Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Impact of Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Expression and Association of Platinum Resistance with Immunologic Profiles in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Mariya and colleagues analyzed 122 cases of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and identified low expression of HLA class I and low intraepithelial CTL infiltration as independent prognostic factors for poor overall survival for patients with advanced EOC; low HLA class I expression was correlated with platinum resistance. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the most deadly carcinomas in females. Immune systems can recognize EOCs; however, a defect of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression is known to be a major mechanism for escape from immune systems, resulting in poor prognosis. The purpose of this study is to identify novel correlations between immunologic responses and other clinical factors. We investigated the expression of immunologic components in 122 cases of EOCs for which surgical operations were performed between 2001 and 2011. We immunohistochemically stained EOC specimens using an anti-pan HLA class I monoclonal antibody (EMR8-5) and anti-CD3, -CD4, and -CD8 antibodies, and we analyzed correlations between immunologic parameters and clinical factors. In multivariate analysis that used the Cox proportional hazards model, independent prognostic factors for overall survival in advanced EOCs included low expression level of HLA class I [risk ratio (RR), 1.97; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–3.83; P = 0.046] and loss of intraepithelial cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) infiltration (RR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.06–4.20; P = 0.033). Interestingly, almost all platinum-resistant cases showed a significantly low rate of intraepithelial CTL infiltration in the χ2 test (positive vs. negative: 9.0% vs. 97.7%; P < 0.001). Results from a logistic regression model revealed that low CTL infiltration rate was an independent factor of platinum resistance in multivariate analysis (OR, 3.77; 95% CI, 1.08–13.12; P = 0.037). Platinum-resistant EOCs show poor immunologic responses. The immune escape system of EOCs may be one of the mechanisms of platinum resistance. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(12); 1220–9. ©2014 AACR.
‘Whether you like it or not people with mental problems are going to go to them’: A qualitative exploration into the widespread use of traditional and faith healers in the provision of mental health care in Ghana

Limited research has been conducted to explore the factors that support or obstruct collaboration between traditional healers and public sector mental health services. The first aim of this study was to explore the reasons underpinning the widespread appeal of traditional/faith healers in Ghana. This formed a backdrop for the second objective, to identify what barriers or enabling factors may exist for forming bi-sectoral partnerships. Eighty-one semi-structured interviews and seven focus group discussions were conducted with 120 key stakeholders drawn from five of the ten regions in Ghana. The results were analysed through a framework approach. Respondents indicated many reasons for the appeal of traditional and faith healers, including cultural perceptions of mental disorders, the psychosocial support afforded by such healers, as well as their availability, accessibility and affordability. A number of barriers hindering collaboration, including human rights and safety concerns, scepticism around the effectiveness of ‘conventional’ treatments, and traditional healer solidarity were identified. Mutual respect and bi-directional conversations surfaced as the key ingredients for successful partnerships. Collaboration is not as easy as commonly assumed, given paradigmatic disjunctures and widespread scepticism between different treatment modalities. Promoting greater understanding, rather than maintaining indifferent distances may lead to more successful co-operation in future.
Increased Urinary Excretion of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Proteinuric Renal Diseases

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a chemokine that is produced mainly by tubular epithelial cells in kidney and contributes to renal interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. More recently, we have demonstrated that urinary MCP-1 excretion is increased in proportion to the degree of albuminuria (proteinuria) and positively correlated with urinary N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Based on these findings, we have suggested that heavy proteinuria, itself, probably aggravates renal tubular damage and accelerates the disease progression in diabetic nephropathy by increasing the MCP-1 expression in renal tubuli. In the present study, to evaluate whether urinary MCP-1 excretion is increased in the proteinuric states not only in diabetic nephropathy but also in other renal diseases, we examined urinary MCP-1 levels in IgA nephropathy patients with macroalbuminuria (IgAN group; n = 6), and compared the results with the data obtained from type 2 diabetic patients with overt diabetic nephropathy (DN group; n = 23) and those without diabetic nephropathy (non-DN group; n = 27). Urinary MCP-1 excretion levels in non-DN, DN, IgAN groups were 157.2 (52.8–378.5), 346.1 (147.0–1276.7), and 274.4 (162.2–994.5) ng/g creatinine, median (range), respectively. Expectedly, urinary MCP-1 and NAG excretion levels in DN and IgAN groups were significantly elevated as compared with non-DN group. Therefore, we suggest that MCP-1 expression in renal tubuli is enhanced in proteinuric states, irrespective of the types of renal disease, and that increased MCP-1 expression probably contributes to renal tubular damage in proteinuric states.
Perception-based image classification

