Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Imaging markers of disability in aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G seropositive neuromyelitis optica: a graph theory study

Abstract Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders lack imaging biomarkers associated with disease course and supporting prognosis. This complex and heterogeneous set of disorders affects many regions of the central nervous system, including the spinal cord and visual pathway. Here, we use graph theory-based multimodal network analysis to investigate hypothesis-free mixed networks and associations between clinical disease with neuroimaging markers in 40 aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin G antibody seropositive patients (age = 48.16 ± 14.3 years, female:male = 36:4) and 31 healthy controls (age = 45.92 ± 13.3 years, female:male = 24:7). Magnetic resonance imaging measures included total brain and deep grey matter volumes, cortical thickness and spinal cord atrophy. Optical coherence tomography measures of the retina and clinical measures comprised of clinical attack types and expanded disability status scale were also utilized. For multimodal network analysis, all measures were introduced as nodes and tested for directed connectivity from clinical attack types and disease duration to systematic imaging and clinical disability measures. Analysis of variance, with group interactions, gave weights and significance for each nodal association (hyperedges). Connectivity matrices from 80% and 95% F-distribution networks were analyzed and revealed the number of combined attack types and disease duration as the most connected nodes, directly affecting changes in several regions of the central nervous system. Subsequent multivariable regression models, including interaction effects with clinical parameters, identified associations between decreased nucleus accumbens (β = −0.85, P = 0.021) and caudate nucleus (β = −0.61, P = 0.011) volumes with higher combined attack type count and longer disease duration, respectively. We also confirmed previously reported associations between spinal cord atrophy with increased number of clinical myelitis attacks. Age was the most important factor associated with normalized brain volume, pallidum volume, cortical thickness and the expanded disability status scale score. The identified imaging biomarker candidates warrant further investigation in larger-scale studies. Graph theory-based multimodal networks allow for connectivity and interaction analysis, where this method may be applied in other complex heterogeneous disease investigations with different outcome measures.
The Effects of Acute Different Concentrations of Morphine on Neurite Elongation in PC12 Cells

Morphine as a mu opioid drug has some effective roles on neuronal cells. Some data suggest that morphine induces apoptosis in neurons, while other evidence shows that morphine could have beneficial effects on neuritogenesis. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of morphine (10 -12 -10 -4 M) in acute manner on neurite elongation in PC12 cells. Cell viability, Total neurite length and Cytotoxicity were assay. Our results show that low concentrations of morphine (10 -12 -10 -10 M) in acute manner enhances neurite elongation and cell viability, and decreases cytotoxicity activity in PC12 cells with opioid receptor-dependent mechanism. Our results show that high concentrations of morphine (10 -6 -10 -4 M) in acute manner inhibits neurite elongation and cell viability, and increases cytotoxicity activity in PC12 cells with opioid receptor-dependent mechanism.
Spatio-temporal registration and modelling of the heart using cardiovascular MR imaging.

Cardiovascular diseases are the single most important cause of death in the developed world. Their early diagnosis and treatment is becoming crucial in order to reduce mortality and to improve the patient’s quality of life. The detection of cardiac diseases requires advanced methods for the quantification and analysis of the cardiovascular system. Recent advances in image modalities allow the high resolution imaging of the heart. Among them, MR imaging plays an increasingly important role for the understanding of the heart and the detection of cardiac abnormalities. However, MR imaging remains a new technology limited to specialised imaging centers. Therefore, algorithms assisting with the interpretation of cardiac MR images are of high importance. In this thesis, several novel approaches for the spatio-temporal alignment of cardiac MR image sequences have been developed. The registration algorithms have the ability to correct any spatial misalignment caused by differences in the acquisition of the hearts and by local shape differences. Furthermore, the registration techniques have the ability to correct temporal misalignment caused by differences in the length of the cardiac cycles and by differences in the dynamic motion patterns of the hearts. The spatio-temporal registration methods are used for the development of novel statistical and probabilistic atlases describing the anatomy and function of a healthy heart. To our best knowledge, this is the first attempt to build atlases for cardiac MR image sequences describing the cardiac function as well anatomy. The probabilistic atlas provides statistical information in the form of tissue probability maps while the statistical atlas provides additional information regarding shape and function variability across the healthy population. During the construction of the statistical atlas the distribution of cardiac shapes is divided into two subspaces. One distribution subspace accounts for changes in cardiac shape caused by inter-subject variability. The second distribution subspace accounts for changes in cardiac shape caused by deformation during the cardiac cycle (i.e. intra-subject variability).
Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1α (MIP-1 α) in Hepatitis C Virus- Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Relation to Clinical Staging and Tumour Angiogenesis

