Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic Role of the C-Reactive Protein and Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase in a Pediatric Series of Bone Ewing Sarcoma

Simple Summary Ewing sarcoma is a rare and aggressive tumor of childhood and adolescence. Over the years, different prognostic factors have been explored to stratify high-risk patients. The roles of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as potential new prognostic factors would be a useful and simple for risk stratification, but they have rarely been investigated. In our work, we analyze the role of LDH and CRP as prognostic factors in a population of pediatric and adolescent patients affected by Ewing sarcoma. Our study confirms the potential prognostic role of LDH at diagnosis as an independent prognostic factor. LDH evaluation is not expensive, and it can be beneficial for developing countries where diagnostic and staging resources in the pediatric oncology field are poor. Abstract Background: Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a rare and aggressive pediatric cancer. Numerous studies have attempted to identify new prognostic biomarkers. The predictive value of serum LDH and CRP has not been clearly described, to date. Methods: The objective of our retrospective study was to investigate the prognostic value of LDH and CRP levels and their association with overall survival in a series of ES patients. Results: Between 2004 and 2019, 89 ES patients were included. In a univariable analysis, high levels of LDH and CRP were associated with the worst prognosis. In a multivariable analysis, only higher LDH values remained associated with a lower survival. The high-LDH-level group experienced all 21 deaths registered in our population (24%) and about 90% of disease progressions. The 5-year overall survival was 66.4% in the high-LDH-level group, while no deaths were observed in the low-LDH-level group. The 5-year progression-free survival was 57.9% in the high-LDH-level group versus 80.4% in the low-LDH-level group. Conclusions: In our study, LDH levels at diagnosis were strongly correlated with the prognosis, and they might be considered a prognostic factor in Ewing sarcoma. The LDH value, along with its very low cost and its reproducibility in almost all centers, make it suitable as a potential prognostic biomarker in clinical practice.
Scattering equations and Kawai-Lewellen-Tye orthogonality

Several recent developments point to the fact that rational maps from $n$-punctured spheres to the null cone of $D$-dimensional momentum space provide a natural language for describing the scattering of massless particles in $D$ dimensions. In this paper we identify and study equations relating the kinematic invariants ${s}_{ab}$ and the puncture locations ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{c}$, which we call the scattering equations. We provide an inductive algorithm in the number of particles for their solutions and prove a remarkable property which we call Kawai--Lewellen--Tye (KLT) orthogonality. In a nutshell, KLT orthogonality means that ``Parke--Taylor'' vectors constructed from the solutions to the scattering equations are mutually orthogonal with respect to the KLT bilinear form. We end with comments on possible connections to gauge theory and gravity amplitudes in any dimension and to the high-energy limit of string theory amplitudes.
Microstructure in patients with visual snow syndrome: an ultra-high field morphological and quantitative MRI study

Abstract Visual snow syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by continuous visual disturbance and a range of non-visual symptoms, including tinnitus and migraine. Little is known about the pathological mechanisms underlying visual snow syndrome. Here, we assessed brain morphometry and microstructure in visual snow syndrome patients using high-resolution structural and quantitative MRI. Forty visual snow syndrome patients (22 with migraine) and 43 controls underwent 7-Tesla MRI (MP2RAGE, 0.75 mm isotropic resolution). Volumetric and quantitative T1 values were extracted for white and grey matter regions and compared between groups. Where regions were significantly different between groups (false discovery rate corrected for multiple comparisons), post hoc comparisons were examined between patients with and without migraine. For visual snow syndrome patients, significant MRI variables were correlated with clinical severity (number of visual symptoms, perceived visual snow intensity, disruptiveness, fatigue and quality of life) and psychiatric symptoms prevalent in visual snow syndrome (depression, anxiety and depersonalization). Finally, cortical regions and individual thalamic nuclei were studied. Compared with controls, visual snow syndrome patients demonstrated a trend towards larger brain and white matter volumes and significantly lower T1 values for the entire cortex (P < 0.001), thalamus (P = 0.001) and pallidum (P = 0.001). For the patient group, thalamic T1 correlated with number of visual symptoms (P = 0.019, r = 0.390) and perceived disruptiveness of visual snow (P = 0.010, r = 0.424). These correlations did not survive multiple comparison corrections. As for specificity in visual snow syndrome group, T1 changes were most evident in caudal regions (occipital cortices) followed by parietal, temporal and prefrontal cortices. T1 values differed between groups for most individual thalamic nuclei. No differences were revealed between patients with and without migraine. In visual snow syndrome patients, we observed no changes in morphometry, instead widespread changes in grey matter microstructure, which followed a caudal-rostral pattern and affected the occipital cortices most profoundly. Migraine did not appear to independently affect these changes. Lower T1 values may potentially result from higher neurite density, myelination or increased iron levels in the visual snow syndrome brain. Further investigation of these changes may enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of visual snow syndrome, ultimately leading to new treatment strategies.
Vocational teachers’ perceptions of transition components and relevance of curriculum to employment for students with disabilities

