Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lack of Germ Line Changes in KISS 1 and KAI 1 Genes in Sporadic Head and Neck Cancer Patients of Pakistani

Background: Head and neck cancer is included among the top five most commonly prevailing cancers worldwide. Abnormalities of either genetic or epigenetic factors are found responsible for the development and progression of head and neck cancer. Metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with head and neck cancer. Down regulation of metastasis suppressor genes (MSGs) expression have been frequently observed in advanced tumours. Methodology: The present study was designed to screen two of the most frequently down-regulated MSGs (KISS1and KAI1) for mutations in 120 diagnosed head and neck cancer affected Pakistani patients. The questionnaire was filled for basic information about age, gender, smoking habits and area of cancer affected and other relevant details. Primers for both genes were designed using “Primer 3” software in such a way that both intron exon boundaries were included in this region. DNA isolation and estimation was done by using organic method and agarose gel electrophoresis. Single Strand conformational polymorphism technique was used after amplification of the respective genes. Mobility patterns were analyzed using BioDoc Analyzer. Results: Data of patients were analyzed on the basis of age, sex and type of cancer as variables. The mean age of patients and controls was 44 years. There were 53% females and 47% males in this group of study, 63% nonsmokers and 37% smokers and larynx cancer was found to be most frequent type of cancer with a percentage of 64. Lack of germ line mutation was observed in the entire coding region in both coding regions as well as splice sites of the respective genes. Conclusion: Germ line mutations in KISS1 and KAI1 are thus considered to be a less frequent event in head and neck cancer patients. However, two polymorphisms in intronic region of exon 3 and exon 9 of KAI1 gene were observed in 1% of patients. In non coding region downstream of exon 3 (KAI1), there was a C 29166 T substitution and in intronic region upstream exon 9 of KAI1 gene, a C 52840 A substitution was observed. Both patients were females with ages 47 and 50 years respectively. A detailed analysis of regulatory mechanism is required to explore the genetic basis of down regulation of these MSGs for a better understanding of head and neck cancer progression.
The Efficacy of 12 Weeks of Sofosbuvir, Daclatasvir, and Ribavirin in Treating Hepatitis C Patients with Cirrhosis, Genotypes 1 and 3

Background: The combination of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir can be used to treat all genotypes of hepatitis C. Current guidelines for treating hepatitis C cirrhosis do not clarify weather 12 weeks or 24 weeks of treatment is appropriate. Objectives: In the present study, we aimed at evaluating the efficacy of sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, and ribavirin given for 12 weeks in treating cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C genotypes 1 and 3 infections. Methods: One hundred patients with hepatitis C and cirrhosis infected with Genotypes 1 and 3 were included in the present study. They were treated with 1 tablet of a combination pill of 400 mg sofosbuvir and 60 mg daclatasvir daily and weight-based ribavirin for 12 weeks. Response to treatment was assessed 12 weeks after the end of the treatment with a sensitive assay (SVR12). This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02596880. Results: One patient developed increased creatinine level following severe diarrhea and gastroenteritis and was excluded, 1 patient died due to unrelated reasons and 4 others were lost to follow-up. Among the 94 patients who finished the study, 92 achieved SVR12 (98%, per-protocol, 92% intention-to-treat). None of the patients reported any side effects. Of the 100 original patients, 56 were Genotype 1 and 44 were Genotype 3. One of the two patients not achieving SVR12 was Genotype 1, and the other two were Genotype 3. Conclusions: The fixed-dose combination drug of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir given together with weight-base ribavirin for 12 weeks is extremely effective and safe in treating HCV patients with Genotypes 1 and 3 and cirrhosis.
The Hybrid Spatialities of Transition: Capitalism, Legacy and Uneven Urban Economic Restructuring

This paper conceptualises post-socialist urban economic geographies through the notion of hybrid spatialities that emerge from the mutual embeddedness of neoliberalism and socialist legacies. While the dismantling of state socialism was a massive moment towards the exacerbation of uneven development, ironically it is the socialist-era spatial legacy that has become the single major differentiating factor for the economic status of cities. This superficial overdetermination, however, masks the root causes of uneven development that must be seen in the logic of capitalism and its attendant practices which subsume legacy, recode its meaning, and recast the formerly equalitarian spaces as an uneven spatial order. The authors argue that the socialist legacy, rather than being an independent carrier of history, has been alienated from its history to become an infrastructure of neoliberalisation, conducive to capitalist process. The paper draws specifically on the experiences of Russia, although its reflections should reverberate much more broadly.
Production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) by Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli grown on cane molasses fortified with ethanol

