Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Les allotypes Gm des immunoglobulines chez les Berbères du Maroc

Les allotypes Gm des Immunoglobulines ont ete etudies dans quatre populations berberes du Maroc (Khenifra, Amizmiz, Asni et Bourhia) et dans une population arabe de Doukkala dans le but de rechercher des correlations genetiques entre ces populations du nord-ouest de l'Afrique. L'analyse du polymorphisme confirme que les Berberes sont geographiquement et genetiquement intermediaires entre les populations europeennes (composante majeure) et les populations sub-sahariennes (environ 20 % de contribution). Les resultats revelent aussi une similarite genetique etroite entre les Berberes et les Arabes marocains ayant une culture et un langage differents. La distribution des haplotypes Gm laisse supposer que les Arabes et les Berberes actuels du nord-ouest du Maghreb ont des ancetres communs - probablement les premiers habitants du nord de l'Afrique - qui auraient subi differemment au cours de l'Histoire les consequences des diverses invasions (notamment les invasions arabes). Nos resultats ont ete compares a ceux obtenus pour d'autres populations berberes d'Afrique du Nord (Algerie, Tunisie) et pour des populations d'Afrique de l'Est et d'Afrique sub-saharienne.
Specific cardiological evaluation after focal cerebral ischemia

Purpose of this study was to define a subgroup of TIA/stroke patients who should be examined by transthoracal and transesophageal echocardiography or Holter‐electrocardiography to identify those with cardiogenic brain embolism reliably; 300 consecutive patients with acute focal brain ischemia underwent a standardized diagnostic protocol for the evaluation of the etiology including, clinical examination by a cardiologist and routine electrocardiography, Holter‐electrocardiography, transthoracal and transesophageal echocardiography. 188 patients had a potential cardiac source of embolism. In particular echocardiography was diagnostic in 163 patients, and Holter‐electrocardiography 10; 159 of these 188 patients (84.6%) had competitive etiologies, predominantly large vessel atherosclerosis. In 136 patients cardiogenic brain embolism was assumed as quite definite or possible. To identify these patients reliably, transthoracal and transesophageal echocardiography would have been necessary in 89% of the entire group of patients (all with clinically cardiological abnormalities, pathological routine ECG, without vascular risk factors, or no atherosclerosis in duplex sonography), and Holter‐electrocardiography in 54%.
Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its correlation with CD4 count in newly-diagnosed HIV-positive adults – a cross-sectional study

Prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in HIV-positive patients is reported to be high in those with severe immune deficiency. However, there is paucity of literature in newly-diagnosed HIV-positive population. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and study its correlation with CD4 count in this population. In this cross-sectional study, patients presenting to the antiretroviral therapy clinic were screened with thyroid function tests, including thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody levels at the time of diagnosis. Two hundred and twenty-five HIV-positive and an equal number of healthy volunteers were enrolled. The mean (SD) CD4 count in the study group was 147.1 (84) and 70.7% had advanced immune deficiency with CD4 count <200 cells/µL. The overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 75.5% in the study group and 16% in the control group. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the commonest abnormality noted in almost 53%. Significant correlation was observed between CD4 count and thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, and free thyroxine levels (r = −0.86, r = 0.77, and r = 0.84, respectively, p < 0.0001 for all). The present study demonstrated high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in HIV-positive patients. The dysfunction is subclinical in most cases and correlates well with declining CD4 counts.
Dependence of SnAgCu solder joint properties on solder microstructure

