Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment of liver tumours adjacent to hepatic hilum with percutaneous microwave ablation combined with ethanol injection: A pilot study

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation combined with percutaneous ethanol injection in the treatment of liver tumours adjacent to the hepatic hilum. Materials and methods: From December 2005 to April 2008, 18 consecutive patients with 18 pathologically proven or clinically diagnosed liver tumours (15 HCCs, three metastatic tumours) adjacent to the hepatic hilum underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation combined with percutaneous ethanol injection. One or two microwave antennae were inserted and placed at designated places in the tumour. One or two ethanol needles were placed at the tumour periphery near the hepatic hilum. An aliquot of 2–10 mL of absolute ethanol was injected into the tumour at the same time as microwave emission. A thermocouple was placed directly abutting the bile ducts of the hepatic hilum to monitor temperature in real time during ablation to avoid thermal injury. Results: No more than two sessions were performed to complete the treatment (one session for 10 patients, two sessions for eight, mean 1.4 sessions per patient). Complete ablation was achieved in 94.4% (17 out of 18 cases). In a median follow up of 15 months (range 4 to 27 months, mean 13.5 months), no mortality or complications occurred. Local tumour progression was noted in one patient 12 months after treatment. Conclusion: A combination of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation and percutaneous ethanol injection assisted with real-time temperature monitoring appears to be feasible and effective in the treatment of liver tumours adjacent to the hepatic hilum, and initial experience with safety is promising.
Leadership challenges to transformative change for quality education in public universities: A case of Wolaita Sodo University

The present study was designed with the purpose of examining challenges to transformative change for quality education enhancement as perceived by the university community. More importantly, attempt was made to examine extent of implementation of the intended change. Descriptive cross sectional survey type research design was used under the study. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data. Currently, WSU has eight schools; of these the present study involved four (50%) schools. The sample consisted of 14 academic leaders of the institution: the university president and two vice-presidents, two members of managing board, director of registrar, four deans of schools, four department heads, one quality officer, 78 (32.7%) senior academic staff from total of 238, and eight senior students of the institution. The sample schools were randomly selected while stratified random sampling technique was employed to select school deans, academic staff members and students. The selection of the president, vice-presidents, head of registrar and managing board members was made purposefully. In total 102 participants took part in the study. The tools used to gather relevant data were questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and relevant document analysis. The study results revealed that institutional context analysis was not well conducted, the effort to introduce change to the university community was limited and the attempt to prepare and motivate the university community towards the change was almost nonexistent. Most importantly, academic leaders rarely exhibit transformational behaviors. The study recommended that the transformational leaders should focus on strategic issues instead of wasting time in changing and rechanging structures. Moreover, stakeholders should collaborate in order to support the effort towards transformation. To this end, power should be decentralized; distributed leadership should be practiced in the institution. The Government needs to avail adequate budget and manpower to assist the transformation. On the other hand, the institution should diversify its sources of income instead of relying on Government subsidy.
Critical cholangiocarcinogenesis control by cryptochrome clock genes

A coordinated network of molecular circadian clocks in individual cells generates 24‐hr rhythms in liver metabolism and proliferation. Circadian disruption through chronic jet lag or Per2 clock gene mutation was shown to accelerate hepatocarcinoma development in mice. As divergent effects were reported for clock genes Per and Cry regarding xenobiotic toxicity, we questioned the role of Cry1 and Cry2 in liver carcinogenesis. Male WT and Cry1−/−Cry2−/− mice (C57Bl/6 background) were chronically exposed to diethylnitrosamine (DEN) at ZT11. Rest‐activity and body temperature rhythms were monitored using an implanted radiotransmitter. Serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT) were determined on four occasions during the progression stage. After 7 months, serum alkaline phosphatases (ALP) were determined, and livers were sampled for microscopic tumor nodule counting and histopathology. Five months after initiation of DEN treatment, we found that Cry1−/−Cry2−/− mice developed severe liver dysplasia, as evident from the increased AST, ALT and ALP levels, as compared to WT mice. DEN exposure induced primary liver cancers in nearly fivefold as many Cry1−/−Cry2−/− mice as compared to WT mice (p = 0.01). Microscopic study revealed no difference in the average number of hepatocarcinomas and a nearly eightfold increase in the average number of cholangiocarcinomas in Cry1−/−Cry2−/− mice, as compared to WT mice. This study validated the hypothesis that molecular circadian clock disruption dramatically increased chemically induced liver carcinogenesis. In addition, the pronounced shift toward cholangiocarcinoma in DEN exposed Cry1−/−Cry2−/− mice revealed a critical role of the Cry clock genes in bile duct carcinogenesis.
INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SME: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Human resource management (HRM) practices play an important role in improving productivity, performance and survival of the organization. By adopting the practices of human resources, it will enable the organization to attract, retain and motivate employees to support the mission, objective and organizational strategy towards an enhancement of organizational performance. However, most studies on human resource practices are discussed in the large organization and are less completely covered in small organizations. Therefore, this article will discuss the importance of human resource management practices to Malaysian SMEs in view of SMEs also need such practices to survive and sustain a competitive, which in turn to improve organizational performance
Low temperature lithographically patterned metal oxide transistors for large area electronics

