Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Machine Learning Approach for MicroRNA Precursor Prediction in Retro-transcribing Virus Genomes

Summary Identification of microRNA (miRNA) precursors has seen increased efforts in recent years. The difficulty in experimental detection of pre-miRNAs increased the usage of computational approaches. Most of these approaches rely on machine learning especially classification. In order to achieve successful classification, many parameters need to be considered such as data quality, choice of classifier settings, and feature selection. For the latter one, we developed a distributed genetic algorithm on HTCondor to perform feature selection. Moreover, we employed two widely used classification algorithms libSVM and random forest with different settings to analyze the influence on the overall classification performance. In this study we analyzed 5 human retro virus genomes; Human endogenous retrovirus K113, Hepatitis B virus (strain ayw), Human T lymphotropic virus 1, Human T lymphotropic virus 2, Human immunodeficiency virus 2, and Human immunodeficiency virus 1. We then predicted pre-miRNAs by using the information from known virus and human pre-miRNAs. Our results indicate that these viruses produce novel unknown miRNA precursors which warrant further experimental validation.
Microsurgical anterior cervical foraminotomy for radiculopathy: a new approach to cervical disc herniation

A new technique of microsurgical anterior foraminotomy was developed to improve the treatment of cervical radiculopathy. This technique provides direct anatomical decompression of the compressed nerve root by removing the compressive spondylotic spur or disc fragment. The nerve root is decompressed from its origin in the spinal cord to the point at which it passes behind the vertebral artery laterally. Because most of the disc within the intervertebral space is undisturbed, a functioning motion segment of the disc remains intact. This technique differs from that of Verbiest in that it does not directly transpose the vertebral artery. Unlike Hakuba's technique, the disc within the intervertebral disc space is not removed.
Scleroderma renal crisis in a Swedish systemic sclerosis cohort: survival, renal outcome, and RNA polymerase III antibodies as a risk factor

Objectives: To study survival, renal outcome, and RNA polymerase III antibodies (RNAP Abs) as a risk factor for scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) in a Swedish cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Methods: SRC was diagnosed in 16 SSc patients during the period from 1982 to 2010. For comparison, 112 (seven for each SRC patient) SSc patients without SRC were included. RNAP Abs were detected by a fully automated fluoroenzymeimmunoassay (EliA). Values greater than 15 μg/L were considered positive. Frozen serum samples from the time of diagnosis of SSc were used. Results: The 5- and 10-year survival rates were, respectively, 58% and 40% for SRC patients and 90% and 76% for patients without SRC (p < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) for mortality was 4.39 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.10–9.16, p < 0.001] in patients with SRC compared to those without SRC. Renal outcome was good in three patients. Haemodialysis was started in 10 patients and peritoneal dialysis in three. Renal function improved in three patients and dialysis was terminated. Four patients underwent renal transplantation. Seven SRC patients and nine without SRC were positive for RNAP Abs. Anti-RNAP Abs was a strong predictor of SRC. The sensitivity and specificity for development of SRC were 0.44 and 0.92, respectively. The OR for development of SRC was 8.90 (95% CI 2.68–29.6, p = 0.001) in RNAP-positive patients. Conclusions: RNAP positivity is a strong risk factor for SRC. Renal outcome was variable and survival is still notably decreased.
Review of the latest treatments for retinal vein occlusions: emphasis on pharmacologic therapy

