Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes and Health Care Utilization in Patients With Burkitt Lymphoma

PURPOSE Burkitt lymphoma is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma requiring intensive therapy, which places patients at risk for severe toxicity. However, few studies have described these patients' clinical outcomes and health care utilization, particularly among older adults. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of adults 40 years and older with Burkitt lymphoma at Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute from February 1999 to December 2020 (N = 97). We abstracted patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, and health care utilization (unplanned hospitalizations, intensive care unit [ICU] admissions) during therapy from the electronic health record. Using univariate logistic regression, we examined factors associated with rates of unplanned hospitalization and ICU admission during therapy. RESULTS Among evaluable patients (median age, 69 years; 23.7% female; 19.3% with bone marrow involvement), 45.8% (38 of 83) experienced unplanned hospitalization and 23.2% (19 of 82) experienced ICU admission during therapy. Among those 70 years and older, rates of unplanned hospitalization and ICU admission were 36.8% (14 of 38) and 29.0% (11 of 38), respectively. Bone marrow involvement (odds ratio [OR], 3.00; P = .069) was associated with a nonsignificantly greater likelihood of unplanned hospitalization. Older age (OR, 1.06; P = .039), Charlson comorbidity index >0 (OR, 3.14; P = .038), and hypoalbuminemia (OR, 3.22; P = .035) were associated with greater likelihood of ICU admission. Overall, 8.7% (8 of 92) of patients died during treatment, all of whom were 70 years and older. CONCLUSION Adults with Burkitt lymphoma experience substantial rates of unplanned hospitalizations and ICU admissions, with older adults at especially high risk for ICU admission and death during treatment. Our findings underscore the need to develop supportive care interventions for patients with Burkitt lymphoma to help improve clinical outcomes and health care utilization.
The relationship between fertility knowledge and unintended pregnancy: a survey among women of reproductive age in Shiraz, Iran

ABSTRACT Unintended pregnancy poses significant health risks for mothers, often leading to induced abortions. Understanding fertility is crucial when it comes to predicting the likelihood of unintended pregnancy. This study employed a quantitative research approach, utilizing a survey method. The survey was conducted in 2022 and involved 1065 married women aged 15–49 residing in Shiraz. The data collection process involved the administration of a standardized questionnaire. The sampling process utilized a combination of multi-stage classification and systematic random methods. The analysis of variable associations demonstrated a significant positive correlation between fertility knowledge, age, husband’s age, duration of marriage, and monthly income variables with the proportion of unintended pregnancies. It was observed that higher levels of education among both women and their husbands were associated with a lower proportion of unintended pregnancies. Additionally, employed women exhibited a significantly lower proportion of unintended pregnancies compared to non-employed women. The logistic regression analysis further confirmed that fertility knowledge and monthly income exerted a significant reverse influence on the likelihood of experiencing an unintended pregnancy. Lack of awareness regarding fertility knowledge among women can contribute to the occurrence of unintended pregnancies. Unintended pregnancies, in turn, can pose potential health risks for women.
Clinicopathological features and correlation analysis of male breast cancer