Optically transparent, wide bandgap metal oxide semiconductors are a promising candidate for large-area electronics technologies that require lightweight, temperaturesensitive flexible substrates. Because these thin films retain relatively high carrier mobilities even in an amorphous state, metal oxide-based field effect transistors (FETs) can be processed at near-room temperatures. Compared to amorphous silicon FETs, which are the dominant technology used in display backplanes, metal oxide FETs have been demonstrated with higher charge carrier mobilities, higher current densities, and faster response performance. In this thesis we present a low-temperature ('1000C), scalable, fully lithographic process for top-gate, bottom-contact amorphous zinc indium oxide FETs using parylene, a room-temperature-deposited CVD polymer, as gate dielectric. Electrical characteristics were compared for FETs of varying device dimensions (W, L) using a standard set of extracted device parameters. We show in both simulation and experiment that the FET threshold voltage can be modified by varying the channel thickness alone, without requiring the additional complexity of multiple channel materials or different dopings. The baseline lithographic process was further developed to enable the integration of FETs of different channel thicknesses, and hence threshold voltages, on a single substrate. The availability of FETs with different threshold voltages allows the implementation of enhancement-depletion (E/D) logic circuits that have faster speeds and smaller device areas than single-VT topologies. Using the two-VT lithographic process, we fabricated integrated E/D inverters that operate at VDD as low as 3V with gains > 20 and symmetric noise margins ~1.2V. Furthermore, we demonstrated integrated 11-stage and 21-stage E/D ring oscillators that operated rail-to-rail at VDD= 3V and maintained oscillation for VDD as low as 1.7V. These results demonstrate the potential for low VDD metal oxide-based integrated circuits fabricated in a low temperature budget, fully lithographic process for large-area transparent electronics. Thesis Supervisor: Akintunde I. Akinwande
Advances in Brief Intratumoral Heterogeneity of Von Hippel-Lindau Gene Deletions in Renal Cell Carcinoma Detected by Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization 1

Although chromosome 3p deletions are considered an initial event in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the reported prevalence of 3p deletions is highly variable. Because molecular analyses may be influenced by intratumoral heterogeneity, this study was performed to evaluate the genetic heterogeneity of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene (on 3p25.5) in RCC. Fifty-three clear cell and papillary RCCs were examined by duallabeling fluorescence in situ hybridization with probes for the \ III gene and chromosome 3 centromere. The results were compared with histopathological phenotype, proliferative activity (Ki-67 labeling index) and 8p/17p deletions (both suggested to be linked to RCC progression). A clear-cut \ III deletion (in more than 40% of cells) was detectable in 69% of clear cell RCCs but was not detectable in nine papillary RCCs. A considerable genetic heterogeneity of \ III deletions was seen in clear cell RCCs including VT/L-deleted subpopulations with different chromosome 3 counts within individual tumors as well as populations with and without VHL deletions. 8p22 and 17pl3 deletions (each of which were detected in 18% of clear cell RCCs) were both linked to VHL deletions. However, 8p and 17p deletions were not associated with tumor grade, stage, or Ki-67 labeling index. The data indicate that some clear cell RCCs may develop independently of \ III alterations.
Translational Mini‐Review Series on B Cell‐Directed Therapies: Recent advances in B cell‐directed biological therapies for autoimmune disorders