It is well known that variations in the microstructure of lead free solders greatly affect their thermomechanical properties. Sn grain size, orientation and number, as well as secondary Ag3Sn and Cu6Sn5 precipitate sizes and numbers, are all seen to influence the mechanical response of solder joints during isothermal and thermal cycling. The solidification temperature of a SnAgCu solder joint dramatically affects its microstructure. Generally, smaller solder balls (e.g. CSP) undercool more, and thus their microstructure and properties are very different than larger solder balls (e.g. BGA). We report results of a study of the effects of solder joint volume, and pad sizes, on the microstructure and thermomechanical properties of solder joints. Solder joint shapes and dimensions spanned the ranges typical of BGA and CSP assemblies. Temperatures of solidification during cool-down were quantified by differential scanning calorimetry. Sn grain structures were characterized by crossed polarizer microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with electron backscattered diffraction. Precipitate sizes and distributions were measured using backscattered scanning electron microscopy. Corresponding properties, including hardness, strength and fatigue resistance were measured before and after aging for various lengths of times at temperatures up to 125ºC. Smaller solder joints on smaller pads were shown to be harder and stronger than larger ones, but to age faster and eventually end up softer and weaker.
Late appearance of the 11q22.3-23.1 deletion involving the ATM locus in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and related disorders. Clinico-biological significance.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Chromosome 11q22.3-23.1 deletions involving the ataxia-teleangiectasia mutated (ATM) locus (11q-/ATM+/-) are detected at diagnosis in 10-20% of cases of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and are associated with a relatively aggressive disease. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether 11q-/ATM+/- may appear late during the course of the disease and to analyze its possible correlation with disease evolution. DESIGN AND METHODS Eighty-two patients with CLL and related disorders, i.e. CLL/PL and prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL), without 11q- at diagnosis were sequentially ascertained at 1-2 year intervals by conventional cytogenetic analysis (CCA) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), using an ATM-specific probe. RESULTS Eight patients acquired a submicroscopic 11q deletion 13-43 months after diagnosis: the diagnosis at presentation was CLL in 3 cases, CLL/PL in 3 cases and PLL in 2 cases. A 13q14 deletion preceded the development of 11q- in four patients; additional aberrations included +12 (three cases), 17p13 deletion and 6q21 deletion (one case each). The acquisition of the 11q deletion was more frequently found in those patients presenting with CLL/PL and PLL than typical CLL (p=0.0016) and with splenomegaly (p=0.003). Follow-up data showed that karyotype evolution (p=0.009) and cytological transformation (p<0.001) were associated with the acquisition of this cytogenetic lesion. The variables predicting for a shorter survival in this series included the 11q deletion (p=0.03), along with other classical clinicobiological parameters (performance status, advanced stage, splenomegaly, elevated serum beta2 microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase levels. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS a) Submicroscopic 11q deletion involving the ATM locus may, in some instances, represent a secondary change in CLL, CLL/P and PLL, suggesting that sequential FISH analyses are necessary to detect this chromosome anomaly in some patients; b) the acquisition of 11q-/ATM deletion may play a role in determining cytological transformation and disease progression of CLL and related disorders.
Cyclophosphamide in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a prospective study in patients who failed to respond to corticosteroids.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To prospectively examine the role of cyclophosphamide in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis that is unresponsive to or intolerant of high-dose steroid treatment. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS Nineteen patients with biopsy specimen-proven usual interstitial pneumonia who failed to respond (n = 16) or experienced adverse effects (n = 3) from corticosteroid treatment (1 mg/kg/d for 3 months). INTERVENTION Steroid therapy was tapered quickly, and oral cyclophosphamide, 2 mg/kg/d, was prescribed (mean duration of treatment, 6.0 +/- 0.9 months). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS In 10 patients, response to therapy was determined by pretreatment and posttreatment clinical (dyspnea), radiographic (chest radiograph), and physiologic (pulmonary function, including exercise saturation) scores (CRP). Response was defined as a > 10-point drop in CRP; stable as +/- 10-point change in CRP; and nonresponders as > 10-point rise in CRP. In nine patients, physiologic criteria were used to assess response; significant changes in pulmonary function were defined as follows: total lung capacity, +/- 10% of baseline value; FVC, +/- 10% of baseline value, diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, +/- 20% of baseline value; and resting pulse oximetry, +/- 4% of baseline value. Patients who died while receiving or shortly after discontinuing cyclophosphamide were classified as nonresponders (n = 2). Among 19 patients treated with cyclophosphamide, only 1 patient demonstrated sustained response; 7 patients remained stable and 11 deteriorated while receiving the drug. Toxicity associated with cyclophosphamide was substantial; more than two thirds of the patients developed drug-related adverse effects, and almost half discontinued the drug prematurely due to side effects. In the remaining patients, cyclophosphamide therapy was discontinued due to lack of improvement or progressive deterioration. CONCLUSIONS Cyclophosphamide therapy is of limited efficacy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who fail to respond or who experience adverse effects from corticosteroid treatment, and adverse effects often complicate its use.
The Meaning of Work for Older Adults Seeking Employment: The Generativity Factor

