Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effective orifice area of prosthetic mitral valves using two-dimensional versus three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography

Objective This study compared the continuity equation-based effective orifice area (EOA) of prosthetic mitral valves between two-dimensional (2D) and 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Methods Thirty-four patients without major aortic valve abnormalities underwent mitral valve replacement surgery. The EOAs of prosthetic mitral valves were calculated using the continuity equation with 2D and 3D TEE. For 18/34 patients using a biological valve prosthesis, the EOA of the prosthesis was obtained from commercial records. Results The EOA of prosthetic mitral valves significantly varied between the 2D and 3D methods (2.22 ± 0.71 vs 2.35 ± 0.70 cm2, n = 34). The area of the diameter of the left ventricular outflow tract as determined by the 3D method was significantly higher than that by the 2D method (mean difference: −0.14 ± 0.20 cm2), with 95% coherence boundaries of −0.53 and 0.25 cm2. The regression equation for the EOA by 3D and 2D TEE was y = 0.27 + 0.94x, with a good correlation. Conclusions The EOA of prosthetic mitral valves is underestimated using the 2D TEE method compared with the 3D TEE method. The 3D-TEE method has the advantage of higher precision over the 2D TEE method, and it may be helpful for better assessment of prosthetic mitral valves intraoperatively.
Concussion History and Balance Performance in Adolescent Rugby Union Players

Background: Sports-related concussion is a worldwide problem. There is a concern that an initial concussion can cause prolonged subclinical disturbances to sensorimotor function that increase the risk of subsequent injury. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether a history of sports-related concussion has effects on static and dynamic balance performance in adolescent rugby players. Hypothesis: Dynamic balance would be worse in players with a history of concussion compared with those with no history of concussion. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Male adolescent rugby players aged 14 to 18 years from 5 schools were recruited before the start of the 2018-2019 playing season. Participants completed questionnaires and physical tests, including dynamic Y balance and single-leg static balance (eyes closed) tests, while performing single and dual tasks. Dynamic balance was assessed using inertial sensor instrumentation. Dependent variables were normalized reach distance and the sample entropy (SEn) of the 3 axes (x, y, and z). Results: Of the 195 participants, 100 reported a history of concussion. Those with a history of concussion demonstrated higher SEn in all directions, with highest values during anterior (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.4; 95% CI, 0.0-0.7; P = .027) and posteromedial (SMD, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9; P = .004) reach directions compared with those with no history. There was no difference between groups (concussion history vs control) in traditional Y balance reach distances in the anterior or posteromedial directions or single-leg static balance during both single- (P = .47) and dual-task (P = .67) conditions. Conclusion: Adolescent rugby union athletes with a history of concussion had poorer dynamic balance during performance tasks compared with healthy controls. Static single-leg balance tests, either single or dual task, may not be sensitive enough to detect sensorimotor deficits in those with a history of concussion.
Identification of a RNA-Seq Based Prognostic Signature with Seven Immune-Related lncRNAs for Lung Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is still a worldwide challenge. Accumulated evidence demonstrates that the superiority of immune-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely connected with tumorigenesis and prognosis of cancer. However, no detailed studies have been conducted to present a reliable signature for predicting prognosis in LUAD patients from the perspective of tumor immunology. The aim of this study was to con-struct a risk score model based on the signature of the group of seven immune-related lncRNAs to predict the prognosis of patients with LUAD. METHODS We performed a genome-wide analysis of expression profiles in 522 LUAD patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project to explore the prognostic ability of immune-related lncRNAs. By using Kaplan-Meier analysis, univariate/multivariate Cox regression, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), and principal components analysis (PCA), a risk score model was constructed based on the signature of the group of seven immune-related lncRNAs to predict the prognosis of patients with LUAD. RESULTS Using survival analysis and Cox regression model, we identified a set of seven lncRNAs (LINC00941, FAM83A-AS1, AC026355.1, AC068338.3, AC010980.2, AL365181.2, and AC079949.2) demonstrating an ability to stratify patients into high and low risk groups with significantly different survival outcomes. Moreover, the signature was identified as an independent prognostic factor and significantly associated with the overall survival (OS) of LUAD. The area under curve (AUC) of a ROC curve for the signature of the group of seven immune-related lncRNAs in predicting OS was 0.757. In addition, low-risk and high-risk groups displayed different immune statuses based on PCA. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested a promising seven prognostic immune-related lncRNAs risk scoring system and may provide new information for immunological treatment in LUAD.
Immunomodulators in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: current and future concepts

