Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microarray Data Mining and Preliminary Bioinformatics Analysis of Hepatitis D Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Several studies have demonstrated that chronic hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is associated with a worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is limited data on the role of HDV in the oncogenesis of HCC. This study is aimed at assessing the potential mechanisms of HDV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis, especially to screen and identify key genes and pathways possibly involved in the pathogenesis of HCC. We selected three microarray datasets: GSE55092 contains 39 cancer specimens and 81 paracancer specimens from 11 HBV-associated HCC patients, GSE98383 contains 11 cancer specimens and 24 paracancer specimens from 5 HDV-associated HCC patients, and 371 HCC patients with the RNA-sequencing data combined with their clinical data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Afterwards, 948 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) closely related to HDV-associated HCC were obtained using the R package and filtering with a Venn diagram. We then performed gene ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to determine the biological processes (BP), cellular component (CC), molecular function (MF), and KEGG signaling pathways most enriched for DEGs. Additionally, we performed Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and protein-to-protein interaction (PPI) network construction with 948 DEGs, from which one module was identified by WGCNA and three modules were identified by the PPI network. Subsequently, we validated the expression of 52 hub genes from the PPI network with an independent set of HCC dataset stored in the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. Finally, seven potential key genes were identified by intersecting with key modules from WGCNA, including 3 reported genes, namely, CDCA5, CENPH, and MCM7, and 4 novel genes, namely, CDC6, CDC45, CDCA8, and MCM4, which are associated with nucleoplasm, cell cycle, DNA replication, and mitotic cell cycle. The CDCA8 and stage of HCC were the independent factors associated with overall survival of HDV-associated HCC. All the related findings of these genes can help gain a better understanding of the role of HDV in the underlying mechanism of HCC carcinogenesis.
Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome – case report and review of the literature

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome (HLRCC) is an exceptionally rare autosomal dominant condition caused by a germline heterozygous mutation of the fumarate hydratase gene. It manifests as multiple piloleiomyomas, associated with numerous, early-onset uterine leiomyomas in female patients, as well as a highly increased risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), most often type 2 papillary RCC. HLRCC has been described in association with adrenal cortical hyperplasia, pheochromocytoma, adrenal cortical carcinoma, and other solid tumors, but the exact relationship between these disorders has not yet been clarified. We present a case of HLRCC associated with bilateral adrenal cortical hyperplasia and discuss the pathogenesis, clinical and paraclinical features of HLRCC, as well as the adequate management of these patients.
Quantification of cooling effects on basic tissue measurements and exposed cross-sectional brain area of cadaver heads from market pigs

Abstract The objective of this project was to determine the impact of cooling on the soft tissue thickness, cranial thickness, and cross-sectional brain area of cadaver heads from market pigs. Documenting the effect of cooling on tissue dimensions of swine heads is valuable and important for future investigations of physical stunning and euthanasia methods that use cadaver heads. Scalded and dehaired cadaver heads with intact jowls were sourced from market pigs stunned with CO2 gas. After transport to the data collection location, a penetrating captive bolt (PCB) shot (Jarvis Model PAS—Type P 0.25R Caliber Captive Bolt Pistol with Medium Rod Assembly and Blue Powder Cartridges) was applied in the frontal position. Following PCB application, each head (n = 36) underwent an UNCHILLED treatment followed by CHILLED treatment. The UNCHILLED treatment involved images collected immediately after splitting each head along the bolt path, and the CHILLED treatment involved images of the same heads after storage in a walk-in cooler for 24 h at 2 to 4°C. All measurements for each treatment were collected from images of the heads on the plane of the bolt path immediately prior to and immediately after the refrigeration treatment. Measurements were performed by two observers. Across all measurements, mean interobserver coefficient of variation was 11.3 ± 0.6%. The soft tissue caudal to the bolt path was different (P = 0.0120) between treatments (CHILLED: 6.4 ± 0.2 mm; UNCHILLED: 7.2 ± 0.2 mm). The soft tissue thickness rostral to the bolt path was different (P = 0.0378) between treatments (CHILLED: 5.5 ± 0.2 mm; UNCHILLED: 6.1 ± 0.2 mm). Cranial thickness caudal to the bolt path was not different (P = 0.8659; CHILLED: 18.1 ± 0.6 mm; UNCHILLED: 18.3 ± 0.6 mm), nor was there a significant difference (P = 0.2593) in cranial thickness rostral to the bolt path between treatments (CHILLED: 16.2 ± 0.6 mm; UNCHILLED: 15.2 ± 0.6 mm). Cross-sectional brain area did not differ (P = 0.0737; CHILLED: 3633.4 ± 44.1 mm; UNCHILLED: 3519.9 ± 44.1 mm). A correction factor of 1.12 was determined from this study for cases where estimation of UNCHILLED soft tissue thickness from CHILLED soft tissue thickness is necessary.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Mobile Assessment of Varus Thrust Using Nine-axis Inertial Measurement Units

