Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of the halo sign in the assessment of giant cell arteritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the halo sign in the assessment of GCA. Methods A systematic literature review was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane central register databases up to August 2020. Studies informing on the sensitivity and specificity of the US halo sign for GCA (index test) were selected. Studies with a minimum of five participants were included. Study articles using clinical criteria, imaging such as PET-CT and/or temporal artery biopsy (TAB) as the reference standards were selected. Meta-analysis was conducted with a bivariate model. Results The initial search yielded 4023 studies. Twenty-three studies (patients n = 2711) met the inclusion criteria. Prospective (11 studies) and retrospective (12 studies) studies in academic and non-academic centres were included. Using clinical diagnosis as the standard (18 studies) yielded a pooled sensitivity of 67% (95% CI: 51, 80) and a specificity of 95% (95% CI: 89, 98%). This gave a positive and negative likelihood ratio for the diagnosis of GCA of 14.2 (95% CI: 5.7, 35.5) and 0.375 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.54), respectively. Using TAB as the standard (15 studies) yielded a pooled sensitivity of 63% (95% CI: 50, 75) and a specificity of 90% (95% CI: 81, 95). Conclusion The US halo sign is a sensitive and specific approach for GCA assessment and plays a pivotal role in diagnosis of GCA in routine clinical practice. Registration PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020202179.
Marching toward “heart work”: Connecting in new ways to thrive amidst COVID‐19 crisis

Abstract With one of the greatest turmoil in the world of work that has wreaked havoc on companies small and large, the global pandemic COVID‐19 is penning a new normative. Amidst such disruptions, employees are found to be floundering with tears, boredom, annoyance, and helplessness. With unparalleled challenges and uncertain prognosis, employees are unable to rebuild their power and thrive in alternative circumstances. This calls for an active effort on the part of organizations to embrace openness and discuss vividly what needs to be preserved, created, eliminated, or accepted. Deeper ties and inclusive approach of firms can amp up an employee's self‐worth. The current study reflected the essence of connectedness and oneness at times of crisis. Organizations can play a pivotal role in helping employees rise above the feeling of despair. Connecting with heart can sweep off the feeling of instability, bringing in a stream of positive emotions and experiences. The study draws a cross‐sectional data (n = 418) from employees working in various manufacturing and service companies of India to test the hypothesized framework. We have carried out SEM analysis through AMOS to understand the combined measurement model with mediation effects. The analytical results demonstrate that positive mindset fully and partially mediates between the drivers of heart work and resilience. The study reveals that the contributing factors of heart work significantly influences positive mindset of employees, which in turn has a positive association with resilience at work. One of the triggers of heart work—“Face the fear, fix fast” is found to be a strong and consistent predictor of positive mindset. Again, “Generate energy moments” another element of heart work stands to be a sharp predictor of resilience at work. The study also discusses varied implications that can enrich managerial effectuality in this crisis condition.
Geospatial Analysis of Persons with Movement Disorders Living in Underserved Regions

Background: Movement disorders persons from underserved areas have increased barriers to access tertiary care. There is currently limited data on the geographic and demographic profile of movement disorders persons from underserved areas. Methods: A retrospective chart review of the geographic and demographic profile of consecutive cases seen between 2002–2017 at the University of Florida Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (UF-NFIND) was performed. Information collected included age, sex, diagnosis, zip code, treatment received, and insurance information. The distances between each person’s home residence and the nearest movement disorders center of excellence (MDC) as well as the distance to the UF-NFIND were calculated using ArcGIS 10.3. Results: A total of 5.2% (355/6867) of the sample population were identified as a Medicaid/self-pay population and classified as underserved. The most common diagnoses were tic disorder (19.2%), dystonia (18.3%), and Parkinson’s disease (14.3%). In underserved persons, the median distances from their homes to the UF-NFIND (82.19 [45.79–176.93] km) vs. their nearest MDC (63.34 [26.91–121.43] km) were significantly different (p < 0.001). Discussion: Underserved persons in our study travelled further to receive subspecialty care at UF-NFIND than closer MDCs. Potential reasons for underutilization of closer care could possibly include research opportunities, availability of specific treatments or procedures, insurance restrictions, and limited specialist availability. Despite this observation, underserved persons were underrepresented at our institution compared to the proportion of Medicaid/uninsured patients in Florida. Our results highlight the need for increased awareness of care options for underserved movement disorders populations.
Biofilm regulation in Clostridioides difficile: Novel systems linked to hypervirulence

