Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Prostate Cancer Cells Cytokines Are Early Responders to Gravitational Changes Occurring in Parabolic Flights

The high mortality in men with metastatic prostate cancer (PC) establishes the need for diagnostic optimization by new biomarkers. Mindful of the effect of real microgravity on metabolic pathways of carcinogenesis, we attended a parabolic flight (PF) mission to perform an experiment with the PC cell line PC-3, and submitted the resulting RNA to next generation sequencing (NGS) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). After the first parabola, alterations of the F-actin cytoskeleton-like stress fibers and pseudopodia are visible. Moreover, numerous significant transcriptional changes are evident. We were able to identify a network of relevant PC cytokines and chemokines showing differential expression due to gravitational changes, particularly during the early flight phases. Together with differentially expressed regulatory lncRNAs and micro RNAs, we present a portfolio of 298 potential biomarkers. Via qPCR we identified IL6 and PIK3CB to be sensitive to vibration effects and hypergravity, respectively. Per NGS we detected five upregulated cytokines (CCL2, CXCL1, IL6, CXCL2, CCL20), one zink finger protein (TNFAIP3) and one glycoprotein (ICAM1) related to c-REL signaling and thus relevant for carcinogenesis as well as inflammatory aspects. We found regulated miR-221 and the co-localized lncRNA MIR222HG induced by PF maneuvers. miR-221 is related to the PC-3 growth rate and MIR222HG is a known risk factor for glioma susceptibility. These findings in real microgravity may further improve our understanding of PC and contribute to the development of new diagnostic tools.
The Stressful Memory Assessment Checklist for the Intensive Care Unit (SMAC-ICU): Development and Testing

Stressful or traumatic memories of an intensive care stay may lead to long-term psychological morbidity. Memory assessment is therefore essential to aid in the patients’ recovery process. Acknowledging the large cohort of post ICU patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a simple tool for the evaluation of ICU memories is needed. The aim of this study was, therefore, to develop and test the validity and reliability of a short stressful memory assessment checklist, including a distress intensity rating scale, for intensive care survivors. The consecutive sample consisted of 309 patients attending an intensive care follow-up consultation in Sweden. A methodological design was used consisting of four phases. The first three concerned construct and content validity and resulted in a 15-item checklist of potential stressful memories with a Likert-type scale including five response categories for distress intensity rating. To fill out the checklist, a median of 3 (2–3) minutes was needed. A test–retest approach yielded weighted kappa values between 0.419 and 0.821 for 12 of the single items and just below 0.4 for the remaining three. In conclusion, the stressful memory assessment checklist seems to be valid and reliable and can be used as a simple tool to evaluate the impact of stressful ICU memories.
The Risks of Hypertension in Pregnant Women: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were a global public health problem. Hypertension is a significant contributor for pregnant women to experience life-threatening complications during pregnancy and delivery or in the postpartum period. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for hypertension in pregnant women, with a meta-analysis of the primary study conducted by previous authors. Subjects and Method : This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Online articles from 2011 to 2021 were searched from databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, BASE, and ProQuest. The PICO was as follows. Population: pregnant women. Intervention: hypertension before pregnancy, family history of hypertension and diabetes in the mother. Comparison: without hypertension before pregnancy, without a family history of hypertension and diabetes in the mother. Outcome: hyperten-VLRQ(cid:17)(cid:3). H\ZRUGV(cid:3)‡K\SHUWHQVLRQ(cid:15)·(cid:3)‡KLVWRU\(cid:3)RI(cid:3)K\SHUWHQVLRQ(cid:3)LQ(cid:3)WKH(cid:3)IDPLO\(cid:15)·(cid:3)‡GLDEHWHV(cid:15)·(cid:3)‡ULVN(cid:3)IDFWRUV(cid:15)·(cid:3)DQG(cid:3)‡SUHJQDQW(cid:3)ZRPHQ(cid:17)· Articles were analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3 application. Results : A total of seven articles from China, Ethiopia, Jordanian, Brazil, Pakistan, and Ghana were included in the meta-analysis. The data showed that pregnant women with chronic hypertension before pregnancy (OR= 5.05; 95% CI= 2.78 to 9.17; p= 0.001), diabetes (OR= 3.15; 95% CI= 1.63 to 6.10; p= 0.001), and a family history of hypertension (OR= 3.45; 95% CI= 2.05 to 5.80; p= 0.001) were at risk of developing hypertension during pregnancy. Conclusion : Chronic hypertension before pregnancy, diabetes, and a family history of hypertension are risk factors hypertension during pregnancy.
Significant Decrease in Glycated Hemoglobin, 2h-Post-Load Glucose and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients with Abnormal Body Mass Index after Therapy with Manual Lymphatic Drainage

