Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tissue glycomics distinguish tumour sites in women with advanced serous adenocarcinoma

In the era of precision medicine, the tailoring of cancer treatment is increasingly important as we transition from organ‐based diagnosis towards a more comprehensive and patient‐centric molecular diagnosis. This is particularly the case for high‐grade serous adenocarcinomas of the ovary and peritoneum, which are commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage, and collectively treated and managed similarly. We characterized the N‐ and O‐glycome of serous ovarian (OC) and peritoneal cancer (PC) tissues using PGC‐LC‐ESI‐IT‐MS/MS profiling and validated the discriminatory glycans and their corresponding glyco‐gene expression levels using cell lines and transcriptomic data from 232 patients. Overall, the N‐ and O‐glycan repertoires of both cancer types were found to comprise mostly of α2,6‐sialylated glycan structures, with the majority of N‐glycans displaying the biantennary mono‐ and disialylation as well as bisecting‐type biantennary glycans. The MS profiling by PGC‐LC also revealed several glycan structural isomers that corresponded to LacdiNAc‐type (GalNAcβ1‐4GlcNAc) motifs that were unique to the serous ovarian cancers and that correlated with elevated gene expression of B4GALNT3 and B4GALNT4 in patients with serous cancer. Statistical evaluation of the discriminatory glycans also revealed 13 N‐ and 3 O‐glycans (P < 0.05) that significantly discriminated tumour‐sampling sites, with LacdiNAc‐type N‐glycans (m/z 1205.02− and m/z 1059.42−) being associated with ovarian‐derived cancer tissue and bisecting GlcNAc‐type (m/z 994.92−) and branched N‐glycans (m/z 1294.02− and m/z 1148.42−) upregulated at the metastatic sites. Hence, we demonstrate for the first time that OC and PC display distinct molecular signatures at both their glycomic and transcriptomic levels. These signatures may have potential utility for the development of accurate diagnosis and personalized treatments.
Kinetic study of thermal de-chlorination of PVC containing waste

The presence of organic compounds on wastes, especially plastics, is considered an important source of energy. However, most of these plastics contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC), causing recycling problems when it is considered a thermal valorization process for its treatment [1], preventing the use of those residues on these processes, which main goal is the energy recovery [2,3]. A possible solution is to remove the chlorine from PVC containing waste through a pyrolysis process before being subjected to a thermal treatment, for energetic valorization. In this work, it was developed a kinetic model for the thermal decomposition of PVC, in view of its de-chlorination. DTA/TGA testing were performed at different temperatures (between the range of decomposition temperatures of the PVC molecule) indicated a first order reaction and an activation energy of 133800 J/mol, value very close to the one obtained in others works reported [4]. A factorial plan was carried out with different temperatures, performed in lab scale, in which best results were obtained at the temperature of 340 °C, proving the kinetic model obtained.
Maternal tobacco smoking, nicotine replacement and neurobehavioural development

The adverse effects of prenatal cigarette smoke exposure on human reproductive outcomes are a major scientific and public health concern. In the United States, approximately 25% of women of childbearing age currently smoke cigarettes, and only a small percentage of these individuals quit after learning of their pregnancy. Women interested in smoking cessation during pregnancy have a number of options, including behavioural and pharmacological aids, but nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is by far the most common approach. While NRT avoids exposure to the myriad compounds present in tobacco smoke, nicotine itself causes damage to the developing nervous system. The purpose of this article is to review the detrimental effects of developmental tobacco smoke exposure on short‐ and long‐term outcomes with particular emphasis on neurobehavioural consequences. In conclusion based on the clear, adverse effects of nicotine on brain development observed in human and animal studies, we suggest that safer alternatives for smoking cessation in pregnancy are badly needed.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in Mansoura-Egypt: experience of 385 patients at a single center.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the commonest malignancies in the world. The two main etiological factors for hepatocellular carcinoma are cirrhosis and viral hepatitis. Although the first choice of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma is surgical resection, most of them are unresectable at the time of diagnosis. METHODOLOGY From January 1994 to June 1999, 385 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were presented to the Gastroenterology surgical center, Mansoura University, Egypt and subjected to similar diagnostic process. Forty-five (11.6%) of these patients (34 males and 13 females) with a mean age of 50.9 years (+/- 7.53 years) were subjected to different types of hepatic resection. RESULTS The underlying liver pathology was cirrhosis in 85%. Positive virology was found in 82.5% (HCV 61%, HBV 14.5% and combined 7%). The main presentation were asymptomatic in 144 (37.4%) patients, abdominal pain in 92 (23.9%) patients, ascites in 95 (24.6%) patients, jaundice in 53 (14%) patients and upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in 26 (6.75%) patients. Only 45 (11.6%) were resectable, they were subjected to hepatic resection with operative mortality in 2 cases (4.4%) and with overall mortality in 29 (64.4%) cases after 48 months (32.8 +/- 19 months) of follow-up. The main causes of late mortality were recurrence in 14 (31.1%) cases, hepatic cell failure in 7 (15.5%) cases and other causes in 6 (13.3%). CONCLUSIONS Hepatocellular carcinoma is now a common malignancy in Egypt, which usually develops on top of cirrhosis of viral origin in 82%. Hepatic resection is the only method of treatment with a low resectability rate.
Detection of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer at MRI: Comparison With Integrated PET/CT

