Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Colon Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the most common chronic diseases that affect the entire gastrointestinal tract (GIT) especially the colon. Its symptoms extend from mild diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea to severe conditions which affect the quality of life. Many treatments have been developed to treat and cure IBD and to improve patient’s quality of life. The big challenge faces the newly developed treatments is the site of action as the colon presents at the distal end of the GIT and have a complex biological environment. Many technologies have been investigated to target the colon, load higher amounts of active ingredients, and decrease unwanted side effects resulted from upper GIT absorption. This review briefly discusses the IBD, treatment lines, physiological considerations, and all methods of colon targeting technologies starting from the traditional methods which based on pH, time, and microbial content of the colon. Also, we discussed in detail all new techniques based on Micro and Nanotechnology which improve the effectiveness of used therapeutics.
SaludToday: Curating Latino health information for a new generation

Abstract Background: The Internet has quickly become a primary source and channel for distributing a multitude of health messages. To ensure health messages are effective and well-received, health communication researchers are constantly seeking new communication strategies to improve health literacy. One of the challenges associated with the widespread availability of online information is a saturated environment with many different messages. To build a trustworthy relationship with consumers, health communicators and other professionals must successfully filter the massive amounts of health information and create succinct and easily consumable health messages. Methods: Curation is an emerging strategy that uses a systematic and refined process to create such messages and prevent mixed messaging and information overload. Through this process information is collected, developed, stored, and shared. Results: The purpose of this article is to: (1) explain online content curation; (2) describe the e-health content curation model; (3) discuss the process of e-health content curation as it applies to a national Latino health campaign called SaludToday. This online content curation model consists of three primary steps: collect–craft–connect, which cohesively provide a systematic approach to identifying, collecting, generating, and disseminating health messages online. Conclusion: With massive amounts of content created across the Internet every minute, health content curation can play a vital role in bringing a particular audience to targeted, relevant and engaging content that has the potential to affect people's knowledge of health issues, attention to health issues, and capacity to make healthy changes.
Acute respiratory effects of livestock-related air pollution in a panel of COPD patients.

Living close to livestock farms has been associated with increased symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The causes of these effects are still poorly understood. This panel study attempts to assess the acute effects of livestock-related air pollution in patients with COPD living in an area with intensive livestock farming in the Netherlands. Between February 2015 and July 2016, 82 participants took spirometry measurements twice daily (morning and evening) during a 3-month period, resulting in 12,672 FEV1 and PEF records. Participants also kept a diary on respiratory symptoms as well as livestock-related odor annoyance. Daily average ammonia (NH3) (a proxy for livestock-related air pollution) and fine particulate matter (PM10) levels were collected from monitoring stations in the area. Lung function was analyzed as decrements of >10% and >20% from their median as well as absolute values. Self-reported odor annoyance was analyzed as a dichotomous variable. All analyses were done using generalized estimated equations. We adjusted for humidity, temperature, linear trend, and took multiple testing into account. We found an odds ratio of 1.14 95%CI [1.05; 1.25] for decrements >20% in morning FEV1 per interquartile range (12 µg/m3) increase in NH3 concentration (lag 2). Odor annoyance was negatively associated with evening PEF (-4.46 l/min 95%CI [-7.59; -1.33]). Sensitivity analyses showed a stronger effect in participants with worse baseline lung function. No associations with symptoms were found. Our results show acute effects of livestock-related air pollution on lung function in COPD patients living in close proximity to livestock farms.
The Endothelial Response to Injury: Defining the Role of Epidermal Growth Factor-like Domain 7 and Endothelial Protective Strategies

