Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thyroidectomy in carcinoma thyroid - a three years experience

Twenty-five patients were operated for thyroid malignancy in dept. of Surgery, SRGH, Lahore over a period of 3 years. From Nov 2001 to Nov 2004. Carcinoma was diagnosed on FNAC in 10 pts (40%) and Total Thyroidectomy planned as first and definite procedure. In rest of 15 patents (60%) complete thyroidectomy was performed after initial total lobectomy and subsequent Histopathology. Eight pts were found to have follicular carcinoma and 16 had papillary carcinoma revealed on H/P of resected specimen. Thyroid function tests in almost all showed euthyroid status. The only exception was a female pt who`s hormonal assay showed hypothyroidism but she was operated for FNAC suggested follicular adenoma. All the pts had Iodine-131 whole body scan for residual thyroid and metastatic disease. No thyroxin was started before Iodine-131 scan. Twenty pts were given single dose of 50-75 miCu ff radioiodine, followed by thyroxin in suppressive dose. No recurrence of tumor noted during follow-up 2 years. Only one pt diagnosed finally as thyroiditis on histology of resected specimen. On FNAC, she had suspicion of follicular neoplasm mandating thyroidectomy. A female prepondondrance with age ranging from 15-45 yrs was observed.
Surgery of symptomatic interauricular communication in the first year of life

: Symptomatic atrial septal defect (ASD) is rare in infancy and even more is symptomatic ASD requiring surgery at that age (13.7% and 3.7% respectively in our series). Our experience on surgery for symptomatic ASD in infancy with 6 cases out of 161 consecutive ASD surgically corrected during an experience of 17 years is presented. Ages ranged between 5 and 11 months (9.5 +/- 2.5 months) and weight between 4 and 6.400 kg (5.3 +/- 0.8 kg). In all cardiomegally was present with cardiothoracic ratio between 0.6 and 0.7 in 4 and over 0.7 in the remainder two cases. Isolated ASD was present in 3 cases, associated partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage ein 3 and additional ventricular septal defect in one. Mortality was present in one case due to hypoplasia of the left ventricular cavity. Follow up ranged between 30 and 156 months with a cumulative follow up of 442 months, mean 88.4 +/- 50.8 months/patient. Clinically all are asymptomatic without medication. Clinical and hemodynamic data file, surgery complications and possible risk factors for development symptomatology in the ASD in infancy are widely commented.
Intima-media thickness: correlation between carotids, vertebral artery, aorta and femoral arteries.

AIM Compare the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the internal carotid artery with the IMT of the common and external carotid, vertebral and femoral arteries and the abdominal aorta to assess the possibility of using these arteries as markers of atherosclerotic disease. METHODS Fifty patients with atherosclerosic risk factors were examined and the IMT was determined in the carotid arteries and compared with the values of IMT of the vertebral and femoral arteries and the abdominal aorta. The Spearman correlation coefficient and Kappa index were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Considering IMT equal or greater than 0,8mm, there was positive and significant correlation between the values obtained for the examined arteries. The best agreement was found between the external and common carotid artery as compared to the internal carotid. (accuracy of 73.5% and 79.2%, respectively). For all arteries the was a positive correlation of the values of the EMI. CONCLUSION There is positive and significant correlation between the IMT of the internal carotid artery and the vertebral and femoral arteries and abdominal aorta. Routine examinations of either one of these arteries can ad important findings regarding early diagnosis for higher risk patients concerning atherosclerotic disease.
Evaluation of the vitamin status in pregnancy. Circulating blood levels and enzyme activation in a group of Dutch parturient women and their full term newborns.

: Blood levels of vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12 and folic acid were measured in a group of 37 Dutch parturient women and their full term newborns. For the evaluation of the vitamin B1, B2 and B6 status also transketolase-, glutathion reductase- and transaminase activities with their respective activation ratios were measured. In the circulation of the newborn blood levels and enzyme activities were found 1.5-2.0 times higher compared with those of the mother. Interpretation of the data obtained from the mothers using criteria coming from a group of healthy adult blood donors, revealed a relatively high incidence of marginal vitamin status, especially for vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. By means of the enzyme activation tests even higher percentages of cases were found within the marginal or deficient range. The actual extent of vitamin deficiency in pregnancy could not be estimated, however, secondary effects seem to be involved affecting both vitamin blood levels and enzyme activities.
Enhanced Γ(p→ K0μ+)/Γ(p→ Kν̄μ) as a Signature of Minimal Renormalizable SUSY SO(10) GUT