This study is a theory-based examination of the meaning of work for older adults in a sample of 146 older job-seekers. It proposes four factors to the meaning of work: Financial, Personal, Social, and the Generativity factor. The Generativity factor, unique to older adults, refers to viewing work as a way to teach, train and share skills with younger generations. A factor analysis of a 16-item Meaning of Work Scale (MWS) supports the proposed four factors. The results indicate ethnic and employment differences with respect to the meaning of work, but no gender differences. Significant differences were detected between older adult job-seekers who obtained a job within a year of job search and those who did not, with respect to the personal factor of the MWS and with respect to ethnicity. The findings indicate that jobs providing opportunities for transfer of knowledge and experience to younger generations may be of particular value for older adults.
Patterns of Systemic Hypertension among Adults with Perinatally Acquired HIV

Patients with perinatally acquired HIV may be at risk for the development of age-related non-AIDS diseases. The primary aim of this study was to describe patterns of systemic hypertension among a cohort of adults (≥18 years) with perinatally acquired HIV. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among adults (≥18 years) with perinatally acquired HIV infection. Primary outcomes included documentation of systemic hypertension as well as several additional non-AIDS-associated illnesses. Systemic hypertension incidence rates and rate ratios (RRs) were calculated among groups aged ≥18 and <18 years at the time of hypertension diagnosis. The overall prevalence of hypertension in the cohort (N = 109) was 26.6%, and the incidence rate of hypertension was significantly higher among those aged ≥18 years compared to those who are aged <18 years at the time of diagnosis (RR: 10.0, CI: 7.29-13.71). By multivariable analysis, only coexisting renal disease was associated with an increased risk of hypertension diagnosis.
Background echotexture classification in breast ultrasound: inter-observer agreement study

Background According to the American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), background echotexture in breast ultrasound (US) can be categorized as homogeneous or heterogeneous. Purpose To prospectively evaluate the inter-observer agreement of a four-category classification in background echotexture assessments of breast US and to determine whether background echotexture is related to breast cancer risk factors, including mammography density. Material and Methods Thirty-eight healthy women (age range, 25–72) were recruited. Eleven radiologists performed breast US on all participants and classified each background echotexture into four categories (homogeneous, mild, moderate, and marked heterogeneous). The inter-observer agreement in the assessments was measured using kappa statistics (к). The association between background echotexture and breast cancer risk factors, including mammographic density, menopausal status, and parity, were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (ρ) and multiple linear regression analysis. Results There was moderate inter-observer agreement between the radiologists for the four categories of background echotexture (average к = 0.45). Heterogeneity of the background echotexture was positively correlated with mammographic density in both pre- and postmenopausal women (premenopausal, ρ = 0.42, P < 0.0001; postmenopausal, ρ = 0.56, P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that mammographic density and parity were significantly associated with background echotexture. Conclusion Background echotexture assessment of breast US using a four-category classification showed moderate inter-observer agreement, and more heterogeneous background echotexture was associated with denser breasts and lower parity.
Outcomes of modified metatarsal shortening offset osteotomy for forefoot deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Short to mid-term follow-up

