Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association Study of MAP3K1 SNPs and Risk Factors with Susceptibility to Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Chinese Population: A Case–Control Study

Purpose The aim of this study was to screen the predisposed population and explore possible interactions between genetic polymorphisms and risk factors involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of ESCC (esophageal squamous cell carcinoma), in hope of identifying possible therapeutic targets along the way. Patients and Methods Cases (1043) and controls (1315) were enrolled to evaluate the possible association between MAP3K1 SNPs and ESCC risk. Subgroup analyses include MAP3K1 variants, gender, age, smoking and drinking status. Results Among all three single locus polymorphisms of MAP3K1, only the heterozygote genotype of rs702689 AG is shown to be associated with increased risk for developing ESCC (OR=1.272, 95% confidence interval=1.061–1.525, p=0.009). Moreover, stratified analysis results observed altered susceptibility among patients with exposure to risk factors combined with certain genetic variant to ESCC. Conclusion This study reveals that MAP3K1 rs702689 AG genotype might facilitate the tumorigenesis in ESCC, particularly among women, patients who were over 63y and those who never drink nor smoke.
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy: Typical Disease with an Atypical Clinicoradiological Manifestation

Abstract Wernicke’s encephalopathy is an acute neurological disorder caused due to thiamine deficiency. It is characterized by a triad of confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. Wernicke’s encephalopathy can present with atypical clinical manifestations, particularly in setting of nonalcoholic background. Our patient manifested with clinical complaints of acute drowsiness, speech difficulty, and ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed T2 hyperintensity in bilateral medial thalami, globus pallidus, periaqueductal gray matter, dorsal pons, and dorsal medulla. The diagnosis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy was entertained and he well responded to parental thiamine therapy. The clinician should be aware about atypical presentation of Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
The transpalpebral approach “eyelid incision” for surgical management of intracranial tumors: A 10-years’ experience

Background: The minimally invasive approaches to the anterior skull base region through fronto-orbital craniotomy remain a highly accepted option that gains countenance and predilection over time. The transpalpebral “eyelid” incision is an under-utilized and more recent technique that offers a safe efficient corridor to manage a wide variety of lesions. Methods: We carried a retrospective study of 44 patients operated on by the fronto-orbital craniotomy through transpalpebral “eyelid” incision for intracranial tumors, in the time period from March 2007 to July 2016. The results from surgeries were analyzed; extent of tumor resection, length of hospital stay, cosmetic outcome, and complications. Results: Out of the 44 intracranial tumor cases, we had 16 male and 28 female patients with median age 54 years. We had 19 anterior skull base lesions, 8 middle skull base lesions and 8 parasellar lesions. We also operated on four frontal intraparenchymal lesions and four other various lesions. Total resection was achieved in 32 cases (72.7%), with excellent cosmetic outcome in 43 cases (97.7%). Average hospital stay was 6 days. No major complications recorded. Three cases (6.8%) had complications that varied between pseudomeningocele, wound infections, and facial pain. Follow-up average period was 23.6 months. Conclusion: The fronto-orbital approach through eyelid incision remains a reliable approach to the skull base. It provides natural anatomical dissection planes through the eyelid incision and a fronto-orbital craniotomy, creating a wide surgical corridor to manage specific lesions with consistent surgical and cosmetic outcome.
House Dust Mite Specific Antibodies induce Neutrophilic Inflammation in the Heart