Study background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis in HCV infection is still undefined. Chemokines, which induce leukocyte migration and activate inflammatory/immune responses, have recently been implicated in the regulation of tumour growth. This work was designed to study the role of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP1α), a potent macrophage chemo-attractant, in the development and progression of HCV-related HCC. Methods: Thirty patients with HCV-related cirrhosis (15 patients with HCC who underwent surgical hepatic resection and 15 patients without HCC) and 15 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Immunohistochemical staining of HCC and adjacent non-neoplastic liver tissue was performed using antibodies against MIP-1α, CD68 [for assessment of tumour-associated macrophage (TAM) count] and CD105 [for determination of microvessel density (MVD)]. Pre-operative serum MIP-1α levels were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay kit. Results: HCV-related HCCs showed significantly higher MIP-1α expression, CD68 + TAM count and CD105-MVD compared with adjacent non-neoplastic liver tissue. Serum MIP-1α levels were significantly higher in patients with and without HCC than in healthy subjects and in HCC patients than in patients without HCC. The sensitivity and specificity of serum MIP-1α in discriminating cirrhotic patients with and without HCC were 100% and 93.3% respectively at a cut-off value of 17.5 pg/ml. The MIP-1α expression in HCCs showed positive correlations with serum MIP-1α levels; tumour size, stage and histopathological grade; and intratumoural CD68+ TAM count and CD105-MVD. Moreover, CD68 + TAM count had direct correlation with CD105-MVD in HCC.
Public Knowledge of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A Street Survey in the Suburbs of Birmingham, UK

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) consists of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), causing considerable morbidity and mortality. The economic burden on the NHS of this common preventable condition is significant. Whilst studies into public knowledge of other conditions are published, there is no current literature regarding DVT public knowledge. Aims: Primary aim: to assess the extent of public knowledge of DVT. Secondary aim: to assess the influence of socio-demographic factors upon DVT knowledge. Methods: A street survey of 385 participants was performed in two suburbs of Birmingham, UK using an interviewerassisted open questionnaire. Results: Participants named a mean of 1.41, 1.18, 0.856 and 1.22 correct symptoms, risk factors, complications and preventative methods, respectively. 41.5% named flying as a risk factor. 31.3% named death as a complication of DVT and 8.88% of participants identified that a blood clot could travel to the lungs. A higher proportion incorrectly stated it could travel to the heart (24.0%) or brain (17.4%). 38.5% were unable to name any DVT complications. Males, those in lower socio-economic classes, those of Non-White ethnicity and the over-70s were found to have significantly poorer knowledge. Knowledge decreased with socio-economic status in a trendlike manner. Conclusions: Overall, knowledge of DVT was limited. This study supports the concept of a VTE public awareness campaign, with particular focus on the complications of DVT and raising awareness amongst people in the above sociodemographic groups.
CHARGE syndrome is a medical diagnosis : can it also be an educational diagnosis?

