Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Benefits of High-Volume Medical Oncology Care for Noncurable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Population-Based Analysis.

BACKGROUND Although pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) surgery performed by high-volume (HV) providers yields better outcomes, volume-outcome relationships are unknown for medical oncologists. This study examined variation in practice and outcomes in noncurative management of PA based on medical oncology provider volume. METHODS This population-based cohort study linked administrative healthcare datasets and included nonresected PA from 2005 through 2016. The volume of PA consultations per medical oncology provider per year was divided into quintiles, with HV providers (≥16 patients/year) constituting the fifth quintile and low-volume (LV) providers the first to fourth quintiles. Outcomes were receipt of chemotherapy and overall survival (OS). The Brown-Forsythe-Levene (BFL) test for equality of variances was performed to assess outcome variability between provider-volume quintiles. Multivariate regression models were used to examine the association between management by HV provider and outcomes. RESULTS A total of 7,062 patients with noncurable PA consulted with medical oncology providers. Variability was seen in receipt of chemotherapy and median survival based on provider volume (BFL, P<.001 for both), with superior 1-year OS for HV providers (30.1%; 95% CI, 27.7%-32.4%) compared with LV providers (19.7%; 95% CI, 18.5%-20.6%) (P<.001). After adjustment for age at diagnosis, sex, comorbidity burden, rural residence, income, and diagnosis period, HV provider care was independently associated with higher odds of receiving chemotherapy (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.05-1.34) and with superior OS (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.74-0.84). CONCLUSIONS Significant variation was seen in noncurative management and outcomes of PA based on provider volume, with management by an HV provider being independently associated with superior OS and higher odds of receiving chemotherapy. This information is important to inform disease care pathways and care organization. Cancer care systems could consider increasing the number of HV providers to reduce variation and improve outcomes.
Fluorinated Galactoses Inhibit Galactose-1-Phosphate Uridyltransferase and Metabolically Induce Galactosemia-like Phenotypes in HEK-293 Cells

Genetic defects of human galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (hGALT) and the partial loss of enzyme function result in an altered galactose metabolism with serious long-term developmental impairment of organs in classic galactosemia patients. In search for cellular pathomechanisms induced by the stressor galactose, we looked for ways to induce metabolically a galactosemia-like phenotype by hGALT inhibition in HEK293 cells. In kinetic studies, we provide evidence for 2-fluorinated galactose-1-phosphate (F-Gal-1-P) to competitively inhibit recombinant hGALT with a KI of 0.9 mM. Contrasting with hepatic cells, no alterations of N-glycoprofiles in MIG (metabolic induction of galactosemia)-HEK293 cells were revealed for an inducible secretory netrin-1 probe by MALDI-MS. Differential fluorescence-activated cell sorting demonstrated reduced surface expression of N-glycosylated CD109, EGFR, DPP4, and rhMUC1. Membrane raft proteomes exhibited dramatic alterations pointing to an affection of the unfolded protein response, and of targeted protein traffick. Most prominent, a negative regulation of oxidative stress was revealed presumably as a response to a NADPH pool depletion during reduction of Gal/F-Gal. Cellular perturbations induced by fluorinated galactoses in normal epithelial cells resemble proteomic changes revealed for galactosemic fibroblasts. In conclusion, the metabolic induction of galactosemia-like phenotypes in healthy epithelial/neuronal cells could support studies on the molecular pathomechanisms in classic galactosemia, in particular under conditions of low galactose stress and residual GALT activity.
A kinematic analysis of the upper limb during the topspin double-handed backhand stroke in tennis