Rationale: Inflammatory heart disorders are among the causes of human death. The causative factors of heart inflammation are to be further elucidated. House dust mite (HDM)-derived protein antigens are involved in the pathogenesis of many human diseases. This study aims to investigate the role of HDM-specific autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of heart inflammation. Methods: Human heart tissue samples were obtained from surgically removed hearts in heart transplantation. The interaction of the heart tissues with HDM-specific antibodies was assessed by pertinent immune analysis. The role of HDM-specific autoantibodies in the induction of heart inflammation was assessed with a murine model. Results: HDM-specific IgG (mIgG) was detected in the serum of patients with myocarditis (Mcd); the mIgG titers were positively correlated with the neutrophil counts in the heart tissues. The mIgG specifically bound to keratin-10 (KRT10) in heart vascular endothelial cells and the heart tissue protein extracts. The amounts of C3a, C5a and C5b-9 were increased in the mouse heart tissues after exposing to mIgG. In the presence of the complement-containing serum, mIgG bound cardiovascular epithelial monolayers to impair the barrier functions. Administration of mIgG or HDM induced the Mcd-like inflammation in the heart, in which neutrophils were the dominant cellular components in the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Conclusions: Mcd patients with neutrophilic inflammation in the heart had higher serum levels of mIgG. The mIgG bound heart endothelial cells to impair the endothelial barrier functions and induce neutrophilic inflammation in the heart.
“I Didn't Know What to Say”: Responding to Racism, Discrimination, and Microaggressions With the OWTFD Approach

Introduction Academic medicine has long faced the challenge of addressing health inequities, reflecting on how these contribute to structural racism, and perpetuating negative social determinants of health. Most recently, we have constructed opportunities for dialogues about racism, discrimination, and microaggressions (RDM). As such, we created a professional development program that encouraged participants to (1) openly discuss RDM and the impact they have in academia, (2) learn about tools to address and respond to RDM, and (3) move towards the creation of inclusive environments. The target audience included institutional leaders, faculty, trainees, professional staff, and health care teams. Methods We sought to meet workshop goals by integrating anti-racist dramaturgical teaching, introducing concepts knowledge, and practicing communication tools. To assess learning and evaluate our workshops, participants completed a pre- and postsurvey. Results Results showed that 30 participants were more comfortable with discussing issues related to race/ethnicity, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, and spirituality after participating in the workshops. Prior to the two workshops, the percentage of learners who felt confident initiating conversations ranged from 29% to 54%. After the workshops, the percentage of learners who felt confident ranged from 58% to 92%. The greatest increase, 100%, was observed in the levels of confidence in initiating conversations related to race/ethnicity. Discussion Despite medical education's commitment to cultural competence and institutional mission statements that value diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, professional development opportunities are limited. Participants strongly agreed their participation in such a workshop was relevant and important to their professional work.
Cerebrospinal fluid fistula in a patient with chronic constipation related to an autonomic dysfunction and revealed by bacterial meningitis – A case report

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula represents a rare neurosurgical entity that can be defined as a communication between the subarachnoid space and nasal fossa or less commonly the ear cavity. It can be spontaneous without an evident etiology or secondary following a skull base surgery or trauma. The early diagnosis of spontaneous forms remains a challenge as clinical signs (e.g., unilateral rhinorrhea) can be absent or neglected by patients and can result in meningitis. Case Description: Here, we report the case of a 31-year-old man with chronic constipation complicated by chronic intracranial hypertension, and resulting in rhinorrhea with bacterial meningitis. The etiological assessment of chronic constipation retained an autonomic dysfunction with sympathetic hyperactivity (e.g., pure autonomic failure) as an underlying cause. Beta-2 transferrin testing associated with cerebral magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan confirmed the diagnosis and localization of the fistula at the cribriform plate. The patient underwent an endoscopic endonasal approach with a repair of fistula. He presented with recurrent rhinorrhea 17 months later which required a surgical revision along with CSF diversion with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Conclusion: Although rare, autonomic dysfunction can result in chronic constipation in young patients, with intermittent or permanent intracranial hypertension, leading to CSF leaks. The early identification and treatment of the underlying etiology may prevent severe complications and improve the management and outcome of CSF fistula patients.
Total Psoas Area Index is Valuable to Assess Sarcopenia, Sarcopenic Overweight/Obesity and Predict Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Open Pancreatoduodenectomy