Retinal vein occlusions (central and branch) are the second most common retinal vascular disorders. Affected patients lose vision due to retinal non-perfusion, vitreous hemorrhage, traction retinal detachments and neovascular glaucoma, but the most common cause of vision loss is macular edema. Animal models and human studies show that breakdown of the blood–retinal barrier results from overexpression of various cytokines and chemokines with upregulation of VEGF being critically important. Laser photocoagulation decreases macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion and reduces the overall ischemic drive but resultant improvements in visual acuity are modest (1.5 lines vs 0.3 lines with observation). Laser decreases macular edema in central retinal vein occlusion but does not improve visual acuity better than observation. Numerous surgical treatments have been proposed but none are of proven benefit. Monthly intravitreal injections of drugs that bind diffusible VEGF improve visual acuity and decreases macular edema in most patients. After an initial regimen of intensive monthly therapy, the treatment burden appears to decrease and many patients are ultimately able to discontinue therapy. Corticosteroids (triamcinolone and the dexamethasone delivery system) also restore the blood–retinal barrier but due to high incidences of cataracts and glaucoma, they are generally used as second-line therapy. Ongoing trials are focusing on combination therapy (anti-VEGF, corticosteroids and laser photocoagulation) to optimize visual recovery and decrease treatment burden.
MALDI MS imaging as a powerful tool for investigating synovial tissue

Objective: To identify and image protein biomarker candidates in the synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: A novel matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) technique was applied to the analysis of synovial tissue. Patients were classified according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for RA. Frozen sections were stained to obtain morphological data. Serial sections were desiccated, and spotted with matrix for MALDI analysis. Ions generated by laser irradiation of the tissue were separated in time, based on their m/z ratio, and were subsequently detected. IMS was used in a ‘profiling’ mode to detect discrete spots for rapid evaluation of proteomic patterns in various tissue compartments. Photomicrographs of the stained tissue images were reviewed by a pathologist. Areas of interest (10 discrete areas/compartment) were marked digitally and the histology-annotated images were merged to form a photomicrograph of the section taken before the MALDI measurement. Pixel coordinates of these areas were transferred to a robotic spotter, the matrix was spotted, and the coordinates of the spots were transferred to a mass spectrometer for spectral acquisition. The data generated were then subjected to biocomputation analysis to reveal the biomarker candidates. Results: Several peaks (m/z) consistent in mass with calgranulins, defensins, and thymosins were detected and their distribution in various synovial compartments (synovial lining and sublining layer) was demonstrated. Conclusion: MALDI IMS is a powerful tool for the rapid detection of numerous proteins (in situ proteomics) and was applied here for the analysis of the distribution of proteins in synovial tissue sections.
Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in 132 patients with malignant mesothelioma

Purpose: Our objective is to scrutinize clinical, laboratory, radiological characteristics, treatment regimens, and treatment outcomes of malignant mesothelioma (MM) cases in our hospital. Materials and Methods: We investigated, retrospectively, the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of all 132 MM patients at Dicle University Hospital between January 2006 and April 2010. Results: A total of 82 (62.1%) patients were male, and 50 (37.9%) female. Median age was 56.0 years. Mean survival time was 9.6±6.9 months. Mean survival time of patients who had received best supportive care was 7.5 months, chemotherapy 10.4 months, and multimodality treatment regimen 12.6 months. Patients in the multimodality treatment group survived longer than did those in the other two groups (P=0.042). A total of 76 patients received chemotherapy, of whom 17 (22.3%) were administered Cisplatin/Carboplatin and Gemcitabine, 58 (76.4%) Cisplatin/Carboplatin and Pemetrexed, and one (1.3%) Cisplatin + Docetaxel. Complete and partial response to treatment in patients receiving Cisplatin/Carboplatin and Gemcitabine was found 47.1% and Cisplatin/Carboplatin and Pemetrexed was found 50.0% (P>0.05). Conclusions: MM related to asbestos exposure is seen frequently in Turkey. Patients present with the typical clinical features of dyspnea, weight loss, and chest pain. Survival analysis shows that patients receiving multimodality treatment may be better.
An Intelligent Fused Approach for Face Recognition

Abstract Face detection plays important roles in many applications such as human–computer interaction, security and surveillance, face recognition, etc. This article presents an intelligent enhanced fused approach for face recognition based on the Voronoi diagram (VD) and wavelet moment invariants. Discrete wavelet transform and moment invariants are used for feature extraction of the facial face. Finally, VD and the dual tessellation (Delaunay triangulation, DT) are used to locate and detect original face images. Face recognition results based on this new fusion are promising in the state of the art.
Iron and Multivitamin Supplements in Children and its Association with Growth rate