ABSTRACT Objectives: The purpose of this study was to clarify the diagnostic accuracy of the mobile assessment of varus thrust using inertial measurement units (IMUs). Methods: A total of 80 knees in 49 patients were enrolled in this study. On visual analysis of gait to determine the presence or absence of varus thrust, 23 knees were assigned to the Present group, 17 to the Ambiguous group, and 40 to the Absent group. The peak knee varus angular velocities (PVVs), measured by quantitative gait analysis using nine-axis IMUs, were compared between these three groups. A receiver operating characteristic curve for the relationship between the visual assessment of varus thrust (Present and Ambiguous) and the measured PVV was created, and the cut-off PVV for visualized varus thrust was determined as the highest point for both sensitivity and specificity. Results: The mean PVVs were significantly different between the three groups (Present, 47.7 ± 8.2 degree/s, Ambiguous, 34.1 ± 10.5 degree/s, and Absent, 28.1 ± 8.3 degree/s, respectively, ANOVA P=0.000). The PVV cut-off value for visualized varus thrust was 28.1 degree/s, yielding a sensitivity of 0.957 and a specificity of 0.579. Conclusions: A PVV <28.1 degree/s is useful for ruling out varus thrust during gait. This quantitative varus thrust assessment method using IMUs has clinical utility as a screening test.
Body image and the relation to mindfulness and self-compassion in physical education students: a cross-cultural study

The present study investigated the body images of Omani and German physical education students. 199 students completed a body image test, a dispositional mindfulness and a self-compassion measurement, as well as a short physical activity questionnaire. Overall, our results demonstrate that females showed a higher body distortion than males and students in Germany displayed a higher body distortion effect. Concerning mindfulness and self-compassion, students from Oman showed higher values than German students in self-compassion, but not in the dispositional mindfulness measurement. However, self-compassion and mindfulness were not related to the body distortion effect. This is the first study that provides unique data of self-compassion and mindfulness in an Arabic sample, and shows that self-compassion is higher in Omani students.
Arithmetic processing in children with dyscalculia: an event-related potential study