B cell‐directed therapies are promising treatments for autoimmune disorders. Besides targeting CD20, newer B cell‐directed therapies are in development that target other B cell surface molecules and differentiation factors. An increasing number of B cell‐directed therapies are in development for the treatment of autoimmune disorders. Like rituximab, which is approved as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), many of these newer agents deplete B cells or target pathways essential for B cell development and function; however, many questions remain about their optimal use in the clinic and about the role of B cells in disease pathogenesis. Other therapies besides rituximab that target CD20 are the furthest along in development. Besides targeting CD20, the newer B cell‐directed therapies target CD22, CD19, CD40–CD40L, B cell activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF) and A proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL). Rituximab is being tested in an ever‐increasing number of autoimmune disorders and clinical studies of rituximab combined with other biological therapies are being pursued for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). B cell‐directed therapies are being tested in clinical trials for a variety of autoimmune disorders including RA, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, vasculitis, multiple sclerosis (MS), Graves' disease, idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP), the inflammatory myopathies (dermatomyositis and polymyositis) and the blistering skin diseases pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid. Despite the plethora of clinical studies related to B cell‐directed therapies and wealth of new information from these trials, much still remains to be discovered about the pathophysiological role of B cells in autoimmune disorders.
Children`s lifestyle behaviors in relation to anthropometric indices: a family practice study

Introduction Obesity prevention in children represents one of the main concerns in primary care. In order to develop into a healthy adult, the child has to follow a healthy lifestyle in all aspects: nutritional, behavioral, physical and recreational. Our main goal was to identify which habits may influence the children’s somatic development. Method Our study, performed in a family practice, consisted in a questionnaire regarding physical activity, diet and use of electronic devices. After obtaining the parent’s and child’s informed consent to participate in our cross-sectional study, 98 consecutive children aged 5–15 years, examined in the family practice, were enlisted. After collecting the answers, weight, height, waist circumference, wrist circumference, subscapular skinfold thickness were measured and body mass index was calculated. Results The analysis of the relationship between the anthropometric data showed a significant difference between girls and boys only in respect of the wrist circumference. The groups performing daily household activities had a significantly increased weight, BMI, abdominal and wrist circumference. Participation in physical education classes in school was associated significantly only with the wrist circumference. Frequent change of the option for extracurricular sport showed a significant difference in weight, waist circumference, and wrist in favor of the group that practiced many sports. Fast food diet and the type of alimentary habits of the family (home cooked, pre-cooked, or ordered food) showed differences between medians of the anthropometric indices with higher values for those eating more frequently fast food or ordered food, yet without reaching statistical significance. Conclusion Both girls and boys, in the presence of an unhealthy lifestyle (lack of recreational and educational physical activity, food habits, inappropriate time spent in front of a screen) had unfavorable adiposity indices.
Risk-assessment practices in the private rental sector: Implications for low-income renters. Final Report

This report focuses on risk-assessment practices in the private rental market, with particular consideration of their impact on low-income renters. It is based on the fieldwork undertaken in the second stage of the research process that followed completion of the Positioning Paper. The key research question this study addressed was: What are the various factors included in ‘risk-assessments’ by real estate agents in allocating ‘affordable’ tenancies? How are these risks quantified and managed? What are the key outcomes of their decision-making?
Acceptability and Disintegration Rates of Orally Disintegrating Risperidone Tablets in Patients with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder

Objective: To investigate the disintegration profile, acceptability, and tolerability of orally disintegrating risperidone tablets in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Method: Ten patients stable for at least 10 days on monotherapy with oral risperidone 2 mg to 4 mg taken once daily were switched for 7 days to an equivalent dosage of orally disintegrating risperidone. Visual assessments for time to initial and complete disintegration were collected at each visit. Clinical Global Impression of Severity scores were collected at baseline and at the last visit. Patient acceptance of the new formulation, rated according to a visual analog scale, was obtained at the last visit. Results: All patients maintained stable clinical status. Mean time to initial disintegration was 5.1 seconds, SD 0.8, and mean time to complete disintegration was 29.4 seconds, SD 18.4. The formulation was rated as very acceptable. Adverse events were reported by 5 patients; all were mild. Conclusion: The orally disintegrating risperidone tablets were well tolerated and rated as very acceptable by all patients.
Health-related effects of early part-time sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE Previously we reported that early part-time sick leave enhances return to work (RTW) among employees with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). This paper assesses the health-related effects of this intervention. METHODS Patients aged 18-60 years who were unable to perform their regular work due to MSD were randomized to part- or full-time sick leave groups. In the former, workload was reduced by halving working time. Using validated questionnaires, we assessed pain intensity and interference with work and sleep, region-specific disability due to MSD, self-rated general health, health-related quality of life (measured via EuroQol), productivity loss, depression, and sleep disturbance at baseline, 1, 3, 8, 12, and 52 weeks. We analyzed the repeated measures data (171-356 observations) with the generalized estimating equation approach. RESULTS The intervention (part-time sick leave) and control (full-time sick leave) groups did not differ with regard to pain intensity, pain interference with work and sleep, region-specific disability, productivity loss, depression, or sleep disturbance. The intervention group reported better self-rated general health (adjusted P=0.07) and health-related quality of life (adjusted P=0.02) than the control group. In subgroup analyses, the intervention was more effective among the patients whose current problem began occurring <6 weeks before baseline and those with ≤30% productivity loss at baseline. CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed that part-time sick leave did not exacerbate pain-related symptoms and functional disability, but improved self-rated general health and health-related quality of life in the early stage of work disability due to MSD.
Is the Technology Acceptance Model Valid for Bimb Mobile Banking? An Empirical Analysis