The aim of this work was to study the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) by Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli isolated from the industrial contaminated soil samples using cane molasses as an inexpensive substrate. The amount of PHA accumulated followed a similar pattern to its growth for each of treatment indicating a growth-related production, yielding maximum PHA production of 54.1 and 47.16% for B. subtilis and E. coli, respectively after 96 h cultivation in the medium containing 6 and 8 % molasses, respectively and decreased thereafter. The growth and PHA yields were improved by introducing 1% ethanol into the molasses medium. Ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate at a concentration of 1 g/L served as the best nitrogen sources for bacterial growth, allowing B. subtilis and E. coli cells to accumulate PHA up to 62.21 and 58.7%, respectively. The optimum environmental conditions that influenced the PHA production by the two strains were inoculum concentration of 8%, pH 7.0 and a temperature of 35°C. The functional groups of the extracted PHA granules were identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis.
Elevated levels of interleukin-6 in young adults with type 1 diabetes without clinical evidence of microvascular and macrovascular complications.

The past decade has been characterized by growing interest in the idea that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease, and by the finding that serum levels of markers of inflammation can be used to predict the risk of cardiovascular events (1). Elevated concentrations of acute-phase reactants, such as C-reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and fibrinogen, are found in patients with acute coronary syndromes and are predictors of future risk in apparently healthy individuals (123). The inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a powerful inducer of the hepatic acute-phase response, and it has been proposed to be a central mediator in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease through a combination of autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine mechanisms (4). In fact, in a recent study, serum levels of IL-6 were predictive of the risk of myocardial infarction in apparently healthy individuals, and although the levels of IL-6 were strongly correlated with the levels of C-reactive protein, the association between IL-6 and the risk of myocardial infarction remained significant, even after …
Influence of diabetes mellitus on long-term outcomes of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease treated with either drug-eluting stents or coronary artery bypass grafting.

Whether the effect of diabetes on patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease differs according to different strategies of revascularization was unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of diabetes on patients with ULMCA disease treated with either percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG). A total of 922 patients with ULMCA disease who received drug-eluting stent (DES) (n = 465) implantation or underwent CABG (n = 457) were retrospectively analyzed. We compared the effects of these 2 treatments on clinical outcomes (death, myocardial infarction, stroke, repeat revascularization, and the composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke), according to diabetic status.During the median follow-up of 7.1 years (interquartile range, 5.3 to 8.2 years), no difference was found between PCI and CABG in the adjusted occurrence of death (P = 0.112) and the composite endpoints of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke (P = 0.235). Significantly higher incidence of repeat revascularization (P < 0.001) was observed in the DES group, whereas the CABG group had a significantly higher rate of stroke (P = 0.001). These trends were consistent in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. We did not observe significant interactions between treatment outcomes and the presence or absence of diabetes after adjustment for covariates (P(interaction) = 0.580 for the composite of death, MI and stroke, P(interaction) = 0.685 for death, P(interaction) = 0.416 for MI, P(interaction) = 0.470 for stroke, and P(interaction) = 0.502 for repeat revascularization). Presence of diabetes was not important for decision-making between CABG and PCI in patients with ULMCA disease.
Evaluation of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 as a bone‐graft substitute in a canine segmental defect model

A study was performed in dogs to evaluate the dose‐response characteristics and effectiveness of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 with a collagen sponge carrier in a segmental defect model. Twenty‐seven dogs underwent bilateral radial osteotomies with creation of a 2.5‐cm diaphyseal defect. All received autogenous cancellous bone graft in one defect and a collagen implant in the other. These implants contained recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 at the following doses: group 1 at 0 μg (three dogs, 0 μg/ml total implant volume), group 2 at 150 μg (three dogs, 50 μg/ml), group 3 at 600 μg (three dogs, 200 μg/ml), group 4 at 2,400 μg (three dogs, 800 μg/ml), group 5 at 0 μg (five dogs, 0 μg/ml), group 6 at 150 μg (five dogs, 200 μg/ml), and group 7 at 600 μg (five dogs, 50 μg/ml). The defects were stabilized with external fixators. The dogs in group 1–4 were killed at 12 weeks postoperatively, and those in groups 5–7 were killed at 24 weeks postoperatively except for one dog in group 7, which was killed at 48 weeks. Evaluation included monthly radiographs, biomechanical testing, and nondemineralized histology. All 27 radii with autogenous cancellous bone graft and all 19 implants treated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 achieved radiographic and histologic union and gross stability. The eight radii treated with collagen carrier alone went on to radiographic and histologic nonunion and were grossly unstable at death. A dose‐dependent occurrence of cyst‐like bone voids was noted radiographically and histologically. Biomechanical performance tended to be better at the lowest dose studied at 12 weeks, and all three doses performed better than the placebo (p < 0.05) at 12 and 24 weeks. By 24 weeks, radiolucent areas corresponding to histologic bone voids persisted radiographically, although there was evidence of early bone remodeling. This remodeling progressed to 48 weeks in the single animal followed to this time point, although bone voids remained. These radiologic findings were confirmed histologically. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 in a collagen sponge carrier has significant osteoinductive activity in this canine segmental defect model. A dose‐response relationship is evident, with heterotopic bone and cyst‐like void formation at higher doses and a minimum effective dose of 0‐150 μg. At 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively, biomechanical parameters achieved by defects treated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 were comparable with those of autograft controls and were significantly stronger than those of the placebo (p < 0.05).
Research on the relationship between customer value of e-business and customer retention: an empirical study in china