ABSTRACT Introduction: Impressive therapeutic progress is being made in the management of multiple myeloma (MM). his progress is related to the introduction of several new classes of therapeutic agents including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). Areas covered: In this manuscript, the role of the IMiDs thalidomide and lenalidomide in the management of newly diagnosed MM is discussed. The mode of action of IMiDs and their role in the management of newly diagnosed MM patients is highlighted. In addition, clinical data on how MoAbs such as the anti-CD38 antibody daratumumab can further increase the efficacy of IMiD-based first-line anti-myeloma regimens are provided. A database search in PubMed was carried out. Expert Opinion: Immunomodulation has become an indispensable part of successful anti-myeloma regimens both at relapse and at diagnosis. The combination of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone with an anti-CD38 MoAb such as daratumumab and a proteasome inhibitor such as bortezomib is currently one of the most potent first-line treatment regimens for MM. A better understanding on how IMiDs synergize with existing and new anti-myeloma treatments can further improve the outcome for patients. Optimal first-line therapy will continue to benefit the long-term outcome of a growing population of young and elderly MM patients.
Characteristics and outcome of incidental hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation: a cohort study.

INTRODUCTION Despite advances in imaging diagnostic modalities, hepatocellular carcinoma is sometimes incidentally diagnosed on histological examination of the liver explant. Our objectives were: 1) To compare the characteristics between incidental and known hepatocellular carcinoma and 2) To estimate survival and tumor recurrence after liver transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retrospective, single-center study. The inclusion criteria were 1) cirrhotic patients, age≥18 years, 2) Liver transplantation between 1998 and 2018, and 3) hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosed on the histopathologic examination of the explanted liver. Cholangiocarcinoma and patients with early retransplantation were excluded. Multivariate analysis was performed using binomial logistic regression to assess the factors associated incidental hepatocellular carcinoma. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to explore the impact on overall survival and recurrence free survival. RESULTS 269 patients were enrolled. The prevalence of incidental hepatocellular carcinoma was 4.18% (95% CI: 2.89-6.01%) of all liver transplants performed in cirrhotic patients. The median diameter of the main nodule was smaller in incidental hepatocellular carcinoma (20 vs 27 mm, p=0.004) although they were more likely to be beyond the Up-to-Seven criteria on explant examination (22.2% vs 7.5%, p=0.001), showing no differences in any other histological features. No differences were found in overall survival rates (incidental 70.2% vs 70.4%, p=0.87) nor recurrence-free survival (incidental 100% vs 83.8%, p=0.07) at 5 years. CONCLUSION Incidental hepatocellular carcinoma has a smaller size and is more frequently found to be beyond the Up-to-Seven criteria. However, no differences were found in overall survival rates nor recurrence-free survival, although there was no tumor recurrence in incidental hepatocellular carcinoma group.
Theory of Growth of Spherical Precipitates from Solid Solution

The radius of a spherical precipitate particle growing in a solid solution of initially uniform composition may be shown to be equal to α(Dt)½, where D is the atomic diffusion coefficient, t the time of growth, and α, the growth coefficient, is a dimensionless function of the pertinent compositions. In this paper the precise dependence is found of this function upon the pertinent concentrations. A similar computation is made for the growth coefficient corresponding to the one‐dimensional growth of a plate.
Galanin and glypican-4 levels depending on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