Introduction Dyscalculia is a specific learning disorder affecting the ability to learn certain math processes, such as arithmetic data recovery. The group of children with dyscalculia is very heterogeneous, in part due to variability in their working memory (WM) deficits. To assess the brain response to arithmetic data recovery, we applied an arithmetic verification task during an event-related potential (ERP) recording. Two effects have been reported: the N400 effect (higher negative amplitude for incongruent than for congruent condition), associated with arithmetic incongruency and caused by the arithmetic priming effect, and the LPC effect (higher positive amplitude for the incongruent compared to the congruent condition), associated with a reevaluation process and modulated by the plausibility of the presented condition. This study aimed to (a) compare arithmetic processing between children with dyscalculia and children with good academic performance (GAP) using ERPs during an addition verification task and (b) explore, among children with dyscalculia, the relationship between WM and ERP effects. Materials and Methods EEGs of 22 children with dyscalculia (DYS group) and 22 children with GAP (GAP group) were recorded during the performance of an addition verification task. ERPs synchronized with the probe stimulus were computed separately for the congruent and incongruent probes, and included only epochs with correct answers. Mixed 2-way ANOVAs for response times and correct answers were conducted. Comparisons between groups and correlation analyses using ERP amplitude data were carried out through multivariate nonparametric permutation tests. Results The GAP group obtained more correct answers than the DYS group. An arithmetic N400 effect was observed in the GAP group but not in the DYS group. Both groups displayed an LPC effect. The larger the LPC amplitude was, the higher the WM index. Two subgroups were found within the DYS group: one with an average WM index and the other with a lower than average WM index. These subgroups displayed different ERPs patterns. Discussion The results indicated that the group of children with dyscalculia was very heterogeneous and therefore failed to show a robust LPC effect. Some of these children had WM deficits. When WM deficits were considered together with dyscalculia, an atypical ERP pattern that reflected their processing difficulties emerged. Their lack of the arithmetic N400 effect suggested that the processing in this step was not useful enough to produce an answer; thus, it was necessary to reevaluate the arithmetic-calculation process (LPC) in order to deliver a correct answer. Conclusion Given that dyscalculia is a very heterogeneous deficit, studies examining dyscalculia should consider exploring deficits in WM because the whole group of children with dyscalculia seems to contain at least two subpopulations that differ in their calculation process.
Renaming NAFLD to MAFLD: Could the LDE System Assist in This Transition?

Our understanding of fatty liver syndromes and their relationship with the metabolic syndrome has improved over recent decades and, paralleling this, we are now at the dawn of the NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) to MAFLD (metabolic-associated fatty liver disease) transition. The pitfalls of NAFLD diagnosis, together with disappointing results in therapeutic trials, and the inconsistencies and risks inherent in a “negative” definition (such as “nonalcoholic”) as opposed to a “positive” one (i.e., “metabolic”) are predicted to facilitate the proposed renaming of NAFLD to MAFLD. However, a premature change of terminology would not necessarily address major unmet needs in this area, and may even become counterproductive. As an aid to selecting more homogeneous cohorts of patients, I propose the LDE (Liver, Determinants, Extra-hepatic) classification system which, in principle, may help to assess the natural course of disease as well as the efficacy of novel drugs in patients with NAFLD/MAFLD.
Analysis of Five-Year Trend of Malaria at Bichena Primary Hospital, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Background Malaria is a life-threating infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium. The WHO African region bears the largest burden of malaria morbidity and mortality every year. Prevention and control activity of malaria in Ethiopia is implemented as guided by a national strategic plan to decrease malaria burden. This study is aimed at assessing the five-year trend of malaria at Bichena Primary Hospital. Method A retrospective study was conducted at Bichena Primary Hospital to assess the five-year (2015-2019) trend of malaria by reviewing blood film reports from a laboratory logbook. Result In a five-year period, 9182 blood films were requested for malaria diagnosis of whom 53.8% were males and 41% were in the age group 15-29. The overall prevalence of malaria was 9.28% (n = 852), P. falciparum being the dominant malaria species. The highest peaks of total malaria cases were observed in 2016 and in December, and the lowest peaks were observed in 2018 and March (mean annual case 170.4; mean monthly case 14.2), and there was a statistically significant year and monthly variation of malaria cases (P < 0.001). Malaria was reported in both sexes and all age groups; of which, males and the age group 15-29 years old consist the highest number of malaria cases (P < 0.001). Conclusion Malaria remains an important public health problem in the study area, and a significant fluctuation was noticed in a five-year period, P. falciparum being slightly the dominant malaria species. Successive efforts are still required to reduce malaria burden to a level that has no longer public health effect.
Production of hyperimmune anti-SARS-CoV-2 intravenous immunoglobulin from pooled COVID-19 convalescent plasma

