Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison between flow cytometry and standard PCR in the evaluation of MRD in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with the GBTLI LLA – 2009 protocol

Abstract Minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring is of prognostic importance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The detection of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangements by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) is considered the gold standard for this evaluation. However, more accessible methods also show satisfactory performance. This study aimed to compare MRD analysis by four-color flow cytometry (FC) and qualitative standard PCR on days 35 and 78 of chemotherapy and to correlate these data with patients’ clinical characteristics. Forty-two children with a recent diagnosis of ALL, admitted to a public hospital in Brazil for treatment in accordance with the Brazilian Childhood Cooperative Group for ALL Treatment (GBTLI LLA-2009), were included. Bone marrow samples collected at diagnosis and on days 35 and 78 of treatment were analyzed for the immunophenotypic characterization of blasts by FC and for the detection of clonal rearrangements by standard PCR. Paired analyses were performed in 61/68 (89.7%) follow-up samples, with a general agreement of 88.5%. Disagreements were resolved by RT-PCR, which evidenced one false-negative and four false-positive results in FC, as well as two false-negative results in PCR. Among the prognostic factors, a significant association was found only between T-cell lineage and MRD by standard PCR. These results show that FC and standard PCR produce similar results in MRD detection of childhood ALL and that both methodologies may be useful in the monitoring of disease treatment, especially in regions with limited financial resources.
Standardization of Education of Patients With Cancer in a Low- and Middle-Income Country: A Quality Improvement Project Using the Cancer and You Booklet

PURPOSE The Butaro Cancer Centre of Excellence is the first comprehensive referral cancer center in Rwanda and at its inception did not have a standardized patient education program. Partners in Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima and the Rwandan Ministry of Health conducted a quality improvement project to increase patient knowledge by implementing a standardized oncology education program using picture-based and culturally appropriate materials designed for patients with cancer in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS Four Rwandan nurses were trained to provide patient education using the Cancer and You education booklet created by Global Oncology. A pre- and post-test design was used to evaluate patients’ knowledge of cancer, treatment, and management of adverse effects. Nurses administered a posteducation questionnaire in Kinyarwanda to determine patients’ level of satisfaction with the education session and booklet. The four nurses were interviewed at the completion of the project for their feedback. A total of 40 oncology patients were included in the pilot project, of which 85% reported completing primary school or less. RESULTS On average, participants improved 19% (95% CI, 13.9% to 24.1%; standard deviation, 16%) from pre- to postevaluation, demonstrating a significant increase in knowledge (P ≤ .001). Nearly all patients (97.5%) reported that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the education program. Oncology nurses gave positive feedback, highlighting that it was helpful to have a standard tool for education with descriptive illustrations for those patients with low literacy. CONCLUSION Implementation of a standardized patient education program demonstrated a statistically significant increase in patient knowledge and a high level of satisfaction among patients and nurses. The project serves as an example for other low- and middle-income countries looking to standardize oncology patient education.
Emerging Human Parvoviruses: The Rocky Road to Fame.

Parvoviruses are structurally simple viruses with linear single-stranded DNA genomes and nonenveloped icosahedral capsids. They infect a wide range of animals from insects to humans. Parvovirus B19 is a long-known human pathogen, whereas adeno-associated viruses are nonpathogenic. Since 2005, many parvoviruses have been discovered in human-derived samples: bocaviruses 1-4, parvovirus 4, bufavirus, tusavirus, and cutavirus. Some human parvoviruses have already been shown to cause disease during acute infection, some are associated with chronic diseases, and others still remain to be proven clinically relevant-or harmless commensals, a distinction not as apparent as it might seem. One initially human-labeled parvovirus might not even be a human virus, whereas another was originally overlooked due to inadequate diagnostics. The intention of this review is to follow the rocky road of emerging human parvoviruses from discovery of a DNA sequence to current and future clinical status, highlighting the perils along the way. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Virology Volume 6 is September 30, 2019. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Impaired Smooth Pursuit During Transient Global Amnesia

Background and Purpose During transient global amnesia (TGA), selective impairment of episodic memory is assumed to occur due to alteration in the neuronal network between the hippocampus and parietooccipital cortices that also include a hub for smooth pursuit (SP) eye movements. This study aimed to determine whether SP is impaired during TGA, and to identify any anatomical and functional linkage present between the oculomotor and memory systems. Methods Within a median of 1.0 day of TGA, horizontal SP was evaluated in 145 patients with a target moving at peak velocities of 10°/s and 20°/s. The average SP gains of patients were compared with those of the age-matched controls. Results The patients with TGA showed lower SP gains in both directions for both peak target velocities. While the normal controls showed symmetric SP in the rightward and leftward directions, in the TGA patients the SP gain was lower during rightward than leftward SP regardless of bilaterality or the side of the lesions. Conclusions The cortical regions processing information about visual motion appeared to be affected during or soon after an amnestic episode of TGA, and more so in the right hemisphere. This means that disturbed processing of dynamic visual information may be related to the impaired spatial orientation observed during TGA.
Developmental Cell Death in the Cerebral Cortex.