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on the insulin resistance parameter (HOMA-IR), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-peptide, insulin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2h-post-loadglucose (2h-PG) and the concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in patients with abnormal body mass index. The study involved 30 patients, including patients with normal body weight (as a control group; group I; n = 14), overweight patients (group II; n = 9) and obese patients (group III; n = 7). Each patient underwent 10 sessions of MLD therapy, 3 times a week for 30 min. In addition, we measured body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and performed body composition analysis as well as biochemical tests before MLD therapy (stage 0′) and after MLD therapy (stage 1′). A statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between the concentration of C-peptide, BMI, the amount of visceral adipose tissue (r = 0.87, p = 0.003; r = 0.76, p = 0.003, respectively), and the HOMA-IR index, BMI and the amount of visceral adipose tissue (r = 0.86, p = 0.005; r = 0.84, p = 0.042, respectively), before and after MLD therapy. In overweight patients (group II), a statistically significant (p = 0.041) decrease in the hsCRP level by 2.9 mg/L and a significant (p = 0.050) decrease in the 2h-PG level by 12 mg/dL after the MLD therapy was detected. Moreover, in the group of obese patients (group III), a statistically significant (p = 0.013) decrease in HbA1c level by 0.2% after MLD therapy was demonstrated. Our results indicate that MLD may have a positive effect on selected biochemical parameters, with the most favorable changes in overweight patients. Further studies in a larger number of patients are warranted to confirm our findings, to test in-depth their mechanism, and to investigate clinical benefits of this alternative therapy in patients with abnormal body mass index.
Associations Between Antithrombosis and Ventilator-Associated Events, ICU Stays, and Mortality Among Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Registry-Based Cohort Study

Background: The effect of thromboembolism prophylaxis on clinical outcomes, such as ventilator-associated events (VAEs), ICU stays, and mortality, remains controversial. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis on VAEs, ICU stays, and ICU mortality among patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV). Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on a well-established registry of healthcare-associated infections at ICUs in the West China Hospital system. Patients who consistently received MV for at least 4 days from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2018 were included. Hazard ratios (HRs) were compared for three tiers of VAEs, ICU stays, and ICU mortality among patients receiving pharmacological thromboprophylaxis versus those without using the time-dependent Cox model. For the analyses of ICU stays and ICU mortality, we also used Fine-Gray models to disentangle the competing risks and outcomes of interest. Results: Overall, 6,140 patients were included. Of these, 3,805 received at least one prescription of antithrombosis agents. Treatments with antithrombosis agents were associated with lower risk of VAEs (HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.98) and ICU mortality (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.86) than those without. Anticoagulants but not antiplatelet agents were associated with decreased risk of VAEs (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.98), ICU mortality (HR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.51, 0.76), and less time to ICU discharge (HR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.28). Antithrombosis may be associated with decreased risk of VAEs in patients with D-dimer >5 mg/LFEU (HR: 0.84, 95%CI: 0.72, 0.98). Conclusions: Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis was associated with lower risk of VAEs and ICU mortality. Similar effects were observed between unfractionated heparins versus low-molecular-weight heparins.
Changes of Immune Cell Fractions in Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Simple Summary Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are currently widely used in many types of cancer. However, some patients could not benefit from ICIs. In addition, a standardized biomarker for predicting the efficacy of ICIs is currently unavailable. Thus, we determined whether peripheral blood immune cells could be predicting markers. In contrast with previous studies, we focused on changes in immune cell fraction and the relationship between efficacy of ICIs including response rate and survival outcomes. Results revealed significant correlations between changes in NKp46-/CD56+ NK cell fraction and treatment outcomes with ICIs. Abstract Background: With the development of immunology, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely used in various cancer treatments. Although some patients can benefit from ICIs, other patients have no response to ICIs or suffer from hyperprogression. There has been no biomarker for predicting the efficacy of ICIs. Thus, the objective of this study was to find biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of ICIs using peripheral blood. Methods: Adults patients planned to be treated with ICIs were enrolled in this study. Blood sampling was carried out before and after administration of ICIs. Changes of immune cell fraction were analyzed for each patient. Results: Among 182 patients enrolled, immune cell analysis was performed for 90 patients. The objective response rate was 14.4% (n = 13/90). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.0 months (95% CI: 3.1–8.9 months), and the median overall survival (OS) was 13.9 months (95% CI: 5.6–22.2 months). Significant benefits in ORR and OS were shown for patients with increased NKp46-/CD56+ NK cells (p = 0.033 and p = 0.013, respectively). The PFS tended to be longer in these patients, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.050). Conclusion: Changes of immune cell fraction before and after administration of ICIs could be a novel biomarker for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Using Narrative Vignettes to Understand the Misuse and Diversion of Stimulants Among College Students With and Without a Prescription