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to compare double-handed backhand kinematics of the non-dominant wrist of tennis players using either an eastern or continental grip position with the non-dominant hand. Trajectory data were captured using sixty reflective markers on sixteen sub-elite right-handed tennis players using a 12-camera VICON motion capture system (250 Hz). Participants executed double-handed backhands using two non-dominant grip positions (Eastern [E] and Continental [C]), aiming for two crosscourt zones (Deep [D] and Short [S]), totalling to four conditions (ED, CD, ES and CS). Three successful attempts from each condition were selected for analysis. The eastern grip demonstrated faster horizontal racket head velocity compared to the continental grip. However, no differences were observed in accuracy or spin rate between grips (p > 0.05). In the non-dominant upper limb, elbow flexion was smaller in the continental condition throughout the swing, whilst wrist extension and ulnar deviation was larger. Collectively, these data suggest that the continental grip may place the wrist in a position vulnerable to overuse injury. Future research into the kinetics of the double-handed backhand would help better understand the onset of ulnar-side wrist pain in tennis.
Consumer Understanding of the Date of Minimum Durability of Food in Association with Quality Evaluation of Food Products After Expiration

Food labelled with a “best before” date has a long shelf life. This study aimed to examine the respondents’ knowledge and understanding regarding the labelling on food products, as well as to assess the microbiological, physico–chemical and the sensory quality of selected durable food products on and after the date specified by the manufacturer. Two methods were used—a survey and laboratory tests. It was found that the majority of respondents have difficulty distinguishing and understanding the terms on the label and that a significant proportion of the respondents consume food products after the “best before” date. Laboratory tests of milk, pasta, mayonnaise and jam confirmed the microbiological safety of the products even six months after the “best before” date. Other features (texture, colour and sensory quality) slightly changed after one month for milk and mayonnaise (the colour had become more yellow) and after three months for pasta (its hardness had decreased) and jam (it had become browner). The possibility of extending the “best before” dates of selected durable foods could be considered, which could allow such products to legally be handed over to public benefit organisations, thereby reducing food wastage.
INFORMAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN GHANA: AN ANALYSIS OF MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS

The study was conducted in Ghana specifically Greater Accra region. The aim was to identify the motives for informal entrepreneurship. A total of 400 respondents were selected for data collection. A structured questionnaire which has been pre-tested was used. The collected data was analysed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were the mode of data presentation. The results revealed that, 48.2% of owners of small scale informal enterprises were females and 51.8% males. Majority (65%) of the respondents were between the year group 21 to 40. The majority of the respondents (60.1%) were married and 29% of them were single. Moreover, the owners of small enterprises surveyed were fairly literate: 32% of them were educated up to Senior High level, 28% of them have received Junior High Education, whiles 14.3% have up to primary education. However, 6.4% of them have no formal education. Further analysis using logistic regression, showed that, financial challenge, unemployment, experience acquired from previous employment and ones’ expectation of being better off as an entrepreneur will push an individual into entrepreneurship. The findings are that Ghanaian entrepreneurs are motivated mainly by necessity to start their engagements in the informal economy.
[First case of severe childhood novel coronavirus pneumonia in China].

1例主诉为"间断腹泻、呕吐6 d，发热伴呼吸急促半天"的患儿就诊于武汉儿童医院重症医学科，诊断为儿童危重型新型冠状病毒肺炎（NCP）。 以"新型冠状病毒肺炎""儿童""危重型"为关键词检索截至2020年2月8日中国知网、维普网、万方等相关数据库，未见报道。 本例为中国首例危重型NCP患儿，以消化道症状起病，早期呼吸道症状不明显，快速进展为急性呼吸窘迫综合征、脓毒症休克并伴有急性肾衰竭。 患儿早期连续2次咽拭子2019新型冠状病毒（2019-nCoV）核酸检测阴性。 对于重症疑似病例，建议采集下呼吸道样本或重复采集上呼吸道样本进行检测。 体外连续血液净化技术可尽早应用到危重型NCP患儿的救治中。
Histone H4 dosage modulates DNA damage response in the pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata via homologous recombination pathway

