Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Imaging Features and Patterns of Metastasis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with RET Rearrangements

Rearranged during transfection proto-oncogene (RET) fusions represent a potentially targetable oncogenic driver in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Imaging features and metastatic patterns of advanced RET fusion-positive (RET+) NSCLC are not well established. Our goal was to compare the imaging features and patterns of metastases in RET+, ALK+ and ROS1+ NSCLC. Patients with RET+, ALK+, or ROS1+ NSCLC seen at our institution between January 2014 and December 2018 with available pre-treatment imaging were identified. The clinicopathologic features, imaging characteristics, and the distribution of metastases were reviewed and compared. We identified 215 patients with NSCLC harboring RET, ALK, or ROS1 gene fusion (RET = 32; ALK = 116; ROS1 = 67). Patients with RET+ NSCLC were older at presentation compared to ALK+ and ROS1+ patients (median age: RET = 64 years; ALK = 51 years, p < 0.001; ROS = 54 years, p = 0.042) and had a higher frequency of neuroendocrine histology (RET = 12%; ALK = 2%, p = 0.025; ROS1 = 0%, p = 0.010). Primary tumors in RET+ patients were more likely to be peripheral (RET = 69%; ALK = 47%, p = 0.029; ROS1 = 36%, p = 0.003), whereas lobar location, size, and density were comparable across the three groups. RET+ NSCLC was associated with a higher frequency of brain metastases at diagnosis compared to ROS1+ NSCLC (RET = 32%, ROS1 = 10%; p = 0.039. Metastatic patterns were otherwise similar across the three molecular subgroups, with high incidences of lymphangitic carcinomatosis, pleural metastases, and sclerotic bone metastases. RET+ NSCLC shares several distinct radiologic features and metastatic spread with ALK+ and ROS1+ NSCLC. These features may suggest the presence of RET fusions and help identify patients who may benefit from further molecular genotyping.
Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Physical Fitness in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Whole-body electromyostiulation (WB-EMS) has experienced a boom in recent years, even though its effectiveness is controversial. A sedentary lifestyle is deeply rooted in the European population, mainly in the elderly. This experimental study analyzed the impact of WB-EMS on the physical fitness of postmenopausal women. Thirty-four healthy sedentary women between 55 and 69 years followed an experimental design pre–post-test. Both groups conducted a ten-week aerobic and strength training program. The experimental group overlaid the WB-EMS during exercise. At the end of the intervention, both groups improved upper and lower body strength, lower extremity flexibility, agility, and speed levels (pBonferroni < 0.05). Significant interactions were observed at upper and lower body strength, agility, speed, and cardiovascular endurance (p < 0.05). The WB-EMS group scored better agility than the control group at the end of the intervention (pBonferroni < 0.05) and was the only group that improved cardiovascular endurance. WB-EMS shows a favorable isolate effect on the development of dynamic leg strength, agility, and cardiovascular endurance but did not in dynamic arm strength, gait speed, balance, or flexibility of postmenopausal women.
Characterization of Integrons and Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131 Isolates

Background Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (ST131) is an important multidrug-resistant extraintestinal pathogen, which can cause many kinds of infections. Integrons may play a crucial role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. The purpose of this study was to characterize the prevelance of integrons among E. coli ST131 strains in China. Methods Eighty-three E. coli ST131 strains in China. E. coli ST131 strains in China. Results Overall, 26.5% (22/83) of the E. coli ST131 strains in China. dfrA17-aadA5 and aac(6′)-Ib-cr-cmlA5. Only one type of Pc promoter variant was detected among 22 integron-positive isolates (PcW). In vivo transfer of integron was successful for 9 of integron-positive E. coli ST131 strains in China. E. coli ST131 strains in China. Conclusions Our study showed a low prevalence of integrons was detected in E. coli ST131. Continued surveillance of this mobile genetic element should be performed to study the evolution of antibiotic resistance among E. coli ST131.E. coli ST131 strains in China. E. coli ST131 strains in China.
Voluntary Blood Donation Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Central Ethiopia