Background: This study assesses the feasibility of producing hyperimmune anti-COVID-19 intravenously administrable immunoglobulin (C-IVIG) from pooled convalescent plasma (PCP) to provide a safe and effective passive immunization treatment option for COVID-19. Materials & methods: PCP was fractionated by modified caprylic acid precipitation followed by ultrafiltration/diafiltration to produce hyperimmune C-IVIG. Results: In C-IVIG, the mean SARS-CoV-2 antibody level was found to be threefold (104 ± 30 cut-off index) that of the PCP (36 ± 8.5 cut-off index) and mean protein concentration was found to be 46 ± 3.7 g/l, comprised of 89.5% immunoglobulins. Conclusion: The current method of producing C-IVIG is feasible as it uses locally available PCP and simpler technology and yields a high titer of SARS-CoV-2 antibody. The safety and efficacy of C-IVIG will be evaluated in a registered clinical trial (NCT 04521309).
Ethics of research at the intersection of COVID-19 and black lives matter: a call to action

This paper describes how to ethically conduct research with Black populations at the intersection of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement. We highlight the issues of historical mistrust in the USA and how this may impact Black populations’ participation in COVID-19 vaccination trials. We provide recommendations for researchers to ethically engage Black populations in research considering the current context. Our recommendations include understanding the impact of ongoing trauma, acknowledging historical context, ensuring diverse research teams and engaging in open and honest conversations with Black populations to better address their needs. The core of our recommendation is recognising the impact of trauma in our research and health care practices.
TPMT Genetic Variability and Its Association with Hematotoxicity in Indonesian Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Maintenance Therapy

Purpose Hematotoxicity monitoring in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is critical to preventing life-threatening infections and drug discontinuation. The primary drug that causes hematotoxicity in ALL children is 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). Genetic variability of the drug-metabolizing enzymes of 6-MP, thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT), is one factor that might increase the susceptibility of children to hematotoxicity. The present study aimed to determine the variability in TPMT genotypes and phenotypes and its association with the occurrence of hematotoxicity in ALL children in maintenance therapy. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Cipto Mangunkusumo and Dharmais National Cancer Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, from June 2017 to October 2018. We included ALL patients, 1–18 years, who were receiving at least one month of 6-MP during maintenance therapy according to the Indonesian protocol for ALL 2013. Direct sequencing was used to determine TPMT*3A, *3B, and *3C genotypes, and LC-MS/MS analysis was performed to measure the plasma concentrations of 6-MP and its metabolites. Association analysis between the TPMT genotype and hematotoxicity was evaluated using the unpaired t-test or Mann–Whitney’s test. Results The prevalence of neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia in ALL children during maintenance therapy was 51.9%, 44.3%, and 6.6%, respectively. We found a low frequency of TPMT*3C, which is 0.95%. No association was found between hematotoxicity and TPMT genotypes or age, nutritional status, serum albumin levels, risk stratification, the daily dose of 6-MP, and cotrimoxazole co-administration. However, hematotoxicity was associated with 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MeMP) plasma concentrations and the ratio 6-MeMP/6-thioguanine (6-TGN). We also found no association between TPMT genotypes and TPMT phenotypes. Conclusion The 6-MeMP/6-TGN ratio is associated with hematotoxicity in ALL children during maintenance therapy but is not strong enough to predict hematotoxicity.
Ultrasonic Investigation of Hydrodynamics and Mass Transfer in a Gas-Liquid(-Liquid) Stirred Vessel