Background and Aim Sarcopenia has been proven to be a risk factor after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). We aimed to evaluate if decreased psoas muscle area and density shown in CT scan, as measures for sarcopenia, were associated with postoperative major complications and adverse outcomes in patients who underwent PD. Patients and Methods We analyzed 152 consecutive patients who underwent open PD. Total psoas area and muscle attenuation were measured on CT images at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. Total psoas area index (TPAI) was calculated, the cut-off values of TPAI were estimated and validated. The relationship between radiographic characters and outcomes was analyzed. Results The optimal cut-off values of TPAI were 4.78 cm2/m2 for males and 3.46 cm2/m2 for females. The values were validated by outcomes with significant differences in the rate of major complications, re-operation, length of stay, and total cost. The prevalence of TPAI-defined sarcopenia and sarcopenic overweight/obesity was 38.8% and 17.1% in total. In multivariate logistic regression, rate of major complications was associated with TPAI [OR=0.605, 95% CI (0.414, 0.883), P=0.009], TPAI-defined sarcopenia [OR=8.256, 95% CI (2.890, 23.583), P=0.000] and sarcopenic overweight/obesity [OR=7.462, 95% CI (2.084, 26.724), P=0.002]; meanwhile, NRS2002-defined nutritional risk and GLIM-defined malnutrition did not show relationship with major complications. Conclusion Both sarcopenia and sarcopenic overweight/obesity determined by new TPAI cut-off values were associated with a higher rate of major complications and adverse outcomes in Chinese patients undergoing open PD whereas usual nutritional assessment was not.
Increased intracellular Cl- concentration improves airway epithelial migration by activating the RhoA/ROCK Pathway

In the airway, Cl- is the most abundant anion and is critically involved in transepithelial transport. The correlation of the abnormal expression and activation of chloride channels (CLCs), such as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators (CFTRs), anoctamin-1, and CLC-2, with cell migration capability suggests a relationship between defective Cl- transport and epithelial wound repair. However, whether a correlation exists between intracellular Cl- and airway wound repair capability has not been explored thus far, and the underlying mechanisms involved in this relationship are not fully defined. Methods: In this work, the alteration of intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl-]i) was measured by using a chloride-sensitive fluorescent probe (N-[ethoxycarbonylmethyl]-6-methoxyquinolium bromide). Results: We found that clamping with high [Cl-]i and 1 h of treatment with the CLC inhibitor CFTR blocker CFTRinh-172 and chloride intracellular channel inhibitor IAA94 increased intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i) in airway epithelial cells. This effect improved epithelial cell migration. In addition, increased [Cl-]i in cells promoted F-actin reorganization, decreased cell stiffness, and improved RhoA activation and LIMK1/2 phosphorylation. Treatment with the ROCK inhibitor of Y-27632 and ROCK1 siRNA significantly attenuated the effects of increased [Cl-]i on LIMK1/2 activation and cell migration. In addition, intracellular Ca2+ concentration was unaffected by [Cl-]i clamping buffers and CFTRinh-172 and IAA94. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggested that Cl- accumulation in airway epithelial cells could activate the RhoA/ROCK/LIMK cascade to induce F-actin reorganization, down-regulate cell stiffness, and improve epithelial migration.
Strategies of decreasing harmfulness of fusariosis agents in agrophytocenoses

60 In recent years the problems of excessive eld infections due to fusariosis agents have risen to a dangerously high level. Every 2–4 years, up to 5–15 % of winter cereal elds perish due to root rot infections, primarily, fusarioses. Practically each year a considerable share of Ukrainian grain is ranked lower since the elds are infected with fusariosis and cereals are damaged by mycotoxins. Agrophytocenoses with Fusarium inoculum are contaminated at a global level. Rather low levels of controlling the disease using current agrotechnical and chemical protection means urge geneticists and breeders to create varieties and hybrids of cultivated plants, resistant to Fusarium species. However, the results of industrial experiments in all soil-climatic regions of Ukraine have demonstrated that novel genetic and biotechnological achievements and introduction of varieties/hybrids of cereals, resistant to fusariosis, cannot ensure a proper level of controlling the disease and a possibility of obtaining high quality grain. Thus, it is important to pay attention to all the constituents of the technologies of cultivating plants while elaborating the means of effective control over fusarioses in cereals, which has also been noted by prominent phytopathologists in their works – from classic (Bilay) to modern ones (Gagkaeva, Retman, McMullen) [1–12]. Some means of controlling fusarioses are not ef cient enough and thus cannot ensure a proper level of controlling the disease. Therefore, it is possible to achieve high and quality yields of cereals via complex application of different strategies of disease control: breeding resistant species/hybrids, agrotechnical means, rst and foremost, returning the plant production of the country to biologically substantiated crop rotations and applying highly ef cient fungicides, ensuring a better way of maintaining crop productiv© V. V. SCHWARTAU, O. L. ZOZULIA, L. M. MYKHALSKA, O. Yu. SANIN, 2018 ISSN: 2312-3370, Agricultural Science and Practice, 2018, Vol. 5, No. 3
Nutritional Quality of Rabbit Meat as Affected by Cooking Procedure and Dietary Vitamin E