Background: Currently, the optimal long-term therapy for end stage heart failure is heart transplantation. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy contributes to a significant number of deaths following transplantation. This vasculopathy is related to early endothelial injury sustained at the time of organ transplantation and to persistent endothelial injury as a result of cytotoxic immunosuppression, as well as chronic rejection. Epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (Egfl7), is expressed in endothelial cells upon arterial injury and may have a role in maintaining vascular endothelial integrity and regeneration following injury. Similarly, novel pharmacologic agents such as Bosentan, an endothelin-1 antagonist, and Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor, have been demonstrated to attenuate calcineurin inhibition induced endothelial dysfunction and neointimal hyperplasia, respectively. We hypothesized that, 1) Egfl7 will attenuate endothelial activation, cell adhesion molecule expression and neutrophil adhesion following simulated ischemia-reperfusion injury or exposure to calcineurin inhibition and that, 2) Bosentan and Cilostazol will inhibit neointimal hyperplasia following endothelial injury in a mouse model of vascular injury. Methods: Human coronary artery endothelial cells were subjected to hypoxia-reoxygenation injury or the calcineurin inhibitors Cyclosporine A and Tacrolimus to examine the effects of Egfl7 on these injury mechanisms. Cell adhesion molecule expression, neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells, and NF-κB activation were measured. Cell adhesion molecule and Egfl7 expression were also examined in a mouse model of neointimal. This model was used to examine the effects of Bosentan and Cilostazol on neointimal hyperplasia. Results: Egfl7 had potent anti-inflammatory properties including inhibition of NF-κB pathway activation, ICAM-1 expression and neutrophil adhesion to injured endothelium. Within vessels exhibiting neointimal hyperplasia, Egfl7 was expressed in regions lacking ICAM-1 expression. Both cilostazol and bosentan attenuated neointimal hyperplasia in isolation as well as during co-treatment with CNI therapies. Conclusions: Egfl7 is an endothelial protective signaling protein with anti-inflammatory properties effective against simulated ischemia-reperfusion injury and calcineurin inhibition mediated injury. Cilostazol and Bosentan are pharmacologic strategies demonstrating efficacy against the development of neointimal hyperplasia. These observations provide a novel therapeutic target and strategies that may be relevant to endothelial protection and prevention of cardiac allograft vasculopathy following heart transplantation. %%%%PhD
Predictors of Positive Surgical Margins after Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Localized Renal Tumors: Insights from a Large Multicenter International Prospective Observational Project (The Surface-Intermediate-Base Margin Score Consortium)

Background: To explore predictors of positive surgical margins (PSM) after robotic partial nephrectomy (PN) in a large multicenter international observational project, harnessing the Surface-Intermediate-Base (SIB) margin score to report the resection technique after PN in a standardized way. Methods: Data from consecutive patients with cT1-2N0M0 renal masses treated with PN from September 2014 to March 2015 at 16 tertiary referral centers and included in the SIB margin score International Consortium were prospectively collected. For the present study, only patients treated with robotic PN were included. Uni- and multivariable analysis were fitted to explore clinical and surgical predictors of PSMs after PN. Results: Overall, 289 patients were enrolled. Median (IQR) preoperative tumor size was 3.0 (2.3–4.2) cm and median (IQR) PADUA score was 8 (7–9). SIB scores of 0–2 (enucleation), 3–4 (enucleoresection) and 5 (resection) were reported in 53.3%, 27.3% and 19.4% of cases, respectively. A PSM was recorded in 18 (6.2%) patients. PSM rate was 4.5%, 11.4% and 3.6% in case of enucleation, enucleoresection and resection, respectively. Patients with PSMs had tumors with a higher rate of contact with the urinary collecting system (55.6% vs. 27.3%; p < 0.001) and a longer median warm ischemia time (22 vs. 16 min; p = 0.02) compared with patients with negative surgical margins, while no differences emerged between the two groups in terms of other tumor features (i.e., pathological diameter, PADUA score). In multivariable analysis, only enucleoresection (SIB score 3–4) versus enucleation (SIB score 0–2) was found to be an independent predictor of PSM at final pathology (HR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.25–7.63; p = 0.04), while resection (SIB score 5) was not. Conclusions: In our experience, enucleoresection led to a higher risk of PSMs as compared to enucleation. Further studies are needed to assess the differential impacts of resection technique and surgeon’s experience on margin status after robotic PN.
Leech Therapy for a Non-Surgical Method of Flap Salvaging after a Free Flap Transfer