The Internet represents a fundamentally different environment for businesses. It opens up the industry to increased competition and, as a result, reduces the likelihood of businesses retaining customers in the long run. So, it is important to analyze the relationship between customer values and customer retention in order to provide a guideline of successful e-business. The purpose of this paper is to answer the following questions. First, what are key components of customer value in e-business? Second, what influences the relationship between customer value and customer retention? Data collected from 520 effective respondents who made purchases through Internet shop were used to test a research model. Several managerial implications were derived from the analysis and further studies were suggested.
Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast: Histopathologic Features, Differential Diagnosis, and Molecular/Genetic Updates.

CONTEXT -Phyllodes tumor (PT) of the breast is a rare fibroepithelial neoplasm with risks of local recurrence and uncommon metastases. The classification proposed by the World Health Organization for PTs into benign, borderline, and malignant is based on a combination of several histologic features. The differential diagnosis between PT and fibroadenoma and the histologic grading of PT remain challenging. In addition, the molecular pathogenesis of PT is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE -To provide an updated overview of pathologic features, diagnostic terminology, and molecular alterations of PT. DATA SOURCES -Current English literature related to PT of the breast. CONCLUSIONS -Phyllodes tumor shows a wide spectrum of morphology. There are no clearly distinct boundaries between PT and fibroadenoma. Strict histologic assessment of a combination of histologic features with classification can help to achieve the correct diagnosis and provide useful clinical information. The genomic landscapes of PT generated from genomic sequencing provide insights into the molecular pathogenesis of PT and help to improve diagnostic accuracy and identify potential drug targets in malignant PT.
Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms: Texas Heart Institute experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Aneurysms of the extracranial carotid artery (ECA) are rare. Large single-institution series are seldom reported and usually are not aneurysm type-specific. Thus, information about immediate and long-term results of surgical therapy is sparse. This review was conducted to elucidate etiology, presentation, and treatment for ECA aneurysms. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the case records of the Texas Heart Institute/St Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, and found 67 cases of ECA aneurysms treated surgically (the largest series to date) between 1960 and 1995: 38 pseudoaneurysms after previous carotid surgery and 29 atherosclerotic or traumatic aneurysms. All aneurysms were surgically explored, and all were repaired except two: a traumatic distal internal carotid artery aneurysm and an infected pseudoaneurysm in which the carotid artery was ligated. RESULTS Four deaths (three fatal strokes and one myocardial infarction) and two nonfatal strokes were directly attributed to a repaired ECA aneurysm (overall mortality/major stroke incidence, 9%); there was one minor stroke (incidence, 1.5%). The incidence of cranial nerve injury was 6% (four cases). During long-term follow-up (1.5 months-30 years; mean, 5.9 years), 19 patients died, mainly of cardiac causes (11 myocardial infarctions). CONCLUSION The potential risks of cerebral ischemia and rupture as well as the satisfactory long-term results achieved with surgery strongly argue in favor of surgical treatment of ECA aneurysms.
Morbidity and Mortality Conference 2.0.

S urgical residency programs today face unprecedented opportu- nities to modernize training and prepare graduates for clinical practice. During training, residents must obtain a wealth of knowl- edge in surgical disease and pathology, learn to effectively take care of all types of surgical patients, and gain the necessary skills to safely perform a wide range of operations—all within the conﬁnes of limited work hours. Furthermore, as measurement of surgical outcomes has improved, surgeons in practice are also expected to be facile in monitoring and improving their surgical performance. In light of this new reality, the American Council on Graduate Medical Education now requires all graduating residents to be trained in the science of patient safety and quality improvement (QI). 1 Compliance with this requirement poses signiﬁcant challenges to residency programs, which, until recently, have generally not offered a comprehensive curriculum for residents on these topics. Instead, most programs have relied on a weekly Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) conference to expose residents to quality-related issues. However, this conference, whose format has remained relatively unchanged for almost a century, too often lacks the structure and processes necessary to adequately train residents on the modern methods for meaningful performance improvement.Withsome simple and quite feasible modiﬁcations, the M&M conference has the potential to serve as a hub for the genesis of various QI initiatives and for educating residents on QI strategies. who able upgraded by initiating (1) a identiﬁcation of (2) a that to while also highlighting and (3) “closing loop” by translating into meaningful QI projects.
L1 adaptive output feedback augmentation of Model Reference Control

