Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2) in viral pathogenesis and breast cancer progression

BST-2 is an IFN-inducible gene that functions to block the release of a range of nascent enveloped virions from infected host cells. However, the role of BST-2 in viral pathogenesis remains poorly understood. BST-2 plays a multifaceted role in innate immunity, as it hinders retroviral infection and possibly promotes infection with some rhabdoand orthomyxoviruses. This paradoxical role has probably hindered exploration of BST-2 antiviral function in vivo. We reported previously that BST-2 tethers Chikungunya virus (CHIKV)-like particles on the cell plasma membrane. To explore the role of BST-2 in CHIKV replication and host protection, we utilized CHIKV strain 181/25 to examine early events during CHIKV infection in a BST-2 -/mouse model. We observed an interesting dichotomy between WT and BST-2 -/mice. BST-2 deficiency increased inoculation site viral load, culminating in higher systemic viraemia and increased lymphoid tissues tropism. A suppressed inflammatory innate response demonstrated by impaired expression of IFN-α, IFN-γ and CD40 ligand was observed in BST-2 -/mice compared with the WT controls. These findings suggested that, in part, BST-2 protects lymphoid tissues from CHIKV infection and regulates CHIKV-induced inflammatory response by the host. Introduction Infection with the alphavirus Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes disease in a wide range of animals and humans following infected mosquitoes bites [92]. Clinical manifestations of infection include fever, skin rash, myalgia, and polyarthralgia accompanied by swollen ankles, knees and wrists [93]. Although the mechanisms for viral pathogenesis and host protection are poorly understood, the host immune responses are thought to mediate viral clearance and, in most cases, initiate subsequent CHIKV-induced arthralgia/arthritic sequelae. Many human and murine cells are susceptible to CHIKV infection, and may play a role in CHIKV-induced pathology [94]. Among these are fibroblasts, epithelial, myeloid and lymphoid cells [94-97]. The susceptibility of
A Morphological Study of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Correlation With Clinical and Laboratory Findings, Including Results of Cytogenetic Analysis and Mutation Screening

OBJECTIVES : • To describe the morphology of bone marrow aspirates in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). • To correlate the bone marrow morphology with results of cytogenetic analysis and mutation screening. • To categorize AML using both the French-American-British (FAB) and the World Health Organization (WHO) classification systems METHODS : • A total of 156 newly diagnosed cases of AML presenting to Christian Medical College, Vellore over a period of one year from January 2015 to December 2015 were included in this study. • Bone marrow aspirate smears and peripheral blood smears of 156 patients with AML were studied and findings such as differential count, blast lineage assessment and assessment of dysplasia were noted. • Laboratory haematological parameters such as haemoglobin, platelet count and total leucocyte count were assessed for all the patients. • Cytogenetic analysis using karyotyping was carried out in 142 of the 156 patients. • Mutation screening for NPM1, FLT3-ITD and FLT3-TKD genes was carried out for 47 patients. RESULTS : • The median age of the patients was 32 years (range: 7 months to 76 years). • Using the FAB classification, the most common subtype was AML-M2 (37%) followed by AML-M1 (21%). AMl-M6 (1%) was the least common subtype. • Cytogenetic analysis – Abnormal karyotypes were seen 62% of our patients. (15;17)(q22;q12) was the most common recurrent genetic abnormality observed. t(8;21)(q22;q22.1) was seen in 8% patient. Rest of the abnormalities were seen in ~1-2% of patients. Other common cytogenetic abnormalities observed were • Trisomy 8 – 9% • Monosomy 7 – 8% • Complex karyotypes (3 or more abnormalities) – 13% • Monosomal karyotypes – 9%. • Mutation screening – • NPM1 mutation was seen in 47% (22/47) patients, and in 74% (20/27) patients with normal karyotype. • FLT3-ITD mutations were seen in 19% (9/47) of patients. • FLT3-TKDmutations were seen in 17% (8/47) of patients. • Concomitant NPM1 and FLT3 mutations were concomitantly seen in 28% (13/47) of patients. • Using the 2016 revision to the WHO classification of AML– AML with recurrent genetic abnormalities (AML-RGA) accounted for 42% of patients. AML, not otherwise specified (AML, NOS) accounted for 37% of patients. AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) accounted for 21% of patients. • AML-MRC based only on morphological evidence of dysplasia - 23%. • AML-MRC based on morphology and /or cytogenetic changes - 77%. • Risk classification according to modified European LeukemiaNet (ELN) classification system – Favorable risk profile was seen in 37% of patients. • Intermediate risk profile was seen in 38% of patients. • Adverse risk profile was seen in 25% of patients.
NEW METHODOLOGY TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS FOR ANCA-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIDES

