Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the background echotexture between automated breast ultrasound and handheld breast ultrasound

This study aimed to compare the background echotexture (BE) between automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and handheld breast ultrasound (HHUS) and evaluate the correlation of BE with mammographic (MG) density and background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A total of 212 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who had undergone preoperative ABUS, HHUS, MG, and MRI were included. Two breast radiologists blinded to the menopausal status analyzed the BE of the contralateral breasts of the patients with breast cancer in consensus. The MG density and BPE of breast MRI on the radiologic reports were compared with the BE in the ultrasound. We used the cumulative link mixed model to compare the BE and Spearman rank correlation to evaluate the association between BE with MG density and BPE. BE was more heterogeneous in ABUS than in HHUS (P < .001) and in the premenopausal group than in the postmenopausal group (P < .001). The heterogeneity of BE in the premenopausal group was higher with ABUS than with HHUS (P = .013). BE and MG density showed a moderate correlation in the postmenopausal group, but a weak correlation in the premenopausal group. BE and BPE showed moderate correlations only in the premenopausal group. ABUS showed a more heterogeneous BE, especially in the premenopausal group. Therefore, more attention is required to interpret ABUS screening in premenopausal women.
Admission Pattern and Treatment Outcome in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Tertiary Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background Knowledge of the clinical profile and outcomes of critically ill children admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in developing countries aids with the identification of priorities and the resources needed to improve the outcome of critically ill patients. This study aimed to assess the admission pattern, outcomes, and associated factors of patients admitted to the PICU of St Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods Institutional-based cross-sectional study was done. Data was collected through chart abstraction from patients admitted to the PICU between January 2017 and December 2018. SPSS 20.0 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and logistic regressions were used. Results A total of 260 pediatric patients were analyzed. The mean age at admission was 48.13 ± 53.65 months, with M: F ratio of 1.4:1. The mean and median duration of PICU stay was 7.26 ±6.87 days, and 6.0 days respectively. The most commonly affected organ systems were the central nervous system (79, 33.2%) and respiratory system (55, 23.1%). Mechanical ventilation and admission after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of mortality. Infectious causes of illnesses were the leading causes of admission and death in the PICU. Conclusion The mortality rate of our PICU was 21.1 %. In this study, post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation admission and use of mechanical ventilation were statistically significant predictors of mortality indicating the need for well equipping and staffing the PICU to improve the outcome of such critically sick patients.
Seismic Reliability of Code-Conforming Italian Buildings

ABSTRACT This paper presents and discusses some research results related to the seismic failure risk of standard, residential and industrial, buildings designed for damage, and life-safety according to the Italian seismic code, which is somewhat similar to Eurocode 8. The five considered structural typologies are as follows: masonry, cast-in-place reinforced concrete, precast reinforced concrete, steel, and base-isolated buildings. The archetype structures have been designed according to standard practice at three sites, representative of the seismic hazard across the country. Seismic risk is defined here as the annual rate of earthquakes able to cause structural failure in terms of usability-preventing damage and global collapse. For each structure, the failure rates have been evaluated in the framework of performance-based earthquake engineering, that is, via integration of site’s probabilistic hazard and structural fragility. The former has been computed consistently with the official hazard model for Italy that is also used to define design actions in the code. The latter has been addressed via nonlinear dynamic analysis of three-dimensional numerical structural models. Results indicate that, generally, design procedures are such that seismic structural reliability tends to decrease with increasing seismic hazard of the building site, despite the homogeneous return period of exceedance of the design seismic ground-motion.
The Impact of the Project Manager on Project Management Planning Processes

If a project is to be successfully completed, both planning and execution must be properly implemented. Poor planning will not allow appropriate execution and control processes or achievement of the project's targets. The objective of the study reported in this paper is to evaluate the impact of the project manager on the quality of project planning processes within the nine knowledge areas defined by A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and to determine ways of increasing the effectiveness of the manager's intervention. Participants in the study evaluated their use of the 21 processes that relate to planning, out of the 39 processes required for proper project management. The results of the study reveal risk management and communications as the processes with the lowest planning quality. Poor quality in these areas results when project managers lack the formal tools and techniques for dealing with communications and the functional managers are not equipped with the tools and techniques that will allow them to effectively contribute to the risk management process. Improving quality planning processes requires the development of new tools in areas such as communications, as well as organizational training programs designed for the functional managers.
Black Hole Phase Transitions and Magnetic AdS Black Branes in N=2 Supergravity