Objective: To compare the diagnostic performances of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for the detection of recurrent ovarian tumor. Methods: Thirty-six patients who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery for ovarian carcinoma received both MRI and PET/CT for the evaluation of ovarian tumor recurrence. Recurrent ovarian tumors in abdomen and pelvis were classified based on site as follows: (1) local pelvic recurrence, (2) peritoneal lesion, (3) lymph nodal metastasis, and (4) distant metastasis. Patient-based and lesion-based analyses were retrospectively performed with the aim of detecting tumor recurrence. For the detection of recurrent ovarian tumors, we compared patient-based and lesion-based diagnostic accuracies of these 2 modalities using the McNemar test. Results: Histopathologic, clinical, and radiological follow-up findings revealed recurrent ovarian tumors in 35 sites of 22 patients. These 35 sites consisted of local pelvic recurrence (n = 15), peritoneal lesions (n = 14), lymph nodal metastasis (n = 4), and abdominal wall metastasis (n = 2). In detecting recurrent ovarian tumor, patient-based sensitivity and the accuracy of PET/CT and MRI were 73% and 91% (P < 0.05), and 81% and 89% (P > 0.05), respectively. In addition, overall lesion-based sensitivity of PET/CT and MRI were 66% and 86%, respectively (P < 0.05). In detecting peritoneal lesions, overall lesion-based sensitivity and accuracy of PET/CT and MRI for peritoneal lesions were 43% and 86%, and 75% and 94%, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive than PET/CT for detecting local pelvic recurrence and peritoneal lesions of recurrent ovarian tumors.
Pre- and intra-operative staging of the neck in a developing world practice

Most patients with squamous cancer of the head and neck treated at Groote Schuur Hospital are from a poor socio-economic background with a high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infections that may cause cervical lymphadenopathy resulting in overstaging of the neck. A retrospective review of 186 patients requiring therapeutic and elective neck dissection was undertaken and the sensitivity and specificity of clinical and intra-operative staging of the neck determined. Results showed overall sensitivity of staging at 80.1 per cent. Specificity was 52.2 per cent. Staging of the N1, N2b and N2c necks had positive predictive values of 53.2, 65.8 and 68.2 per cent respectively. Occult nodal metastases were present in 32 per cent elective neck dissections (END)s. Specificity of intra-operative staging of the N0 neck was 33.3 per cent and sensitivity was 72.4 per cent. Conclusions were that our indications for elective neck dissection are appropriate. The high false positive rates for staging of the N1, N2b and N2c necks, necessitate a change in management strategy.
Amino acid sequence of the heat-stable inhibitor of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase from rabbit skeletal muscle.