Title of Thesis: NEW METHODOLOGY TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS FOR ANCA-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIDES Kaley Elizabeth Beins, Master of Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences, 2018 Thesis Directed By: Dr. Donald K. Milton, Professor of Environmental Heath, Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health A series of rare autoimmune disorders that affect the blood vessels, vasculitis is chronic and potentially deadly. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)associated vasculitis (AAV) comprise three diagnostic forms of this autoimmune disorder: granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA or Churg-Strauss syndrome). The limited resources available to vasculitis researchers have been mostly targeted toward treatment and relapse prediction with a small amount of research examining genetic and environmental etiologic factors. Therefore, additional research is needed to understand the role of gene-environment interactions in AAV etiology. This thesis reviews the current body of AAV literature with a focus on candidate genes, occupational and environmental exposures, and the hygiene hypothesis. It also designs an original survey and study methodology to further investigate these etiologic factors. A better understanding of AAV etiology will lead to prevention and improved treatment of these costly diseases.
Mebendazole Inexplicably Reducing the Breast Cancer Cells Viability Preclinically by Incitement Effects with Methotrexate

Objective: To perform preclinical (in vitro) interventional trial of mebendazole.Methods: This study carried out in Basic Medical Science Institute, JMPC in alliance with PCMD. The total study duration from March 2016 to February 2017. For assessment of cytotoxic incitement effects of mebendazole with methotrexate we used six different dilutions of mebendazole (1.5µM - 100µM) both as alone and in combination with methotrexate (0.5µM-100µM). Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT and trypan blue dye exclusion cytotoxicity assays. We used primarily two breast cancerous cell lines MCF-7 (representative of invasive ductal carcinoma) and MDA-MB-231 (representative of adenocarcinoma). Results: Mebendazole more effectively reducing the % viability of studied cancerous cell lines as combination therapy with methotrexate. The average percentage decrease of % viability of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 were -81.3097 and -66.8711 respectively. This combination showed selectivity towards cancerous cell lines as indicated by non-significant (p=0.183) effects on normal breast epithelial cell line (MCF-10). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that combination therapy of mebendazole with standard chemotherapeutic agent methotrexate unveil incitement effects.
Profile of HIV sero-positive attendees: an integrated counselling and testing centre record based retrospective study

Background: The sustainable development goal target is to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 35 million lives so far. The objectives of the study were to find out the pattern of socio-demographic profile among HIV sero-positive patients attending ICTC centre in SVIMS, Tirupati and to study the risk behaviour pattern among HIV sero-positives.Methods: Retrospective cross sectional study was undertaken at ICTC Centre, SVIMS, SPMC (W), Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. The records of data of all the HIV sero-positive attendees who attended the ICTC from January 2013 to June 2018 were included as study subjects. Records maintained were noted in proforma containing socio-demographic characteristics of HIV seropositive patients. Data was analysed using SPSS software version 23.00. Results: Majority of sero-positives were illiterates, married, daily wage labourers from rural area, in 20 to 60 years age group. Transmission was predominantly through the heterosexual route (96.1%). 68(54.4%) males and 63(72.4%) females were sero-concordant while 57 (45.6%) males and 24 (27.6%) females were sero-discordant.Conclusions: There is need to carry out intense IEC activities for behavior change at grass root levels. Low literacy and limited access to health facilities should be addressed.
The Role of Exercise in the Management of Parkinson's Disease