Candida glabrata, a nosocomial fungal bloodstream pathogen, causes significant morbidity and mortality in hospitals worldwide. The ability to replicate in macrophages and survive a high level of oxidative stress contributes to its virulence in the mammalian host. However, the role of DNA repair and recombination mechanisms in its pathobiology is still being discovered. Here, we have characterized the response of C. glabrata to the methyl methanesulfonate (MMS)-induced DNA damage. We found that the MMS exposure triggered a significant downregulation of histone H4 transcript and protein levels, and that, the damaged DNA was repaired by the homologous recombination (HR) pathway. Consistently, the reduced H4 gene dosage was associated with increased HR frequency and elevated resistance to MMS. The genetic analysis found CgRad52, a DNA strand exchange-promoter protein of the HR system, to be essential for this MMS resistance. Further, the tandem-affinity purification and mass spectrometry analysis revealed a substantially smaller interactome of H4 in MMS-treated cells. Among 23 identified proteins, we found the WD40-repeat protein CgCmr1 to interact genetically and physically with H4, and regulate H4 levels, HR pathway and MMS stress survival. Controlling H4 levels tightly is therefore a regulatory mechanism to survive MMS stress in C. glabrata.
Three Mexican Families with β thalassemia intermedia with different molecular basis

Abstract Beta thalassemia (β-thal) is a frequent monogenic disease, is clinically and molecularly heterogeneous. This study described molecular and laboratory findings for three Mexican patients with β-thal intermedia phenotype and their relatives. Three Mexican families were studied for presenting β-thal intermedia, ARMS-PCR and Gap-PCR were performed to screen for common mutations, Sanger sequencing for rare or new alleles, and MLPA for identifying deletions and or duplications. In all three families we observed, in heterozygote condition, the mutation c.118C > T (p.Gln39*) also known as codon 39(C > T) in the β globin gene (HBB) associated with a novel molecular defect: a new duplication of the alpha globin gene cluster, a new deletion that includes the loss of exon 3 of HBB and finally a novel mutation in the 3’UTR of HBB (HBB: c.*132C > A). We report three Mexican families with beta thalassemia intermedia due to different molecular basis; a new single nucleotide mutation involving the last nucleotide of the β-globin chain transcript; and two possible new DNA rearrangements, an α cluster duplication, and a partial β gene deletion.
Deep-Analysis of Palmprint Representation Based on Correlation Concept for Human Biometrics Identification

The security of people requires a beefy guarantee in our society, particularly, with the spread of terrorism throughout the world. In this context, palmprint identification based on texture analysis is amongst the pattern recognition applications to recognize people. In this article, the researchers investigated a deep texture analysis for the palmprint texture pattern representation based on a fusion between several texture information extractions through multiple descriptors, such as HOG and Gabor Filters, Fractal dimensions and GLCM corresponding respectively to the frequency, model, and statistical methodologies-based texture features. They assessed the proposed deep texture analysis method as well as the applicability of the dimensionality reduction techniques and the correlation concept between the features-based fusion on the challenging PolyU, CASIA and IIT-Delhi Palmprint databases. The experimental results show that the fusion of different texture types using the correlation concept for palmprint modality identification leads to promising results.
Do results of the T-SPOT. TB interferon- γ release assay change after treatment of tuberculosis?

0954-6111/$ see front matter a 200 doi:10.1016/j.rmed. 2008.09. 012 Summary Background: Interferon-gamma (IFN-g) production by lymphocytes exposed to antigens specific of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been shown to correlate with antigen load and disease activity. Aim of study: To determine whether treatment of tuberculosis (TB) led to a decrease and/or a reversion of results of a IFN-g release assay (T-SPOT.TB, Oxford Immunotec, UK) and thus if T-SPOT.TB could be used to monitor response to treatment. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative analysis (SFUs: spot-forming units) of T-SPOT.TB in HIV-negative patients with TB, during initial 2 weeks of treatment (T0), at end of treatment (TE) and 6 months later (TEþ 6). Results: Mean SFU (SD) was 75 (58; n Z 62) at T0, 46 (55; n Z 55) at TE, and 33 (46; n Z 41) at TE þ 6; positive rate was 98%, 93% and 98%, respectively. SFUs (paired samples, n Z 36) decreased significantly between T0 and TE; 2 reversions occurred between T0 and TE (6%), but none between TE and TEþ 6. Of 6 patients (17%) with an increase in SFUs between T0 and TE, 5 had a favourable outcome at TE and TEþ 6. Conclusion: Decrease in SFUs under treatment suggests a relationship with antigen load; however, persisting high SFUs were not predictive of unfavourable outcome and test reversion was rare. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov (NCT00595907). a 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Surimi Enzymology and Biotechnology