The effect of two dietary treatments (50 as opposed to 200 mg kg -1 of α-tocopheryl acetate) on rabbit meat, cooked by different procedures (boiling, frying, roasting), was evaluated. Cooking caused an increase of pH, shear force, lightness, hue and chroma, and a decrease of water holding capacity. The change in nutritional value was slight but lipid oxidation was increased and the fat quality worsened. Boiled meat had the lowest nutrient retention and the highest TBARS values. Supplemental vitamin E was effective in reducing oxidative processes and increasing the amount of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids also during cooking. Le but de cette etude est d'evaluer l'effet de la procedure de cuisson (bouillir, frire ou rotir) sur les qualites nutritionnelles de la viande de lapin et d'evaluer l'effet d'une supplementation alimentaire en α-tocopheryl acetate (50 a 200 mg/kg). La cuisson provoque une augmentation du pH, de l'effort tranchant, de la couleur et une diminution de la capacite de retention d'eau. Les modifications de la valeur nutritive sont faibles mais l'oxydation lipidique est augmentee et la qualite des matieres grasses degradee. La supplementation en vitamine E est efficace pour reduire les phenomenes oxydatifs.
Spatial and temporal trends in the distribution of harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins and minke whales off Aberdeenshire (UK), north-western North Sea

Most North Sea cetacean species are wide-ranging and consequently poorly studied. Spatial and temporal trends in the distribution of the harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena, white-beaked dolphin Lagenorhynchus albirostris, and minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata were assessed at a coastal North Sea study area in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Between March 1999 and October 2001, cetacean data were collected using both land- and vessel-based survey methods. A total of 174 sightings of these three cetacean species was recorded during approximately 330 h of combined survey effort (228 h land-based and 102 h vessel-based). Harbour porpoises were present throughout the year with peak occurrence during August and September. The presence of white-beaked dolphins and minke whales was strictly seasonal, with a peak in occurrence during August. The fine-scale distribution of all three species varied within the study area, with an apparent preference for sections of coast adjacent to deeper water. Most porpoise calves and juveniles were recorded between June and September, when 35% of harbour porpoise groups contained immature animals. The proportion of calves amongst porpoise sightings was higher during June than any other month. White-beaked dolphin calves were present in 32% of groups, and occurred in all three months that the species was recorded. Group size was higher in white-beaked dolphin pods containing immature animals. The strong seasonality in occurrence of all three species may relate to requirements for breeding habitat, movements of shared prey species and/or inter-specific competition with other species.
GALECTIN‐3 EXPRESSION IN DIFFERENTIATING HUMAN MYELOID CELLS

Galectin‐3 is an endogenous mammalian carbohydrate‐binding protein with affinity for ABH group carbohydrate epitopes and polylactosamine glycans present on cell surface and extracellular matrix glycoproteins. It has been shown to play a role in cell differentiation, morphogenesis, adhesion and cell proliferation regulation. Progenitor cell proliferation in bone marrow depends on stem cell factors including those modulating their adhesion to the bone marrow stroma. The present study shows that the 32kD galectin‐3 is developmentally expressed in human myeloid cells and is strongly upregulated on the cell surface of late mature myeloid cells. Despite the fact that the expression of the galectin‐3 is very low in CD34+ early myeloid cell, a 70kD protein is found by Western blotting using antibodies specific to galectin‐3, exclusively in those cells. Finally, exogenous human recombinant galectin‐3 binds strongly to CD34+ early myeloid cells and emphasizes granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) driven proliferation in vitro.
ZooJamming: Designing Beyond Human Experience