PARKINSON’S DISEASE (PD) RESULTS IN MOTOR AND NONMOTOR SYMPTOMS THAT LEAD TO DECREASED MOBILITY AND REDUCED QUALITY OF LIFE. EXERCISE IS AN EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR DISEASE MANAGEMENT AND IMPROVED FITNESS IN PERSONSWITH PD. THIS COLUMN WILL FOCUS ON THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, EPIDEMIOLOGY, TREATMENT, AND EXERCISE GOALS FOR PERSONS WITH PD.
Patient Perspectives about Spirituality and Spiritual Care

Objective: This study was undertaken to explore the perspectives regarding spirituality and spiritual care held by individuals with advanced disease. The aim was to gain a deeper understanding about their viewpoints surrounding spiritual care and the role of health-care professionals in providing such care. Methods: Sixteen individuals with advanced disease and a prognosis of <12 months underwent an in-depth interview. Transcripts were subjected to a qualitative descriptive analysis to identify salient content and themes. Results: Four overall themes were identified: Spirituality is personal, spiritual distress is about separation, spiritual care is about connecting, and conversations about spirituality must align with the patient's beliefs. Subthemes emphasized the individuality of spiritual expression, the potential for illness impacting spiritual beliefs, and the value of connections to one's spiritual community. Participants thought healthcare providers needed to be able to identify individuals who were experiencing a spiritual struggle, acknowledge the reality of that struggle, and connect the individual with the appropriate resource or person. Conclusions: Patients with advanced disease are likely to express their spirituality in unique ways. Being able to talk about their spiritual beliefs and doubts during illness without judgment was seen as a benefit to them. Healthcare providers ought to be able to identify those patients who require assistance in connecting to appropriate spiritual care resources.
Allostatic Load and Stress Physiology in European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) and Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

The present study aimed to compare effects of increasing chronic stress load on the stress response of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) to identify neuroendocrine functions that regulate this response. Fish were left undisturbed (controls) or exposed to three levels of chronic stress for 3 weeks and then subjected to an acute stress test (ACT). Chronic stress impeded growth and decreased feed consumption in seabass, not in seabream. In seabass basal cortisol levels are high and increase with stress load; the response to a subsequent ACT decreases with increasing (earlier) load. Basal cortisol levels in seabream increase with the stress load, whereas the ACT induced a similar response in all groups. In seabass and seabream plasma α-MSH levels and brain stem serotonergic activity and turnover were similar and not affected by chronic stress. Species-specific molecular neuro-regional differences were seen. In-situ hybridization analysis of the early immediate gene cfos in the preoptic area showed ACT-activation in seabream; in seabass the expression level was not affected by ACT and seems constitutively high. In seabream, expression levels of telencephalic crf, crfbp, gr1, and mr were downregulated; the seabass hypothalamic preoptic area showed increased expression of crf and gr1, and decreased expression of mr, and this increased the gr1/mr ratio considerably. We substantiate species-specific physiological differences to stress coping between seabream and seabass at an endocrine and neuroendocrine molecular level. Seabass appear less resilient to stress, which we conclude from high basal activities of stress-related parameters and poor, or absent, responses to ACT. This comparative study reveals important aquaculture, husbandry, and welfare implications for the rearing of these species.
Role of Diffusion and Perfusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Predicting the Histopathological Grade of Gliomas - A Prospective Study