In spite of the high metabolic cost of cellular production, the brain contains only a fraction of the neurons generated during embryonic development. In the rodent cerebral cortex, a first wave of programmed cell death surges at embryonic stages and affects primarily progenitor cells. A second, larger wave unfolds during early postnatal development and ultimately determines the final number of cortical neurons. Programmed cell death in the developing cortex is particularly dependent on neuronal activity and unfolds in a cell-specific manner with precise temporal control. Pyramidal cells and interneurons adjust their numbers in sync, which is likely crucial for the establishment of balanced networks of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. In contrast, several other neuronal populations are almost completely eliminated through apoptosis during the first two weeks of postnatal development, highlighting the importance of programmed cell death in sculpting the mature cerebral cortex. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology Volume 35 is October 7, 2019. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Concordance between Optimal Care Pathways and colorectal cancer care: Identifying opportunities to improve quality and reduce disparities.

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES Care pathway policies for cancer aim to reduce variation and improve the quality of patient care, and there is increasing evidence that adherence to such pathways is associated with improved survival and lower health care costs. Australia is implementing Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs) for several cancers, including colorectal cancer, but studies evaluating how well care conforms to OCP recommendations are rare. This study examined concordance between OCP recommendations and colorectal cancer care prior to policy rollout and disparities for vulnerable populations. METHOD Cross-sectional survey (2012-2014) of cancer registry-identified colorectal cancer patients aged ≥40 approached within 6 months of diagnosis (n = 433), their general practitioner (GP, n = 290), and specialist (n = 144) in Victoria, Australia. We measured concordance with 10 OCP recommendations and variation by geography, socio-economic, and health insurance status using age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression models. RESULTS Use of recommended GP investigations varied from 66% for colonoscopy to 13% for digital rectal exam. Recommended waiting times to receive a colonoscopy, see a specialist after referral, and begin adjuvant chemotherapy were exceeded for around a third of patients. Twenty-eight percent of specialists reported a pretreatment multidisciplinary meeting. Most patients received surgery in a hospital with an intensive care unit (92%) and chemotherapy for high risk disease (84%). In general, care was similar across sociodemographic groups. However, receipt of GP investigations tended to be higher and waiting times longer for rural, low socio-economic, and non-privately insured patients. For example, receiving a colonoscopy within 4 weeks was significantly less likely for rural (51%) than urban (78%) patients (odds ratio = 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.79). CONCLUSION Prior to implementation, a significant proportion of colorectal cancer patients received care that did not meet OCP recommendations. Low concordance and inequities for rural and disadvantaged populations highlight components of the pathway to target during policy implementation.
Propofol Infusion and Acute Pancreatitis: A Review.

BACKGROUND Propofol is a short-acting anesthetic used to induce sedation in various ambulatory and inpatient surgical procedures. It is a US Food and Drug Administration approved lipid-based intravenous hypnotic agent, which has been used clinically for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia for over 3 decades. In addition to general anesthesia, it is used to sedate patients undergoing mechanical ventilation or short procedures such as endoscopy, transesophageal echocardiogram, and abscess drainage. An infrequent but serious complication of propofol is acute pancreatitis (AP), with potentially significant morbidity and possible mortality. In this review, we will discuss the proposed mechanisms of AP secondary to propofol, a number of reported cases, studies conducted, and treatment strategies. AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY There are several case reports in the literature that have shown an association between propofol and pancreatitis. The exact mechanism behind propofol-induced pancreatitis is not fully understood, but proposed mechanisms include hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), hypersensitivity, or direct pancreatic toxicity of the drug. Although the association of propofol and pancreatitis has not been proven conclusively, clinicians should be aware of this possible rare complication to prevent the devastating consequences of AP. DATA SOURCES We gathered articles on previously documented case reports and up-to-date studies on propofol-induced pancreatitis by searching databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS Based on previous studies and case reports, we suggest that propofol should be added to a list of drugs having a direct association with AP. CONCLUSIONS Although, the mechanism of propofol-induced pancreatitis is not fully understood, and the causal relationship of propofol-induced hypertriglyceridemia or idiosyncratic drug reaction has remained unproven. Clinicians should be aware of the association between propofol and pancreatitis, and any patient presenting with abdominal pain after propofol infusion should be evaluated for AP and treated promptly to avoid complications.
Potential Role of the Microbiome in Acne: A Comprehensive Review