The amino acid sequence of rabbit skeletal muscle heat-stable inhibitor of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase has been determined by microsequencing techniques. Proof of the structure involved a series of nonoverlapping tryptic fragments for primary identification of 86% of the amino acids. Complementary fragments generated by cleavage with chymotrypsin, Staphylococcus aureus V8 proteinase, and mast cell proteinase II contributed to proof of the structure. The inhibitor is a single polypeptide chain of 75 residues and has a molecular weight of 7829. It lacks tryptophan, proline, and sulfur-containing amino acids. The amino terminus of the inhibitor is blocked by an unidentified group. The amino-terminal region of the molecule contains the kinase inhibitory domain, and synthetic peptides based on the sequence of residues 11-30 are potent competitive inhibitors of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase [Scott, J. D. , Fischer, E. H. , Demaille, J. G. & Krebs, E. G. (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82, 4379-4383]. Residues 14-22 show considerable homology to the "hinge-regions" of the regulatory subunits of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The remainder of the molecule shows no similarity to the known amino acid sequence of any protein.
Acidosis, but Not Alkalosis, Affects Anaerobic Metabolism and Performance in a 4-km Time Trial

Purpose This study aimed to determine the effect of preexercise metabolic acidosis and alkalosis on power output (PO) and aerobic and anaerobic energy expenditure during a 4-km cycling time trial (TT). Methods Eleven recreationally trained cyclists (V˙O2peak 54.1 ± 9.3 mL·kg−1·min−1) performed a 4-km TT 100 min after ingesting in a double-blind matter 0.15 g·kg−1 of body mass of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl, acidosis), 0.3 g·kg−1 of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3, alkalosis), or 0.15 g·kg−1 of CaCO3 (placebo). A preliminary study (n = 7) was conducted to establish the optimal doses to promote the desirable preexercise blood pH alterations without gastrointestinal distress. Data for PO, aerobic and anaerobic energy expenditure, and blood and respiratory parameters were averaged for each 1 km and compared between conditions using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (condition and distance factors). Gastrointestinal discomfort was analyzed qualitatively. Results Compared with placebo (pH 7.37 ± 0.02, [HCO3−]: 27.5 ± 2.6 mmol·L−1), the NaHCO3 ingestion resulted in a preexercise blood alkalosis (pH +0.06 ± 0.04, [HCO3−]: +4.4 ± 2.0 mmol·L−1, P < 0.05), whereas NH4Cl resulted in a blood acidosis (pH −0.05 ± 0.03, [HCO3−]: −4.8 ± 2.1 mmol·L−1, P < 0.05). Anaerobic energy expenditure rate and PO were reduced throughout the trial in NH4Cl compared with placebo and NaHCO3, resulting in a lower total anaerobic work and impaired performance (P < 0.05). Plasma lactate, V˙CO2, and end-tidal CO2 partial pressure were lower and the V˙E/V˙CO2 higher throughout the trial in NH4Cl compared with placebo and NaHCO3 (P < 0.05). There was no difference between NaHCO3 and placebo for any of these variables (P > 0.05). Minimal gastrointestinal distress was noted in all conditions. Conclusion Preexercise acidosis, but not alkalosis, affects anaerobic metabolism and PO during a 4-km cycling TT.
Identification of Neotropical felid faeces using RCP‐PCR

Faeces similarity among sympatric felid species has generally hampered their use in distributional, demographic and dietary studies. Here, we present a new and simple approach based on a set of species‐specific primers, for the unambiguous identification of faeces from sympatric neotropical felids (i.e. puma, jaguar, jaguarundi and ocelot/ margay). This method, referred to as rapid classificatory protocol‐PCR (RCP‐PCR), consists of a single‐tube multiplex PCR yielding species‐specific banding patterns on agarose gel. The method was optimized with samples of known origin (14 blood and 15 fresh faeces) and validated in faecal samples of unknown origin (n = 138), for some of which (n = 40) we also obtained species identification based on mtDNA sequencing. This approach proved reliable and provides high identification success rates from faeces. Its simplicity and cost effectiveness should facilitate its application for routine surveys of presence and abundance of these species.
Three-Dimensional Spinal and Pelvic Alignment in an Asymptomatic Population