This paper presents an L1 adaptive output feedback augmentation of a Model Reference Controller for a class of unknown single-input single-output, linear time-invariant systems. Similar to prior solutions in L1 adaptive control theory, the feedback structure consists of a predictor, adaptation laws and a low-pass filter. The closed-loop system achieves arbitrarily close tracking of the input and the output signals of the reference system. The proposed control strategy has been implemented and simulated on a longitudinal autopilot for a missile model. Simulation results show the performance of the adaptive control law in the presence of parameter uncertainties and input disturbance.
Effect of energy supplementation on the milk urea nitrogen and blood urea nitrogen level in cross bred cows in early lactation

Accepted: 21/07/2014 Abstract A study was conducted for 150 days in crossbred cow s t assess the effect of high energy diet on production performanc e in early lactation. Eighteen crossbred cows within 10-15 days of lactat ion were selected and divided into three groups of six each. They were fe d with concentrate mixture containing 65 % of total digestible nutrien t a d 17 % crude protein with 35 % of crude protein as undegradable protein. The animals in the second and third group were supplemented daily with one and two kg of energy supplement (ground maize) respectively. The av rage milk urea nitrogen (MUN) concentrations of the experimental a nimals were 14.76, 18.21, and 15.83 mg/dl in the beginning and 16.73, 18.95 and 16.70 mg /dl at the end of the experiment for group I, II and II I, respectively. Whereas the final blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations f the animals fed three dietary treatments were 22.14, 21.72 and 22.76 mg/d l, in the groups I, II and III, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the milk urea nitrogen level and blood ur ea concentrations between the treatments, energy supplemented groups showed numerically higher values compared to control.
What factors predict age effects in L2 perception: A comparison of social, cognitive, and experiential factors

Previous research has demonstrated that age of acquisition (AOA) plays an important role in L2 phonological acquisition. However, it is not clear why such AOA effects occur. Researchers have hypothesized that these effects may be explained by social (such as identification with L1/L2 culture), cognitive (ability to imitate, working and phonological memory capacity), and experiential (length of residence and amount of L2 use) factors. However, little research has compared all three types of factors in the same study, nor has it determined whether these factors affect early and late learners differently. The current study seeks to fill this gap by asking seventy-six Spanish learners of English with different AOAs (0-69) to participate. Their accuracy on an L2 perception task was compared to their scores on the cognitive tasks, social factors and experiential factors noted above. Results demonstrate different factors were important for different AOAs and that all three types of factors played important roles.
Genomic structure of human polyoma virus JC: nucleotide sequence of the region containing replication origin and small-T-antigen gene

The nucleotide sequence of the region of human polyoma virus JC DNA between 0.5 and 0.7 map units from a unique EcoRI cleavage site was determined and compared with those of the corresponding regions of another human polyoma virus, BK, and simian virus 40 DNAs. Within this region consisting of 945 base pairs, we located the origin of DNA replication near 0.7 map units, the entire coding region for small T antigen, and the splice junctions for large-T-antigen mRNA. The deduced amino acid sequences for small T antigen and the part of large T antigen markedly resembled those of polyoma virus BK and simian virus 40. The results strongly suggest that polyoma virus JC has the same organization of early genome as polyoma virus BK and simian virus 40 on the physical map, with the EcoRI site as a reference point.
Dynamics of players’ relative positioning during baseline rallies in tennis

Abstract This study analysed how the relative positioning of players on court influenced patterns of interpersonal coordination in baseline rallies in tennis. We developed a model (PA index) that assigns a weight to the position of each player on court and determines a positional advantage, based on the relative proportionality between the lateral and longitudinal displacement values during rallies. To test the model, data from 27 randomly-selected baseline rallies from three ATP World Tour matches (professional tennis players' tournaments organized by Association of Tennis Professionals) on clay were analysed. Results revealed that the PA index of players on court described their interpersonal coordination dynamics during baseline rallies. It also identified the emergence of rally breaks in the interpersonal coordination patterns of competing dyads that led to a point being scored. Data suggest that positional advantage data may assist coaches in the design of training tasks to enhance players' court coverage and performance during competitive interactions, acting as a valuable tool for performance analysis in tennis.