The first part of this thesis will focus on black hole phase transitions. Using the Hawking-Page phase transition as a starting point, we obtain the framework that can generally be applied to the study of black hole phase transitions. We will review the phase structure of different black hole solutions, pointing out the influence of the addition of new fields to the theory. Furthermore, we study the similarities between the phase structure of Minkoswki spacetimes in a finite cavity and that of asymptotically anti-de Sitter theories. Finally, we point out the influence of the black hole topology on the phase diagram. Using the knowledge of the black hole solutions in the first part, the second part describes the search for a new magnetic AdS black brane solution in N = 2 supergravity, generalizing the one that has recently been found. After a review of this known solution, we will show the difficulties which arise in finding an analytical solution. We then proceed describe asymptotic magnetic black brane solutions, which can be used as a starting point for the method used to find numerical solutions.
FAPhigh α‐SMAlow cancer‐associated fibroblast‐derived SLPI protein encapsulated in extracellular vesicles promotes ovarian cancer development via activation of PI3K/AKT and downstream signaling pathways

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy worldwide with high metastasis and poor prognosis rates. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a heterogeneous population of cells that constitutes a major component of the tumor microenvironment, secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) loading with proteins, lipids, and RNAs to promote tumorigenesis. However, the specific roles of CAF‐derived proteins contained in EVs in ovarian cancer remain poorly understood at present. Using the gene expression microarray analysis, we identified a list of dysregulated genes between the α‐SMA+CAF and FAP+CAF subpopulations, from which secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) was chosen for further validation. Quantitative PCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were used to assess SLPI expression in ovarian cancer cells, tissues, CAFs, and EVs. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of exogenous SLPI on proliferation, migration, invasion, and adhesion of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Our results showed SLPI protein was upregulated in CAFs, particularly in the FAPhighα‐SMAlowCAF subpopulation, and associated with increased tumor grade and decreased overall survival (OS). Importantly, CAF‐derived SLPI protein could be encapsulated in EVs for delivery to ovarian cancer cells, thus facilitating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and adhesion via activating the PI3K/AKT and downstream signaling pathways. Moreover, high plasma expression of SLPI encapsulated in EVs was closely correlated with tumor stage in ovarian cancer patients. Our collective results highlight an oncogenic role of plasma EV‐encapsulated SLPI secreted by CAFs in tumor progression for the first time, supporting its potential utility as a prognostic biomarker of ovarian cancer.
Scrutinizing Whether Mere Group Membership Influences the N170 Response to Faces: Results from Two Preregistered Event-Related Potential Studies

Abstract A socially consequential test of the cognitive penetrability of visual perception is whether merely sharing a group membership with another person influences how you encode their face. Past research has examined this issue by manipulating group membership with techniques from social psychology and then measuring the face-sensitive N170 ERP. However, methodological differences across studies make it difficult to draw conclusions from this literature. In our research, we conducted two large-scale, preregistered ERP studies to address how critical methodological decisions could influence conclusions about top–down effects of group membership on face perception. Specifically, we examined how mere group membership, perceptual markers that signify group membership, number of trials included in the study design, the racial/ethnic identity of face stimuli, and the data analytic approach affect inferences about the N170 response to faces. In Study 1, we found no evidence that mere group membership significantly influenced the N170. However, we found that the background color used to signify group membership modulated the magnitude and latency of the N170. Exploratory analyses also showed effects of stimulus race/ethnicity. In Study 2, we dissociated background color from face encoding by presenting background color before the faces. In this second study, we found no main effect of group membership, background color, or stimulus race/ethnicity. However, we did see an unhypothesized mere group membership effect on trials toward the end of the study. Our results inform debates about social categorization effects on visual perception and show how bottom–up indicators of group membership can bias face encoding.
Blood lipid levels and all-cause mortality in older adults: the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey 2008-2018