Background Increasing the availability of safe blood is a major challenge in developing countries. Given the scant amount of community-based data in Africa, this study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of blood donation of Ethiopian adults. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 421 adult residents of Adama town using face-to-face interviews with translated questionnaires. Knowledge and attitude levels were assessed using a set of questions and those who answered above mean for knowledge and attitude questions were categorized as above-average knowledge level and favorable attitude, respectively. The data were coded and entered into EPI Info™ version 7, transferred to SPSS version 25 for cleaning and analysis. All variables with p<0.25 in the bivariable analysis were examined as candidate variables in the multivariable logistic regression models. Results Less than half, 47% (95% CI: 42–52%) of the study participants have above-average knowledge level about blood donation and 48% (95% CI: 43–53%) have favorable attitudes towards blood donation. Only 17% (95% CI: 13–21%) of study participants ever donated blood of which 14.6% of them donated for replacement and less than 2% (1.95%) are voluntary donors. Younger age of 18–25 AOR: 95% CI: 3.40 (1.30, 12.43), having good knowledge AOR: 95% CI: 2.21 (1.26, 3.89) and favorable attitude AOR: 95% CI: 10.25 (4.90, 21.44) were factors independently associated with blood donation practice. Conclusion The level of blood donation practiced in the study area is low. Low knowledge and poor attitudes are independent predictors of low inclination to donate, so awareness creation and improving attitudes in blood donation campaigns, particularly among older people is necessary to increase voluntary blood donation.
Molecular Analysis of the Official Algerian Olive Collection Highlighted a Hotspot of Biodiversity in the Central Mediterranean Basin

Genetic diversity and population structure studies of local olive germplasm are important to safeguard biodiversity, for genetic resources management and to improve the knowledge on the distribution and evolution patterns of this species. In the present study Algerian olive germplasm was characterized using 16 nuclear (nuSSR) and six chloroplast (cpSSR) microsatellites. Algerian varieties, collected from the National Olive Germplasm Repository (ITAFV), 10 of which had never been genotyped before, were analyzed. Our results highlighted the presence of an exclusive genetic core represented by 13 cultivars located in a mountainous area in the North-East of Algeria, named Little Kabylie. Comparison with published datasets, representative of the Mediterranean genetic background, revealed that the most Algerian varieties showed affinity with Central and Eastern Mediterranean cultivars. Interestingly, cpSSR phylogenetic analysis supported results from nuSSRs, highlighting similarities between Algerian germplasm and wild olives from Greece, Italy, Spain and Morocco. This study sheds light on the genetic relationship of Algerian and Mediterranean olive germplasm suggesting possible events of secondary domestication and/or crossing and hybridization across the Mediterranean area. Our findings revealed a distinctive genetic background for cultivars from Little Kabylie and support the increasing awareness that North Africa represents a hotspot of diversity for crop varieties and crop wild relative species.
Phase I, Open-Label, Dose-Escalation/Dose-Expansion Study of Lifirafenib (BGB-283), an RAF Family Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With Solid Tumors

PURPOSE Lifirafenib is an investigational, reversible inhibitor of B-RAFV600E, wild-type A-RAF, B-RAF, C-RAF, and EGFR. This first-in-human, phase I, dose-escalation/dose-expansion study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of lifirafenib in patients with B-RAF– or K-RAS/N-RAS–mutated solid tumors. METHODS During dose escalation, adult patients with histologically/cytologically confirmed advanced solid tumors received escalating doses of lifirafenib. Primary end points were safety/tolerability during dose escalation and objective response rate in preselected patients with B-RAF and K-RAS/N-RAS mutations during dose expansion. RESULTS The maximum tolerated dose was established as 40 mg/d; dose-limiting toxicities included reversible thrombocytopenia and nonhematologic toxicity. Across the entire study, the most common grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events were hypertension (n = 23; 17.6%) and fatigue (n = 13; 9.9%). One patient with B-RAF–mutated melanoma achieved complete response, and 8 patients with B-RAF mutations had confirmed objective responses: B-RAFV600E/K melanoma (n = 5, including 1 patient treated with prior B-RAF/MEK inhibitor therapy), B-RAFV600E thyroid cancer/papillary thyroid cancer (PTC; n = 2), and B-RAFV600E low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC; n = 1). One patient with B-RAF–mutated non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) had unconfirmed partial response (PR). Patients with K-RAS–mutated endometrial cancer and K-RAS codon 12–mutated NSCLC had confirmed PR (n = 1 each). No responses were seen in patients with K-RAS/N-RAS–mutated colorectal cancer (n = 20). CONCLUSION Lifirafenib is a novel inhibitor of key RAF family kinases and EGFR, with an acceptable risk-benefit profile and antitumor activity in patients with B-RAFV600–mutated solid tumors, including melanoma, PTC, and LGSOC, as well as K-RAS–mutated NSCLC and endometrial carcinoma. Future comparisons with first-generation B-RAF inhibitors and exploration of lifirafenib alone or as combination therapy in patients with selected RAS mutations who are resistant/refractory to first-generation B-RAF inhibitors are warranted.
Does anal cancer screening reduce morbidity and mortality in men who have sex with men

Evidence summary The National Cancer Institute reports an annual anal cancer incidence of 1.6 per 100,000 and as of November of last year, expected that 5820 men and women would receive the diagnosis in 2011. The 5-year survival rate is 64.9%. For men who have sex with men, the incidence ranges from 35 to 100 per 100,000, with a higher incidence in HIV-positive men. Men who have sex with men also have a higher prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) than the general population. HPV is the most common cause of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions. In theory, screening for anal cancer may reduce morbidity and mortality by identifying and treating anal cancer precursors, much as screening has done for cervical cancer.
Prevalence and risk factors of strongyloidiasis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in Southern Thailand