Study Design. A 3-dimensional (3-D) analysis of asymptomatic spinal and pelvic alignment. Objective. To obtain 3-D reference values of spinal and pelvic parameters, vertebral and intervertebral orientations. Summary of Background Data. Referential values of spine and pelvis alignment are essential for the assessment of posture and balance. However, only 2-D referential values have been reported using standing sagittal radiographs, and, to our knowledge, no 3-D referential values have been reported to date. Methods. A biplanar radiographic technique was used to obtain the 3-D reconstruction of the spine and pelvis of 34 asymptomatic standing subjects. The 3-D values were calculated for most of the spinal and pelvic parameters. In addition, 3-D vertebral and intervertebral orientations were computed, and the apical and junctional zones were investigated. Results. As reported in 2-D, a large variability and particular correlations were observed for the 3-D spinal and pelvic parameters. However, significant differences were found between 3-D and 2-D values. The 3-D vertebral and intervertebral sagittal rotations showed specific features in the apical and junctional zones of the asymptomatic spine. Conclusion. These data may be used as 3-D referential values of spinal and pelvic alignment.
Clinical-Radiological Parameters Improve the Prediction of the Thrombolysis Time Window by Both MRI Signal Intensities and DWI-FLAIR Mismatch

Background: With regard to acute stroke, patients with unknown time from stroke onset are not eligible for thrombolysis. Quantitative diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI relative signal intensity (rSI) biomarkers have been introduced to predict eligibility for thrombolysis, but have shown heterogeneous results in the past. In the present work, we investigated whether the inclusion of easily obtainable clinical-radiological parameters would improve the prediction of the thrombolysis time window by rSIs and compared their performance to the visual DWI-FLAIR mismatch. Methods: In a retrospective study, patients from 2 centers with proven stroke with onset <12 h were included. The DWI lesion was segmented and overlaid on ADC and FLAIR images. rSI mean and SD, were calculated as follows: (mean ROI value/mean value of the unaffected hemisphere). Additionally, the visual DWI-FLAIR mismatch was evaluated. Prediction of the thrombolysis time window was evaluated by the area-under-the-curve (AUC) derived from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Factors such as the association of age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, MRI field strength, lesion size, vessel occlusion and Wahlund-Score with rSI were investigated and the models were adjusted and stratified accordingly. Results: In 82 patients, the unadjusted rSI measures DWI-mean and -SD showed the highest AUCs (AUC 0.86-0.87). Adjustment for clinical-radiological covariates significantly improved the performance of FLAIR-mean (0.91) and DWI-SD (0.91). The best prediction results based on the AUC were found for the final stratified and adjusted models of DWI-SD (0.94) and FLAIR-mean (0.96) and a multivariable DWI-FLAIR model (0.95). The adjusted visual DWI-FLAIR mismatch did not perform in a significantly worse manner (0.89). ADC-rSIs showed fair performance in all models. Conclusions: Quantitative DWI and FLAIR MRI biomarkers as well as the visual DWI-FLAIR mismatch provide excellent prediction of eligibility for thrombolysis in acute stroke, when easily obtainable clinical-radiological parameters are included in the prediction models.
A Nonvolatile InGaZnO Charge-Trapping-Engineered Flash Memory With Good Retention Characteristics