OBJECTIVES Proper blood lipid levels are essential for survival in older adults, but inconsistent relationships have been reported between blood lipids and all-cause mortality in the elderly. METHODS This retrospective longitudinal study analyzed data from 1,067 Chinese older adults enrolled in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey collected in 2008 and followed up until death or December 31, 2018. The outcome was all-cause mortality. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with stratification by age (60-80, 80-100, or ≥100 years) for further analysis. The survival probability according to lipid profile quartiles was calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test. RESULTS The participants’ mean age was 84.84 years, and 57.0% were female. In total, 578 individuals died, and 277 were lost to follow-up. The mean total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were higher among those who died than among those who survived. Participants in the second HDL-C quartile and the highest LDL-C and triglyceride (TG) quartiles had 28% higher, 23% lower, and 49% lower risks of all-cause mortality, respectively. After further adjustment, the associations remained except for HDL-C, and additional associations were observed between all-cause mortality and the third TC and LDL-C quartiles and the second TG quartile (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.06; HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.94; HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.99, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Older adults should maintain an LDL-C level of 1.91-2.47 mmol/L and a TG level of no less than 1.66 mmol/L.
The risk of stroke according to statin medication compliance in older people with chronic periodontitis: an analysis using the Korea National Health Insurance Service-Senior Cohort Database

OBJECTIVES We investigated the risk of stroke according to statin medication compliance in older people with chronic periodontitis. METHODS Chronic periodontitis patients were extracted from the National Health Insurance Service-Senior Cohort Database from 2002 to 2014. Among 255,056 chronic periodontitis patients, 41,412 patients with statin prescriptions for 28 days or more were included. The study population was divided into the top 25% of medication compliance group (TSG) and the lower 25% of medication compliance group (BSG). After 1:1 propensity score matching was performed, the final number of patients in the BSG and TSG was 6,172 each. To analyze the risk of stroke, a Cox proportional hazard model was performed to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) after adjusting for age, sex, income level, hypertension, diabetes, and Charlson comorbidity index. RESULTS In the Kaplan-Meier curve, the disease-free probability was prominently lower in the BSG than in the TSG (p for log-rank= 0.001). The HR in the multivariable-adjusted model for stroke occurrence in the TSG compared to the BSG was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.67 to 0.92; p=0.002). Subgroup analyses showed significant associations between compliance to statin medication and stroke, especially in female, people 85 years or older, and patients with comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS Increasing compliance to statins may reduce stroke risk in older adults with chronic periodontitis. Therefore, in order to increase medication compliance among older people with chronic periodontitis, it is necessary for medical staff to make efforts to provide effective medication guidance.
ACCEPTING MOODLE BY ACADEMIC STAFF AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JORDAN: APPLYING AND EXTENDING TAM IN TECHNICAL SUPPORT FACTORS

The Technology Acceptance Model's (TAM) extension is applied to identify staff attitudes towards Moodle. Quantitative and qualitative approach to collect the required data done by distributing questionnaires and conducting semi-structural interviews. The results indicate that the perceived ease of use (PEOU) is a more significant barrier in adopting Moodle. This means the instructors tend to use Moodle if they think Moodle is easy to use. (PEOU) refers to the degree to which instructors believe Moodle usage would be free of effort and it would easy to handle. Only 18.8 % of instructors find uploading materials for students using Moodle is easy in opposed to 27.5% of instructors who believe that Moodle is not easy to upload materials. Apparently, 27.5% tend to be neutral and can’t decide if Moodle is easy for uploading materials or not.
Long-Term Outcomes of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

A plethora of negative long-term outcomes have been associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The causes are multiple and involve supra-physiological gluco- and mineralocorticoid replacement, excess adrenal androgens both intrauterine and postnatal, elevated steroid precursor and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels, living with a congenital condition as well as the proximity of the cytochrome P450 family 21 subfamily A member 2 (CYP21A2) gene to other genes. This review aims to discuss the different long-term outcomes of CAH.
The allure of luxury brands' social media activities: a uses and gratifications perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the social media marketing activities of luxury brands, guided by uses and gratifications theory (UGT). It examines the gratifications sought by millennials, a new core luxury consumer group, and the gratifications obtained when following and connecting with luxury brands. Design/methodology/approach Online data are gathered from Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts of five top luxury brands. In addition, 30 in-depth interviews with millennials, the new generation of luxury consumers, were conducted. Thematic analysis strategy was followed to analyze the data and present the findings. Findings Luxury brands remain distant and aloof, which helps them to maintain a sense of exclusivity. User activity, ranging from observations to commenting on and liking luxury brand content, leads to the gratification of two types of need: affective and cognitive. Two affective needs that are satisfied by luxury brands’ social media marketing activities are aesthetic appreciation and entertainment. Cognitive needs are satisfied through the functional use of social media as an information source. Originality/value Several studies have investigated social media from the perspective of UGT, but this study is the first to investigate the implications of luxury brands’ social media usage with the lenses of UGT.
Social Reactions After Disclosing Suicide Loss Among Women