To analyze and compare the clinicopathological characteristics of male breast cancer (MBC) among Chinese patients and those from East Asia and other regions. Clinicopathological data from 3 kinds of data sources, including 31 MBC patients in Jiangsu Provincial Hospital (JPH) from 2014 to 2021 in China, 20 literature data on East Asian MBC patients from 2014 to 2021, and 3102 MBC patients registered in the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database from 2014 to 2019, were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The average ages of first-diagnosis MBC patients in JPH and East Asian patients were 59.7 and 62.3 years old, respectively, which were younger than those of SEER patients (66.5 years old). Between East Asian and SEER patients, the status or rates of main breast cancer type, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, breast subtype, and TNM stage were relatively close, and their differences were not statistically significant (P > .05). Differences were observed in chemotherapy, surgery, pathological grade, and lymph node positivity (P < .01). Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was observed between the JPH and East Asian patients (all P > .05). In JPH and SEER, linear regression relationships were observed between the lymph node positivity rate, tumor size, and histological grade. JPH and East Asian MBC patients were younger than SEER patients. Between East Asian and SEER patients, the status of the main breast cancer type, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, breast subtype, and TNM stage were similar, but there were differences in chemotherapy, surgery, pathological grade, and lymph node positivity. The findings of this study should prove to be helpful to deepen our understanding of East Asian MBC.
Expression and Alteration Value of Long Noncoding RNA AB073614 and FER1L4 in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Background: Numerous studies have probed the deregulation of the long noncoding RNA AB073614 and FER1L4, which have been discovered in a variety of cancers. However, the precise expression pattern of these lncRNAs and their clinical implications in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain elusive. Considering the involvement of the PI3K axis in AML pathogenesis, an investigation into the expression of AB073614 and FER1L4 targets of this pathway has been proposed, aiming to elucidate a potential mechanism underlying AML development. Methods: The expression levels of lncRNA AB073614 and FER1L4 were assessed in 30 newly diagnosed AML patients and 12 healthy individuals using quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction techniques. A statistical analysis was conducted to determine the association of AB073614 and FER1L4 expression levels with clinicopathological features. Results: A significant upregulation of AB073614 was observed in AML patients compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, a notable increase in AB073614 expression levels coincided with a significant reduction in FER1L4 expression levels in AML samples (p < 0.05). The diagnostic value of these lncRNAs was validated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) calculations. Sensitivity values of AB073614 and FER1L4 gene expression were 96.7% and 100%, respectively, using cut-off relative quantification of 1.045 and 0.770. Additionally, specificity values were observed to be 100%. Conclusions: The present study indicates that AB073614 and FER1L4 might serve as prognosis biomarkers in AML patients. However, further detailed examinations in this field are warranted. It is proposed that the likely mechanism of imbalanced PI3K and PTEN activity, triggered by the deregulation of AB073614 and FER1L4, may have a crucial role in AML pathogenesis. Any component of this pathway could potentially serve as a new target for more insightful treatment approaches.
Prognostic Value of Plasma miR-29a Evaluation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients

Objective: Dysregulation of microRNA expression could attenuate the course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Therefore, the aim of our study is to address the association between miR-29a expression and other prognostic markers in CLL patients. Methods: miR-29a expression was determined by quantitative real-time PCR in the plasma of 158 CLL patients at diagnosis beside 21 healthy controls in a prospective study. Results: The levels of miR-29a expression were found to be significantly higher in CLL patients as compared to healthy controls (P<0.001). Moreover, a significant association between high miR-29a expression and poor prognostic markers (high expression of CD38 and ZAP70, high LDH levels, Stage III Rai stage, unfavorable cytogenetic finding, time to first treatment (TTFT) and patients outcome (P<0.001 for All). Using ROC curve, we have reported that miR-29a expression levels (29a<0.76 vs >0.76) is able to discriminate severity subgroups of CLL patients. Conclusion: Up regulation of miR-29a expression at CLL diagnosis was detected. Determination of miR-29a expression concentration levels at diagnosis could be demonstrated as a prognostic biomarker in CLL patients.
Caring for a home-dwelling older parent with mental health problems: a narrative analysis of family caregivers’ experiences

ABSTRACT Purpose To gain knowledge regarding family caregivers of home-dwelling older adults with mental health problems and the meaning-making of the caregiver’s role. Design An explorative qualitative study involving narrative analysis. Methods Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted among eight adult children. Interview data were analysed using narrative analysis. The reporting adhered to consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies. Results Each participant narrated unique and nuanced stories of the caregiver role, but their stories also revealed prominent themes across participants’ experiences and meaning-making. The analysis revealed three themes: family relationships through a long life, a demanding and difficult caregiver role, and reconstructing the caregiver’s role by leaving the responsibility to healthcare services. Conclusion Family caregivers experienced the role as purposeful and demanding. Mostly, psychological reactions to behaviour symptoms and duration of caregiving were considered difficult and demanding. They described that they lacked knowledge of the illness and how to perform care. Sharing care responsibility with healthcare services had the potential to ease family caregivers’ burden. However, based on a long life as caregivers, some experienced difficulties when reconstructing and adjusting the role to their life situation.
Comparing therapeutic effects of alternate day versus daily oral iron in women with iron deficiency anemia: A retrospective cohort study