Leech therapy has been accepted in clinical settings to salvage a flap with vein congestion. We did leech therapy for 7 days with 10 days broad-spectrum prophylaxis antibiotics and applied 2 leeches with gradual decrement of frequency. The patient got vital fibular flap with partial necrotized distal part of skin paddle. The clinical question is how leech therapy can be applied in vein congestion or venous compromised after free flap transfer. Articles search was conducted on October 28 th , 2014, in PubMed, using “leech therapy AND flap” as keywords. Initial search discovered 95 articles. A total of 4 articles that emphasized flap salvaging were included. Following outcomes: frequency and duration, number of leeches, sucked blood volume, antibiotics prophylaxis during therapy, and complications, were extracted and analyzed. Leech therapy is an alternate method for salvaging a flap without any secondary invasive and complex procedure. Leech therapy can be used 2-12 times in 24 hours for 3-10 days. A leech can suck 2.45-8 ml blood. Board spectrum antibiotic has been used for prophylaxis, however infection of Aeromonas hydrophilia is recorded during the application. Further study is needed to give stronger evidences and explanations in using this method in clinical application. Keywords: Leech therapy, flap salvaging, vein congestion. Terapi Lintah sebagai Tata Laksana Non-Operatif Penyelamatan Flap Pasca Pemindahan Flap Bebas Abstrak Terapi lintah sudah diterima sebagai tatalaksana penyelamatan flap dengan kongesti vena. Peneliti melakukan terapi lintah selama 7 hari dengan penggunaan antibiotic spektrum luas selama 10 hari dan menggunakan 2 ekor lintah dengan frekuensi yang diturunkan bertahap. Pasien yang terpilih memiliki fibular flap yang vital dengan bagian nekrosis di distal. Pertanyaan klinis riset ini adalah bagaimana terapi lintah dapat digunakan untuk kongesti vena setelah pemindahan flap bebas. Pencarian artikel dilakukan pada 28 Oktober 2014 di PubMed dengnan kata kunci “leech therapy AND flap”. Terdapat 95 artikel pada awal pencarian. Total 4 artikel yang membahas tentang penyelamatan flap dimasukkan kedalam studi ini. Data seperti frekuensi, durasi, jumlah lintah, volume darah terhisap, antibiotik profilaksis dan komplikasi dikumpulkan dan dianalisis lebih lanjut. Terapi lintah menjadi pilihan tatalaksana untuk penyelamatan flap tanpa adanya tindakan sekunder yang invasif dan kompleks.Terapi lintah bisa dilakukan 2-12 kali dalam 24 jam untuk 3-10 hari perawatan. Seekor lintah bisa menghisap 2,45-8 ml darah. Profilaksis antibiotik spektrum luas dipergunakan selama penelitian, namun masih terdapat infeksi Aeromonas hydrophilia. Riset lebih lanjut diperlukan untuk memberikan bukti dan penjelasan lebih kuat mengenai penggunaan tatalaksana ini di praktik klinis. Kata kunci: Terapi lintah, penyelamatan flap, kongesti vena.
Estimation of direct and indirect effects of risk behaviors on HCV infection among people who inject drugs in Kermanshah, Iran: a path analysis study

ABSTRACT Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is global health problem with an estimated 415,000 deaths in 2015. The objective of this study was to explore the direct and indirect effects of risk behaviors on HCV infection among male PWIDs (people who inject drugs) in Kermanshah, Iran. Methods: We surveyed 606 male PWIDs in Kermanshah city. Data on demographic characteristics and risk behaviors associated with HCV infection were gathered through structured interviews. The participants were recruited from two drop-in centers using snowball sampling. We used path analysis to explore the direct and indirect effects of risk behaviors on HCV infection among male PWIDs. Results: Over half of the 606 participants had been exposed to HCV with 54.80% having a positive test for HCV antibodies. Older Age of first of drug injection [B Coefficient: –0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.04, −0.01] and regular attendance at harm-reduction programs (B Coefficient: −0.21, 95% CI: −0.43, −.01) reduce the chance of HCV exposure. Longer duration of injection (B Coefficient: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.12) was associated with higher probability of HCV exposure. Conclusion: This study implies that age of first of drug injection, regular attendance at harm-reduction programs and duration of injection had both direct and indirect effects on HCV infection.
Predicting Under-five mortality across 21 Low and Middle-Income Countries using Deep Learning Methods

To explore the efficacy of Machine Learning (ML) techniques in predicting under-five mortality in LMICs and to identify significant predictors of under-five mortality (U5M). This is a cross-sectional, proof-of-concept study.We analysed data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). The data was drawn from 21 Low-and-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) countries (N = 1,048,575). Eligible mothers in each household were asked information about their children and the reproductive care they received during the pregnancy.The primary outcome measure was under-five mortality; secondary outcome was comparing the efficacy of deep learning algorithms: Deep Neural Network (DNN); Convolution Neural Network (CNN); Hybrid CNN-DNN with Logistic Regression (LR) for the prediction of child survival.We found that duration of breast feeding, household wealth index and the level of maternal education are the most important predictors of under-five mortality. We found that deep learning techniques are superior to LR for the classification of child survival: LR sensitivity = 0.47, specificity = 0.53; DNN sensitivity = 0.69, specificity = 0.83; CNN sensitivity = 0.68, specificity = 0.83; CNN-DNN sensitivity = 0.71, specificity = 0.83. Our findings provide an understanding of interventions that needs to be prioritized, in order to reduce levels of U5M in LMICs. It also demonstrates that deep learning models are more efficacious than a traditional analytical approach.The models were tested using a very large data sample, drawn from over 1 million households.The survey utilised a cluster sampling approach and are representative of each country included.Socio-economic, political and cultural differences between the included countries may limit generalisability of the results.The cross-sectional design of the study means we can only infer association and not causality.
Stress, Social Support, and Sexual Adjustment in Married Female Patients with Breast Cancer in Korea