The rate of gas-liquid mass transfer is very important in several industrial chemical engineering applications. In many multi-phase reaction systems, however, the mechanism of mass transfer is not well understood. This is for instance the case in Gas-Liquid-Solid (G-L-S) and Gas-Liquid-Liquid (G-L-L) systems. To obtain more knowledge of the mechanism of mass transfer, the mass transfer coefficient, kL, and the interfacial area, a, should be studied separately. In this work an ultrasonic measurement technique is used to study the local interfacial area in a standard sized vessel, equipped with a Rushton type impeller. This is done in combination with experimental determination of the volumetric mass transfer coefficient, kLa, using the dynamic oxygen method, to obtain values for kL. The gas hold-up is determined additionally to obtain values for the Sauter mean bubble diameter at different positions in the vessel. In a coalescing air-water system the bubble size was non-uniform throughout the vessel and increased from small bubbles at the impeller along with the flow pattern to larger sizes in the bulk of the vessel. In a non-coalescing electrolyte system the vessel was much more uniform and the bubbles were smaller when compared to the air-water system. To obtain overall values of the mass transfer parameters the local values were integrated according to their volume fraction in the reactor. In both coalescing and non-coalescing systems the overall values for the mass transfer parameters were in good agreement with literature correlations. The addition of small volume-fractions of toluene to an air-water system caused a strong decrease in both the volumetric mass transfer coefficient and in the gas hold-up. The interfacial area increased, however, but it was shown that this was due to the presence of microbubbles in the solution, which do not take part in the mass transfer process. The enhancing effect on gas-liquid mass transfer due to the addition of larger volume-fractions of toluene could be described reasonably well by a homogeneous model of the shuttle mechanism.
Fostering Undergraduate Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy Students’ Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Using High Fidelity Simulation

Background Interprofessional education is directly linked to high-quality patient care, however, it remains unclear whether senior undergraduate medicine, nursing, and pharmacy students are ready for interprofessional education using high fidelity human patient simulators. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore student’s readiness for interprofessional learning and determine whether participation in high fidelity interprofessional education resulted in higher levels of readiness for interprofessional learning. Methods An interventional program starting with a pre-test before the program and a post-test after the program ends were designed with 24 students. The students were assigned to seven interprofessional teams. Each team participated in a high fidelity interprofessional education module designed to teach the clinical management of an adult patient experiencing acute anaphylaxis. The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) was used as the pre and post-test instrument. Results Prior to participation, students reported a high level of readiness for interprofessional learning, but that readiness significantly improved after participation, including more positive attitudes towards teamwork, enhanced communication skills, and improved respect and trust for team members. Conclusions The findings from this study show a higher level of readiness for high fidelity interprofessional learning using human patient simulators among senior undergraduate medicine, nursing, and pharmacy students. These findings support the integration of high fidelity interprofessional education into undergraduate medicine, nursing, and pharmacy undergraduate education programs.
Diabetes Mellitus and Its Associated Factors in Tuberculosis Patients in Maekel Region, Eritrea: Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Background Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Eritrea. TB-DM comorbidity is known to complicate TB care, control and prevention. However, systematically studied epidemiological data on TB-DM comorbidity and its associated risk factors are lacking in this country. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of DM and its associated factors among TB patients in the Maekel region, Eritrea. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in eleven TB diagnostic and treatment sites. Pretested data extraction tool was used to collect data from medical records. Prevalence data were analysed using frequencies, proportions and median. To determine DM risk factors, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done with 95% CI and p value < 0.05 considered significant. Results Out of total eligible (1134) TB cases, DM prevalence was 9.88%. Age and BMI were identified as independent risk factors for DM among TB patients. Higher odds of DM were found among TB patients aged 45–54 (aOR: 4.85[1.39–16.94], p= 0.013) and those ≥55 (aOR: 6.99[2.12–23.04], p= 0.001). TB cases with normal BMI were two times more likely to have DM (aOR: 2.00[1.23–3.26], p= 0.005) compared to those underweight. Conclusion The prevalence of DM among TB cases observed in this study is high, a clarion call to scale up current efforts to integrate TB-DM services within routine care. Furthermore, age and BMI were identified as independent risk factors for DM in TB cases, pointing to the need to pay attention to age and BMI status when managing this co-morbidity.