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present near set theory using the perceptual indiscernibility and tolerance relations, to demonstrate the practical application of near set theory to the image correspondence problem, and to compare this method with existing image similarity measures.Design/methodology/approach – Image‐correspondence methodologies are present in many systems that are depended on daily. In these systems, the discovery of sets of similar objects (aka, tolerance classes) stems from human perception of the objects being classified. This view of perception of image‐correspondence springs directly from Poincare's work on visual spaces during 1890s and Zeeman's work on tolerance spaces and visual acuity during 1960s. Thus, in solving the image‐correspondence problem, it is important to have systems that accurately model human perception. Near set theory provides a framework for measuring the similarity of digital images (and perceptual objects, in general) based on features that describe.
Dietary intakes by levels of glycemic control for black and white adults with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

OBJECTIVES The relationship between diet and glycemic control was examined among a racially mixed population of male and female adults with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). METHODS Data from 3-day dietary records and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were analyzed for two-hundred eighty two patients of a Family Practice Ambulatory Care Unit and a community-based health center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Correlations were calculated for individual nutrients to determine their strength of association with glycemic control. Analyses by tertiles of HbA1c were also conducted for each race/gender group. Regression analysis was used to determine independent dietary predictors of HbA1c. RESULTS For all subjects, energy, energy per kilogram of body weight, fat, carbohydrates saturated fat, and cholesterol were significantly correlated with HbA1c. Nutritional differences across tertile levels of HbA1c for all subjects were not significant. For black females, consumption of energy, protein and fat was significantly higher among upper tertile subjects compared to the lowest tertile; and intake of energy, protein, fat, and saturated fat was significantly correlated with HbA1c in this group. For black males, energy intake was highest among upper tertile subjects compared to those in the middle tertile, while energy per kilogram of body weight, and percent of calories from protein, were significantly correlated with HbA1c. For white males, energy intake expressed as a function of body weight was highest among subjects in the upper tertile and a significant positive correlation with HbA1c was observed. No relationship between nutritional intake and HbA1c was found among white females. Racial differences in nutrient intake were also compared for males and females in the upper tertile of HbA1c. Black females in the upper tertile consumed significantly more energy, protein, and significantly less dietary fiber per 1000 kilocalories. No significant differences were observed between black and white males in the upper tertile, although higher cholesterol consumption in black males compared to white males approached significance. Regression analysis revealed that total energy intake significantly predicted HbA1c for all subjects and all white subjects, while a similar observation was made for total fat intake among all black subjects and among black females. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm that diet, especially total energy, is an important contributor to glycemic control. Dietary fat is also associated with glycemic control among blacks, especially black females, who are especially prone to more dire health consequences of NIDDM. Strict monitoring of diet should lead to improved glycemic control and less mortality and morbidity in this population.
Caregivers’ Experience in Patients With Chronic Diseases

The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of caregivers of patients with chronic diseases, assess their perceived burden, and investigate factors influencing this burden. Seventy-three patient-attendants (43 men and 30 women) participated in the pilot-research conducted by two clinics. Of them, 68% attended patients with a malignant disease and 32% attended patients in the end stage of renal disease. Based on questionnaire data, the influence of the social support was studied, in particular that of family members or through state programmers. Family members are the primary caregivers (spouses 51%, children 29%, and others 20%). Psychological support is the main important help that they need and there are a small number of caregivers who have access to a network of medical and social support. It is found that the family still remains the main supporting mechanism for attendants and patients in our population.
The Impact of Reforms and Privatization on Firms’ Conduct in the Presence of Interconnected Conglomerates and Weak and Inefficient Regulatory Institutions

Critics of broad reforms, including privatization, argue that these policies may lead to the creation of rent‐seeking interconnected large business groups in the absence of a strong regulatory framework and well‐functioning courts. The empirical evidence in a developing country context in particular is however still scarce. Based on a case study of the Pakistani cement industry, this paper fills this gap. Our study shows that due to interconnected conglomerates’ tactics, such as exclusionary practices, the acquisition of smaller competitor firms and the addition of significant capacities, the industry has witnessed a stable degree of seller concentration after broader reforms including privatization. Consequently, colluding conglomerate firms have been able to maintain control over supply and prices for two decades in the post‐reform period, despite allegations of tacit collusion leading to the imposition of fines and the issuing of warnings by the regulator, which is, however, weak and inefficient.
Combined Serum CA19-9 and miR-27a-3p in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Diagnose Pancreatic Cancer