The mechanisms of gelation, proteinase effects on gel softening and the nature of changes associated with surimi quality are complex. Based on the results thus far studied, this review will focus on the proteinases/inhibitors and transglutaminase (TGase and MTGase) effects on the quality of surimi. Seafood industry might be interested in how to prevent the deterioration of protein gels and consequently keep the quality of surimi-based products. Developments of some economic bio-productions of natural inhibitors and MTGase make the prevention of gel-softening on surimibased process possible. Therefore, production of MTGase and cystatin, an inhibitor of cysteine proteinases, using biotechnology and their effects on inhibition of surimi gel softening will also be discussed.
Rapid molecular testing for Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia improves clinical management.

Introduction. Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) causes significant morbidity and mortality. Standard diagnostic methods require 24-48 h to provide results, during which time management is guideline-based and may be suboptimal.Aim. Evaluate the impact of rapid molecular detection of S. aureus in positive blood culture bottle fluid on patient management.Methodology. Samples were tested prospectively at two clinical centres. Positive blood cultures with Gram-positive cocci in clusters on microscopy were tested with the Xpert MRSA/SA blood culture assay (Cepheid), as well as standard culture-based identification and antimicrobial sensitivity tests. Results were passed to clinical microbiologists in real time and used for patient management.Results. Of 264 blood cultures tested (184 and 80 from each centre), S. aureus was grown from 39 (14.8 %) with one identified as methicillin-resistant S. aureus; all Xpert results agreed with culture results. Median turnaround time from culture flagging positive to result reporting for Xpert was 1.7 h, compared to 25.7 h for species identification by culture. Xpert results allowed early changes to management in 40 (16.8 %) patients, with Xpert positive patients starting specific therapy for SAB and Xpert negative patients stopping or avoiding empiric antimicrobials for SAB.Conclusion. Rapid and accurate detection of S. aureus with the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay in positive blood culture bottles allowed earlier targeted patient management. Negative Xpert results are suggestive of coagulase negative staphylococci, allowing de-escalation of antimicrobial therapy if clinically appropriate.
Appendicular myological reconstruction of the forelimb of the giant titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur Dreadnoughtus schrani

Soft tissues are variably preserved in the fossil record with external tissues, such as skin and feathers, more frequently preserved than internal tissues (e.g. muscles). More commonly, soft tissues leave traces of their locations on bones and, for muscles, these clues can be used to reconstruct the musculature of extinct vertebrates, thereby enhancing our understanding of how these organisms moved and the evolution of their locomotor patterns. Herein we reconstruct the forelimb and shoulder girdle musculature of the giant titanosaurian sauropod Dreadnoughtus schrani based on observations of osteological correlates and dissections of taxa comprising the Extant Phylogenetic Bracket of non‐avian dinosaurs (crocodilians and birds). Fossils of Dreadnoughtus exhibit remarkably well‐preserved, well‐developed, and extensive muscle scars. Furthermore, this taxon is significantly larger‐bodied than any titanosaurian for which a myological reconstruction has previously been attempted, rendering this myological study highly informative for the clade. In total, 28 muscles were investigated in this study, for which 46 osteological correlates were identified; these osteological correlates allowed the reconstruction of 16 muscles on the basis of Level I or Level II inferences (i.e. not Level I' or Level II' inferences). Comparisons with other titanosaurians suggest widespread myological variation in the clade, although potential phylogenetic patterns are often obscured by fragmentary preservation, infrequent myological studies, and lack of consensus on the systematic position of many taxa. By identifying myological variations within the clade, we can begin to address specific evolutionary and biomechanical questions related to the locomotor evolution in these sauropods.
Automated Preliminary Brain Tumor Segmentation Using