ABSTRACT Objective: Galanin is a neuropeptide which has effects not only on metabolic syndrome but also on reproduction. Glypican-4 is an adipokine associated with insulin sensitivity by interacting directly with the insulin receptor. This study evaluated serum concentrations of galanin and glypican-4 in relation with the hormonal profile as well as metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Subjects and methods: A total of 44 women with PCOS and 44 age-matched controls were eligible. Hirsutism scores, hormonal profile, metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors as well as galanin and glypican-4 levels were evaluated in each subject. Results: Women with PCOS exhibited lower levels of galanin (20.2 pg/mL versus 26.4 pg/mL, p = 0.002) and higher concentrations of glypican-4 (3.1 ng/mL versus 2.6 ng/mL, p < 0.001) than controls. Both adipokines were correlated positively with body mass index (BMI), insulin, triglyceride and Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) index; glypican-4 also showed positive correlations with fasting blood glucose, free testosterone, modified Ferriman-Gallwey scores (p < 0.05). Multiple Linear Regression analyses showed that PCOS and BMI were the best predictors affecting galanin levels with a decreasing and increasing effect respectively; however BMI was the best predictor affecting glypican-4 levels with an increasing effect (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Galanin levels were lower and glypican-4 levels were higher in women with PCOS than controls. Further studies are needed to determine whether these adipokines could be used as additional markers for insulin sensitivity and lipid profile and whether they might play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, in which metabolic cardiovascular risks are increased.
Is Impulse Oscillometry System a Useful Method for the Evaluation and Follow-Up of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis?

Background: Although the impulse oscillometry system (IOS) is a noninvasive, easily accessible, well-tolerated, and alternative test, routine use of IOS in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is not widespread. In our unit, IOS is routinely used for the evaluation and follow-up of patients with CF. We aimed to show that IOS may be utilized as a complement for measuring pulmonary function in CF patients. Materials and Methods: Retrospective data collection and analysis of pulmonary function tests on CF patients followed at our center between January 1, 2018 and February 1, 2019. IOS and spirometry data were compared as correlated with patients' clinical exacerbation, treatment response, bronchodilator response, and trends during follow-up intervals. Results: There was a significant correlation between spirometry and IOS parameters in 70 patients. In exacerbation, Z5, R5-R10, AX, Fres, and delta R5-R20 were significantly increased and X5-X20 was significantly decreased compared with baseline in 25 patients. After treatment, IOS parameters were observed to return to baseline values. In the evaluation of bronchodilator response in 33 patients, significant changes in IOS (decrease in Z5, R5-R10, AX, Fres, and delta R5-R20, and increase in X5-X10) and in spirometry [increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced expiratory flow during the middle half of forced vital capacity (FEF25-75)] were found after bronchodilator. While there was no significant difference between spirometry values in follow-up visits in 31 patients, there was a significant increase in Z5% and R5%-R20%. Unlike other studies, there was a significant correlation between clinical scores and IOS. Conclusions: These results show that although IOS is not the gold standard method such as spirometry, it is an alternative method that can be used successfully in the evaluation and follow-up of CF patients. Clinical Trials.gov ID: 99166796-050.06. 04.
Evolution of Sex Chromosome Heteromorphy in Geographic Populations of the Japanese Tago’s Brown Frog Complex

The sex chromosomes of most anuran amphibians are characterized by homomorphy in both sexes, and evolution to heteromorphy rarely occurs at the species or geographic population level. Here, we report sex chromosome heteromorphy in geographic populations of the Japanese Tago’s brown frog complex (2n = 26), comprising Rana sakuraii and R. tagoi. The sex chromosomes of R. sakuraii from the populations in western Japan were homomorphic in both sexes, whereas chromosome 7 from the populations in eastern Japan were heteromorphic in males. Chromosome 7 of R. tagoi, which is distributed close to R. sakuraii in eastern Japan, was highly similar in morphology to the Y chromosome of R. sakuraii. Based on this and on mitochondrial gene sequence analysis, we hypothesize that in the R. sakuraii populations from eastern Japan the XY heteromorphic sex chromosome system was established by the introduction of chromosome 7 from R. tagoi via interspecies hybridization. In contrast, chromosome 13 of R. tagoi from the 2 large islands in western Japan, Shikoku and Kyushu, showed a heteromorphic pattern of constitutive heterochromatin distribution in males, while this pattern was homomorphic in females. Our study reveals that sex chromosome heteromorphy evolved independently at the geographic lineage level in this species complex.
Citrus somatic hybrid leaf essential oil.

