologically and pharmacologically identify the DA neurones amongst interspersed non-DA populations in vivo. From a series of results, it was concluded that there was likely significant heterogeneity amongst VTA DA and non-DA groups, resulting in a confusing picture of cell identity. Through adopting the pharmacological measure of response to systemic L-DOPA injection, recorded neurone populations were reliably split into two sub-populations with a size, response direction and dose dependency in line with DA and GABAergic identities, respectively. However, neurochemical identity was not confirmed, and the possibility of alternatives was considered throughout the thesis. Subsequent investigations moved on to test how the induction of persistent pain altered the activity of VTA neurones: first in a carrageenan-induced tonic inflammatory pain model, and secondly, in a spinal nerve ligationinduced chronic neuropathic pain model. Concurrently, the role of endogenous µ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists in regulation of VTA neurone activity was unmasked though administration of the MOR antagonist, naloxone. It was found that the induction of a tonic inflammatory pain state caused changes in the firing rate and pattern of VTA neurones subpopulations. An effect of naloxone on neuronal firing rate was no longer apparent in the tonic inflammatory pain state, suggesting a down-regulation of tonic µ-opioid control. Unexpectedly, neurones recorded in naive and neuropathic pain states showed very similar characteristics. It was suggested that this result may be underlined by longer-term reactions to the sustained increased nociceptive input. Several possible explanations for the above results are discussed, along with the functional implications in terms of a wider role for VTA dopamine neurones in the pain-processing system. Finally, it was noted that the current methodology possessed a few inherent limitations when it comes to translating these findings to an awake, freely moving state, and that that future efforts should attempt to address these.
Dysrhythmias under General Anesthesia and Their Management

Cardiac arrhythmias during anesthesia are common and almost benign, with the incidence ranging from 60 to 90%. Arrhythmias are one of several significant predictors for severe cardiovascular outcomes. It is essential, therefore, for the anesthetist to evaluate patients at risk preoperatively with a careful history and to have an appropriate knowledge concerning the etiology, electrophysiology, diagnosis, drug effects and treatment of arrhythmias.
Exploring the Effectiveness of Mobile-assisted Language Learning in Enhancing EFL Students’ Vocabulary Acquisition at Biskra University

Mobile-assisted Language Learning is regarded as a new popular multidisciplinary field of educational technology. This new wave has gained its popularity due to the widespread of various mobile technologies used to enhance learning. Mobile-assisted language learning is a language learning approach which consists of using handheld technologies to teach and learn a language. Therefore, this study highlights the current use of mobile devices among both EFL students and EFL teachers at Biskra University. As far as EFL is concerned, vocabulary knowledge is regarded as its vital part. Hence, the main focus of the study is to explore how EFL students exploit their mobile devices to acquire vocabulary, and how EFL teachers use their mobile devices to teach vocabulary as well. Thus, the data were collected by means of students’ questionnaire and teachers’ interview. The findings reveal positive attitudes towards the importance and use of mobile devices from both sides; teachers and students. In addition, MALL is proved to be effective in enhancing EFL students’ vocabulary acquisition. To conclude, both EFL teachers and students are concerned with using mobile devices as new educational tools in an appropriate manner so as to achieve better pedagogical results. Therefore, results of the current study will bring benefit for all EFL educational practitioners.
Processing of Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein in cultured cells

The deposition in the brain of the 4 kDa beta-amyloid peptide (betaA4), from amyloid precursor protein (APP), is a key pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The single APP gene is spliced to give 3 major isoforms. In the majority of body tissues, the most common APP isoforms are APP[751] and APP[770], which both contain a Kunitz protease inhibitor (KPI) domain, APP[695] is predominant in the brain. APP is processed through several pathways, not all of which lead to betaA4 production. Central nervous system (CNS) neurones in vivo secrete betaA4, which can be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid, though it is unknown why betaA4 is deposited in the brain in AD. NTera2 (NT2) cells derived from a human teratocarcinoma were used as a model of APP processing. Retinoic acid induces these cells to differentiate into a neuronal phenotype (NT2N cells), which has been shown to closely resemble immature human CNS neurones. Both cell types produce high levels of endogenous APP.Intracellular and secreted APP was studied in both cell types by means of western blotting and immunoprecipitation with a panel of antibodies. It was found that NT2 cells predominantly make and secrete KPI containing APP. NT2N cells make and secrete predominantly APP[695] though some KPI containing APP is also present.There is evidence that neurones in the AD brain are in a state of stress, which could increase levels of APP due to a heat shock promotor region in its gene. To investigate this, NT2 cells were subjected to a heat shock, which resulted in increased levels of heat shock protein (HSP) and APP. KPI containing APP predominated, but there was no corresponding increase in secreted APP. Both cell types were also serum deprived, which resulted in little effect on protein production in NT2 stem cells. However, the neuronal cells showed a small increase in intracellular, KPI-containing APP and in HSP. A reduction in overall APP secretion, and cessation of KPI secretion accompanied this.To further investigate the effects of shock on APP production, mRNA levels in control and serum deprived NT2 and NT2N cells were studied using in situ hybridisation. Control NT2 cells contain low levels of APP751, APP695 and HSP mRNA, with higher levels of APP[770] mRNA. After serum deprivation HSP, APP[751] and APP[770] mRNA levels all rose significantly, while APP[695] mRNA levels were unchanged. Control NT2N cells contained high levels of APP695 mRNA, lower levels of APP[751] mRNA, and very low levels of APP[770] and HSP mRNA. Serum deprivation resulted in unchanged levels of APP[695] and APP[770] mRNA, while APP[751] and HSP levels were increased.These findings indicate that cellular stress can result in increased levels of APP, specifically APP[751], in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Increased levels of this isoform have also been reported in AD. Hence cellular stress leads to an increase in an APP isoform implicated in AD, and could also provide an explanation for the increased levels of betaA4 in the disease.
The National Tuberculosis Control Programme of Liberia Laboratory Programme Performance