Background Strongyloidiasis can be fatal in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, but few epidemiological studies have investigated the burden of this tropical disease among the SLE population. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of strongyloidiasis among SLE patients in Southern Thailand. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 SLE patients attending the Rheumatology Clinic at Songklanagarind Hospital. Stool specimens were collected and examined using the direct smear technique and agar plate culture technique. Serum anti-Strongyloides stercoralis IgG was measured by IgG-ELISA. Results The overall prevalence of strongyloidiasis by combined parasitologyl and/or serology was 15.6%. The prevalence of strongyloidiasis by parasitological methods was 2.2%. Positive parasitology and/or serology was associated with male sex and a SLE disease duration of less than two years. Conclusion Strongyloidiasis is highly prevalent among the SLE population. A combination of serological and parasitological methods increases the rate of diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in SLE patients.
Cluster Analysis of Health-Related Lifestyles in University Students

Health-related lifestyles in young adults are a public health concern because they affect the risk for developing noncommunicable diseases. Although unhealthy lifestyles tend to cluster together, most studies have analyzed their effects as independent factors. This study assessed the prevalence, association, and clustering of health-related lifestyles (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and quality of diet) among university students. This cross-sectional study examined a sample of student participants from the University of the Balearic Islands (n = 444; 67.8% females; mean age: 23.1 years). A self-reported questionnaire was used to assess health-related lifestyles. Men that consumed more alcohol, had less healthy diets, were more likely to be overweight, and performed more physical activity. Women had a higher prevalence of low weight and performed less physical activity. Physical activity had a negative association with time using a computer (OR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.95) and a positive association with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.32). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet had a negative association with tobacco consumption (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.91), and positive associations with having breakfast every day (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.76) and consuming more daily meals (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.87). Cluster analysis indicated the presence of three distinct groups: Unhealthy lifestyles with moderate risk; unhealthy lifestyles with high risk; and healthy lifestyles with low risk. Health promotion interventions in the university environment that focus on multiple lifestyles could have a greater effect than interventions that target any single lifestyle.
Quality of Life and Emotional States of Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background The chronic condition of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents can affect different aspects of quality of life in them. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the quality of life with emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress in adolescents with PCOS. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 120 adolescents with PCOS in Tehran, Iran in 2019. The sociodemographic checklist, quality of life, depression, anxiety and stress (DASS) were assayed by valid and reliable questionnaires. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient and linear regression were used for data analysis, which was performed by SPSS (V.22). Results The mean (SD) age and menarche age of participants were 16.58 (1.36) and 12.52 (1.19) years, respectively. The most common clinical symptoms of adolescence were irregular menstruation (85%) and acne (61.7%). According to the result of this study, there was a significant reverse correlation between total score of SF-12 with total scores of depression, anxiety and stress (r=−0.395, p=0.001) and a significant reverse correlation was also found between each dimension of DASS scale and 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) (p<0.001). Based on the linear regression model and after controlling the demographic variables, there was a linear regression relationship between total DASS score and SF-12 (Beta= −0.367, p= 0.003). Conclusion The study results reveal the role of emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress in the quality of life of adolescents with PCOS. Based on our findings, we emphasize the interventional studies and guides for improving all dimensions of quality of life and reducing the psychological burden of PCOS in later life of adolescence.
Removal of Tetracycline in Sewage and Dairy Products with High-Stable MOF

Serious environmental and human health problems caused by the abuse of antibiotics have attracted worldwide concern. Recently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with high porosity have drawn wide attention for their effects in the adsorption and removal of pollutants from complex matrices. Herein, a high-stable metal organic framework (MOF), i.e., ((ZnCl2)3(L)2·DMF)n, where L=1,3,5-tris((pyridin-4-ylthio)methyl)benzene), MOF 1, was applied to adsorb and remove tetracycline from sewage and dairy products. The results showed that MOF 1 exhibited a strong performance in the adsorption of tetracycline. The effects of initial pH values, adsorbent dose, contact time and ionic strength of the adsorption performance of MOF 1 were investigated. The adsorption kinetics best fit the pseudo-second order model, and the adsorption isotherms matched the Langmuir adsorption model well. It was indicated that both chemical adsorption and physical adsorption play an important role in the adsorption process, and the adsorption of tetracycline was homogeneous and occurred on a monolayer on the surface of MOF 1. Additionally, the stability of MOF 1 and the details of the adsorption mechanism were also investigated. Thus, this study provides a new candidate for the application of MOFs-based adsorbents in the removal of antibiotics from sewage and dairy products.
HIV Treatment Outcomes Among Patients Initiated on Antiretroviral Therapy Pre and Post-Universal Test and Treat Guidelines in South Africa