CHARGE syndrome is a common cause of congenital deafblindness, but it has been contended individuals with CHARGE form a distinct group within the broader deafblind population. This thesis explores the education of learners with CHARGE and what the similarities and differences between these two groups might be. A review of literature identifies reported anomalies that may impact upon learning and development, and establishes very limited research-based evidence is available with regard to educational practice with this group of learners. Cycle 1 of this investigation involved document analysis of educational reports, revealing internal factors considered to influence learning and development, and external factors including assessment, support from external professionals and teaching strategies. These were explored further in Cycle 2 involving a questionnaire to teachers of a child with CHARGE and interviews of practitioners in an overseas educational establishment. Commonalities and distinctions between learners with CHARGE and the wider deafblind population were found, and also that established educational deafblind practice is applicable to learners with CHARGE, but that strategies may be alternatively employed and additional strategies also required. A variation in educational provision was also found according to the type of placement attended. In conclusion it was considered that, in a broad sense, educationally there is something unique and distinct in learners with CHARGE.
Cone beam computed tomography increases diagnostic confidence in radiographically occult radiocarpal fractures

Poster: "ECR 2019 / C-0447 / Cone beam computed tomography increases diagnostic confidence in radiographically occult radiocarpal fractures" by: "B. Gibney, J. Ryan, M. Smith, A. Moughty, E. C. Kavanagh, D. Hynes, P. J. MacMahon; Dublin/IE"
Attenuation of capsaicin-induced ongoing pain and secondary hyperalgesia during exposure to an immersive virtual reality environment

Abstract Introduction: There is growing evidence that virtual reality (VR) can be used in the treatment of chronic pain conditions. However, further research is required to better understand the analgesic mechanisms during sensitised pain states. Objectives: We examined the effects of an immersive polar VR environment on capsaicin-induced ongoing pain and secondary hyperalgesia. We also investigated whether the degree of analgesia was related to baseline conditioned pain modulation (CPM) responses. Methods: Nineteen subjects had baseline CPM and electrical pain perception (EPP) thresholds measured before the topical application of capsaicin cream. Visual analogue scale ratings were measured to track the development of an ongoing pain state, and EPP thresholds were used to measure secondary hyperalgesia. The effects of a passive polar VR environment on ongoing pain and secondary hyperalgesia were compared with sham VR (ie, 2D monitor screen) in responders to capsaicin (n = 15). Results: Virtual reality was associated with a transient reduction in ongoing pain and an increase in EPP thresholds in an area of secondary hyperalgesia. Baseline CPM measurements showed a significant correlation with VR-induced changes in secondary hyperalgesia, but not with VR-induced changes in ongoing pain perception. There was no correlation between VR-induced changes in pain perception and VR-induced changes in secondary hyperalgesia. Conclusion: Virtual reality can reduce the perception of capsaicin-induced ongoing pain and secondary hyperalgesia. We also show that CPM may provide a means by which to identify individuals likely to respond to VR therapy.
INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE BEHAVIOURS OF INDIVIDUALS APPLIED TO HOSPITAL FOR RESPIRATORY DISTRESS - PİLOT STUDY

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the demographic characteristics, exercise habits and healthy lifestyle behaviors of patients applied to hospital for respiratory distress. METHODS: The demographic and clinical data of 26 patients applied to Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Chest Diseases and Yalova State Hospital with respiratory distress were recorded. Physical activities of the subjects were evaluated with “International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and healthy lifestyle behaviors with“ Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale II (HLBS-II). RESULTS: Four women (%15.4) and 22 men (%84.6) with a mean age of 65.85±9.72 years were included in the study. Average body mass index was 26.85 ± 4.06 kg/m 2 . Cigarette use rates; %19.2(5) were smokers, and %73.1(19) had stopped smoking. The mean cigarette use was 36.15±20.47 pack years. Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale values ​​of the subjects varied; 0(n = 1), 1(n = 14), 2(n = 4), 3(n = 6), 4(n = 1). In the last year, the number of attacks with respiratory problems was 1.04±1.68, the number of unplanned admissions to hospital was 3.77±7.01, and the number of hospitalizations was 0.46±1:10. FEV1/FVC ratio was %. 76.15±8.48 The rate of regular exercise was %15.4(4), IPAQ average total score was 1597.42±1893.56 and HLBS-II average score was 130.58±21.37. DISCUSSION: %92.3 of the patients with respiratory distress had a history of smoking, exercise habits were very low, physical activity and healthy lifestyle behaviors were moderate . We think that giving education about smoking cessation and exercise to individuals, will improve their physical activity levels and healthy lifestyle behaviors and reduce the respiratory problems they will encounter.
Clustering of Unhealthy Advertisements around Child-serving Institutions: A Three‐city