The essential oil from the leaves of a Citrus interspecific somatic hybrid obtained by symmetric protoplast fusion between ‘Milam’ lemon [purported sexual hybrid of C. Jambhiri Lush (×) C. sinensis] and ‘Femminello’ lemon (C. limon L. Burm f.) has been characterized by steam distillation GC–MS analysis and its composition compared with that of the corresponding oils obtained from the parent plants. The amount (%) of the different classes of substances present in the oils show, in the new hybrid, an overall lowering of the hydrocarbon fraction and an increase of the oxygenated components. The somatic hybrid shows a close similarity in the amounts of terpenes, sesquiterpenes and alcohols with the ‘Milam’ parent and in the amount of aldehydes with the other parent. Remaining oxygenated components appear lower in the hybrid with respect to both parents. Because of their genetic origins, the hybrid cells possess the nuclear genome of both parents and should potentially maintain all their genetic traits. However, the closer similarities found in the composition of the essential oils in the leaves of the somatic hybrid and the ‘Milam’ parent could be interpreted as the dominance, in the nucleus, of the genetic information from this parent, although possible interactions between the nucleus and the mitochondrial genome cannot be at present accounted for since the origin of the latter is uncertain. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface-Initiated Thermal Radical Polymerization on Gold

We report surface-initiated thermal radical polymerization from cross-linked monolayers of azo-initiators on Au. Initial attempts to graft polymer layers from initiators attached to alkanethiol monolayers yielded polymer films with thicknesses less than 5 nm. Efficient grafting from such surfaces is not possible because initiator-containing monolayers are somewhat unstable under thermal radical polymerization conditions, and desorbed thiols may serve as efficient chain-transfer reagents that inhibit radical polymerization. In addition, reactive radicals can attack the Au−S bonds that link the initiator monolayer to the surface. To overcome these problems, we employed mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilanes to form an adhesion layer for initiator attachment. Cross-linked poly(siloxane) layers apparently stabilize the initiator layer, allowing well-defined surface radical polymerization to occur from Au substrates. We characterized the grafted polymer layers with ellipsometry, reflectance Fourier transform infrared.
Low psoas muscle index as an unfavorable factor in children with end‐stage liver disease undergoing liver transplantation

Sarcopenia is common in cirrhotic adults and associated with waitlist mortality and worse outcome after liver transplantation. Psoas muscle mass has been used to define sarcopenia. Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between psoas muscle mass and waitlist mortality as well as post‐transplant outcome in children with end‐stage liver disease. Medical records and abdominal imaging of pediatric liver transplant candidates during 2010–2019 were reviewed. A subset of images was measured by two radiologists to determine inter‐rater reliability. Psoas muscle surface area was determined at intervertebral lumbar disk 3–4 (L3‐4) and 4–5 (L4‐5) levels. PMI was calculated by psoas muscle surface area divided by height squared. We included 105 children, most with biliary atresia (84%). Patients with waitlist mortality had lower PMI compared to the ones who survived to transplantation (PMI at L3‐4 levels 352.8 ± 162.5 vs. 416.8 ± 136.2 mm2/m2 and at L4‐5 levels 497.3 ± 167.8 vs. 571.4 ± 163.4 mm2/m2, both p = .04), but not in the multivariate analyses. For transplanted patients (n = 75), a higher rate of re‐operation (39% vs. 15%, p = .03) and longer hospital stay (53 vs. 45 days, p = .02) were found in patients with lower PMI. Lower PMI is associated with higher re‐operation rate and longer hospital stay following transplantation, but not waitlist mortality. PMI may be taken into consideration with other biomarkers to predict post‐transplant complications.
Caring for a Child with Cancer: Experiences of Jordanian Mothers