Context: Gliomas are the most common brain tumors. In addition to conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, a variety of new techniques offers more than the anatomic information. The new MRI techniques include perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and accuracy of diffusion- and perfusion-weighted MRI in the preoperative grading of gliomas. Setting/Design: The study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery, Pathology, and Radiodiagnosis, Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Kashmir, India, which is the only tertiary care neurosurgical center in the state. It was a prospective study. Patients and Methods: Thirty-one consecutive patients with gliomas were included in the study. All the patients were evaluated by a standard conventional contrast-enhanced study on Siemens 1.5 Tesla MRI. In addition to the standard MRI, diffusion- and perfusion-weighted MRI were also performed. The histopathological grading of the tumor was done as per the WHO classification of 2007. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and accuracy of diffusion- and perfusion-weighted MRI in determining tumor grade were calculated. Comparison was done between PWI, DWI findings, and WHO histopathological grading. Analysis Method: The statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to estimate sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Results: The overall sensitivity of PWI (with regional cerebral blood volume cutoff of 1.7) in the preoperative assessment of high-grade gliomas was 82.6% and specificity was 75%, the positive predictive value (PPV) was 90.48%, and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 60%. The overall accuracy was 80.65%. In case of DWI, the sensitivity was 69.57% and the specificity was 75%, and the PPV and NPVs were 88.8% and 46.15%, respectively. The overall accuracy was 71%. Conclusion: Our results clearly show higher accuracy of diffusion- and perfusion-weighted MRI in assessment of glioma grade as compared to conventional MRI. This information can prove very useful for the operating neurosurgeon in preoperative assessment and surgical planning. Postoperatively, the neuropathologist can also benefit from such information.
Impact of Oral Health Education Program (OHEP) on Competencies Among Nurses Caring for Totally Dependent Patients in Two Government Tertiary Hospitals in the Philippines

Background: Circumstances surrounding hospitalization and ill-health can lead to neglect of oral hygiene. In fact, several studies have reported the link between presence of oral pathogens and development of hospital-acquired pneumonia among mechanically ventilated patients. Performing oral care, therefore, is an essential intervention to prevent infection among these patients. While a lot of studies have focused on nurses' knowledge and practices on oral health, only a few examined their skills and attitudes towards providing oral care. Objective: This study aimed to determine the impact of a competency-based Oral Health Education Program (OHEP) on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nurses caring for totally dependent patients. Methods: The study utilized a quasi-experimental, one group pre- and post-test design in the intensive care units (ICUs) of two tertiary government hospitals. A total of 66 nurses participated in the study, all of whom were subjected to the OHEP. Results: There was a significant difference in the nurses' pre-test and post-test scores in each of the components (knowledge, skills, and attitude) of oral care. Nurses' post-test scores were significantly higher, indicating improvement in their oral care competencies. Attending the training or workshop in oral care had a positive relationship to knowledge (r=0.249, p<0.05). Conclusion: The Oral Health Education Program (OHEP) is associated with the increased competency level of nurses on oral care. The need for systematic and comprehensive oral care training similar to OHEP is therefore recommended, especially among nurses caring for totally dependent patients.
Hypofractıonated Preoperatıve Chemoradiotherapy In Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Preliminary Results

1Department of Radiation Oncology, Mehmet Akif İnan Training and Research Hospital, Şanlıurfa-Turkey 2Department of Radiation Oncology, Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul-Turkey 3Department of Medical Physics, Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul-Turkey 4Department of Pathology, Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul-Turkey 5Department of Radiation Oncology, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University Atakent Hospital, İstanbul-Turkey
Risk Factors for Fall in Elderly Patients: Follow-Up Study after Hospital Discharge

Introduction: Increased occurrences of falls after discharge are reported, especially in elderly people. Falls are a major cause of disability and identification of risk factors associated with falls is required to plan preventive actions. This study aims to determine the occurrence of falls in the three months after discharge and risk factors in elderly patients. Materials and Methods: 100 patients over 65 admitted to an Internal Medicine Ward participated. Questionnaires were given during hospitalization and three months after discharge. Follow-up information was unavailable for 31 patients (25 deceased, 6 unreachable). Results: Of those analyzed 52% were males with 80 ± 8.1 years (mean ± SD). Polymedication (p = 0.002), use of psychoactive drugs (p = 0.007), analgesics (p = 0.034) and walking devices (p = 0.006) were associated with a higher incidence of falls 6 months before hospitalization. Post-discharge follow-up was obtained for 69 patients: 18 reported falling during the follow-up. There was a higher risk of fall in patients with a history of falls in the 6 months before admission (p = 0.015 RR = 2.76). Patients who had one or more falls after discharge had a significantly shorter length of hospital stay compared to those who didn’t fall (p = 0.012). In multivariate logistic regression, we found that patients who were hospitalized more than 7 days had a lower risk of falling in the post-discharge period (OR = 0.195, p = 0.017) independently of the history of falls 6 months prior to admission. Conclusions: Further studies are required to validate the risk factors identified after discharge and to evaluate preventive measures. Elderly patients discharged from an Internal Medicine Ward should be screened to determine the risk of falls, specifically previous history of falls and medication. These patients should integrate a fall prevention program.
Our Ultrasound Guided Brachial Plexus Block Experiences for Upper Extremity Surgeries in Pediatric Patients