Using GPS devices and digital cameras, we surveyed outdoor advertisements in Austin, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. GIS and hot spot analysis revealed that unhealthy ads were clustered around child-serving institutions in Los Angeles and Philadelphia but not in Austin. Multivariate generalized least square (GLS) regression models showed that percent black (po0.04) was a significant positive predictor of clustering in Philadelphia and percent white (po0.06) was a marginally significant negative predictor of clustering in Los Angeles after controlling for several land use variables. The results emphasize the importance of zoning and land use regulations to protect children from exposure to unhealthy commercial messages, particularly in neighborhoods with significant racial/ethnic minority
Arginine Methylation Of RBM15 By PRMT1 Controls Alternative Splicing Of Genes Involved In Megakaryocyte Differentiation

More than 90% of under one year old infants with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) have chromosome translocation t(1;22)(p13;q13) with RBM15 fused to MKL1. RBM15 encodes an RNA binding protein important for hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. In agreement with its roles in AMKL, RBM15 is required for normal megakaryocyte differentiation. We found that higher expression of PRMT1 (Protein Arginine Methyltransferase) is commonly seen in M7 leukemia patient samples than other types of myeloid leukemia and that RBM15 is a bona fide methylation target for PRMT1. Using mass spectrometry analysis, we mapped the PRMT1 mediated mono-methylated site. The enzymatic activity of the PRMT1 V2 isoform is required for RBM15 degradation, as both shRNA molecules knocking down PRMT1 and small chemical PRMT1 inhibitors stabilize the RBM15 protein. Mutation of the methylation site to lysine blocks the ubiquitylation mediated degradation. Thus the degradation is a methylation dependent process. We identified the E3 ligase responsible for the degradation. Down-regulation of the RBM15 protein changes the isoform ratio of genes including GATA1 critical megakaryocyte differentiation. We found that RBM15 regulates its interaction with SF3B1A in methylation dependent manner during alternative splicing of GATA1 pre-mRNA. Thus, via methylation triggered RBM15 degradation, the megakaryocyte progenitor cells maintain a delicate balance between differentiation and proliferation by keeping the proper ratio of GATA1s and GATA1-full length mRNA. SF3B1A has been shown to be mutated in myeloid dysplasia syndrome and in several different types of leukemia. Methylation by PRMT1 links the two types of leukemic genes into a single pathway. Our results imply that targeting PRMT1/RBM15 pathway might be a potential therapy for AMKL and other blood malignancies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Effects of computer and interne t access and skills on attitudes towards video - based distance learning in institutions higher education in Kenya

This paper explores the possibility of using Videoteleconferencing (VTC) Technology to enhance distance learning mode of education for Institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya. It looks at the readiness with regard to the level of Infrastructure development in terms of availability of computers and the Internet. The competence of resource persons and students in use of computers and the Internet are also explored in this study. The study further tests the effects of Computer and Internet access on the attitude towards use of Videoteleconferencing or Video-based distance learning. Videoteleconferencing or Videoconferencing is a form of E-learning that falls in the category of Synchronous learning that involves distance learning students having a live instructor teaching via the Internet (Obringer, 2001). Implementation of Videoconferencing in Institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya would facilitate access of higher education to all Kenyans in the various towns as well as make Institutions of Higher Learning to sustain themselves due to additional revenue generated. The services of experts working in industry could be made available to the various Institutions thus saving on overhead expenses like office space, healthcare, pension plan, sabbaticals, secretarial help and infrastructure while at the same time the experts will disseminate a wealth of knowledge and experience to students. This research was a case study of the University of Nairobi, School of Business and School of Education. The findings indicated that 74.2% of the respondents had a positive attitude towards Videoconferencing. This implies that Videoconferencing is a form of learning that can be accepted by staff and students.
The Effect of Tap Water Perception on the Consumption of Bottled Water