The ratio of the partial widths of some dimension-5 proton decay modes can be predicted without knowledge of SUSY particle masses, and thus allows us to experimentally test various SUSY GUT models without discovering SUSY particles. In this paper, we study the ratio of the partial widths of the p→ Kμ and p→ Kν̄μ decays in the minimal renormalizable SUSY SO(10) GUT. In the model, we expect that the Wilson coefficients of dimension-5 operators responsible for these modes are on the same order and that the ratio of p → Kμ and p → Kν̄μ partial widths is O(0.1). Hence, we may be able to detect both p → Kμ and p→ Kν̄μ decays at Hyper-Kamiokande, thereby gaining a hint for the minimal renormalizable SUSY SO(10) GUT. Moreover, since this partial width ratio is quite suppressed in the minimal SU(5) GUT, it allows us to distinguish the minimal renormalizable SUSY SO(10) GUT from the minimal SU(5) GUT. In the main body of the paper, we perform a fitting of the quark and lepton masses and flavor mixings with the Yukawa couplings of the minimal renormalizable SO(10) GUT, and derive a concrete prediction for the partial width ratio based on the fitting results. We find that the partial width ratio generally varies in the range 0.05-0.6, confirming the above expectation.
Gliomas display distinct sex-based differential methylation patterns based on molecular subtype

Abstract Background Gliomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor and one of many cancers where males are diagnosed with greater frequency than females. However, little is known about the sex-based molecular differences in glioblastomas (GBMs) or lower grade glioma (non-GBM) subtypes. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism involved in regulating gene transcription. In glioma and other cancers, hypermethylation of specific gene promoters downregulates transcription and may have a profound effect on patient outcome. The purpose of this study was to determine if sex-based methylation differences exist in different glioma subtypes. Methods Molecular and clinical data from glioma patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and grouped according to tumor grade and molecular subtype (IDH1/2 mutation and 1p/19q chromosomal deletion). Sex-specific differentially methylated probes (DMPs) were identified in each subtype and further analyzed to determine if they were part of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) or associated with differentially methylated DNA transcription regulatory binding motifs. Results Analysis of methylation data in 4 glioma subtypes revealed unique sets of both sex-specific DMPs and DMRs in each subtype. Motif analysis based on DMP position also identified distinct sex-based sets of DNA-binding motifs that varied according to glioma subtype. Downstream targets of 2 of the GBM-specific transcription binding sites, NFAT5 and KLF6, showed differential gene expression consistent with increased methylation mediating downregulation. Conclusion DNA methylation differences between males and females in 4 glioma molecular subtypes suggest an important, sex-specific role for DNA methylation in epigenetic regulation of gliomagenesis.
National Interests and Regional Security in the Lake Chad: Assessing the Multinational Joint Task Force

This article assessed security architecture for counter-insurgency against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin (LCB). The paper diagnosed the impact of conflicting national interests of contributing nations on the performance of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) as a regional security architecture in the LCB. Some scholars and analysts cite corruption, historical contradictions among LCB members, poor funding, and complex nature of the insurgency, as factors responsible for failure of counter-insurgency operations in the LCB. Others contend that resource geopolitics, linguistic differences, and hegemonic politics have impacted negatively on the capacity of the MNJTF to decimate terrorists in the region. This is a qualitative study that draws from the Fund for Peace, International Crisis Group (ICG), Lake Chad Basin Commission, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), and research literature dealing with national interest and military alliances, while using content analysis to argue that conflicts in national interests, more than any other factor, have hampered the collaborative efforts of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and weakened the capacity of the MNJTF to engage in robust counterinsurgency against Boko Haram in the LCB.
Formation of Aluminum‐Doped Zinc Oxide Nanocrystals via the Benzylamine Route at Low Reaction Kinetics

The influence of essential process parameters on the adjustability of specific process and particulate properties of aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanocrystals during synthesis via the benzylamine route at low reaction kinetics is demonstrated by enabling time‐resolved access of the selected measurement technique. It is shown that the validity of the pseudo‐first‐order process kinetics could be extended to the minimum operable reaction kinetics. On the other hand, the impacts of the process temperature and the initial precursor concentration on both the process kinetics and the particle morphology are discussed. The obtained data provide a versatile tool for precise process control by adjusting defined application‐specific particle properties of AZO during synthesis.
Ramucirumab and Docetaxel in Patients with Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma Harboring Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Alterations: A Case Series and Literature Review

Metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) has a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival probability of 4.8%. The mainstay of first-line treatment is platinum-based chemotherapy. Second-line therapy involves immune checkpoint inhibitors or a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, erdafitinib, for patients harboring selected FGFR alterations. Several additional agents are under development for the treatment of mUC. Recent studies demonstrate that ramucirumab and docetaxel have clinical activity in mUC. We report two patients with metastatic upper tract urothelial cancer (mUTUC) with FGFR alterations who were heavily pretreated with FGFR inhibitors that later showed response to ramucirumab and docetaxel. Preclinical studies indicate that FGF and VEGF pathways work synergistically, which could explain the observations in our patients. Our findings may represent another treatment option for patients with mUC and FGFR alterations who have progressed on multiple lines of therapy.
Experimental investigation of activated carbon prepared from apricot stones material (ASM) adsorbent for removal of malachite green (MG) from aqueous solution