Clostridiodes difficile (C. difficile) was ranked an “urgent threat” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2019. C. difficile infection (CDI) is the most common healthcare-associated infection (HAI) in the United States of America as well as the leading cause of antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal disease. C. difficile is a gram-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming, anaerobic bacterium that causes infection of the epithelial lining of the gut. CDI occurs most commonly after disruption of the human gut microflora following the prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, the recurrent nature of this disease has led to the hypothesis that biofilm formation may play a role in its pathogenesis. Biofilms are sessile communities of bacteria protected from extracellular stresses by a matrix of self-produced proteins, polysaccharides, and extracellular DNA. Biofilm regulation in C. difficile is still incompletely understood, and its role in disease recurrence has yet to be fully elucidated. However, many factors have been found to influence biofilm formation in C. difficile, including motility, adhesion, and hydrophobicity of the bacterial cells. Small changes in one of these systems can greatly influence biofilm formation. Therefore, the biofilm regulatory system would need to coordinate all these systems to create optimal biofilm-forming physiology under appropriate environmental conditions. The coordination of these systems is complex and multifactorial, and any analysis must take into consideration the influences of the stress response, quorum sensing (QS), and gene regulation by second messenger molecule cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP). However, the differences in biofilm-forming ability between C. difficile strains such as 630 and the “hypervirulent” strain, R20291, make it difficult to assign a “one size fits all” mechanism to biofilm regulation in C. difficile. This review seeks to consolidate published data regarding the regulation of C. difficile biofilms in order to identify gaps in knowledge and propose directions for future study.
Equity Premium Predictability Over the Business Cycle

The equity premium follows a pronounced v-shape pattern around the beginning of recessions. It sharply drops into negative territory just before business cycle peaks and then strongly recovers as the recession unfolds. Recessions are preceded by an inverted yield curve. Thus probit models using the term spread as predictor time the beginning of recessions well. We show that such model-implied recession probabilities strongly improve equity premium prediction out-of-sample. We document a structural break in the mean of the term spread in 1982. When correcting for this break, the forecast performance further strengthens, outperforming other recently proposed benchmark predictors.
The Synergistic Anti-Tumor Activity of EZH2 Inhibitor SHR2554 and HDAC Inhibitor Chidamide through ORC1 Reduction of DNA Replication Process in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Simple Summary The EZH2-targeted drugs have demonstrated notable therapeutic effects in EZH2 mutant B-cell lymphoma patients. In this study, we demonstrated that the combination of EZH2 inhibitor SHR2554 and HDAC inhibitor HBI8000 exert synergistic anti-proliferative activity in both EZH2 wide-type and mutation B-cell lymphoma. More importantly, gene expression profile analysis revealed simultaneous treatment with these agents led to dramatic inhibition of DNA replication initiator protein ORC1, which might contribute to great efficacy of combination strategy. The combination of EZH2 inhibitor and HDAC inhibitor could provide a potential therapeutic treatment for both EZH2 wide-type and mutation B-cell lymphoma patients. Abstract Background: Upregulation of H3K27me3 induced by EZH2 overexpression or somatic heterozygous mutations were implicated in lymphomagenesis. It has been demonstrated that several EZH2-target agents have notable therapeutic effects in EZH2-mutant B-cell lymphoma patients. Here we present a novel highly selective EZH2 inhibitor SHR2554 and possible combination strategy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: Cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay and flow cytometry. Western Blot was used to detect the expression of related proteins. The gene expression profiling post combination treatment was analyzed by RNA-Seq. Finally, CDX and PDX models were used to evaluate the synergistic anti-tumor effects of the combination treatment in vivo. Results: The novel EZH2 inhibitor SHR2554 inhibited proliferation and induced G1 phase arrest in EZH2-mutant DLBCL cell lines. The combination of EZH2 inhibitor SHR2554 with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor chidamide (hereafter referred to as HBI8000) exerted synergistic anti-proliferative activity in vitro and in vivo. Gene expression profile analysis revealed dramatic inhibition of the DNA replication process in combined treatment. Conclusions: SHR2554, a potent, highly selective small molecule inhibitor of EZH2, inhibited EZH2-mutant DLBCL more significantly in vitro and in vivo. The combination of HDAC inhibitor HBI8000 with EZH2 inhibitor SHR2554 exhibited dramatic anti-tumor activity in both mutant and wild-type DLBCL, which may become a potential therapeutic modality for the treatment of DLBCL patients.
Testing for EGFR Mutations and ALK Rearrangements in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Considerations for Countries in Emerging Markets

Abstract The treatment of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in recent years has been increasingly guided by biomarker testing. Testing has centered on driver genetic alterations involving the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements. The presence of these mutations is predictive of response to targeted therapies such as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and ALK TKIs. However, there are substantial challenges for the implementation of biomarker testing, particularly in emerging countries. Understanding the barriers to testing in NSCLC will be key to improving molecular testing rates worldwide and patient outcomes as a result. In this article, we review EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements as predictive biomarkers for NSCLC, discuss a selection of appropriate tests and review the literature with respect to the global uptake of EGFR and ALK testing. To help improve testing rates and unify procedures, we review our experiences with biomarker testing in China, South Korea, Russia, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, and propose a set of recommendations that pathologists from emerging countries can apply to assist with the diagnosis of NSCLC.
Effect of Cu, Cr and Ni alloying elements on mechanical properties and atmospheric corrosion resistance of weathering steels in marine atmospheres of different aggressivities