Acne is a highly prevalent inflammatory skin condition involving sebaceous sties. Although it clearly develops from an interplay of multiple factors, the exact cause of acne remains elusive. It is increasingly believed that the interaction between skin microbes and host immunity plays an important role in this disease, with perturbed microbial composition and activity found in acne patients. Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes; formerly called Propionibacterium acnes) is commonly found in sebum-rich areas and its over-proliferation has long been thought to contribute to the disease. However, information provided by advanced metagenomic sequencing has indicated that the cutaneous microbiota in acne patients and acne-free individuals differ at the virulent-specific lineage level. Acne also has close connections with the gastrointestinal tract, and many argue that the gut microbiota could be involved in the pathogenic process of acne. The emotions of stress (e.g., depression and anxiety), for instance, have been hypothesized to aggravate acne by altering the gut microbiota and increasing intestinal permeability, potentially contributing to skin inflammation. Over the years, an expanding body of research has highlighted the presence of a gut–brain–skin axis that connects gut microbes, oral probiotics, and diet, currently an area of intense scrutiny, to acne severity. This review concentrates on the skin and gut microbes in acne, the role that the gut–brain–skin axis plays in the immunobiology of acne, and newly emerging microbiome-based therapies that can be applied to treat acne.
Correlation of periodontal status with perceived stress scale score and cortisol levels among transgenders in Puducherry and Cuddalore

Background: The stigmatization of transgender community can lead to various physical/psychological problems compared to the general population. The social discrimination in the transgender community causes undue stress which disrupts homeostasis and alters the immune system, which is one of the contributing factors to the severity of periodontal problems. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies reported in the transgender community correlating periodontal status with stress in terms of perceived stress scale (PSS) and salivary cortisol levels. Materials and Methods: Periodontal status was assessed in 75 transgender participants in terms of probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Stress scores were assessed by means of a PSS questionnaire and salivary cortisol levels were estimated by ELISA in 40 participants. Results: The mean PPD and CAL of participants were 4.06 ± 0.70 and 3.97 ± 0.68, respectively. The mean cortisol level of the transgender population was 6.02 ng/mL. The mean PSS score was estimated as 28. Positive correlation of PPD and CAL values with PSS scores (r = 0.592 and r = 0.618, respectively) was observed. Conclusion: There is high perceived stress as per the PSS scale scores and a positive correlation of PSS scale scores with salivary cortisol levels (r = 0.774, P = 0.000) in our study population.
Roles of nerve growth factor and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and their precursors in nervous system

BACKGROUND: More than 20 neurotrophic factors have been found. Among them, nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are the most widely distributed growth factors in the central nervous system, and they are responsible for the growth, development and neuronal plasticity of the central nervous system and even of the entire brain. OBJECTIVE: To fully understand NGF and BDNF, learn more about their role in the repair of nervous system damage, and to review the research progress in NGF and BDNF and their precursors. METHODS: A computer-based online retrieval of PubMed and CNKI databases was performed to search relevant papers about neurotrophic factors, NGF and BDNF. The keywords were “nerve growth factor (NGF), proform of nerve growth factor (proNGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), precursor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF), neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin receptor” in English and Chinese, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: NGF has the biological function of protecting neurons after peripheral nerve injury. The precursor of NGF simultaneously forms trimers of signal transducers with receptors p75 NTR and Sortilin and induces apoptosis and death of nerves post-nerve injury. PDNF preferentially binds to TrkB to produce biological effects that promote synaptic growth or support the survival and differentiation of neurons. The precursor of BDNF preferentially binds p75 NTR and Sortilin to trigger neuronal apoptosis. With the deepening of the research, it has been found that the precursors of NGF and BDNF exhibit the opposite biological effects on the mature NGF and BDNF, but the specific mechanism of action remains unclear. Subject headings: Neurturin; Nerve Growth Factor; Peripheral Nerves; Tissue Engineering Funding: the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 31560295; the Basic Applied Research of Yunnan Province (Combined Project of Kunming Medical University), No. 2015FB098; the Health Science and Technology Project of Yunnan Province, No. 2014NS202
Natural stains Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) and Curcuma longa L. (turmeric) – A substitute to eosin

