Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Membrane mesothelin expression positivity is associated with poor clinical outcome of luminal-type breast cancer

Mesothelin is expressed in various types of malignant tumors. The present study immunohistochemically investigated mesothelin expression and its clinicopathological significance in each subtype of breast cancer, with special reference to its cellular localization, in particular, membrane mesothelin expression. Using tissue specimens from 482 patients with breast cancer, immunohistochemistry was used to study mesothelin expression and help classify its localization as membrane or cytoplasmic expression. Mesothelin expression was detected in 77 (16.0%) cases and was the highest in triple-negative breast cancer (31/75; 41.3%), followed by human epithelial growth factor receptor type 2 type (6/33, 18.2%) and luminal type (36/374; 9.6%). Among the 482 cases, membrane mesothelin expression was detected in 73 cases and was significantly associated with a negative hormone receptor status, higher Ki-67 labeling index, nuclear grade 3 and a lower relapse-free survival rate. Cytoplasmic mesothelin expression was not significantly associated with a lower relapse-free survival rate (P=0.058). In the 343 cases of luminal type, the membrane mesothelin expression-positive group had significantly worse prognosis than the membrane mesothelin-expression-negative group (P=0.042). There was no significant difference in the relapse-free survival rate according to the membrane mesothelin expression status in the triple-negative type and other types. It was suggested that membrane mesothelin expression in luminal type breast cancer is associated with a lower rate of relapse-free survival.
LOW-RANK DECOMPOSITION AND LOGISTIC REGRESSION METHODS FOR LINK PREDICTION IN TERRORIST NETWORKS

Social network analysis has garnered increasing attention in recent years, with implications across a broad range of applications. One particular subﬁeld, link prediction, has become a key part of modern counter-terrorism efforts. However, the difﬁculty of ﬁnding reliable and publicly accessible terrorist network data has limited academic research in this direction. Previous work at the University of Maryland has investigated supervised link classiﬁcation on a publicly available dataset, the Proﬁles in Terror (PIT) knowledge base, using Relational Markov Networks (RMNs). This paper introduces models which combine singular value decomposition and logistic regression to yield improved re-sults across all tasks. We discuss issues discovered in the processing method used by the UMD group and suggest improvements. Finally, we apply the models to a new dataset published at Carnegie Mellon University, but conclusions are undermined by the small size of the dataset and the scarcity of positive examples.
Physiological Activity of the Boll Weevil During the Fall and Winter in Subtropical Areas of the Rio Grande Valley of Texas

Results of laboratory and field studies showed that adults of Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, captured in Leggett traps baited with grandlure or collected from surface leaf litter and duff during the non-cotton season (September to April) of 1978–1979 and 1979–1980 in a subtropical area near Brownsville, Tex. , were unique in that they remained physiologically active throughout the winter. Boll weevils were trapped even on days when minimum temperatures were as low as 1.5°C. Females caught during the fall remained sexually mature, mated, and stored viable sperm in their spermatheca, but egg hatch was not observed under laboratory conditions (artificial diet) during ca. 2 months in the winter. However, these females oviposited fertile eggs when fed for at least 10 days with fresh cotton squares. Catches of teneral weevils were very common throughout the winter, an indication that weevils could remain reproductive through the winter when proper nourishment was available from cotton regrowths or seedling plants in unattended or abandoned fields.
EFFECT OF THE METHOD OF POSTPARTUM ADMINISTRATION OF OXYTOCIN OR PGF2ΑON THE DROP OF RETAINED PLACENTA IN COWS AND SUBSEQUENT REPRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE

EFFECT OF THE METHOD OF POSTPARTUM ADMINISTRATION OF OXYTOCIN OR PGF2ΑON THE DROP OF RETAINED PLACENTA IN COWS AND SUBSEQUENT REPRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE Abou-Aiana, R. M, Hammad, M. E. R. Sh. A. Gabr. , A. M. Amer, E.A. A.Ahmadi2 and A. H. A. Alharoon 1 Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt 2 Animal Production Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
The Effect of Photodynamic Therapy on the Smear Layer Removal: a Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