The adsorption of malachite green onto activated carbon prepared from apricot stones material has been investigated at batch conditions. The effects of contact time (0–60 min), initial pH (3–11), agitation speed (100–700 r/min), temperature (298–343 K), adsorbent dose (1–10 g/L), and malachite green concentration (4.45–17.6 mg/L) on the malachite green adsorption by apricot stones material have been studied. Malachite green removal increases over the contact time until equilibrium. The batch adsorption experiments were carried out to optimize the physical parameters on the malachite green removal efficiency. It has been found that 23.80 mg/g at 25°C and 88.05 mg/g at 70°C were removed. The kinetic parameters, rate constants and equilibrium adsorption capacities, were calculated and discussed for each kinetic model. The adsorption of malachite green onto apricot stones material is well described by the pseudo second-order equation. The experimental isotherm data were analyzed by different models; the adsorption follows the Langmuir model, providing a better fit of the equilibrium data. The thermodynamics parameters such as the negative free energy ΔG° (−0.191 to −4.447 kJ/mol) and positive enthalpy ΔH° (50.86 kJ/mol) indicated the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the malachite green adsorption with a chemisorption process.
Immunogenicity of TNF-Inhibitors

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) have significantly improved treatment outcome of rheumatic diseases since their incorporation into treatment protocols two decades ago. Nevertheless, a substantial fraction of patients experiences either primary or secondary failure to TNFi due to ineffectiveness of the drug or adverse reactions. Secondary failure and adverse events can be related to the development of anti-drug antibodies (ADA). The earliest studies that reported ADA toward TNFi mainly used drug-sensitive assays. Retrospectively, we recognize this has led to an underestimation of the amount of ADA produced due to drug interference. Drug-tolerant ADA assays also detect ADA in the presence of drug, which has contributed to the currently reported higher incidence of ADA development. Comprehension and awareness of the assay format used for ADA detection is thus essential to interpret ADA measurements correctly. In addition, a concurrent drug level measurement is informative as it may provide insight in the extent of underestimation of ADA levels and improves understanding the clinical consequences of ADA formation. The clinical effects are dependent on the ratio between the amount of drug that is neutralized by ADA and the amount of unbound drug. Pharmacokinetic modeling might be useful in this context. The ADA response generally gives rise to high affinity IgG antibodies, but this response will differ between patients. Some patients will not reach the phase of affinity maturation while others generate an enduring high titer high affinity IgG response. This response can be transient in some patients, indicating a mechanism of tolerance induction or B-cell anergy. In this review several different aspects of the ADA response toward TNFi will be discussed. It will highlight the ADA assays, characteristics and regulation of the ADA response, impact of immunogenicity on the pharmacokinetics of TNFi, clinical implications of ADA formation, and possible mitigation strategies.
The Efficacy and Safety of Topiramate in the Prevention of Pediatric Migraine: An Update Meta-Analysis

Background: Migraine is the most common acute primary headache in children and adolescents. In 2014, topiramate became the first preventive drug for migraine, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adolescents. This meta-analysis was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topiramate in the prevention of pediatric migraine. Methods: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases up to June 2019 for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcomes were mean migraine days per month, ≥50% reduction rate, and Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (PedMIDAS) scores. RevMan5.3 software was performed for statistical analysis. Results: Overall, 5 RCTs recruiting 531 patients (6–17 years of age) were included in the meta-analysis. The target dose of topiramate was 2 mg/kg (the maintenance phase was 12 weeks), 2–3 mg/kg, 50 mg/day, and 100 mg/day (maintaining for 16 weeks), respectively, in the included studies. Our results demonstrate that participants receiving topiramate had a significant advantage in remitting the monthly migraine days than those receiving placebo, with a mean difference (MD) of −0.78 (n = 531; 95% CI, −1.23 to −0.32; Z = 3.37; P = 0.0008). Topiramate could also reduce the mean PedMIDAS scores (n = 238; 95% CI, −16.53 to −0.49; Z = 2.43; P = 0.04). However, there was no significant difference in the percentage of patients experiencing a ≥50% reduction in monthly headache days between topiramate and placebo groups (n = 531; 95% CI, 0.94–1.77; Z = 1.58; P = 0.11). Topiramate was associated with higher rates of side effects such as weight decrease (n = 395; 95% CI, 2.73–22.98; Z = 3.81; P < 0.01) and paresthesia (n = 531; 95% CI, 3.05–13.18; Z = 4.94; P < 0.01). Conclusions: Topiramate can significantly decrease monthly headache days and migraine-related burden in migraine patients <18 years old. However, it failed to increase 50% response rate. Adverse events seem to be more frequent in topiramate-treated children.
Xylem Anomalies as Indicators of Maladaptation to Climate in Forest Trees: Implications for Assisted Migration