This paper studies the individual and combined effect of adding Cu (0.26–1.06 wt%), Cr (0.54 wt%) and Ni (0.92–2.92 wt%) alloying elements to carbon steel with regard to mechanical behaviour and atmospheric corrosion resistance in two marine atmospheres with different chloride deposition rates (20 and 71 mg Cl−/m2 · d). Mechanical properties are assessed in terms of yield strength, ultimate strength, elongation, hardness and weldability, while atmospheric corrosion resistance is evaluated by determination of corrosion losses, rust layer structure, and nature of the corrosion products formed. The best atmospheric corrosion resistance is obtained with weathering steel (3 wt% Ni), which would be suitable for use unpainted in marine atmospheres of moderate salinity (≤20 mg Cl−/m2 · d), though a longer cooling time would be required during its manufacture in order to assure adequate weldability.
Modelling inbound international tourism demand in Australia: Lessons from the pandemics

Abstract The study explores how international tourism demand in Australia is impacted not only by traditional economic factors but also by uncertainty and risk emanating from pandemics. Using an augmented demand model the paper examines the main determinants of tourism in Australia during the favourable period and what lessons can be drawn to reboot international tourism in the post‐pandemic situation. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind, which employs a robust second‐generation panel model to examine the impact of pandemic augmenting economic uncertainty upon the international tourism demand in Australia.
Incidence and Prognostic Significance of PD-L1 Expression in High-Grade Salivary Gland Carcinoma

Objective PD-L1 is one of the predictors of immunotherapy efficacy. Our goal was to analyze its expression and prognostic significance in high-grade salivary gland carcinoma (SGC). Methods PD-L1 expression was evaluated using paraffin-embedded specimens from patients with surgically treated high-grade SGC, and it was scored by the tumor proportion score (TPS), combined positive score (CPS), and immune cell (IC) score. Associations between clinicopathological variables, disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and PD-L1 expression were assessed. Results TPS≥1% occurred in 47 patients with an incidence of 43.1%, and it was significantly related to an advanced tumor stage. In patients with TPS<1%, TPS ranging from 1% to 20%, and TPS≥20%, the 5-year DFS rates were 36%, 26%, and 13%, respectively, and the difference was significant. In patients with TPS<1%, TPS ranging from 1% to 20%, and TPS≥20%, the 5-year OS rates were 49%, 24%, and 13%, respectively, and the difference was significant. CPS≥1 occurred in 87 patients with an incidence of 79.8%. IC scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3 were noted in 24 (22.0%), 37 (33.9%), 31 (28.4%), and 17 (15.6%) patients, respectively. Both CPS and IC scores had no impact on DFS or OS. Conclusions The expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells of high-grade SGCs was not uncommon, and it was significantly associated with tumor stage. PD-L1 expression in tumor cells rather than in immune cells indicated a poor prognosis.
Evaluation of the Bond Strength of Densely Sintered Ceramics Subjected to Extended Firing

Introduction Critical failures in ceramic materials can be caused by the processing mode, which includes all steps taken in the manufacture of a ceramic part, from molding to firing. Purpose To evaluate the effect of extended firing on bond strength in densely sintered ceramics of the zirconium reinforced lithium silicate, lithium disilicate, and feldspathic ceramic. Materials and Methods Three types of ceramics were evaluated: zirconium reinforced lithium silicate, lithium disilicate, feldspathic ceramic. A total of 6 ceramic blocks, two for each material were used in the study. Each block was cut into four square sections. A total of 24 ceramic surfaces were randomly distributed into 6 groups (n = 4 surfaces per group) divided according to the variables: heat treatment: conventional firing or extended firing; test time: immediate (24 hours after cementation) or longevity (after 1000 cycles of thermocycling). The bond strength tests were performed in a semi-universal test machine for microshear bond strength. For data analysis, the Shapiro–Wilk test was performed to evaluate the normality between the groups measured, and regarding homoscedasticity (homogeneity of variances) by the Bartlett test. The comparisons between the groups were made using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test. Results There was no statistically significant difference of the resistance values in relation to the thermal treatment methods (conventional firing and extended firing) in any ceramic group (p <0.05). Among the times (immediate and long), there was a statistically significant difference (p <0.05), with higher resistance values for immediate time. Conclusion Extended firing did not influence the micro-shear bond strength of zirconium reinforced lithium silicate, lithium disilicate, feldspathic ceramic.
Daily Rice Bran Consumption for 6 Months Influences Serum Glucagon-Like Peptide 2 and Metabolite Profiles without Differences in Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in Weaning Nicaraguan Infants at 12 Months of Age