The diagnosis of childhood cancer is one of the most serious and unexpected experiences a mother can endure. A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of mothers of children diagnosed with cancer in Jordan. Themes that emerged include (1) Emotional response on knowing the diagnosis (feelings of shock, lack of preparedness, denial, and feelings of “paralysis”), (2) Fear of the dreaded disease (fear of suffering and fear of death), and (3) The challenges of the treatment journey (inadequate financial resources, role transition, and feeling socially isolated). This study describes the experiences of Jordanian mothers who care for their children diagnosed with cancer so that health care providers can develop strategies to provide adequate psychological support to these mothers.
Autonomy-Supportive Healthcare Climate and HIV-Related Stigma Predict Linkage to HIV Care in Men Who Have Sex With Men in Ghana, West Africa

In Ghana, the HIV prevalence among MSM is more than 10 times greater than the general population of adults, and rates of engagement in HIV medical care are low among MSM diagnosed with HIV. Using structured surveys, we investigated the impact of HIV-related stigma, same-sex behavior stigma, and gender nonconformity stigma on linkage to HIV care (LTC) in MSM (N = 225) living with HIV in Ghana. Autonomy-supportive healthcare climate (OR = 1.63, p < .01), vicarious HIV stigma (OR = 2.73, p < .01), and age (OR = 1.06, p < .004) predicted LTC. Conversely, felt normative HIV stigma negatively predicted LTC (OR = 0.65, p < .05). Finally, we identified regional disparities, with MSM from Takoradi being 4 times and 5 times more likely to be LTC compared to Kumasi and Accra, respectively. Our findings highlight the nuanced roles of stigmas in shaping the HIV care continuum among MSM living with HIV, while revealing potential gaps in current measures of HIV-related stigma.
New instrument for measuring quality of life in patients with cervical cancer

Abstract Our study aimed to develop and validate a reliable instrument that can measure the quality of life (QOL) of patients with cervical cancer living in a developing country, such as the Central Balkan country, Serbia. Our study was cross-sectional for assessing the reliability and validity of a questionnaire. Balkan questionnaire for QOL of patients with cervical cancer showed satisfactory reliability and temporal stability. When the investigators rated the questionnaire, Cronbach’s alpha was 0.971 at the beginning, and one month later it was 0.967. When the questionnaire was rated by patients themselves, Cronbach’s alpha was 0.972. The questionnaire should be considered as an addition to the existing armamentarium for measuring the quality of life in patients with cervical cancer.
Surface Tension Studies on the Micellization of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide in Presence and Absence of KCL and NaCl in Aqueous Media at Room Temperature

NOTE: on 27th May 2014 in the abstract, the sentence "The surface tension of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide is found less in presence of KCl than NaCl in aqueous media" was changed to read "The surface tension of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide is found more in presence of KCl than NaCl in aqueous media. " In the Conclusion (p.56) the sentence "The surface tension of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide is found less in presence of KCl than NaCl in aqueous media. " was changed to read "The surface tension of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide is found more in presence of KCl than NaCl in aqueous media. " Precise measurements on Surface tension of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in presence and in absence of KCl and NaCl in aqueous media are reported. The results showed a sharp decrease in surface tension with increase in concentration of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and then almost constant value of surface tension was observed. Also, the surface tension decreases with addition of salts. The surface tension of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide is found less in presence of KCl than NaCl in aqueous media. In presence of monovalent salts, the critical micelle concentration (cmc) value decreases which is explained on the basis of the orientation of the surfactant and reduction of the free energy of the surface, thus decreasing surface tension. The graphs of surface tension versus concentration are used in determining the critical micelle concentration (cmc). BIBECHANA 10 (2014) 52-57 DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/bibechana.v10i0. 9311