Abstract Objectives: Advances in drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been encouraging us to preserve the metatarsopharangeal (MTP) joint in correction of forefoot deformities, and original metatarsal shortening offset osteotomy was recommended as one of the conventional surgical options for forefoot deformities in RA cases. The objective of this study was to evaluate short- to mid-term outcomes of modified metatarsal shortening offset osteotomy. Methods: A retrospective observational study was completed for 80 RA cases (mean follow-up period: 3.2 years) who underwent modified metatarsal shortening offset osteotomy. Both lesser toe scales and RA foot ankle scales were administered using the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) standard rating system, and a postoperative self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q) at final follow-up was also checked to evaluate clinical outcomes. Results: This procedure significantly improved clinical scores of both the JSSF [lesser toes and RA foot and ankle] scales. Of 80 feet, 24 (30%) showed recurrence of MTP joint subluxation/dislocation. Furthermore, the feet in the recurrence group showed significant varus hindfoot. On the other hand, valgus foot in the recurrence group more frequently included midfoot bony ankyloses. All of the affected feet showed the limitation of MTP joints (<70°) after surgery. Conclusions: Modified metatarsal shortening offset osteotomy was recommended for RA forefoot disorders as one of the joint preservation surgeries in short- to mid-term follow-up. However, some modifications to avoid limitation of ROM in the MTP joint are required. It must be borne in mind that varus hindfoot and/or bony ankyloses in the mid-hindfoot can cause recurrence of dorsal dislocation/subluxation of the lesser toe MTP joint.
Changes in functional network centrality underlie cognitive dysfunction and physical disability in multiple sclerosis