We report an amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistor nonvolatile memory (NVM). This NVM shows a large 1.2-V extrapolated ten-year memory window, along with low 10-V/-12-V program/erase voltage, fast 1-ms/100-¿s speed, and good endurance. This was achieved using a charge-trap-engineered structure and high- ¿ layers.
Fluoride toothpaste efficacy and safety in children younger than 6 years: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND The authors conducted a systematic review to assess the efficacy and safety of fluoride toothpaste use in children younger than 6 years. METHODS The authors defined research questions to formulate a search strategy. They screened studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias systematically. They conducted meta-analyses to determine the effects of brushing with fluoride toothpaste. RESULTS Use of fluoride toothpaste brushing had a statistically significant effect on mean decayed, missing and filled primary tooth surfaces and decayed, missing and filled primary teeth for populations at high risk of developing caries (standard mean difference [95 percent confidence interval {CI}], -0.25 [-0.36 to -0.14] and -0.19 [-0.32 to -0.06], respectively). The effects of using different fluoride concentration toothpastes on caries varied. Study findings showed either a decrease in the odds of having fluorosis (odds ratio [OR] [95 percent CI] = 0.66 [0.48-0.90]) when the use of fluoride toothpaste was initiated after 24 months or no statistically significant difference (OR [95 percent CI] = 0.92 [0.71-1.18]). Beginning use after 12 or 14 months of age decreased the risk of fluorosis (OR = 0.70 [0.57-0.88]). CONCLUSIONS Limited scientific evidence demonstrates that for children younger than 6 years, fluoride toothpaste use is effective in caries control. Ingesting pea-sized amounts or more can lead to mild fluorosis. Practical Implications. To minimize the risk of fluorosis in children while maximizing the caries-prevention benefit for all age groups, the appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste should be used by all children regardless of age. Dentists should counsel caregivers by using oral description, visual aids and actual demonstration to help ensure that the appropriate amount of toothpaste is used.
[Tracheal stent implantation for the treatment of tumor-induced acute airway stenosis].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE Tumor-induced acute airway stenosis is a medical emergency. Metal airway stent implantation can relieve dyspnea of patients suffering from this symptom and provide time for their further treatment. This study was to investigate the clinical application, efficacy, and complication management of tracheal stent implantation for the treatment of tumor-induced acute airway stenosis. METHODS Nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) alloy stent implantation was performed under the guidance of fiber-optic bronchoscopy in 52 patients with tumor-induced acute airway stenosis. RESULTS Stent implantation was successful in all 52 patients. Dyspnea in all patients was significantly relieved. Values of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and Karnofsky performance status (KPS) changed from (7.74+/-0.99) kPa, (5.37+/-0.39) kPa, and (68.85+/-8.08) preoperatively to (11.12+/-0.61) kPa, (4.58+/-0.30) kPa, and (84.62+/-5.03) postoperatively (P<0.01). The three-year survival rate was higher in lymphoma group than in lung cancer or esophageal cancer group. Postoperative complications were properly managed in all cases after symptomatic treatments. CONCLUSIONS Tracheal stent implantation is an effective palliative treatment for acute dyspnea caused by local tumor compression or tumor invasion of large airways. It can rescue patients at risk for airway obstruction, improve the quality of life in terminal cancer patients, and provide further treatment opportunities for them.
Credit Risk Spillover between Financials and Sovereigns in the Euro Area During 2007-2015

This paper presents time-varying contagion indices of credit risk spillover and feedback between 64 financials and sovereigns in the euro area, where spillover is identified based on bilateral Granger causality regressions. Over-identification of contagion between financials JEL Classification: C45, E44, E65, G01, G13, G28, H81
The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Employee Salary Requirements and Performance

Through two field experiments implemented in online labor marketplaces, this paper provides causal empirical support of the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employee salary requirements and performance. Workers were hired for short-term jobs where the employer’s CSR was randomly assigned. Results show that workers who were informed about a CSR program were willing to accept a lower wage and were more likely to ‘go above and beyond’ for the firm by doing work not required for payment. Higher performing workers were more responsive to CSR than lower performers. Taken together these findings suggest that CSR policies affect employee outcomes that are critical to firm performance; firms can pay less and get more from their employees by doing good.
Professional healthcare use for life-threatening obstetric conditions

Summary Obstetric complications are the major causes of death and disability in women of reproductive age. Our study aimed at investigating the use of professional healthcare when women in communities recognised possible life-threatening obstetric conditions (PLTCs). We conducted a survey in a Cambodian district with a population of 130,000. The subjects were women of reproductive age who had delivered babies during a 3-month period prior to the survey. We interviewed 980 women, and 141 (14.4%) of these had PLTCs. The utilisation rates of professional healthcare were 47% for prolonged labour; 42% for bleeding during the delivery and puerperal period; 33% for antenatal bleeding; 25% for convulsion; and 23% for postpartum high fever. A logistic regression analysis revealed that education, geographic accessibility and parity were significant determinants of seeking healthcare. Two additional determinants, namely, economic affluence and antenatal care attendance, were identified in the socioeconomic status (SES) and obstetric models.
Stimulus Processing by Type II Hair Cells in the Mouse Utricle

Abstract: In type II and neonatal hair cells in the mouse utricle, the receptor potentials evoked by low‐frequency sinusoidal deflections of the hair bundle are attenuated by adaptation of the mechanoelectrical transduction current and the voltage‐dependent activation of a large potassium (K)‐selective outwardly rectifying conductance, gDR. These processes may contribute to high‐pass filtering of the responses of some utricular afferents to sinusoidal linear accelerations below 2 Hz. Depolarizing receptor potentials are more attenuated by gDR than are hyperpolarizing receptor potentials. It may therefore reduce nonlinear distortion introduced by mechanoelectrical transduction, which generates larger depolarizing currents than hyperpolarizing currents.