Statement of the Problem: The efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in smear layer removal compared to the currently accepted protocol is not well established. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effect of PDT on smear layer removal from human root canal compared to combined use of irrigation solutions including sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Materials and Method: In this in vitro study, straight roots from 48 extracted human maxillary incisors and canines were selected and decoronated. Instrumentation was completed with RaCe rotary system and normal saline irrigation between files. Then roots were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=16). Group 1 was the control group to confirm smear layer formation. In the group 2, the canals were irrigated with 2ml of 2.5% NaOCl solution for 10 minutes and 2ml of 17% EDTA solution for 1 minute. In the group 3, PDT with methylene blue and diode laser (625nm, 150mW, for 5minutes) was the final procedure for smear layer removal. All the specimens were sectioned into two halves, gold coated, and analyzed under SEM. The smear layer in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds, were evaluated and scored by two examiners independently. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test. Results: It was observed that the NaOCl+EDTA removed the smear layer significantly better than PDT in the coronal and apical thirds (p< 0.05) whereas PDT was unable to remove the smear layer in none of the root areas. At the apical thirds, there was no significant difference between NaOCl+EDTA and PDT (p< 0.05). Both procedures were unable to remove smear layer from radicular dentine of this area. Conclusion: According to the results of this in vitro study, the use of PDT alone is not recommended to remove smear layer. The combined application of NaOCl and EDTA is ineffective in removing smear layer of apical third, despite its efficacy on the coronal and middle regions.
Impact of Augmented Reality on Consumer Purchase Intention with the Mediating role of Customer Brand Engagement: Moderating role of Interactivity in Online Shopping

Purpose: The association of augmented reality in developing customer brand engagement and purchase intention is the most highlighted element of this study. The purpose of the study is to explore the impact of augmented reality in the creation of customer brand engagement and purchase intention. Methodology: In order to analyze the constructed hypotheses, the study focused on online survey strategy through convenience data sampling technique. The prospective study analyzed path analysis of structural equational modelling via AMOS and moderated regression analysis via SPSS-22. Questionnaires were distributed among 490 respondents out of which 450 were in a useable form with a response rate of 91.8%. Findings: Findings of the study indicated significant association of augmented reality with customer brand engagement and purchase intention along with partial mediation and significant moderating effects. The study also predicted that augmented reality applications and devices can be used as creative tools for attracting customers and spreading awareness. The present study is limited to electronic household equipment’s only and findings may be applicable in other sectors as well. Originality: The current study examined role of interactivity as a moderator, finding that augmented reality generally has a positive impact on customer brand awareness and purchase intention. This means that augmented reality can enhance purchase intention if consumers have proficiency in using such applications.
Non-cytotoxic doses of shikonin inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α expression via activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

Shikonin has been reported to exhibit a wide variety of medical functions. However, the strong non-selective cytotoxicity of shikonin can restrict its clinical application. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of shikonin at non-cytotoxic doses on the pro-inflammation functions of monocytes and macrophages. The present results suggested that the non-cytotoxic doses of shikonin effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species production, NF-κB activation and TNF-α expression in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. In addition, the non-cytotoxic doses of shikonin downregulated LPS-induced TNF-α expression via AMPK signaling activation in primary murine bone marrow-derived macrophages, and also in monocytes cultured ex vivo from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present in vivo results indicated that the low-toxic dose of shikonin suppressed LPS-induced endotoxin shock and TNF-α expression in mice. Collectively, the present results may provide clinical and translational relevance for treating COPD and other TNF-α-related inflammatory disorders.
Vitamin D Auto-/Paracrine System Is Involved in Modulation of Glucocorticoid-Induced Changes in Angiogenesis/Bone Remodeling Coupling