Brain tumour has ample variations from person to person, in terms of size, texture or distribution. Experienced oncologists can easily identify the tumour region. But given its variations, training an algorithm to detect the tumour is a challenging task. Many algorithms have been developed to segment and detect the tumours, taking into consideration various aspects of an image. In this paper, we discussed a survey of brain tumour segmentation algorithms in image processing, and our proposed approach to detect brain tumors using texture and feature vectors and one-class classification methods.
Numerical investigation of penetration in Ceramic/Aluminum targets using Smoothed particle hydrodynamics method and presenting a modified analytical model

Radius of ceramic cone can largely contribute into final solution of analytic models of penetration into ceramic/metal targets. In the present research, a modified model based on radius of ceramic cone was presented for ceramic/aluminum targets. In order to investigate and evaluate accuracy of the presented analytic model, obtained results were compared against the results of the Florence’s analytic model and also against numerical modeling results. The phenomenon of impact onto ceramic/aluminum composites were modeled using smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) implemented utilizing ABAQUS Software. Results indicated that, with increasing initial velocity and ceramic thickness and decreasing support layer thickness, the radius of ceramic cone decreases; this ends up increasing residual velocity of the projectile and penetration time and extending the area across which the pressure is distributed. These findings indicate enhanced levels of target energy absorption and the required energy for bending and tensioning the target. As such, it can be observed that, at the same thickness and areal density, the ceramic target has its efficiency enhanced with increasing ceramic thickness and decreasing the support layer thickness. Finally, the results revealed that the associated data with SPH confirm the modified analytic model at higher accuracy than the Florence’s analytic model.
Exercise and the Kynurenine pathway: Current state of knowledge and results from a randomized cross-over study comparing acute effects of endurance and resistance training.

INTRODUCTION The essential amino acid tryptophan (TRP) is primarily degraded through the kynurenine (KYN) pathway, which is dysregulated in several chronic diseases. KYN pathway metabolites have immune- and neuro-modulatory properties and are involved in th de novo synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Currently, little evidence exists demonstrating that physical exercise may influence this pathway. However, differences between acute and chronic stimuli as well as the influence of exercise modalities remain to be investigated. Here, we provide an overview of existing studies and present results of a randomized cross-over trial on acute effects of a single-bout of resistance and endurance exercise. METHODS 24 healthy male adults conducted both an acute endurance exercise (EE) and resistance exercise (RE) session. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after and one hour after cessation of each exercise session. Outcomes comprised serum levels of TRP, KYN, kynurenic acid (KA), quinolinic acid (QA) and calculated ratios. Gene expression of the enzymes indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) 1 and kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) 4 was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Moreover, serum concentrations of the potential KYN pathway mediators interleukin (IL)-6 and cortisol were determined. Finally, we investigated baseline correlations between immune cell subsets, potential mediators and initial KYN pathway activation outcomes. RESULTS The KYN/TRP ratio correlated positively with IL-6 and CD56bright NK-cells and negatively with CD56dim NKcells. Expression of IDO1 in PBMCs correlated positively with IL-6, regulatory T-cells and CD56bright NK-cells, whereas negative correlations to cytotoxic T-cells and CD56dim NKcells were revealed. A significant time effect on KYN/TRP ratio was detected for RE. Regarding KA and KA/KYN ratio, an increase after exercise followed by a decrease at the follow- up measurement was revealed in EE. KAT4 expression also increased after exercise in EE. Moreover, elevated QA levels were observed after the EE session. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to chronic exercise interventions, single-bouts of endurance exercise provoke acute alterations on KYN pathway outcomes in humans. Our results indicate that EE induces stronger alterations than RE. Enhanced conversion of KYN to both, KA and QA suggest a peripheral KYN clearance, thereby preventing pathological accumulation within the CNS. Future acute and chronic exercise studies are needed to examine the role of NAD+ synthesis starting with TRP and the interplay between KYN pathway activation and mid- to long-term immunological modulations.