MicroRNAs are potentially very useful biomarkers in the diagnosis of cancer. We sought to identify specific microRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) whose levels might facilitate diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. We investigated PBMC microRNA expression in three independent cohorts [healthy, benign pancreatic/peripancreatic diseases (BPD), and pancreatic cancer], comprising a total of 352 participants. First, we used sequencing technology to identify differentially expressed microRNAs in PBMC of pancreatic cancer, BPD, and healthy controls (n = 20 in each group). Then the selected microRNAs were analyzed using the quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assays in the remaining 292 samples. The predictive value of the microRNAs was evaluated by logistic regression models and the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). We found that miR-27a-3p level in PBMCs could discriminate pancreatic cancer from BPD with a sensitivity of 82.2% and specificity of 76.7% (AUC = 0.840; 95% CI, 0.787–0.885%). Combination of PBMC miR-27a-3p and serum CA19-9 levels provided a higher diagnostic accuracy with a sensitivity of 85.3% and specificity of 81.6% (AUC = 0.886; 95% CI, 0.837–0.923%). The satisfactory diagnostic performance of the panel persisted regardless of disease status (AUCs for tumor-node-metastasis stages I–III were 0.881, 0.884, and 0.893, respectively). PBMC miR-27a-3p level represents a potential marker for pancreatic cancer screening. A panel combining serum CA19-9 and PBMC miR-27a-3p level could have considerable clinical value in diagnosing pancreatic cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 6(4); 331–8. ©2013 AACR.
Rule-based packet scheduling for DVB-S2 through generic stream encapsulation

In this paper, we consider the problem of IP packet scheduling over a GSE/DVB-S2 satellite link. Scheduling flows with QoS requirements has been widely addressed in the mobile field, especially in LTE and WiMAX, with emphasis on fairness, efficiency and dynamic adaptation to transmission conditions. We focus on the well-known empirical scheduling rules known as PF, M-LWDF and EXP-PF for both QoS and MODCOD scheduling, and present how they were adapted to GSE/DVB-S2 encapsulation. Some of the challenging issues yielded by DVB-S2 are tackled, such as joint scheduling of both QoS and MODCODs, concatenation of numerous user packets into one BBFrame and fairness issues introduced by the scheduling algorithm, especially when dealing with various transmission scenarios. We show the potential of our scheduling algorithm using several simulations.
Organisational tensions and the relationship to CSR in the football sector

ABSTRACT Research question: The objective of this paper is to examine how Danish football (‘soccer’) clubs perceive organisational tensions, and to explore the relationship between the level of tensions and the level of CSR activity. Research methods: The analysis is based on survey responses from 226 Danish football clubs organised in the Danish Football Association (DFA). Results and findings: It is concluded that clubs primarily face tensions linked to football/non-football activities and elite/non-elite discussions. Moreover, the results demonstrate a significant, positive relationship between the level of organisational tensions and the clubs’ engagement in social and environmental activities. Implications: The paper moves beyond isolated studies of individual tensions by analysing how organisation members perceive the multitude of oppositional demands permeating organisations. Moreover, the quantitative analysis advances our knowledge about the complex relationship between organisational tensions and CSR.
[The influence of protein kinase C inhibitor in eosinophil apoptosis of nasal polyps].

OBJECTIVE To study the influence of the inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), Iso-H7 [1-(5-lsoquinolinyl-sulfony)-3-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride] on eosinophil apoptosis in nasal polyp tissues. METHODS Nasal polyp tissues were cultured and divided into two groups, test group (with Iso-H7 in different concentration) and control group (without the inhibitor of PKC), to check out the influence of Iso-H7 on eosinophil apoptosis in nasal polyps. The nasal polyp tissues were cultured in Iso-H7 in concentration of 10(-6), 10(-4), 10(-2) mol/L for 1 d, 3 d, and 5 d, respectively. Eosinophil apoptosis index was measured with TUNEL (terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase d-UTP nick end labeling), in situ hybridization and MGG staining to identify eosinophil apoptosis. RESULTS Occasionally, there was little eosinophil apoptosis in two groups in 1 d, but in 3 d, There were a great deal of eosinophil apoptosis in test group. The eosinophil apoptosis indexs of the two groups were significantly different (P < 0.01). The indexs of eosinophil apoptosis was not significantly higher in 3 d than that in 5 d in test groups (P > 0. 05), but significantly higher than that in 1d (P < 0. 01). CONCLUSIONS Iso-H7 takes a important role in accelerating eosinophil apoptosis. The inhibitor of PKC could significantly promote eosinophil apoptosis in nasal polyps. There is no dosage and time dependence of PKC inhibitor in regulating eosinophil apoptosis of nasal polyps.
Carcinoembryonic antigen as a target for therapeutic anticancer vaccines: a review.