In order to replenish iron stores and bring hemoglobin (Hb) levels back to normal, oral iron is the primary treatment option for women with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This study investigated the efficacy and side effects of daily versus alternate-day, given single doses versus double doses oral iron supplementation for treating IDA. A retrospective cohort study was performed between 2021 and 2022, including 120 patients. Study group were divided into 4 age-sex-matched groups; Group I (n = 30) and Group II (n = 30) which were received ferrous sulphate tablets daily in single or double doses, respectively, containing 60 mg of elemental iron each. Groups III (n = 30) and IV (n = 30) were received a single and double dose on alternate days, respectively. The primary outcome was the mean difference in Hb from baseline at week 4. Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects were accepted as a secondary outcome. The daily single dose and alternate day double dose groups had median Hb changes of 2.3 (2.1) and 2.6 (1.8) g/dL. The differences in Hb between Groups I and II, I and III, and Groups IV and II, IV and III were significant (P < .001, P = .001, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively). There is no significant difference between groups regarding improving iron parameters such as serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and ferritin. The incidence of GI side effects were greater in double doses than in single doses of daily or alternate-day therapies (43.3% and 30% vs 10% and 3.3%). Daily or alternate-day double dose resulted in more side effects but less therapeutic efficacy in women with IDA. To find the best supplementation method, randomized controlled trials with a larger sample of participants, longer study lengths, and various iron doses may be helpful.
Burden of hepatitis B virus and syphilis co-infections and its impact on HIV treatment outcome in Ethiopia: nationwide community-based study

Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and syphilis have been the most common co-infections that hinder treatment outcomes and increase early mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). In this study, we aimed to determine the burden of HBV and syphilis co-infections and its impact on treatment outcomes among PLHIV in Ethiopia. Methods We used data from the Ethiopian Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (EPHIA), which was a household-based national survey in 2017/2018. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing was done among 19,136 participants using the national testing algorithm and 662 participants (3.50%) were HIV positives who were further tested for viral hepatitis and syphilis co-infections using HBV surface antigen and Chembio DPP syphilis assay, respectively. Viral load, CD4 count and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were done to measure HIV treatment outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the burden of co-infections and a logistic regression model to evaluate the determinants of co-infections using STATA V17.0. Results Overall prevalence of HBV and syphilis co-infection was 5.5% and 2.2%, respectively. HBV and syphilis (double co-infection) was 5.9%. The highest prevalence of HBV co-infection was observed among 10–19 years age group (12.9%) and male participants (7.44%) while the highest syphilis co-infection was among people aged ≥50 years (3.5%) followed by age groups 40–49 (3.3%) and 10–19 years (3.2%). Syphilis co-infection was higher among males (5.2%) compared to females (1.1%). After adjusted regression analysis, HBV co-infected PLHIV had higher odds of virologic failure (AOR (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 6.3 (4.2–14.3)), immunosuppression (CD4 count < 500 cells/mm3) (AOR (95%CI) = 2.1(1.3–4.9)) and inflammation (hsCRP >10 mg/dL) (AOR (95%CI) = 9.2(4.3–14.6)). Immunosuppression was also significantly higher among syphilis co-infected PLHIV (AOR (95%CI) = 3.4 (1.3–5.2)). Conclusions Burden of HBV and syphilis co-infections is high particularly among male and adolescent PLHIV and these co-infections hinder virologic and immunologic outcome in Ethiopia. Hence, the program shall enhance HBV and syphilis testing and treatment.
Mathematica Bohemica