Introduction: Vitamin deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are common nutritional problems, at least in children under 5. These materials shortage, especially in the first two years of life, impair physical and brain growth, reduces the child's learning ability, reduces body resistance against infections, behavioral changes, apathy and finally social and economic adverse consequences would be followed. This study aimed to determine the supplements used in children under two years and its Association with Growth rate in Mashhad City. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study , 300 children 6 to 24 months were recruited in health centers in Mashhad, Data was collected from mother and and children’ records and valid and reliable questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was analyzed by statistical tests and SPSS 11.5 and P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Results showed that 13.7 percent of families were with low income, 82.7 percent middle income and 3.7 percent well income. In growth chart, 86.7 percent of children showed appropriate growth, 10.3 percent had delayed growth and 3 percent had horizontal growth curve . In 80.7 percent of families, maternal multivitamin and iron drops have been used to their children regularly, 1.7 percent did not believe in these supplements and 17.7 percent of mothers sometimes used these supplements for their children. Results also showed statistical correlation significant variables of parental education, family income, mothers referred to health centers for monitoring the growth and get face to face training of personnel center drops of multivitamin with iron and growth status of children variable is available, so children who regularly have used supplements and income level and above are literate parents have grown more favorable than the other kids (P<0.05).
Comparison of efficacy of intra-articular morphine and steroid in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Introduction: Primary therapeutic aim in treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee is to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intra-articular triamcinolone with intra-articular morphine in pain relief due to osteoarthritis of the knee in the elderly population. Materials and Methods: Patients between 50 and 80 years of age were randomized into three groups. Group M received morphine plus bupivacaine intra-articularly, Group T received triamcinolone plus bupivacaine intra-articularly, and Group C received saline plus bupivacaine intra-articularly. Patients were evaluated before injection and in 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 12th weeks after injection. First-line supplementary analgesic was oral paracetamol 1500 mg/day. If analgesia was insufficient with paracetamol, oral dexketoprofen trometamol 50 mg/day was recommended to patients. Results: After the intra-articular injection, there was statistically significant decrease in visual analog scale (VAS) scores in Groups M and T, when compared to Group C. The decrease of VAS scores seen at the first 2 weeks continued steadily up to the end of 12th week. There was a significant decrease in Groups M and T in the WOMAC scores, when compared to Group C. There was no significant difference in the WOMAC scores between morphine and steroid groups. Significantly less supplementary analgesics was used in the morphine and steroid groups. Conclusion: Intra-articular morphine was as effective as intra-articular triamcinolone for analgesia in patients with osteoarthritis knee. Intra-articular morphine is possibly a better option than intra-articular steroid as it has lesser side effects.
Utilidad de 2 métodos coproparasitológicos y su empleo en un ensayo terapéutico antigiardiásico

RESUMENSe realizo un estudio a 456 ninos con edades de 1 a 5 anos, pertenecientes a 4 guarderias infantiles del municipio San Miguel delPadron, en el mes de noviembre de 1998; para evaluar el diagnostico de Giardia lamblia y otros protozoos intestinales,utilizando comparativamente los metodos de diagnostico coproparasitologicos de examen directo y la tecnica de concentracionde Ritchie o formol-eter. Ademas, se desarrollo un ensayo terapeutico, utilizando tinidazol y albendazol, para el tratamiento dela infeccion por G. lamblia. La tecnica de concentracion de Ritchie fue mas efectiva que el examen microscopico directo parael diagnostico de Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica/ Entamoeba dispar y Cyclospora cayetanensis y se demostro la mayorsensibilidad del examen seriado sobre el analisis de una sola muestra (p< 0,01). Por otra parte, el tinidazol demostro mayoreficacia que el albendazol para el tratamiento de la infeccion por G. lamblia, con un mayor porcentaje de curacion (72 % vs.34,6 %) (p< 0,01). DeCS: GIARDIA LAMBLIA/efecto de drogas; GIARDIA LAMBLIA/parasitologia; GIARDIASIS/diagnostico; GIARDIASIS/parasitologia; GIARDIASIS/quimioterapia; TINIDAZOL/uso terapeutico; ALBENDAZOL/uso terapeutico; HECES/parasitologia;PREESCOLAR; ESCUELAS DE PARVULOS; ENSAYOS CLINICOS.
Cytokine regulation of β-adrenergic responses in airway smooth muscle