Objectives: Brachial plexus block is the most effective analgesia and anesthesia procedure for the upper extremity surgeries in pediatric patients. In recent years, ultrasound guidance for this procedure has reduced the fail and complications like pneumothorax, intravascular injection and nerve damage. However, the number of studies about brachial plexus block is not enough, particularly in pediatric patients, which remained under-researched. In our study, we aimed to discuss the efficacy and safety of the ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in pediatric patients by retrospectively examining their data. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of pediatric patients who underwent ultrasound-guided brachial block in our clinic between January 2015-January 2017. Demographic data, diagnosis, procedure and operation times, medications, motor and sensorial block times were recorded. Results: Between January 2015 and January 2017, the number of pediatric patients who underwent ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block in our clinic was 24. In 15 of these patients, the supraclavicular block was applied in 15, and the infraclavicular block was applied in nine patients. The mean age of the patients was 9.6±3.12, with a male/female ratio 14/10. The mean duration of the procedure was 9.54±2.14 minutes in patients for the supraclavicular block and 12.9 ± 2.8 minutes for the infraclavicular block. The mean surgery time was 64±13.6 minutes. As a local anesthetic, bupivacaine was used in three patients; bupivacaine+lidocaine combination was used in 21 patients and adjuvants were added in eight patients. The block procedure was performed under general anesthesia in 12 patients and under sedation in 12 patients. The mean motor block time was 7.5±2 hours in patients who received supraclavicular block, and 7.4±1.5 hours in patients who received infraclavicular block. The mean sensorial block time was 10.5±1.7 hours in the supraclavicular block, and 10.45±1.15 hours in the infraclavicular block. The mean motor block period with added adjuvants was 7.7±0.5 hours, and the sensorial block period was 11.12±1.1 hours. No complications were seen during the procedure, intraoperative and postoperative follow-up. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in pediatric patients is effective and safe, with longer analgesia duration and lower complication rates. Prospective studies with a larger number of patients are needed in this regard.
Microbiological parameters that influence the treatment outcomes of monodrug and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

III DECLARATION . VI ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . VIII LIST OF TABLES . XVII LIST OF FIGURES . XIX ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS . XIX CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY . 1 1.1 TUBERCULOSIS AND HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRAL INFECTION: GLOBALLY AND IN SOUTH AFRICA . 1 1.2 DRUG RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS: GLOBALLY AND IN SOUTH AFRICA . 2 1.2.1 Drug resistant -TB treatment in South Africa . 4 1.2.2 Drug resistant -TB treatment outcomes in South Africa . 5 1.3 MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY . 6 1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS . 11 1.5. HYPOTHESIS . 12 1.5. 1 Experimental hypotheses-----------------------------------------------------------------------------13 1.5. 2 Null hypotheses . 13 1.6 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY . 14 CHAPTER TWO : LITERATURE REVIEW . 15 2.1 SEARCH STRATEGY . 15 2.2 Selection of Studies . 15 2.3 OVERVIEW OF PHENOTYPIC SUBPOPULATION OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS . 16 2.3. 1 Impact of HIV infection on clinical and microbiological presentation of TB . 16 2.3. 2 Impact of tuberculosis on human immunodeficiency virus progression . 17 http://etd.uwc. ac.za/