By a relational system we mean a couple (A, R) where A is a set and R is a binary relation on A, i.e. R ⊆ A × A. To every directed relational system A = (A, R) we assign a groupoid G(A) = (A, ·) on the same base set where xy = y if and only if (x, y) ∈ R. We characterize basic properties of R by means of identities satisfied by G(A) and show how homomorphisms between those groupoids are related to certain homomorphisms of relational systems.
Multichannel Filtered-X Error Coded Affine Projection-Like Algorithm with Evolving Order

Affine projection (AP) algorithms are commonly used to implement active noise control (ANC) systems because they provide fast convergence. However, their high computational complexity can restrict their use in certain practical applications. The Error Coded Affine Projection-Like (ECAP-L) algorithm has been proposed to reduce the computational burden while maintaining the speed of AP, but no version of this algorithm has been derived for active noise control, for which the adaptive structures are very different from those of other configurations. In this paper, we introduce a version of the ECAP-L for single-channel and multichannel ANC systems. The proposed algorithm is implemented using the conventional filtered-x scheme, which incurs a lower computational cost than the modified filtered-x structure, especially for multichannel systems. Furthermore, we present an evolutionary method that dynamically decreases the projection order in order to reduce the dimensions of the matrix used in the algorithm’s computations. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm yields a convergence speed and a final residual error similar to those of AP algorithms. Moreover, it achieves meaningful computational savings, leading to simpler hardware implementation of real-time ANC applications.
Fixing the Standard Model: From Dark Matter to the Baryon Asymmetry of the Universe

Fixing the Standard Model: From Dark Matter to the Baryon Asymmetry of the Universe Seyda Ipek Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Professor Ann Nelson Department of Physics Since its foundation in the 20th century, the Standard Model has been immensely powerful in explaining many particle physics phenomena. With the discovery of the Higgs boson at the LHC, the Standard Model seems to be complete. However, there are many observations that we cannot explain within the Standard Model. After giving an introduction to the Standard Model, I focus on two questions that require beyond the Standard Model physics in this thesis: 1) What is the particle nature of dark matter? 2) Why is there a matter– antimatter asymmetry in the Universe?
Creating an appetite awareness and lifestyle modification intervention for Black women at risk for binge eating disorder: A pilot open trial

Despite the availability of evidence‐based interventions to improve binge eating, Black women have some of the lowest rates of access to care for eating disorders. Innovation is needed to offer accessible and culturally relevant treatment options. To this end, using an open trial design, we investigated the feasibility and acceptability of a group‐based, appetite awareness training (AAT) + lifestyle modification (LM) programme in Black women at risk for BED in a primary care setting. Participants (n = 20) were Black women recruited from a family medicine centre affiliated with a local public university, and who reported at least two binge eating episodes in the last 28 days. Participants completed a 16‐session AAT + LM programme over 4 months. Key outcomes were objective binge eating (assessed by the EDE and the EDE‐Q), body dissatisfaction, and weight change, all assessed at baseline, four (post‐treatment) and 6 months (2‐month follow‐up). Ninety‐five percent of participants completed assessments at post‐treatment and attended nearly 60% of intervention sessions. Among completers (n = 19), body dissatisfaction and objective binge eating decreased from baseline to post‐treatment and this decrease was maintained at the 2‐month follow‐up. In exit interviews, participants reported programme satisfaction. Providing training in appetite awareness combined with lifestyle modification principles may be useful in the treatment of body dissatisfaction and binge eating among Black women.
Detection of Chitinase 3-Like 1 in Symptomatic Primary Care Patient Faecal Samples is Not a Reliable Biomarker of Colonic Lesions