Introduction Officially rolled out on 01 September 2016, South Africa’s Universal Test and Treat (UTT) policy calls for first-line antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation among all known HIV-positive patients, irrespective of CD4 cell count. We evaluate treatment outcomes of patients initiated on first-line ART directly before and after the implementation of UTT. Methods We analysed prospectively collected clinical cohort data among ART-naïve adult patients within two HIV clinics in Johannesburg, South Africa. We compare two groups: 1) an unexposed pre-UTT group initiating treatment from 01 December 2014 to 31 May 2015; and 2) an exposed UTT group initiating treatment from 01 December 2016 to 31 May 2017. Primary treatment outcomes included lost to follow-up (LTFU) (>90 days late for the last scheduled visit with no subsequent clinical visit). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between pre-UTT vs UTT initiation on LTFU by 12 months. Results We included 2410 patients. A total of 1267 (52.6%) patients initiated ART before UTT implementation and 1143 (47.4%) after the change in policy. LTFU (adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR): 1.51; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.16–1.98) between groups and specifically among those initiating with a CD4 cell count ≤500 cells/mm3 (aHR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.21–2.10) was higher among patients initiating ART under UTT. Conclusion LTFU under UTT proved higher than that of previous periods. Patients initiating first-line therapy under the treat-all policy may often start treatment in better health, subsequently not perceiving a direct benefit to treatment which may deter patients from consistent engagement in HIV treatment programmes.
Plutonium (IV) Quantification in Technologically Relevant Media Using Potentiometric Sensor Array

The quantification of plutonium in technological streams during spent nuclear fuel (SNF) reprocessing is an important practical task that has to be solved to ensure the safety of the process. Currently applied methods are tedious, time-consuming and can hardly be implemented in on-line mode. A fast and simple quantitative plutonium (IV) analysis using a potentiometric sensor array based on extracting agents is suggested in this study. The response of the set of specially designed PVC-plasticized membrane sensors can be related to plutonium content in solutions simulating real SNF-reprocessing media through multivariate regression modeling, providing 30% higher precision of plutonium quantification than optical spectroscopy.
Physician Mothers and Breastfeeding: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Objectives: To explore infant-feeding intentions and behavior of physician mothers as well as their breastfeeding enablers and obstacles. Study Design: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among female physicians with at least one biological child recruited through the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. The main outcomes were duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and duration of any breastfeeding (BFD). We determined predictors of EBF and BFD. Results: The 570 participants reported intention to breastfeed at least 12 months in 78.1% of cases. Breastfeeding rates were 97.8%, 85.5%, and 55.4% at birth, 6, and 12 months. EBF rates were 88.5%, 76.3%, and 40.9% at birth, 3, and 6 months. Younger participant age, breastfeeding discontinuation not due to work-related demands, and heightened maternal satisfaction with BFD were associated with longer EBF and BFD. EBF at birth, less maternal stress, availability of time to express milk, and collegial support were associated with longer EBF. Longer maternal BFD goal, longer maternity leave, existence of laws or regulations to support breastfeeding among working mothers, later child order, and lower level of maternal depression were associated with longer BFD. Conclusions: Maternal infant-feeding intentions and work-related factors both play important roles in physician mothers' infant-feeding behavior. Longer maternity leave, regulations to support breastfeeding among working mothers, and workplace support might significantly improve physician mothers' BFD.
The Effects of Synbiotic Supplementation on Glycemic Status, Lipid Profile, and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Type 1 Diabetic Patients. A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

Background and Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of synbiotic on glycemic status, lipid profile, and biomarkers of oxidative stress in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. Materials and Methods In this double-blind clinical trial, 50 T1DM patients were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups and received either synbiotic powder (Lactobacillus sporogenes GBI-30 (probiotic), maltodextrin and fructooligosaccharide (prebiotic)) or placebo 2 g per day for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after the intervention to measure fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin concentration, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid profile, and biomarkers of oxidative stress such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and hs-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Results Supplementation with synbiotic resulted in a significant decrease in the mean serum levels of HbA1c and hs-CRP (p = 0.01 and p = 0.004, respectively), and marginally significant decrease in FBG (p = 0.05) in the intervention group post- intervention. Also, the mean changes of FBG and hs-CRP were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group (p = 0.03 and p = 0.005, respectively). There were no significant changes found in lipid profile in intervention group post-intervention (p≥ 0.05). The mean serum levels of insulin and TAC were significantly increased in the intervention group post-intervention (p = 0.001). There was a significant increase in the mean changes of TAC (p = 0.005) in the intervention group compared with the control group. Conclusion The 8-week synbiotic supplementation in T1DM patients may be effective in improvement of FBG, HbA1c, insulin, hs-CRP, and TAC.