Background: Stained slides are of the utmost source of information in pathology. The routine stains utilize synthetic dyes which pose various health hazards which necessitate the importance of natural extracts as a histological stain. Aims: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of ginger and turmeric extracts as histological dyes in tissues keeping eosin as standard. Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the staining potential, intensity, specificity, and shelf life of ginger and termuric extract dyes. Materials and Methods: Extracts of fresh rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Curcuma longa L. were obtained by dissolving them in alcohol, which was used to stain sections of 25 cases. Observer 1 compared the staining intensity, while observers 2 and 3 assessed preset parameters at regular intervals and subjected to Kappa statistics and Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: Z. officinale and C. longa solutions had pH 4–5 and temperature 24°C–27°C. Z. officinale showed better staining intensity and specificity to the cytoplasm and basic components of connective tissue as compared to C. longa. Crispness (P = 0.01) and background staining (P = 0.05) showed a significant difference. Shelf life of Z. officinale was better than C. longa. Conclusion: Z. officinale gave a better staining than C. longa and was found to be closest to eosin and is easily available, cost-effective and biodegradable.
Bulk-fill versus conventional composite: A comparative analysis on degree of conversion

Aim: This study aimed to determine the degree of conversion (DC) of two resin-based composites: a conventional nanohybrid composite and a bulk-fill flowable composite (SureFil® SDR™ flow). Materials and Methods: DC was evaluated at 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-mm depths at varying irradiation times (20 and 40 s) by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Disc-shaped specimens of varying depths were prepared and photoactivated with a third-generation light-emitting diode light-curing unit. The specimens were stored for 24 h in the dark at ambient temperature and pulverized into a fine powder which was mixed with potassium bromide. After homogenization, the mixture pressed to form a pellet. All pellets were evaluated by an infrared spectrometer equipped with a triglycine sulfate detector using diffuse reflectance. The percentage of monomer conversion was determined from the ratio of the absorbance intensities of the aliphatic carbon–carbon double bonds (C = C) and the internal standard before and after the curing of the composite, represented by the aromatic carbon–carbon single bonds (C-C). Results: The DC data for the bulk-fill resin showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) for different irradiation depths, whereas for the conventional nanohybrid resins, statistical analyses revealed a significant result of the variables time and depth as well as the interaction between them. Conclusions: The results indicated that SDR™ achieves a 4-mm depth of cure with both 20- and 40-s light exposures.
Correlation between synuclein gamma and angiogenesis in colon cancer

Synucleins are small soluble proteins that are detected primarily in neural tissue and in certain tumors. They include three defined proteins: α-synuclein, β-synuclein, and γ-synuclein. Synuclein gamma (SNCG) was first detected in breast cancer subsequently named as breast cancer-specific gene 1 (Goh and Say, 2015). SNCG is not found in normal or benign breast tissues, with low expression in low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ and abnormally highly expressed in high-grade infiltrating breast cancer. This increasing stage-specific expression of SNCG suggested that it could be linked to the process of tumorigenesis. The SNCG plays an important role in tumorigenesis through inhibition of normal mitotic checkpoint controls and promotion of chromosomal instability. In addition, it interferes with apoptosis, subsequently increases cell survival (Liu et al., 2010).
Significance of tumor-associated macrophage density and CXCR4 expression in renal cell carcinoma

Objective Renal cancers are considered immunogenic tumors that are frequently infiltrated by immune cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent a major leukocyte population, infiltrating tumors, and are associated with poor prognosis. Chemokines and their receptors play an important role in the tumorigenesis of many malignancies. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the immunohistochemical expression of TAMrelated marker CD68 and chemokine receptor CXCR4 and study their correlation with other clinicopathological factors to detect the usefulness of these markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Prosthetic Joint Infection of the Knee Due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Background: Tuberculous prosthetic joint infection is a rare but serious complication of joint replacement surgery. We report a case of tuberculous prosthetic knee joint infection and review similar cases reported in the literature. The aims of this study were to alert physicians to this rare complication and review the experience of others to improve diagnosis and outcome of this serious complication. Methods:We report a case and review the literature of all published cases of tuberculous prosthetic knee joint infections in the period between 1950 and 2017. Results: We found 36 cases reported in the literature, which brings the total number of cases including ours to 37. Majority of cases were reported after the year 2000 and predominantly affecting elderly with a median age of 71 years. Clinical manifestations are nonspecific, with pain and swelling being the most common presenting symptoms (70.5% and 67.5%, respectively). Diagnosis was established by culture or histopathology, which were diagnostic in 89% and 39% of cases, respectively. Management requires the use of antituberculous medication and in some patients in addition surgery. In 35% of patients, medical therapy alone was successful. A 12-month duration of antituberculous drugs is adequate. The outcome is favorable, with survival in 89% of patients. Conclusions: Tuberculous infection of prosthetic knee joint is a rare but serious complication of total knee replacement surgery. Treatment with antituberculous drugs and surgery in some patients results in favorable outcome.