Background: The current gold standard non-invasive test for detecting pre-cancerous changes is the faecal immunochemical test (FIT). However, this test can lack sensitivity and specificity and testing for another biomarker may address these limitations. Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) is emerging as a potential biomarker of inflammation-associated carcinogenic changes in epithelial cells. In this study CHI3L1 levels were analysed in patients and controls to determine their ability to improve detection of early CRC either alone or in combination with a FIT. Methods: CHI3L1 levels were measured by ELISA in serum and stool samples from cohorts of CRC and healthy donors as well as stool samples from a cohort of symptomatic primary care patients. Faecal haemoglobin was also analysed in the same primary care samples using FIT. Results: CHI3L1 levels were a good discriminatory marker of CRC, with no significant difference between levels detected in the stool and serum samples. ROC curves that determined the optimal cut-point however identified that stool samples gave higher sensitivity (83% versus 69%) and specificity (89% versus 74%) than matched serum samples. Faecal CHI3L1 levels in the primary care patients were not significantly different (p=0.193) from those detected in the healthy controls. ROC curve analysis confirmed that faecal CHI3L1 levels had limited ability to discriminate between patients who did or didn’t have evidence of lesions (AUC=0.52, p=0.74). Similarly, CHI3L1 levels did not reliably identify those symptomatic primary care patients who subsequently presented with early-stage disease (polyps and adenomas) or CRC. The discriminatory power of FIT was not increased by incorporating the CHI3L1 results in this setting. Conclusion: There was no evidence that measurement of faecal CHI3L1 has the potential to increase diagnostic accuracy, either alone or in combination with a FIT, in symptomatic primary care patients.
Downregulation of Tumor Promotor Genes in Oryza Sativa Linn.-Induced Antiproliferative Activity of Human Squamous Carcinoma Cells

Objectives: Oral cancer represents the third leading cause of death in Southeast Asia and targeted therapy could prevent or delay disease etymology. Oryza sativa Linn. (OS) extract has been implicated as an antitumor agent in many cancer types, however none has been investigated in human squamous carcinoma-2 (HSC-2) cells, thus we aim to investigate the effects of OS on HSC-2 cells. Methods: Our study investigated the growth inhibitory effects of an ethanolic extract of OS on HSC-2 cells by BrdU ELISA and MTT assays, as well as changes in tumor promoter genes using RT-qPCR and western blotting. Results: We found that OS was able to induce cell cytotoxicity and inhibit HSC-2 proliferation. OS also decreased the expression of genes involved in the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway and genes involved in cell motility such as GPNMB, ITGB6, and E2F1 by RT-qPCR. Western blotting confirmed the downregulation of TGF-β1 by OS. Co-treatment of OS and 5-Flurouracil also reversed Snail and Slug overexpression caused by HSC-2 exposure to 5-Flurouracil. Conclusion: Together, these results indicate that OS can inhibit HSC-2 cell proliferation and this may involve TGF-β1 downregulation. Thus, this study shows OS could be useful for the treatment of patients with squamous carcinoma.
Relative activity of 15 bacterial strains against the larvae of Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera exigua, and Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Crystal toxins produced by different strains of entomopathogenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been characterized and widely applied as commercial biological pesticides owing to their excellent insecticidal properties. This study aimed to identify novel bacterial strains effective in controlling Spodoptera exigua Hübner, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner, and Spodoptera litura Fabricius. Fifteen culturable bacterial strains were isolated from 60 dead larvae (H. armigera and S. exigua) collected in the field.The biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA sequences of these strains indicated that one strain (B7) was Lysinibacillus sp. , 12 strains (B1, B3, B4, B5, B6, B8, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, and DW) were Bt kurstaki, and P2-2 and B2 were Bacillus velezensis subsp. Laboratory bioassays indicated that strains B3, P6, B6, and P4 showed high toxicity to second-instar larvae of S. exigua, with LC50 values of 5.11, 6.74, 205.82, and 595.93 µg/ml, respectively; while the strains P5, B5, B6, and P6, were the most efficient against second-instar larvae of H. armigera with LC50 values of 725.82, 11,022.72, 1,282.90, 2,005.28, respectively, and strains DW, P3, P2, and B4 had high insecticidal activity against second-instar larvae of S. litura with LC50 values of 576.69, 1,660.96, 6,309.42, and 5,486.10 µg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, several Bt kurstaki strains with good toxicity potential were isolated and identified in this study. These strains are expected to be useful for biointensive integrated pest management programs to reduce the use of synthetic insecticides. Graphical Abstract