Abstract Decreased responsiveness to β-adrenergic receptor agonists is a characteristic feature of human asthma. One explanation for this observation is that cytokines released in the asthmatic airway have direct effects on airway smooth muscle cells that reduce the ability of the cells to relax in response to β-agonists. This review summarizes data indicating that both inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and TNF-α, and Th2 cytokines, such as IL-13 and IL-5, have the capacity to decrease the ability of cultured airway smooth muscle cells to relax or to generate cyclic AMP in response to β-agonists, such as isoproterenol. These effects are observed in smooth muscle from human airways and airway smooth muscle of other species. In human airway smooth muscle, the effects of IL-1β and TNF-α appear to be mediated through expression of cyclooxygenase-2, whereas the effect of IL-13 requires activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. IL-1β and TNF-α also inhibit the ability of β-agonists to drive airway smooth muscle gene expression through pathways dependent on cyclic AMP response elements. Understanding the mechanistic basis for the effects of these cytokines may prove to be an important step in improving the efficacy of β-agonists for the treatment of asthma. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;110:S255-60.)
A comparison of intrathecal dexmedetomidine, clonidine, and fentanyl as adjuvants to hyperbaric bupivacaine for lower limb surgery: A double blind controlled study

Background: Various adjuvants are being used with local anesthetics for prolongation of intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. Dexmedetomidine, the highly selective 2 adrenergic agonist is a new neuraxial adjuvant gaining popularity. Settings and Design: The study was conducted in prospective, double blind manner. It included 120 American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class I and II patients undergoing lower limb surgery under spinal anesthesia after approval from hospital ethics committee with written and informed consent of patients. Materials and Methods: The patients were randomly allocated into four groups (30 patients each). Group BS received 12.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine with normal saline, group BF received 12.5 mg bupivacaine with 25 g fentanyl, group BC received 12.5 mg of bupivacaine supplemented 30 g clonidine, and group BD received 12.5 mg bupivacaine plus 5 g dexmedetomidine. The onset time to reach peak sensory and motor level, the regression time of sensory and motor block, hemodynamic changes, and side effects were recorded. Results: Patients in Group BD had significantly longer sensory and motor block times than patients in Groups BC, BF, and BS with Groups BC and BF having comparable duration of sensory and motor block. The mean time of two segment sensory block regression was 147 ± 21 min in Group BD, 117 ± 22 in Group BC, 119 ± 23 in Group BF, and 102 ± 17 in Group BS (P > 0.0001). The regression time of motor block to reach modified Bromage zero (0) was 275 ± 25, 199 ± 26, 196 ± 27, 161 ± 20 in Group BD, BC, BF, and BS, respectively (P > 0.0001). The onset times to reach T8 dermatome and modified Bromage 3 motor block were not significantly different between the groups. Dexmedetomidine group showed significantly less and delayed requirement of rescue analgesic. Conclusions: Intrathecal dexmedetomidine is associated with prolonged motor and sensory block, hemodynamic stability, and reduced demand of rescue analgesics in 24 h as compared to clonidine, fentanyl, or lone bupivacaine.
Adherence to cardiovascular prevention strategies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent national and international guidelines suggest strict treatment of CVD risk factors in RA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the self-reported adherence to CV prevention strategies in patients with RA. Method: RA patients visiting an outpatient clinic for strict CVD risk management received a validated questionnaire to evaluate adherence to CV prevention strategies. Strict treatment targets were defined and lifestyle recommendations were given following a prespecified protocol. CVD risk was assessed using the SCORE algorithm. Results: In total, 111 questionnaires were returned (response rate of 82%). A high 10-year CVD risk (≥ 20%) was present in 53%, but only 3% thought they had an increased CVD risk. A total of 53% of patients reported that they ‘follow the doctors’ suggestions exactly’ and 75% reported finding it ‘easy to follow the suggestions’. Of the 69% of patients who were prescribed lipid- and/or blood pressure-lowering drugs, 90% reported taking all prescribed tablets. The advice to follow a diet was given to 42%, of whom 68% said they followed the advised diet. Physical exercise was advised to 67%, of whom 62% said they performed specific physical exercise on at least 3 days a week. The adherence to lifestyle recommendations was not significantly different across the CVD risk groups. Conclusions: RA patients tend to underestimate their CVD risk. The self-reported adherence of RA patients to CVD risk management was high concerning pharmaceutical interventions and moderate in the case of lifestyle interventions.
Characterisation of heterologous prime-boost vaccination strategies : an investigation into the nature and delivery of vaccines and the subsequent generation of immune responses.