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in Liberia. Little is known about the TB laboratory performance of Liberia and the challenges after the 14 years of civil war which ended in 2003. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the TB laboratory performance of Liberia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2014 to 2015. The study was conducted using quantitative data of TB case findings, sputum microscopy proficiency testing, and on-site assessment of sputum microscopy laboratories in Liberia. 80 laboratories participated in the proficiency testing. Besides, four years' (2012–2015) TB case finding data obtained from the National Leprosy and Tuberculosis Control Programme (NLTCP) were used to complement the study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results From the 80 TB sputum microscopy testing laboratories participating in proficiency testing, only 20 (25%) scored acceptable performance. 46 (58%) TB microscopy laboratories reported quantification errors for the proficiency panel slide 6 which was 3+. The national TB smear-positive cases notified were 4342 in 2012 but decreased to 3820 and 2448 in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The TB smear case detection rate showed an increase from 68% in 2010 to 78% in 2011 and a decrease to 60%, 57%, and 42% in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. Conclusion Between 2010 and 2013, the NLTCP succeeded in increasing the number of TB sputum microscopy laboratories. At most of the TB microscopy sites, the TB laboratory quality system was not implemented. The NLTCP of Liberia should develop strategies to overcome its challenges in TB laboratory testing.
A clinical study of dermatological manifestations in geriatric patients in Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

The geriatric population is continuously growing, which leads to more aged patients attending to dermatology outpatient. The aim of this study is to determine the dermatological complaints of the elderly. A total of 200 patients aged 60 years and above were studied for cutaneous changes associated with ageing. A detailed history was recorded and complete examination carried out. Relevant investigations were performed, whenever indicated, after obtaining informed consent. The majority of patients were found to be in the age group of 60 to 69 years, of these 63% were males and 37% females. Majority were associated with systemic illnesses, the most common being hypertension and diabetes mellitus. In total of 200 patients pruritus was the commonest complaint in 124(62%) patients. Followed by infective dermatoses in 86(43%) of the total dermatoses. A variety of cutaneous lesions were observed among which the commonest was, seborrhoeic keratosis 46(23%). Fungal infections were noted in 46(23%), bacterial infections were in 32(16%) and 14(7%) cases had viral infections. Psoriasis was observed in 39(19.5%). Hair disorders were noted in 104(52%) and nail disorders were seen in 86(43%) cases. Malignancy was noted in 2(1%) cases. Most of the skin problems in the elderly are noted by this study that would help improve the quality of life among the elderly and, in case of a disorder, lead to early diagnosis and treatment. Keywords: Geriatric, Pruritus, Infective dermatoses
Visual Saliency Computation: A Machine Learning Perspective

This book covers fundamental principles and computational approaches relevant to visual saliency computation. As an interdisciplinary problem, visual saliency computation is introduced in this book from an innovative perspective that combines both neurobiology and machine learning. The book is also well-structured to address a wide range of readers, from specialists in the field to general readers interested in computer science and cognitive psychology. With this book, a reader can start from the very basic question of "what is visual saliency? " and progressively explore the problems in detecting salient locations, extracting salient objects, learning prior knowledge, evaluating performance, and using saliency in real-world applications. It is highly expected that this book will spark a great interest of research in the related communities in years to come.
The Role of Erythropoietin , Vitamin C and L-NAME in Carboplatin- Induced Hematological and Renal Dysfunctions