Background: Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) has a large impact on the quality of life and is poorly understood. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate functional network integrity in MS, and relate this to cognitive dysfunction and physical disability. Methods: Resting state fMRI scans were included of 128 MS patients and 50 controls. Eigenvector centrality mapping (ECM) was applied, a graph analysis technique that ranks the importance of brain regions based on their connectivity patterns. Significant ECM changes were related to physical disability and cognitive dysfunction. Results: In MS patients, ECM values were increased in bilateral thalamus and posterior cingulate (PCC) areas, and decreased in sensorimotor and ventral stream areas. Sensorimotor ECM decreases were related to higher EDSS (rho = −0.24, p = 0.007), while ventral stream decreases were related to poorer average cognition (rho = 0.23, p = 0.009). The thalamus displayed increased connectivity to sensorimotor and ventral stream areas. Conclusion: In MS, areas in the ventral stream and sensorimotor cortex appear to become less central in the entire functional network of the brain, which is associated with clinico-cognitive dysfunction. The thalamus, however, displays increased connectivity with these areas. These findings may aid in further elucidating the function of functional reorganization processes in MS.
Appropriate sublobar resection choice for ground glass opacity-dominant clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinoma: wedge resection or segmentectomy.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this multicenter study was to characterize ground glass opacity (GGO)-dominant clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinomas and evaluate prognosis of these tumors after sublobar resection, such as segmentectomy and wedge resection. METHODS We evaluated 610 consecutive patients with clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinoma who underwent complete resection after preoperative high-resolution CT scanning and 18 F-fl uorodeoxyglucose PET/CT scanning and revealed 239 (39.2%) that had a . 50% GGO component. RESULTS GGO-dominant tumors rarely exhibited pathologic invasiveness, including lymphatic, vascular, or pleural invasion and lymph node metastasis. There was no significant difference in 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) among patients who underwent lobectomy (96.4%), segmentectomy (96.1%), and wedge resection (98.7%) of GGO-dominant tumors ( P = .44). Furthermore, for GGO-dominant T1b tumors, 3-year RFS was similar in patients who underwent lobectomy (93.7%), segmentectomy (92.9%), and wedge resection (100%, P = .66). Two of 84 patients (2.4%) with GGO-dominant T1b tumors had lymph node metastasis. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that tumor size, maximum standardized uptake value on 18 F-fl uorodeoxyglucose PET/CT scan, and surgical procedure did not affect RFS in GGO-dominant tumors. CONCLUSIONS GGO-dominant clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinomas are a uniform group of tumors that exhibit low-grade malignancy and have an extremely favorable prognosis. Patients with GGOdominant clinical stage IA adenocarcinomas can be successfully treated with wedge resection of a T1a tumor and segmentectomy of a T1b tumor.
Long-term Neurocognitive Outcomes in Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Five-year survival rates of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) exceed 80% due to central nervous system-directed treatment including cranial radiation (CRT) and chemotherapy. However, these treatments are associated with neurocognitive compromise, the extent of which is correlated with higher dose and younger age at treatment. The aims of this study were to explore long-term neurocognitive outcomes in adult survivors of childhood ALL, and to identify measures sensitive to neurotoxicity in long-term survivors. We examined 24 adults who received 18 Gy CRT and chemotherapy for treatment of ALL between ages 2 and 15 years (median, 5.5). Time since diagnosis ranged from 6 to 26 years (median, 16.6). Younger age at diagnosis and longer time since diagnosis were associated with lower scores on a computerized battery that requires speed and accuracy across a number of domains (MicroCog), and other standardized neurocognitive tests. When compared with population norms, MicroCog indices were below average in survivors diagnosed with ALL before age 5, but only the reasoning/calculation index was below average in survivors diagnosed with ALL after age 5. In contrast, intelligence quotient (IQ) scores were average. In addition to confirming earlier studies showing that younger children are more vulnerable to treatment-related neurotoxicity, here we show that deficits exist many years post treatment even with a relatively lower dose of CRT, and that these deficits are especially evident on tasks involving rapid processing of information.
Insomnia symptoms and daytime function in stable heart failure.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate insomnia symptoms and the extent to which they are associated with clinical and demographic patient characteristics, daytime symptoms, and functional performance in patients with stable heart failure (HF). DESIGN Cross-sectional, observational. SETTING Five structured HF disease management programs in the Northeastern U.S. PARTICIPANTS 173 stable chronic HF patients INTERVENTIONS N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Full polysomnography was obtained for one night in participants' homes. Participants completed the six-minute walk test, Medical Outcomes Study SF-36, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale, Centers for the Epidemiological Studies of Depression Scale, and questionnaire items eliciting insomnia symptoms (self-reported difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep and waking too early in the morning). Over half of HF patients reported insomnia symptoms. These were associated with increased daytime symptoms (depression, fatigue), excessive daytime sleepiness, and functional performance in models that statistically controlled for clinical and demographic covariates. These relationships were not explained by sleep disordered breathing. CONCLUSIONS Insomnia symptoms are common in patients with stable heart failure and are associated with daytime symptoms and decrements in functional performance.
FEMALE FECUNDITY IN A HYBRID ZONE BETWEEN TWO CHROMOSOME RACES OF THE SCELOPORUS GRAMMICUS COMPLEX (SAURIA, PHRYNOSOMATIDAE)

Individuals of the F5 and FM2 cytotypes of the Sceloporus grammicus complex form a narrow zone of parapatric hybridization near Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Mexico. Reproductive parameters were examined among chromosomally parental and hybrid females to assess the degree to which reduced clutch size is correlated with the level of chromosomal heterozygosity. Although clutch size in the two parental groups was highly correlated with female body size, this was not the case for females with intermediate karyotypes. These females displayed increased levels of infertility manifested as smaller clutches and as inviable embryos. F1 females produced the smallest average clutches and suffered the most precipitous fecundity loss (up to 75%). The number of heterozygous marker chromosomes and heterozygosity at chromosome 2 had significant effects on the number of viable embryos. Analysis of embryo karyotypes revealed the production of triploid offspring and an excess number of embryos heterozygous at chromosome 1. Differences in viability, among females heterozygous for the same number of chromosomes, suggest that genetic background of the female and/or sire may be an important factor in determining reproductive success.