Xylem anomalies that are caused by unusual climate events have long been used to aid cross-dating in tree ring research. Here, we analyzed a range of xylem anomalies in a 39-year-old common garden experiment of white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) in central Alberta, Canada, designed to investigate local adaptation. We extracted wood cores from trees representing 24 provenances covering much of the species range across the Canadian boreal forest. Using a double stain and light microscopy analysis, four xylem anomalies and their causes could be distinguished: (1) frost rings indicate issues with synchronizing the onset of growth with the start of the growing season, and were prevalent in young trees; (2) light rings represent thin cell walls caused by an insufficient growing season length, most prevalent in southern sources; (3) blue rings were caused by a failure to complete lignification of new wood due to an early end of the growing season; and (4) double rings represent density fluctuations due to drier than normal summers. Local provenances showed the least amount of xylem anomalies, indicating that they are correctly adapted to the environment in which they occur. In contrast, trees moved to the test site from other climate regions showed various types of xylem anomalies depending on their origin. In particular, populations originating from warmer regions showed an increased presence of latewood anomalies, consistent with a more extensive use of the growing season in the fall. We conclude that xylem anomalies may serve as a sensitive early indicator of maladaptation to climate before populations experience tree dieback or mortality. They may therefore be useful to monitor the health of natural populations, or to evaluate the success of assisted migration in reforestation to address climate change.
IL-4 Receptor α Chain Protects the Kidney Against Tubule-Interstitial Injury Induced by Albumin Overload

Increasing evidence has highlighted the role of tubule-interstitial injury (TII) as a vital step in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI). Incomplete repair of TII during AKI could lead to the development of chronic kidney disease. Changes in albumin endocytosis in proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) is linked to the development of TII. In this context, interleukin (IL)-4 has been shown to be an important factor in modulating recovery of TII. We have studied the possible role of IL-4 in TII induced by albumin overload. A subclinical AKI model characterized by albumin overload in the proximal tubule was used, without changing glomerular function. Four groups were generated: (1) CONT, wild-type mice treated with saline; (2) BSA, wild-type mice treated with 10 g/kg/day bovine serum albumin (BSA); (3) KO, IL4Rα–/– mice treated with saline; and (4) KO + BSA, IL4Rα–/– mice treated with BSA. As reported previously, mice in the BSA group developed TII without changes in glomerular function. The following parameters were increased in the KO + BSA group compared with the BSA group: (1) tubular injury score; (2) urinary γ-glutamyltransferase; (3) CD4+ T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils are associated with increases in renal IL-6, IL-17, and transforming growth factor β. A decrease in M2-subtype macrophages associated with a decrease in collagen deposition was observed. Using LLC-PK1 cells, a model of PTECs, we observed that (1) these cells express IL-4 receptor α chain associated with activation of the JAK3/STAT6 pathway; (2) IL-4 alone did not change albumin endocytosis but did reverse the inhibitory effect of higher albumin concentration. This effect was abolished by JAK3 inhibitor. A further increase in urinary protein and creatinine levels was observed in the KO + BSA group compared with the BSA group, but not compared with the CONT group. These observations indicate that IL-4 has a protective role in the development of TII induced by albumin overload that is correlated with modulation of the pro-inflammatory response. We propose that megalin-mediated albumin endocytosis in PTECs could work as a sensor, transducer, and target during the genesis of TII.
ZnO Quantum Dots Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in HeLa and HEK-293T Cell Lines

Zinc oxide (ZnO) quantum dot (QD) is a promising inexpensive inorganic nanomaterials, of which potential toxic effects on biological systems and human health should be evaluated before biomedical application. In this study, the cytotoxicity of ZnO QDs was assessed using HeLa cervical cancer cell and HEK-293T human embryonic kidney cell lines. Cell viability was significantly decreased by treatment with 50 µg/ml ZnO QDs after only 6 h, and the cytotoxicity of ZnO QDs was higher in HEK-293T than in HeLa cells. ZnO QDs increased the level of reactive oxygen species and decreased the mitochondria membrane potential in a dose-dependent manner. Several gene expression involved in apoptosis was regulated by ZnO QDs, including bcl-2 gene and caspase. In HeLa cells, ZnO QDs significantly increased early and late apoptosis, but only late apoptosis was affected in HEK-293T cells. These findings will be helpful for future research and application of ZnO QDs in biomedicine.