Abstract: Background: Suicide loss is often concealed. While initial evidence suggests that disclosure is important for healthy grieving, observed beneficial effects may depend on social reactions. Aim: The current study aimed to identify social reactions and associated consequences experienced by persons who lost a loved one to suicide (i.e., suicide loss survivors). Method: We conducted qualitative interviews with 22 female adult suicide loss survivors focusing on social reactions after suicide loss. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: When talking about their loss with others, suicide loss survivors experienced a broad range of social reactions including compassionate and supportive responses, speechlessness and insecurity, curiosity and gossip, stigmatization, and grieving expectations. Depending on these social reactions, disclosing suicide loss was associated with both negative and positive long-term effects. Limitations: The findings are limited to the current female sample. Conclusion: Interventions that help suicide loss survivors in finding supportive confidants, combined with public interventions to decrease public suicide stigma and improve the public’s readiness to provide helpful support to suicide loss survivors, could improve grieving outcomes among this group.
Short LNA-modified oligonucleotide probes as efficient disruptors of DNA G-quadruplexes

Abstract G-quadruplexes (G4s) are well known non-canonical DNA secondary structures that can form in human cells. Most of the tools available to investigate G4-biology rely on small molecule ligands that stabilise these structures. However, the development of probes that disrupt G4s is equally important to study their biology. In this study, we investigated the disruption of G4s using Locked Nucleic Acids (LNA) as invader probes. We demonstrated that strategic positioning of LNA-modifications within short oligonucleotides (10 nts.) can significantly accelerate the rate of G4-disruption. Single-molecule experiments revealed that short LNA-probes can promote disruption of G4s with mechanical stability sufficient to stall polymerases. We corroborated this using a single-step extension assay, revealing that short LNA-probes can relieve replication dependent polymerase-stalling at G4 sites. We further demonstrated the potential of such LNA-based probes to study G4-biology in cells. By using a dual-luciferase assay, we found that short LNA probes can enhance the expression of c-KIT to levels similar to those observed when the c-KIT promoter is mutated to prevent the formation of the c-KIT1 G4. Collectively, our data suggest a potential use of rationally designed LNA-modified oligonucleotides as an accessible chemical-biology tool for disrupting individual G4s and interrogating their biological functions in cells.
The cannabinoid receptors system in horses: Tissue distribution and cellular identification in skin

Abstract Background The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CBR1) and type 2 (CBR2), cannabinoid‐based ligands (endogenous chemically synthesized phytocannabinoids), and endogenous enzymes controlling their concentrations. Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) have been identified in invertebrates and in almost all vertebrate species in the central and peripheral nervous system as well as in immune cells, where they control neuroimmune homeostasis. In humans, rodents, dogs, and cats, CBRs expression has been confirmed in the skin, and their expression and tissue distribution become disordered in pathological conditions. Cannabinoid receptors may be a possible therapeutic target in skin diseases. Objectives To characterize the distribution and cellular expression of CBRs in the skin of horses under normal conditions. Animals Fifteen healthy horses. Methods Using full‐thickness skin punch biopsy samples, skin‐derived primary epidermal keratinocytes and dermal‐derived cells, we performed analysis of Cnr1 and Cnr2 genes using real‐time PCR and CBR1 and CBR2 protein expression by confocal microscopy and Western blotting. Results Normal equine skin, including equine epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblast‐like cells, all exhibited constant gene and protein expression of CBRs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Our results represent a starting point for developing and translating new veterinary medicine‐based pharmacotherapies using ECS as a possible target.
Sixty Years After Orne’s American Psychologist Article: A Conceptual Framework for Subjective Experiences Elicited by Demand Characteristics

Study participants form beliefs based on cues present in a testing situation (demand characteristics). These beliefs can alter study outcomes (demand effects). Neglecting demand effects can threaten the internal and external validity of studies (including their replication). While demand characteristics garnered much attention following Orne’s introduction of this notion, consideration of their effects has become sparse in experimental reports. Moreover, the concept remains confusing. Here, we introduce a conceptual framework for subjective experiences elicited by demand characteristics. The model distinguishes between participants’ awareness of the hypothesis, their motivation to comply with it, and the strategy they use to meet situational requirements. We stress that demand characteristics can give rise to genuine experiences. To illustrate, we apply the model to Evaluative Conditioning and the Rubber Hand Illusion. In the General Discussion, we discuss risks and opportunities associated with demand characteristics, and we explain that they remain highly relevant to current research.