Objective: This study identified the level of stress, social support, and sexual adjustment in married women with breast cancer in Korea. Methods: This study used a subgroup analysis, prospective, cross-sectional, and descriptive correlation design. Data were obtained using the perceived stress scale, multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and sexual adjustment subscale of the Korean version of the psychosocial adjustment to illness scale. From May 2015 to April 2016, 272 married female patients who had been diagnosed with breast cancer were recruited at a university hospital in Korea. Data were analyzed using SPSS Win 21.0. Results: The mean score of stress level was 17.53 ± 4.13, social support was 5.37 ± 1.07, and sexual adjustment was 6.36 ± 3.29. A significant positive correlation emerged between sexual adjustment and stress (r = 0.161, P = 0.008). Significant negative correlations were observed among sexual adjustment and family support (r = –0.177, P = 0.003) and friends' support (r = –0.205, P = 0.001). Conclusions: The assessment of stress level and social support may be used in planning sexual-adjustment interventions appropriate for married female breast cancer patients in Korea.
Stochastic Sparse Learning with Momentum Adaptation for Imprecise Memristor Networks

Memristor based neural networks have great potentials in on-chip neuromorphic computing systems due to the fast computation and low-energy consumption. However, the imprecise properties of existing memristor devices generally result in catastrophic failures for the network in-situ training, which significantly impedes their engineering applications. In this work, we design a novel learning scheme that integrates stochastic sparse updating with momentum adaption (SSM) to efficiently train the imprecise memristor networks with high classification accuracy. The SSM scheme consists of: (1) a stochastic and discrete learning method to make weight updates sparse; (2) a momentum based gradient algorithm to eliminate training noises and distill robust updates; (3) a network re-initialization method to mitigate the device-to-device variation; (4) an update compensation strategy to further stabilize the weight programming process. With the SSM scheme, experiments show that the classification accuracy on multilayer perceptron (MLP) and convolutional neural network (CNN) improves from 26.12% to 90.07% and from 65.98% to 92.38%, respectively. Meanwhile, the total numbers of weight updating pulses decrease 90% and 40% in MLP and CNN, respectively, and the convergence rates are both 3x faster. The SSM scheme provides a high-accuracy, low-power, and fast-convergence solution for the in-situ training of imprecise memristor networks, which is crucial to future neuromorphic intelligence systems.
THE PREPARATION OF ALBUMIN AS A BIOLOGICAL DRUG FROM HUMAN PLASMA BY FIBER FILTRATION

of whole-blood for the of patients but use of biological plasma-derived medicines such as albumin, immunoglobulin and coagulation factors instead. Paying attention to albumin molecular structure is important for its isolation from human plasma. Albumin is a single-chain protein consisting of about 585 amino acids and a molecular weight of 66500 Daltons. Albumin is a stable molecule and it is spherical in shape. There are different methods for human albumin preparation. Considering the large consumption of this biological drug in clinical settings, methods with fewer steps in production line are of big advantage in saving time and manufacturing more products. Methods: In this project, we prepared human albumin using hollow fiber cartridges in order to omit the rework on fraction V+VI . Human albumin is usually produced by the application of cold ethanol method, where albumin is obtained from fraction V by doing a rework on fraction V+VI to separate fraction V . Results: In the current work, human albumin was prepared from fraction V+VI by the help of hollow fiber cartridges. With a concentration of 20% , the obtained albumin had 96.5% of monomer and 3.5% of polymer and polymer aggregate. Conclusion: Comparing the obtained human albumin with a number of commercial human albumin samples by the use of SDS -page, the results were satisfactory regarding the 3.5 percent polymer and aggregate rate for the prepared albumin. Abstract
BODE Index Correlated with Charlson Comorbidity Index and Medical Burden in COPD

COPD is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the world. Globally, due to continued exposure to COPD risk factors and an aging population, the burden of COPD is expected to increase in the coming decades. The BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity) index is a practical and multidimensional predictor for prognosis of COPD, and better than FEV1.We used the database of Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital medical center, Taiwan to analyze the correlation between BODE index, healthcare resource utilization, and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). This retrospective study to collect COPD patients with complete BODE index data who had undergone a 6-minute walk examination in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2016. The medical cost and comorbidities database were analyzed from January 1, 2015, to August 31, 2017. Of 396 patients, 382 (96.5%) were male, with an average age of 71.3 ± 8.4 years. There was a significant association between the BODE index and the CCI of COPD patients (p < 0.001). Healthcare resource utilization was positively correlated with the BODE index during the 32 months of retrospective clinical outcomes: positively correlated with the number of hospitalizations (p<0.001), hospitalization days (p<0.001), hospitalization expenses (p=0.005), and total medical expenses (p=0.024), respectively. Our findings provide the crucial information for clinician to predict medical burden and comorbidities in patients with COPD by using BODE index.