The technological advances in wireless technology have introduced the most promising banking service - mobile banking - though it is still marginally adopted. In its simplest form, mobile banking enables bank customers to receive information on their account balances via SMS. Adopting technology acceptance model (TAM), this study examines the factors that determine intention to use mobile banking among Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad’s (BIMB) customers. This study extends TAM to include perceived credibility, perceived self-efficacy and normative pressure. The results support the extended TAM in predicting the bank customer’s behavioural intention to use mobile banking. Moreover, the study validates the robustness of TAM to study mobile banking. The results of this study will also extend current knowledge on technology acceptance, and mobile banking in particular.
Outcome of cough variant asthma treated with inhaled steroids.

BACKGROUND Cough variant asthma is defined as a persistent nonproductive cough with minimal wheezing or dyspnea. The uncontrolled coughing may interfere with sleep, work, and social activities. Cough precipitating fecal or urinary incontinence can be extremely distressing. The diagnosis is established within 1 to 2 weeks by a trial of prednisone, 30 mg a day. The cough will be controlled within that time and subsequent management can consist of inhaled corticosteroids. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the course of ten patients with cough variant asthma and their response to inhaled corticosteroids. METHODS Retrospective analysis of the presentation, diagnosis, course, and response to oral and inhaled steroids in ten patients with cough variant asthma. RESULTS Ten patients whose chief complaint was persistent debilitating cough for periods of 2 months to 20 years underwent a diagnostic and therapeutic trial of prednisone as previously described. At a mean follow-up period of 28 months all were free of debilitating cough. Eight of ten patients were still receiving inhaled steroids and two needed low dose alternate day oral steroid therapy. Two patients had complete remission of symptoms. None required daily inhaled or oral bronchodilators and there were no hospital admissions for respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Inhaled corticosteroid therapy after a diagnostic trial of oral steroids is effective for long-term control of cough variant asthma.
Municipal Finance of Urban Infrastructure: Knowns and Unknowns

Various trends, including an increasing emphasis on fiscal decentralization; political democratization in many areas; globalization and the financial liberalization that often accompanies it; growing demands for urban services as urbanization continues in major cities around the world; all argue compellingly for finding ways to help municipalities finance large scale infrastructure. Improved urban infrastructure, for water supply, sanitation, urban transportation and solid waste management is widely believed essential in encouraging and facilitating economic growth. Evidence indicates that those countries most successful in sustaining high growth supported their cities with transformative investments to improve urban infrastructure that could accommodate rapid population growth in major economic centers. This evidence suggests that infrastructure has a strong â€œsupplysideâ€ orientation and in practice, it is the effects of infrastructure on â€œsupplyâ€ that are most often emphasized. There is also a strong â€œdemand-sideâ€ aspect: individuals and businesses value the services that flow from the stock of infrastructure facilities and these demands should be (but are often not) considered in determining the appropriate level of infrastructure investment. In addition to the potential supply-and-demand-side impacts on economic growth, the services of infrastructure also play a significant role in the distribution of income. [Working paper No. 19]
The vaginal ring (NuvaRing®) for contraception in adolescent women

Adolescence is a phase of life of utmost importance for the present and future physical, psychological, and social health of individuals of both genders. Contraception as a preventive measure and behavior has to be integrated into this developmental context. The aim hereby is not only the prevention of unwanted pregnancies, but also the maintenance and promotion of reproductive and sexual health in a broader sense. This includes protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STI), preservation of fertility, promotion of a self-determined and satisfying sexual life, diminution of general health risks and prevention of diseases which may occur later in life. The vaginal contraceptive ring seems to respond to most of these needs except for protection against STI. In conclusion, the vaginal ring is for these reasons an important option in the contraceptive care of adolescents.