We used the narrative vignette/storytelling approach to provide a holistic illustration of prescription stimulant misuse [PSM] and diversion [PSD] initiation and maintenance among college-attending emerging adults. We conducted 32 semi-structured, theory-guided interviews with 20 students during spring and summer 2019. The participants were diverse with respect to age, race/ethnicity and gender, and had a history of PSM and/or PSD. We created four narrative vignettes using a multi-step, collaborative process that incorporated patterns of what contributed to initiation and maintenance for four identified student groups (i.e., PSM with and without a prescription and PSD with and without a prescription). Characteristics of the individual, social and broader environments influenced behavior initiation, and positive reinforcement from trial behavior contributed to maintenance. Similarities and differences were identified across the groups. Approaches for PSM and PSD prevention and intervention in college-attending emerging adults should be multifaceted and consider prescription status.
Automating Bird Detection Based on Webcam Captured Images using Deep Learning

One of the most challenging problems faced by ecologists and other biological re- searchers today is to analyze the massive amounts of data being collected by advanced monitoring systems like camera traps, wireless sensor networks, high-frequency radio track- ers, global positioning systems, and satellite tracking systems being used today. It has become expensive, laborious, and time-consuming to analyze this huge data using man- ual and traditional statistical techniques. Recent developments in the deep learning field are showing promising results towards automating the analysis of these extremely large datasets. The primary objective of this study was to test the capabilities of the state-of- the-art deep learning architectures to detect birds in the webcam captured images. A total of 10592 images were collected for this study from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology live stream feeds situated in six unique locations in United States, Ecuador, New Zealand, and Panama. To achieve the main objective of the study, we studied and evaluated two con- volutional neural network object detection meta-architectures, single-shot detector (SSD) and Faster R-CNN in combination with MobileNet-V2, ResNet50, ResNet101, ResNet152, and Inception ResNet-V2 feature extractors. Through transfer learning, all the models were initialized using weights pre-trained on the MS COCO (Microsoft Common Objects in Context) dataset provided by TensorFlow 2 object detection API. The Faster R-CNN model coupled with ResNet152 outperformed all other models with a mean average preci- sion of 92.3%. However, the SSD model with the MobileNet-V2 feature extraction network achieved the lowest inference time (110ms) and the smallest memory capacity (30.5MB) compared to its counterparts. The outstanding results achieved in this study confirm that deep learning-based algorithms are capable of detecting birds of different sizes in differ- ent environments and the best model could potentially help ecologists in monitoring and identifying birds from other species.
Factors for implementing green supply chain management in the construction industry

Purpose: The objectives of this study are to elaborate on the concepts, dimensions and elements of green supply chain management (GSCM) and develop a framework of GSCM implementation for the construction industryDesign/methodology/approach: This paper presents the findings from a study where experts were asked to contribute their opinions related to GSCM in the construction industry. To develop the model, the Delphi method was used. The objective of this method is to achieve the most reliable consensus in a group of expertsFindings: The research result is a developed framework for GSCM in the construction industry comprising five concepts, 22 dimensions, and 82 elements.Research limitations/implications: The limitation of this research is that its output was the discovered elements, but it did not cover the implementation of this model in construction projects, so some elements may be missing.Practical implications: The output of the research could give new perspective to manage the construction project based on Green Supply Chain Method.Social implications: The stakeholder of the construction project has to learn with this concept (Green Supply Chain) in order to improve construction’s project performance.Originality/value: The originality of this research is that it is a new theme in the area of the construction supply chain. Previous research merely considered the concept of GSCM in construction. Therefore, this research develops an assessment model for performance indicators of GSCM implementation in construction projects.
Performance of Risk-Based Estimating for Capital Projects

Risk-based approaches to capital project cost and schedule estimation have been adopted by many public agencies in recent years. Such techniques are intended to produce more reliable cost and schedule forecasts, enhance risk management, and improve project management and project delivery outcomes. However, limited research has been conducted in relation to the true effectiveness of such risk assessment programs. The impact of process change must be measured to appraise the value differential. Where a high-value proposition exists, it is the duty of public servants to disseminate the opportunity to the industry for the good of the public. This paper measures and compares the cost and schedule performance of 28 highway projects completed in Washington state between 2016 and 2019. Results from a group of projects that deployed a formal cost/schedule risk assessment with risk management (referred here as “CRA”) are compared with a second group that did not. The data reveal that projects that completed a CRA were more likely to be completed with a total contract cost at or below the engineer’s estimate, experience lower post-award cost and schedule growth, and experience more predictable outcomes than those projects that did not deploy a CRA. Additional observed benefits of a CRA process are also discussed.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Management in Relation to the Clinical Characteristics of Elderly Patients with Infective Endocarditis: A Retrospective Analysis