PURPOSE To describe the features of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) that are important for its use in vaccination approaches and review the clinical experience with therapeutic vaccines targeting CEA. METHODS A PubMed search was performed on CEA, along with various qualifiers such as cancer vaccines, epitopes, and function. Relevant articles were reviewed. RESULTS CEA is a member of the immunoglobulin supergene family and may play a role in tumorigenesis. CEA protein is processed and presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins for multiple alleles, including HLA A2, A3, and A24. T lymphocytes from healthy volunteers and cancer patients can recognize the processed epitopes of CEA and can become activated to lyse CEA-expressing tumors. Therapeutic vaccination approaches that have targeted CEA include vaccination with recombinant CEA protein, CEA anti-idiotype antibodies, and dendritic cells pulsed with agonist epitopes of CEA. Humoral responses have predominantly been induced with the first two approaches, whereas CD4 and CD8 responses, disease stabilization, and even objective clinical responses have been seen with the dendritic cell approach. Recently, CEA-poxvirus vectors encoding CEA and costimulatory molecules such as B7.1 have been shown to be safe and to induce increases in the frequency of T-cell precursors that recognize processed epitopes of CEA presented on MHC class 1 molecules. Disease stabilization has been seen in up to 37% of patients treated with these vaccines. CONCLUSION Tolerance to CEA in patients with cancer can be overcome with several different vaccination approaches, and such vaccinations are safe and immunologically active. Poxvirus-based vaccines can reproducibly generate T-cell responses to CEA and to tumors expressing CEA. Clinical activity has been seen with poxvirus or dendritic cell approaches. Other approaches are also being explored.
How to Measure Capital Investment Efficiency: A Literature Synthesis

This article reviews and integrates the empirical literature on the measurement of investment efficiency in the areas of accounting and finance. We identify the theories behind the measures and provide a framework which organises the measures of investment efficiency into three groups: those based on neoclassical theories, agency theory and real options theory. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of each type of measure are discussed, allowing researchers to compare and then ascertain the most appropriate measure for their research purpose and research context.
Deaminase Activity on Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) Occurs in Vitro when APOBEC3G Cytidine Deaminase Forms Homotetramers and Higher-order Complexes*

APOBEC3G (A3G) is a cytidine deaminase that catalyzes deamination of deoxycytidine (dC) on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). The oligomeric state of A3G required to support deaminase activity remains unknown. We show under defined in vitro conditions that full-length and native A3G formed complexes with ssDNA in an A3G concentration-dependent but temperature-independent manner. Complexes assembled and maintained at 4 °C did not have significant deaminase activity, but their enzymatic function could be restored by subsequent incubation at 37 °C. This approach enabled complexes of a defined size range to be isolated and subsequently evaluated for their contribution to enzymatic activity. The composition of A3G bound to ssDNA was determined by protein-protein chemical cross-linking. A3G-ssDNA complexes of 16 S were necessary for deaminase activity and consisted of cross-linked A3G homotetramers and homodimers. At lower concentrations, A3G only formed 5.8 S homodimers on ssDNA with low deaminase activity. Monomeric A3G was not identified in 5.8 S or 16 S complexes. We propose that deaminase-dependent antiviral activity of A3G in vivo may require a critical concentration of A3G in viral particles that will promote oligomerization on ssDNA during reverse transcription.
Expanded functional coupling of subcortical nuclei with the motor resting-state network in multiple sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) impairs signal transmission along cortico-cortical and cortico-subcortical connections, affecting functional integration within the motor network. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during motor tasks has revealed altered functional connectivity in MS, but it is unclear how much motor disability contributed to these abnormal functional interaction patterns. Objective: To avoid any influence of impaired task performance, we examined disease-related changes in functional motor connectivity in MS at rest. Methods: A total of 42 patients with MS and 30 matched controls underwent a 20-minute resting-state fMRI session at 3 Tesla. Independent component analysis was applied to the fMRI data to identify disease-related changes in motor resting-state connectivity. Results: Patients with MS showed a spatial expansion of motor resting-state connectivity in deep subcortical nuclei but not at the cortical level. The anterior and middle parts of the putamen, adjacent globus pallidus, anterior and posterior thalamus and the subthalamic region showed stronger functional connectivity with the motor network in the MS group compared with controls. Conclusion: MS is characterised by more widespread motor connectivity in the basal ganglia while cortical motor resting-state connectivity is preserved. The expansion of subcortical motor resting-state connectivity in MS indicates less efficient funnelling of neural processing in the executive motor cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical loops.
A Multifactorial Analysis of Bank Liquidity in the Euro Area

The paper reflects a multifactorial analysis examining the inter-correlations between bank liquidity and a selection of macroeconomic and bank-related indicators, within the Euro Area 19 countries. In the first two parts of the paper, we present relevant developments, from a bank liquidity perspective, as well as findings from other relevant research. The third part includes our empirical study, which is based on the use of two multiple regressions: one dedicated to analyzing the correlations between bank liquidity and macroeconomic indicators (GDP, inflation, unemployment) and the other examining the correlations between bank liquidity and bank-related indicators (Bank deposits to GDP, Bank capital to total assets, provisions to NPL’s,). The fourth part highlights the results of the empirical study and the paper ends with a section of concluding remarks.