Carboplatin is a neoplastic agent causing hematotoxicity, erythropoietin (EPO) resistance, increase oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines. Our study investigated the role of erythropoietin , vitamin C and L-NAME in carboplatin- induced hematological and renal dysfunctions.Seventy rats divided into seven groups; control, Carboplatin (100 mg/kg.), Carboplatin (250 mg/kg), Carboplatin (100 mg/kg.) pretreated by EPO , Carboplatin (250 mg/kg) pretreated by EPO, Carboplatin ( 250 mg/kg ) pretreated by EPO & Vitamin C and Carboplatin (250 mg/kg) pretreated by EPO & L-NAME. Hematological, plasma inflammatory cytokines, renal functions , oxidant, antioxidant parameters , serum EPO and vitamin C were measured with histopathology of liver tissue. Carboplatin decreased RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cells volume, platelets count , superoxide dismutase , catalase and glutathione peroxidase, serum erythropoietin and vitamin C while WBCs count, interleukin 1, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, serum blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were increased. Vitamin C and L-NAME improved hematological derangement, EPO resistance, antioxidant parameters and histopathological findings while worsen plasma inflammatory markers, renal functions parameters and oxidative parameters. There was insignificant change in blood indices in all groups. We concluded that carboplatin had a hematological toxicity and oxidant stress effect in addition to increase proinflammatory cytokines and consequent renal insult. The development of EPO resistance was carboplatin – dose dependent . Vitamin C and L-NAME alleviate the hematological toxicity, oxidative stress, EPO resistance and decrease proinflammatory cytokines and in turn recovery of renal structure and functions.
Comparison of platelet volume indices in acute coronary syndrome

Aim: To compare the parameters showing the platelet volume index in unstable angina pectoris (USAP), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI) and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: The platelet volume indices of 94 USAP, 161 non-STEMI and 86 STEMI cases with a total of 341 patients (245 men, 96 women) were compared. The patients between March 2015 and October 2018 who admitted to Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Hospital with the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome were compared using platelet distribution width (PDW), PDW to platelet ratio (PPR), mean platelet volume (MPV), MPV to platelet ratio (MPR). Results: No significant difference was found between the 3 groups in terms of PDW (p = 0.26), PPR (p = 0.87), MPV (p = 0.41) and MPR (p = 0.78) values. Conclusion: In our study, there was no statistically significant difference between the types of acute coronary syndrome and platelet volume indices.
Assessing Self-Rehabilitation Strategies for the Visually Impaired in Denmark

Self-rehabilitation technology has been developed to reduce healthcare costs and provide a convenient, reliable method for patients to recover from a physical injury. Sponsored by the Danish Association of the Blind, the following report summarizes a project exploring self-rehabilitation technologies that can accommodate blind or visually impaired patients. Potential strategies to increase awareness of such devices throughout municipalities in Denmark were evaluated as well. The data collected in this project were used to recommend that the Danish Association of the Blind advocates for further development of several rehabilitation technologies and the education of healthcare professionals about these technologies throughout Danish municipalities.
Comparison of the effect of supine and prone positions on physiological parameters of preterm infants under nasal continuous positive airway pressure (N-CPAP) : a crossover clinical trial

Amac: Erken dogmus bebeklerde solunum yardim yontemlerinden biri nazal surekli pozitif hava yolu basinci (N-CPAP) kullanmaktir. Vucut pozisyonu ventilasyon ve doku oksijenasyonu acisindan onemli ve etkili bir faktordur. Bu calismanin amaci, sirtustu ve yuzustu konumlarin N-CPAP altindaki preterm bebeklerin fizyolojik parametreleri uzerindeki etkilerini karsilastirmaktir. Gerec ve Yontem: Bu capraz klinik calisma, Iran' Kermansah'taki Imam Reza Hastanesi Yenidogan yogun bakim unitesinde N-CPAP altindaki 62 hastaneye yatmis erken dogmus bebek uzerinde yapildi. Yenidoganlar ilk once 180 dakika boyunca sirtustu pozisyona getirildi ve daha sonra onlarin pozisyonu 180 dakika yuzustu bir pozisyona getirildi. Bu sure zarfinda kalp atim hizi (HR), solunum hizi (RR) ve arteriyel oksijen saturasyonu (So2) her 15 dakikada bir iki pozisyonda degerlendirildi. Bulgular: Iki pozisyonda IK araclarinda anlamli fark gozlendi. Yuzustu pozisyonda RR, sirtustu pozisyondan anlamli derecede dusuktu (p <0.001); ancak, yuzustu pozisyonda So2 sirtustu pozisyondan anlamli derecede yuksekti. Sonuc Bu calismanin sonuclari, N-CPAP altinda solunum sikintisi sendromu olan erken dogmus bebeklerde, sirtustu pozisyona kiyasla yuzustu pozisyonda daha dusuk RR ve daha yuksek So2 oldugunu gostermistir. Bu nedenle, erken dogmus bebekler yuzustu pozisyonda daha iyi fizyolojik stabiliteye sahiptir.