Infective endocarditis (IE) is increasingly prevalent in the elderly, particularly due to the rising frequency of invasive procedures and intracardiac devices placed on these individuals. Several investigations have highlighted the unique clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, the microorganisms implicated, and the prognosis of IE in the elderly. In addition, the old population seems to be fairly diverse, ranging from healthy individuals with no medical history to patients with many ailments and those who are immobile. Furthermore, the therapy of IE in this group has not been well investigated, and worldwide recommendations do not propose tailoring the treatment approach to the patient’s functional state and comorbid conditions. A multicenter research study was designed as a retrospective study of hospitalized patients with infective endocarditis, aiming to examine the characteristics of elderly patients over 65 years old with infective endocarditis in relation to the antibiotic and antifungal treatments administered, as well as to quantify the incidence of treatment resistance, adverse effects, and mortality in comparison to patients younger than 65. Based on a convenience sampling method, we included in the analysis a total of 78 patients younger than 65 and 131 patients older than 65 years. A total of 140 patients had endocarditis on native valves and 69 patients had endocarditis on prosthetic valves. A significantly higher proportion of elderly patients had signs of heart failure on admission, and the mortality rate was significantly higher in the elderly population. A majority of infections had a vascular cause, followed by dental, maxillo-facial, and ENT interventions. The most common complications of IE were systemic sepsis (48.1% of patients older than 65 years vs. 30.8% in the younger group). The most frequent bacterium involved was Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Streptococcus spp. in a total of more than 50% of all patients. The most commonly used antibiotics were cephalosporins in 33.5% of cases, followed by penicillin in 31.2% and glycopeptides in 28.7%, while Fluconazole was the initial option of treatment for fungal endocarditis in 24.9% of cases. Heart failure at admission (OR = 4.07), the development of septic shock (OR = 6.19), treatment nephrotoxicity (OR = 3.14), severe treatment complications (OR = 4.65), and antibiotic resistance (OR = 3.24) were significant independent risk factors for mortality in the elderly patients. Even though therapeutic management was initiated sooner in the older patients, the associated complications and mortality rate remained significantly greater than those in the patients under 65 years old.
Risk Factors for Endometriosis Among Egyptian Infertile Women with Different Disease Stages

Background Endometriosis is regarded as a benign condition, despite the potential for recurrence and metastasis,. It might lead to secondary ovarian cancer from endometrioma. Objective The aim of this current study was to determine the relationship between risk factors for endometriosis and disease stages. Methods This current cross-sectional study was performed at the endoscopic unit at Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt. The participants included 85 women who were candidates for laparoscopy and diagnosed with endometriosis in the period from November 2019 to November 2020. The tools used for data collection were a structured interviewing form and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine scoring tool (ASRM) for determining stages of endometriosis. Results The high percentages of studied women were nulliparous (74.1%) and (51.8%) have secondary infertility. Endometriosis was staged as 20.0% minimal (ASRM stage I), 34.1% mild (ASRM stage II), 29.4% moderate (ASRM stage III), and 16.5% severe (ASRM stage IV). Congestive dysmenorrhea (78.8%), dyspareunia (77.6%), and secondary infertility (51.8%) were more reported symptoms in all stages of endometriosis. Conclusion This study concluded that women within reproductive age, nulliparity, lower body weight, urban residence, and past surgery of the pelvic were considered as risk factors in all disease stages.
The jockey on the horse: what makes a winning ride in the eyes of early-stage investors?

Abstract To date, much of the research on early-stage equity investing has revolved around the question of whether early-stage equity investors place more importance on the entrepreneur (jockey) or the business opportunity (horse). Yet research has failed to agree on the relative importance of these two aspects of investment opportunity. The purpose of this study is to clarify how early-stage equity investors use available information about the entrepreneur and the business opportunity to make investment decisions. We analysed empirical data from semi-structured interviews with experienced early-stage equity investors active in Europe. In the analysis, we followed the twin slate approach, which accounts for literature review in the analytical process. Our results suggest that investors make sense of the business opportunity as a whole by integrating information about the entrepreneur and the business opportunity. We identified four aspects of early-stage investor decision-making that led us to conclude that investors’ evaluation of investment opportunities is holistic in nature. The study offers a number of practical implications for investors and entrepreneurs and enriches ongoing discussions about early-stage investors’ investment criteria.