Osteoporosis is a devastating side effect of chronic glucocorticoid (GC) treatment. Despite the crucial role of vitamin D (VD) in bone homeostasis, the precise molecular mechanisms of its action on GC-induced disturbances of bone remodeling remain undefined. The study was performed to elucidate the relation of VD status to GC-induced changes of the angiogenesis/osteogenesis/bone resorption coupling in bone tissue. Female Wistar rats received prednisolone (5 mg/kg of b.w.) with or without VD3 (1000 IU/kg of b.w., for 30 days). Biomechanical parameters of rat femurs were assessed by the three-point bending test. The levels of calcium, inorganic phosphate, activity of total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and its isoenzymes were determined spectrophotometrically. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and caspase-3 protein levels were detected by western blotting. Vdr and Cyp27b1 mRNAs were measured by qRT-PCR. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK) expression in bone sections was visualized immunohistochemically. Serum 25(OH)D was assayed by ELISA. GC administration led to a decrease in maximal load (by 1.2-fold) and stiffness and toughness (by 1.3-fold), which was accompanied by a 3-fold reduction of 25(OH)D level, an elevation of the ALP bone isoenzyme activity in serum, hypocalcaemia, and hypophosphatemia. Along with prednisolone-induced VD deficiency, an impaired synthesis of Vdr (−30%) and Cyp27b1 (+71%) mRNA was observed, reflecting deregulation of bone tissue VD-auto-/paracrine system. GC caused an increase in caspase-3 content, suppressed the synthesis of the osteoclastic marker RANK, and altered angiogenesis/osteogenesis coupling by significantly reducing the level of VEGF-A.VD3 treatment restored serum 25(OH)D content and the expression of key components of the VD-auto-/paracrine system. VD3 supplementation diminished cell apoptosis and strongly improved angiogenesis/osteogenesis coupling as well as mineral metabolism and biomechanical parameters of femurs in GC-administered rats. Thus, VD3 can have a beneficial effect on the correction of GC-induced pathological changes in bone remodeling.
Association between excessive chronic iodine exposure and the occurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the association between excessive chronic iodine exposure and the risk of developing papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The demographic information and pathological characteristics of patients with thyroid nodules were retrieved from medical records at The Second Hospital of Shandong University. A fasting urine specimen was collected, and creatinine and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) were determined. The water iodine data from the domicile districts of these patients were collated from published reports. The results revealed that almost half of the patients with PTC (44.3%) also exhibited a high UIC (≥300 µg/l). Multivariate analysis revealed that the adjusted odds ratio for high UIC was 3.987 (95% CI: 1.355–11.736) and the adjusted area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.776 (95% CI: 0.687–0.864), which was associated with PTC risk in patients with thyroid nodules. Integrated ecological assessment of chronic iodine exposures demonstrated that >80% (81.4%) of the patients with PTC who also exhibited a high UIC were from historically non-iodine-deficient regions, and 66.7% of patients with PTC who resided in historically iodine-excessive regions were characterized by high UICs. Importantly, a high UIC was significantly associated with capsular invasion and extrathyroid metastasis (P<0.05). Moreover, self-matching results indicated that, in patients with PTC, there were no significant differences in UIC grading between the pre- and postoperative specimens. In conclusion, excessive chronic iodine exposure is significantly associated with the risk of PTC, which contributes to increased capsular invasion and extrathyroid metastases. However, further research is required to validate these findings and to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms involved.
Microelectrode recordings in human epilepsy: a case for clinical translation