Over the past 30 years, drinking water has evolved from existing as a household faucet essential to being pumped, bottled and sold as a convenience store commodity. Consumers choose to drink bottled water for a variety of reasons - health, convenience, taste and safety to name a few. Although its growth and popularity represent success for the bottled water industry, the life cycle of bottled water forces a serious impact upon the environment. Despite these issues, and despite that tap water is an equal substitute, consumers continue to increasingly purchase bottled water. The purpose of this study is to investigate the consumer incentive behind purchasing bottled water, namely how it is affected by a negative perception of tap water taste and safety. A survey was designed for and administered to Safeway customers in Contra Costa Country. Using Spearman's Rank Correlation test, results indicated that there was no relationship between perception of tap water taste and consumption of bottled water. There was a moderate relationship between perception of tap water safety and consumption of bottled water and a strong relationship between the amount of bottled water and tap water one consumes.
Cardiosomal microRNAs Are Essential in Post-Infarction Myofibroblast Phenoconversion

The inclusion of microRNAs (miRNAs) in extracellular microvesicles/exosomes (named cardiosomes when deriving from cardiomyocytes) allows their active transportation and ensures cell-cell communication. We hypothesize that cardiosomal miRNAs play a pivotal role in the activation of myofibroblasts following ischemic injury. Using a murine model of myocardial infarction (MI), we tested our hypothesis by measuring in isolated fibroblasts and cardiosomes the expression levels of a set of miRNAs, which are upregulated in cardiomyocytes post-MI and involved in myofibroblast phenoconversion. We found that miR-195 was significantly upregulated in cardiosomes and in fibroblasts isolated after MI compared with SHAM conditions. Moreover, primary isolated cardiac fibroblasts were activated both when incubated with cardiosomes isolated from ischemic cardiomyocytes and when cultured in conditioned medium of post-MI cardiomyocytes, whereas no significant effect was observed following incubation with cardiosomes or medium from sham cardiomyocytes. Taken together, our findings indicate for the first time that a cardiomyocyte-specific miRNA, transferred to fibroblasts in form of exosomal cargo, is crucial in the activation of myofibroblasts.
An autopsy study of parameters influencing injury to osteocartilagenous structures of neck in hanging

Hanging is one of the common methods of suicide. Autopsy findings in cases of hanging have been reported with variable incidences by different workers. Injury to osteocartilagenous structures of neck is one of the important parameters. To evaluate influence of different factors responsible for variable incidence of such injury, the present study was undertaken during the year 2000 in which total 23 cases of hanging were included. Incidence of age of victim, type of hanging, duration of suspension, breadth of the ligature mark, level of highest point of ligature mark and congestion alongwith their relationship with injury to osteocartilagenous structures of neck has been discussed in detail.
Modeling Patient Flow among Hospital Wards Using Non-Diagnostic Data

Hospital bed capacity is a limited resource and a key concern in health care planning. Using discrete-event simulation modeling and the MIMIC-III data set, this paper produces a demographic and metadata-only model of patient transfer within hospital wards. The model successfully approximated the underlying transfer dynamics (95.63% accuracy measured using RMSE). The accompanying visualization may be used to examine patient flow. The simulation will be used as a test bed for future work concerning flow of artificially generated patient admissions and can in general be useful in simulating patient flow in cases where demographic information is available but transfer records are not.