This thesis describes work undertaken to consider how strategies of vaccination can be manipulated to generate specific types and magnitude of immune response to prevent infection or treat established infection. The vaccination strategies employed were based on the initial delivery of DNA vaccine through intramuscular injection or ballistic delivery using a gene gun, followed by heterologous boosts, based on the same antigen delivered using an alternative route. These boost strategies included a) intramuscular delivery of purified recombinant HBcAg, b) mucosal delivery of HBcAg expressed by an attenuated strain of Salmonella typhimurium, and c) intranasal delivery of the protein accompanied by a mucosal adjuvant. Following each vaccination regime tested a number of specific immune responses, including serum and mucosal antibody production, CD4+ T helper proliferation in spleens and lymph nodes, CD8+ T cell activation and killing were measured. These experiments revealed that the character of the immune responses primed in response to DNA vaccination differed according to route of immunisation, with intramuscular vaccination inducing a rapid CTL response. CD4+ T cells generated appeared to be of the Th1 phenotype and showed the strongest localisation in the spleen. In contrast, following vaccination with the gene gun, CD4+ cells of a Th2 phenotype were generated with responses being found to be stronger in the local draining lymph nodes that the spleen. Combining DNA delivered using the intramuscular route with recombinant purified protein delivered by the same route was effective at boosting systemic antibody titres, as was boosting using attenuated Salmonella expressing the same antigen when delivered to the mucosal surface of the gut. In contrast, boosting of DNA primed animals with purified protein, even in the presence of an appropriate mucosal adjuvant, was not successful at increasing titres of systemic antibodies. Interestingly, specific mucosal immune responses were absent when either of the heterologous vaccination strategies used a mucosal boosting approach.
Online Teaching Experience: A Qualitative Metasynthesis (QMS)

Qualitative studies of educators who teach online are crucial to provide direction for practice and research as they offer an emic perspective. Using a qualitative metasynthesis (QMS) design, this study investigated the experience of online educators at institutions of higher education in the U. S. Discerning what activities online educators could instigate to bridge the gaps between the best practices and the present instructional realities in online teaching, this study provides an interpretive synthesis of the meaning of teaching online as represented by a body of qualitative literature on online education. The chosen theoretical framework for the study includes the model of critical thinking and community inquiry. The researcher identified nine original qualitative studies involving 203 participants in geographically diverse schools. Close reading of the nine studies identified four key themes that captured the nature and experience of online instructors: (a) work intensity, (b) role changes, (c) teaching strategies, and (d) professional development. Many of these themes were linked to each other and, therefore, contributed to a broader picture of the instructors’ experience. The results of the study substantiate previous research and can benefit all stakeholders including learners, faculty members, and leaders in colleges and universities that offer online education.