Abstract With their ‘all-or-none’ action potential responses, single neurons (or units) are accepted as the basic computational unit of the brain. There is extensive animal literature to support the mechanistic importance of studying neuronal firing as a way to understand neuronal microcircuits and brain function. Although most studies have emphasized physiology, there is increasing recognition that studying single units provides novel insight into system-level mechanisms of disease. Microelectrode recordings are becoming more common in humans, paralleling the increasing use of intracranial electroencephalography recordings in the context of presurgical evaluation in focal epilepsy. In addition to single-unit data, microelectrode recordings also record local field potentials and high-frequency oscillations, some of which may be different to that recorded by clinical macroelectrodes. However, microelectrodes are being used almost exclusively in research contexts and there are currently no indications for incorporating microelectrode recordings into routine clinical care. In this review, we summarize the lessons learnt from 65 years of microelectrode recordings in human epilepsy patients. We cover the electrode constructs that can be utilized, principles of how to record and process microelectrode data and insights into ictal dynamics, interictal dynamics and cognition. We end with a critique on the possibilities of incorporating single-unit recordings into clinical care, with a focus on potential clinical indications, each with their specific evidence base and challenges.
Observations and Predictability of a High-Impact Narrow Cold-Frontal Rainband over Southern California on 2 February 2019

Short-duration, high-intensity rainfall in Southern California, often associated with narrow cold-frontal rainbands (NCFR), threaten life and property. While the mechanisms that drive NCFRs are relatively well understood, their regional characteristics, specific contribution to precipitation hazards, and their predictability in the western United States have received little research attention relative to their impact. This manuscript presents observations of NCFR physical processes made during the Atmospheric River Reconnaissance field campaign on 2 February 2019 and investigates the predictability of the observed NCFR across spatiotemporal scales and forecast lead time. Dropsonde data collected along transects of an atmospheric river (AR) and its attendant cyclone during rapid cyclogenesis, and radiosonde observations during landfall 24 h later, are used to demonstrate that a configuration of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model skillfully reproduces the physical processes responsible for the development and maintenance of the impactful NCFR. Ensemble simulations provide quantitative uncertainty information on the representation of these features in numerical weather prediction and instill confidence in the utility ofWRF as a forecast guidance tool for shorttomediumrange prediction of mesoscale precipitation processes in landfalling ARs. This research incorporates novel data and methodologies to improve forecast guidance for NCFRs impacting Southern California.While this study focuses on a single event, the outlined approach to observing and predicting high-impact weather across a range of spatial and temporal scales will support regional water management and hazard mitigation, in general.
THE IMPACT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION ON SMEs PERFORMANCE IN GHANA: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL AND GOVERNMENT SUPPORT POLICIES

The primary purpose of this study was to propose a conceptual framework on the impact of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on SMEs performance in Ghana: The role of social capital (SC) and government support policies (GSPs). The study re­viewed existing literature pertaining the five dimensions of EO and used measures of SC, and GSPs in relation to SMEs performance in Ghana. This study would be anchored on two theories thus the resource-based view and the social capital theories stressing the need for SMEs to focus more on their unique resources that existed with­in their social network relations. The study would further provide new insight to prac­titioners to understand and appreciate the role of SC and GSPs on SMEs performance
What Every Pathologist Should Know

Context. —Fatal dermatologic diseases and ones with high morbidity can occur in the inpatient setting. In such cases, prompt and accurate assessment of a bedside skin biopsy is required. This may be challenging for many pathologists who are not familiar with the complexity of skin pathology and skin terminology within the fields of dermatopathology and dermatology. Objective. —To provide the pathologist with a practical, up-to-date, and ‘‘must-know’’ reference guide on dermatologic urgencies and emergencies from a real-world perspective, highlighting diagnostic pearls, diagnostic pitfalls, and commonly encountered practice gaps. This review will focus on key diseases with which every pathologist should be familiar, including angioinvasive fungal infections, Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, staph-scalded-skin syndrome, acute graftversus-host disease, bullous pemphigoid, calciphylaxis, Sweet syndrome and its histiocytoid variant, pyoderma gangrenosum, and leukocytoclastic vasculitis, as well as those in their clinical and histopathologic differential. Data Sources. —This review is based on peer-reviewed literature and our personal experiences with these diseases at major academic institutions, including one where a large number of stem cell transplants are performed. This review is unique as it represents collaborative expert opinion from both a dermatopathology and a dermatology standpoint. Conclusions. —This review outlines the critical role that the pathologist plays in the outcomes of patients with dermatologic urgencies and emergencies. Improved patient care will result from prompt and accurate histopathologic diagnoses as well as an open line of communication with the dermatologist. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2019;143:919–942; doi: 10.5858/ arpa.2018-0239-RA)
Applied phylogeography of Cyclopia intermedia (Fabaceae) highlights the need for ‘duty of care’ when cultivating honeybush