Abstract Employment is one important post-school outcome for youth and adults and its benefits include enjoying a productive life, enhanced self-worth, and economic independence. Although Botswana has made notable strides to enhance post-school outcomes for students with disabilities (SWDs), many of these youth continue to face underemployment and unemployment. Hence, this study used a quantitative research approach to examine vocational teachers’ perceptions of necessary transition components and the relevance of the curriculum in helping SWDs to transition to employment successfully. Participants were selected through census and purposive sampling from two regions in Botswana and their gender and teaching experience differences were further examined. A total of 158 participants completed a paper survey. A Factorial ANOVA was run to determine significant differences in participants’ perceptions of essential transition components and the relevance of vocational coursework in supporting SWDs to transition successfully to employment. A Tukey post hoc test was run to establish differences between groups. Participants held somewhat positive beliefs about transition components and vocational coursework. However, participants’ views were inconsistent based on gender and teaching experience. This diversity of views clearly shows the extent to which vocational teachers differ regarding transition planning, which may hinder the effective delivery of transition services.
Induction Chemotherapy and Ablative Stereotactic Magnetic Resonance Image-Guided Adaptive Radiation Therapy for Inoperable Pancreas Cancer

Background Radiation therapy (RT) dose for inoperable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has historically been non-ablative to avoid injuring gastrointestinal (GI) organs at risk (OARs). Accruing data suggest that dose escalation, in select patients, may significantly improve clinical outcomes. Early results of ablative stereotactic magnetic resonance image-guided adaptive radiation therapy (A-SMART) have been encouraging, although long-term outcomes are not well understood. Methods A single institution retrospective analysis was performed of inoperable non-metastatic PDAC patients who received induction chemotherapy then 5-fraction A-SMART on a 0.35T-MR Linac from 2018-2021. Results Sixty-two patients were evaluated with a median age of 66 years (range 35-91) and nearly all achieved Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-1 (96.8%). Locally advanced disease was common (72.6%), otherwise borderline resectable (22.6%), or medically inoperable (4.8%). All received induction chemotherapy for a median 4.2 months (range, 0.2-13.3) most commonly FOLFIRINOX (n=43; 69.4%). Median prescribed dose was 50 Gy (range 40-50); median biologically effective dose (BED10) was 100 Gy10. The median local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) from diagnosis were not reached, 20 months, and 23 months, respectively. Also, 2-year LC, PFS, and OS were 68.8%, 40.0%, and 45.5%, respectively. Acute and late grade 3+ toxicity rates were 4.8% and 4.8%, respectively. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the largest series of induction chemotherapy followed by ablative 5-fraction SMART delivered on an MR Linac for inoperable PDAC. The potential for this novel treatment strategy is to achieve long-term LC and OS, compared to chemotherapy alone, and warrants prospective evaluation.
The Association Between Vitamin D Serum Level and COVID-19 Patients’ Outcomes in a Tertiary Center in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with the risk for immune-mediated inflammatory reactions in various respiratory infections. Our study investigated the association between vitamin D deficiency and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients’ outcomes. We included 545 patients who were admitted to a tertiary center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from March 2020 to July 2021 with a vitamin D serum test result at the time of infection or prior to disease onset. The data were extracted retrospectively using a data collection sheet. Our primary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission and in-hospital mortality. The cut-off values for vitamin D were <25, 25-49, and 50-250 for deficient, suboptimal, and optimal levels respectively. Our result revealed that there is no association between vitamin D serum levels deficiency and ICU admission (OR=1.08, p=0.75) or in-hospital mortality (OR=1.74, p=0.97). ICU admission and in-hospital mortality percentages in patients with vitamin D deficiency were 14.1% and 6.4%, respectively. In comparison, percentages for patients with optimal levels were 16.67% and 6.15% for ICU admission and in-hospital mortality, respectively. Smoking was not associated with ICU admission (p=0.05) or in-hospital mortality (p=0.38). Our study does not support a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 patients’ outcomes. Future studies should be directed toward conducting randomized clinical trials to determine whether vitamin D has an effective role in reducing COVID-19 severity.
New Membrane Active Antibacterial and Antiviral Amphiphiles Derived from Heterocyclic Backbone of Pyridinium-4-Aldoxime

Quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) are irreplaceable membrane-active antimicrobial agents that have been widely used for nearly a century. Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is one of the most potent QAS. However, recent data from the literature indicate that CPC activity against resistant bacterial strains is decreasing. The major QAS resistance pathway involves the QacR dimer, which regulates efflux pump expression. A plausible approach to address this issue is to structurally modify the CPC structure by adding other biologically active functional groups. Here, a series of QAS based on pyridine-4-aldoxime were synthesized, characterized, and tested for antimicrobial activity in vitro. Although we obtained several potent antiviral candidates, these candidates had lower antibacterial activity than CPC and were not toxic to human cell lines. We found that the addition of an oxime group to the pyridine backbone resulted in derivatives with large topological polar surfaces and with unfavorable cLog P values. Investigation of the antibacterial mode of action, involving the cell membrane, revealed altered cell morphologies in terms of corrugated and/or disrupted surface, while 87% of the cells studied exhibited a permeabilized membrane after 3 h of treatment at 4 × minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of the interaction of QacR with a representative candidate showed rapid dimer disruption, whereas this was not observed for QacR and QacR bound to the structural analog CPC. This might explain the lower bioactivity of our compounds, as they are likely to cause premature expression of efflux pumps and thus activation of resistance.
Exploring Built-Up Indices and Machine Learning Regressions for Multi-Temporal Building Density Monitoring Based on Landsat Series

Uncontrolled built-up area expansion and building densification could bring some detrimental problems in social and economic aspects such as social inequality, urban heat islands, and disturbance in urban environments. This study monitored multi-decadal building density (1991–2019) in the Yogyakarta urban area, Indonesia consisting of two stages, i.e., built-up area classification and building density estimation, therefore, both built-up expansion and the densification were quantified. Multi sensors of the Landsat series including Landsat 5, 7, and 8 were utilized with some prior corrections to harmonize the reflectance values. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier was used to distinguish between built-up and non built-up areas. Regression algorithms, i.e., linear regression (LR), support vector regression (SVR), and random forest regression (RFR) were explored to obtain the best model to estimate building density using the inputs of built-up indices: Urban Index (UI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), Index-based Built-up Index (IBI), and NIR-based built-up index based on the red (VrNIR-BI) and green band (VgNIR-BI). The best models were revealed by SVR with the inputs of UI-NDBI-IBI and LR with a single predictor of UI, for Landsat 8 (2013–2019) and Landsat 5/7 (1991–2009), respectively, using separate training samples. We found that machine learning regressions (SVM and RF) could perform best when the sample size is abundant, whereas LR could predict better for a limited sample size if a linear positive relationship was identified between the predictor(s) and building density. We conclude that expansion in the study area occurred first, followed by rapid building development in the subsequent years leading to an increase in building density.
Development and Validation of a Chinese Standardized Client Satisfaction Scale