ABSTRACT Background Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is associated with chronic gut inflammation affecting nutrient absorption and development of children, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. Several studies have shown that rice bran (RB) supplementation provides nutrients and modulates gut inflammation, which may reduce risk for undernutrition. Objective The aim was to evaluate the effect of daily RB dietary supplementation for 6 mo on serum biomarkers in weaning infants and associated changes in serum and stool metabolites. Methods A 6-mo randomized-controlled dietary intervention was conducted in a cohort of weaning 6-mo-old infants in León, Nicaragua. Anthropometric indices were obtained at 6, 8, and 12 mo. Serum and stool ionomics and metabolomics were completed at the end of the 6-mo intervention using inductively coupled plasma MS and ultra-high performance LC–tandem MS. The ɑ1-acid glycoprotein, C-reactive protein, and glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) serum EED biomarkers were measured by ELISA. Results Twenty-four infants in the control group and 23 in the RB group successfully completed the 6-mo dietary intervention with 90% dietary compliance. RB participants had higher concentrations of GLP-2 as compared with control participants at 12 mo [median (IQR): 743.53 (380.54) pg/mL vs. 592.50 (223.59) pg/mL; P = 0.04]. Metabolite profiles showed significant fold differences of 39 serum metabolites and 44 stool metabolites from infants consuming RB compared with control, and with significant metabolic pathway enrichment scores of 4.7 for the tryptophan metabolic pathway, 5.7 for polyamine metabolism, and 5.7 for the fatty acid/acylcholine metabolic pathway in the RB group. No differences were detected in serum and stool trace elements or heavy metals following daily RB intake for 6 mo. Conclusions RB consumption influences a suite of metabolites associated with growth promotion and development, while also supporting nutrient absorption as measured by changes in serum GLP-2 in Nicaraguan infants. This clinical trial was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02615886.
Clinical Pathological Features and Current Animal Models of Type 3 Macular Neovascularization

Type 3 macular neovascularization (MNV3), or retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), is a distinct type of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of vision loss in older persons. During the past decade, systematic investigation into the clinical, multimodal imaging, and histopathological features and therapeutic outcomes has provided important new insight into this disease. These studies favor the retinal origin of MNV3 and suggest the involvement of retinal hypoxia, inflammation, von Hippel–Lindau (VHL)–hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, and multiple cell types in the development and progression of MNV3. Several mouse models, including the recently built Rb/p107/Vhl triple knockout mouse model by our group, have induced many of the histological features of MNV3 and provided much insight into the underlying pathological mechanisms. These models have revealed the roles of retinal hypoxia, inflammation, lipid metabolism, VHL/HIF pathway, and retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (Rb)–E2F cell cycle pathway in the development of MNV3. This article will summarize the clinical, multimodal imaging, and pathological features of MNV3 and the diversity of animal models that exist for MNV3, as well as their strengths and limitations.
A Prospective Study of One-Muscle Surgery in 15–25 Prism Diopters Horizontal Comitant Strabismus in Adults

Purpose To prospectively evaluate the results of one-muscle surgery in 15–25 prism diopters (PD) horizontal comitant strabismus in adults. Patients and Methods 15–25 PD horizontal strabismus patients, comprising 25 exotropic (XT) patients and 11 esotropic (ET) patients, who underwent one-muscle recession by a single surgeon with a fixed surgical dosage were included in the study with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. The main outcome was a surgical success, which is defined as a residual deviation of <8 PD at the last examination. Other parameters include postoperative lateral incomitance and patient satisfaction. Postoperative lateral incomitance indicated a difference in deviation of >5 PD between the primary position and lateral gaze, or duction limitation at any visit. Patient satisfaction regarding cosmetic and functional outcomes was assessed by using a 5-point Likert scale. Results Successful alignment was obtained in 19 (76%) and 9 (81.81%) XT and ET patients (p = 1.00), with a median and interquartile range (IQR) of follow-up time of 3, 3–3 months and 3, 3–7 months, respectively. Postoperative lateral incomitance was observed in 8 (32%) XT patients and in 1 (9.09%) ET patient (p = 0.22). One XT patient and one ET patient who developed incomitance reported diplopia, which disappeared 3 months after surgery. One XT patient reported diplopia while gazing towards the operated eye whilst one ET patient reported diplopia occasionally which was unrelated to gaze direction. Patient satisfaction was based on Likert scale scores with 4.12 ± 0.97 in XT patients and 4.73 ± 0.65 in ET patients (p = 0.07). Conclusion One-muscle recession with a fixed surgical dosage was effective for treating small angle horizontal strabismus with a high rate of surgical success and patient satisfaction. Although postoperative lateral incomitance occurred, only a few patients developed symptomatic diplopia, which completely resolved 3 months after surgery.