Background The current cultivation and plant breeding of Honeybush tea (produced from members of CyclopiaVent.) do not consider the genetic diversity nor structuring of wild populations. Thus, wild populations may be at risk of genetic contamination if cultivated plants are grown in the same landscape. Here, we investigate the spatial distribution of genetic diversity within Cyclopia intermedia E. Mey. —this species is widespread and endemic in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) and used in the production of Honeybush tea. Methods We applied High Resolution Melt analysis (HRM), with confirmation Sanger sequencing, to screen two non-coding chloroplast DNA regions (two fragments from the atpI-aptH intergenic spacer and one from the ndhA intron) in wild C. intermedia populations. A total of 156 individuals from 17 populations were analyzed for phylogeographic structuring. Statistical tests included analyses of molecular variance and isolation-by-distance, while relationships among haplotypes were ascertained using a statistical parsimony network. Results Populations were found to exhibit high levels of genetic structuring, with 62.8% of genetic variation partitioned within mountain ranges. An additional 9% of genetic variation was located amongst populations within mountains, suggesting limited seed exchange among neighboring populations. Despite this phylogeographic structuring, no isolation-by-distance was detected (p > 0.05) as nucleotide variation among haplotypes did not increase linearly with geographic distance; this is not surprising given that the configuration of mountain ranges dictates available habitats and, we assume, seed dispersal kernels. Conclusions Our findings support concerns that the unmonitored redistribution of Cyclopia genetic material may pose a threat to the genetic diversity of wild populations, and ultimately the genetic resources within the species. We argue that ‘duty of care’ principles be used when cultivating Honeybush and that seed should not be translocated outside of the mountain range of origin. Secondarily, given the genetic uniqueness of wild populations, cultivated populations should occur at distance from wild populations that is sufficient to prevent unintended gene flow; however, further research is needed to assess gene flow within mountain ranges.
Effect of colchicine treatment on plant growth and floral behaviour in cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.)

Polyploidy induction is an important tool for development of desired fruits and vegetables. Thus, induction of polyploidy particularly at autotetraploid and triploid levels offers probably the best scope for seedless as well as quality fruits. So, this method is one of the best options for the chromosome manipulation. In the present study an attempt was made to induce polyploids in Cape gooseberry using colchicine with the objective of creating more genetic variability. The trial was conducted under the Department of Horticulture, B.A.U. , Kanke, Ranchi during two successive seasons (2017-18 and 201819) using colchicine concentrations as 0.10(C1), 0.20(C2) and 0.40(C3) per cent for the duration of 12 (H1), 24 (H2) and 36 (H3) hours with seedlings apex dip method (M1), cotton plug method (M2) and lanolin paste method (M3). The results of both years showed that the colchicine treated flower buds @ 0.10 per cent for 12 hours with cotton plug method produced the minimum plant height of 70.90 cm and 73.60 cm, larger leaf length of 12.13cm and 11.70cm and breadth of 10.50cm and 10.55 cm, more taken time in flower bud emergence of 53.00 days and 54.67 days and anthesis of 19.33 days and 20.33 days, bigger flower size of 2.93cm and 3.00 cm and minimum percentage of pollen viability of 40.33 per cent and 40.67 per cent respectively in comparison to control. This finding demonstrated the existence of genetic variation for the plant growth and flowering characters response to ploidy change in Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.).