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a standardized client satisfaction scale for social work programs in China. Method: We generated items through a thorough literature review, confirmed by experts, and indigenized and revised by scholars, practitioners, and clients. The sample was from 15 government-sponsored social work programs’ clients in Jiangsu Province, China. We conducted exploratory factor analyses to test reliability (N = 299) and confirmatory factor analyses to examine validity (N = 699). Predictive validity was also tested. Results: The client satisfaction scale, consisting of 4 dimensions with 15 items, demonstrates good internal consistency, satisfactory factorial validity, and positive correlation with clients’ service participation frequency. Discussion: The 4-dimension client satisfaction scale is a reliable and valid instrument. It taps into client perceptions and feedback based on their service experiences. This study offers a feasible way to promote the standardization of social work programs in China.
Bayesian Network Analysis of Lymphatic Filariasis Serology from Myanmar Shows Benefit of Adding Antibody Testing to Post-MDA Surveillance

The elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) is achieved through repeated mass drug administration (MDA) of anti-filarial medications, which interrupts transmission and prevents new infections. Accurate transmission assessments are critical to deciding when to stop MDA. Current methods for evaluating transmission may be insufficiently sensitive, resulting in post-MDA resurgence. We, therefore, evaluated potential diagnostic testing scenarios for post-MDA surveillance. Data were used from two surveys (a household cluster and a cohort) conducted in an area of Mandalay Region, Myanmar, with ongoing transmission following several rounds of MDA. First, age- and sex-adjusted seroprevalence were estimated for the area using the household survey. Next, three Bayesian networks were built from the combined datasets to compare antigens by immunochromatic testing (ICT) and/or Og4C3 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and antibody (Ab) detection methods (Wb123 or Bm14 Ab ELISA). The networks were checked for validity and then used to compare diagnostic testing scenarios. The adjusted prevalence from the household survey for antigen, Wb123 Ab and Bm14 Ab were 4.4% (95% CI 2.6–7.3%), 8.7% (5.96–12.5%) and 20.8% (16.0–26.6%), respectively. For the three networks, the True Skill Statistic and Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve for antigen, Wb123 and Bm14 Ab were 0.79, 0.68 and 0.55; and 0.97, 0.92 and 0.80, respectively. In the Bayesian network analysis, a positive case was defined as testing positive to one or more infection markers. A missed result was therefore the probability of a positive case having a negative test result to an alternate marker. The probability of a positive case prior to any testing scenario was 17.4%, 16.8% and 26.6% for antigen, Wb123 Ab and Bm14 Ab, respectively. In the antigen-only testing scenario, the probability of a missed positive LF result was 5.2% for Wb123 and 15.6% for Bm14 Ab. The combination of antigen plus Bm14 Ab testing reduced the probability of missing a positive LF case as measured by Wb123 Ab to 0.88%. The combination of antigen plus Wb123 Ab was less successful and yielded an 11.5% probability of a missed positive result by Bm14 Ab testing. Across scenarios, there was a greater discordance between Bm14 and both antigen and Wb123 Ab in the 1–10 age group compared to older ages. These findings suggest that the addition of Bm14 Ab improves the sensitivity of LF testing for current or past infection. The combination of antigen plus Bm14 Ab should therefore be considered for inclusion in post-MDA surveillance to improve the sensitivity of transmission surveys and prevent the premature cessation of MDA.
An Evaluation of Nutritional Status and Problems with Dietary Compliance in Polish Patients with Celiac Disease

Celiac disease (CD, enteropathy) is a genetic autoimmune disease (abnormal immune response that attacks healthy tissues) associated with gluten intolerance. The aim of this study was to evaluate and monitor the nutritional status of CD patients, explore the problems associated with diet planning and dietary adherence among children and adults, and assess the impact of these factors on the persistence of CD symptoms. This study was carried out as part of the project entitled “A gluten-free diet without obstacles—eating well and healthy” (POWR 03.01.00-00-T153/18), conducted in Lublin Voivodeship. The study involved 87 persons, including 23 children younger than 18. At the beginning of the study and after nine months, all adult participants (older than 18) were subjected to a body composition analysis with the SECA mBCA 515 analyzer. During the project, the participants attended three consultations with a dietician. During each visit, the subjects’ body weight, nutritional status and diets were evaluated; their diets were modified, and problems relating to dietary adherence were resolved. The initial body composition analysis revealed a risk of sarcopenic obesity in 30% of adult participants, in particular in women (p = 0.003) older than 45 (p = 0.001). The risk of being underweight was diagnosed in 25% of the subjects, in particular, in women younger than 35 (p = 0.0023) and in participants who had been affected by short stature and underweight in childhood, i.e., before CD diagnosis (p = 0.0024). The analysis demonstrated that patients with gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting) of CD were significantly more likely to avoid even accidental exposure to gluten and were more likely to strictly follow GFD recommendations (1.97; 95CI:1.56–2.12, p = 0.0001) and safety guidelines when preparing meals at home (1.76; 95CI: 1.34–192, p = 0.0023). Parents, in particular, parents of toddlers and preschoolers who are at significantly higher risk of CD, adhered strictly to dietary guidelines and did not allow for any exceptions when preparing meals (1.88; 95CI: 1.53–2.09, p = 0.001). Persons at risk of malnutrition were also far less likely to deliberately choose gluten-containing foods (0.74; 95CI: 0.53–0.91, p = 0.021), in particular, patients with Marsh type 3a and 3b classification (p = 0.01) and persons whose intestinal histology scores did not fully improve after switching to a GFD. An assessment of the effectiveness of diet therapy based on the phase angle revealed that dietary recommendations had a positive impact on patients who had been recently diagnosed with CD. In all age groups, the main problem was accidental exposure to gluten, in particular in foods that were not labeled with the crossed grain symbol. A comparative analysis of CDAT questionnaires revealed that dietary advice on eating out significantly improved adherence to a GFD and reduced the frequency of unintentional gluten exposure in all age groups.
The e-MERLIN L-band Legacy survey of Cygnus OB2

The Cygnus OB2 Radio Survey (COBRaS) is an e-MERLIN Legacy survey awarded ~ 300 hours worth of observing time. Split between L-(42 hrs) and C-(252 hrs) band, the project aims to push the limits of e-MERLIN’s enhanced capabilities by providing highly sensitive, targeted, deep-field radio maps of the core of the Cygnus OB2 association. The L-band (21cm) observations, completed throughout the Spring of 2014, serve as the focus of the work presented here. This thesis primarily aims to investigate the radio emission from massive (M 8 M⊙ ) stars in the Cyg OB association, in order to obtain a better understanding of their mass-loss rates and binarity. A description of the entire data reduction process of the COBRaS 21cm observations is given, as is a discussion of the mitigation of radio frequency interference (RFI). In the advent of new radio telescopes, the technical skills, research and tools developed throughout this process aims to serve the wider radio astronomy community. Further technical work is presented in the form of novel source extraction and cross-correlation scripts that deliver the COBRaS L-band all source catalogue (CLASC). Reaching resolutions of ~180 mas, precise positions and 21cm flux densities are presented for 41 sources found within a 0.48 x 0.48 deg region, centred on the Cyg OB2 association. In obtaining a 3σ sensitivity limit of ~ 100 μJy, these observations significantly improve upon previous surveys of the region. Accurate determinations of the mass-loss rates of single massive OB stars are used to investigate their stellar wind properties, helping to resolve current discrepancies in the mass-loss rates via clumped and structured hot star winds. Finally, an analysis of the non-thermal radiation from the colliding winds of massive star binaries seeks to clarify our understanding of such systems and their radio emission processes.