This is a report of three ZooJams that have taken place at the annual Animal-Computer Interaction conference. The ZooJam is a type of workshop whose aim is to extend the reach of UX design beyond human experience in order to become inclusive of other species and their interactions with technology. As organisers, our attempts have knitted together colleagues from a range of disciplines, all focused on developing practical solutions to different environmental enrichment challenges. We describe the format of the event, explaining the rationale for this approach, showcase some of the crafted design outcomes and reflect on our experiences.
The Supply Side of Innovation: H‐1B Visa Reforms and U.S. Ethnic Invention

This study evaluates the impact of high‐skilled immigrants on U.S. technology formation. We use reduced‐form specifications that exploit large changes in the H‐1B visa program. Higher H‐1B admissions increase immigrant science and engineering (SE) employment and patenting by inventors with Indian and Chinese names in cities and firms dependent upon the program relative to their peers. Most specifications find limited effects for native SE employment or patenting. We are able to rule out displacement effects, and small crowding‐in effects may exist. Total SE employment and invention increases with higher admissions primarily through direct contributions of immigrants.
Geeksploitation: Optimism and Monitoring-Aversion in Agency Relationships

ABSTRACT: This paper addresses the contracting implications of New Economy firms: informal, flexible organizations predominantly staffed by younger workers. The model incorporates two findings from the behavioral economics literature. First, workers may overestimate their own productivity (optimism). Second, workers may be monitoring-averse, with intense monitoring undermining intrinsic motivation. The combination of behavioral traits and work setting has deleterious consequences for workers. Despite higher monetary compensation and sometimes weaker incentives, they work harder in equilibrium, experience a higher disutility of effort than conventional workers, and also have a utility realization that is lower on average than their reservation utility. Optimism and monitoring-aversion are mutually reinforcing. When private information is introduced, both high- and low-productivity unconventional workers benefit, in contrast to standard agency models with asymmetric information. Both types of agents still e.
Influence of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase T −786 →C Promoter Polymorphism on Integral Parameters of Functional Condition of Arterial Vessels

Íàâåäåíî ðåçóëüòàòè âèçíà÷åííÿ ÷àñòîòè Ò-786→Ñ-ïîë3ìîðô3çìó ïðîìîòîðó ãåíà åíäîòåë3àëüíî¿ NO-ñèíòàçè (eNOS) ó 325 õâîðèõ 3ç ãîñòðèì êîðîíàðíèì ñèíäðîìîì 3 104 ïðàêòè÷íî çäîðîâèõ îñ3á òà äàí3 ïðî âïëèâ âêàçàíîãî ïîë3ìîðô3çìó íà ðîçâèòîê ðåàêòèâíî¿ ã3ïåðåì3¿ òà æîðñòê3ñòü ñóäèííî¿ ñò3íêè. Âñòàíîâëåíî, ùî ñï3ââ3äíîøåííÿ ãîìîçèãîòíèõ íîñ3¿â ãåíîòèïó Ò/Ò, ãåòåðîçèãîò 3ç ãåíîòèïîì T/Ñ 3 ãîìîçèãîòíèõ íîñ3¿â ãåíîòèïó Ñ/Ñ ñòàíîâèòü 42,5, 41,2 òà 16,3 % â3äïîâ3äíî (â êîíòðîë3  40,4, 53,8 òà 5,8 %; Ð<0,01 çà χ2-êðèòåð3oì). Á3ëüø âèñîêèé ñòóï3íü ïðèðîñòó ä3àìåòðà ïëå÷îâî¿ àðòåð3¿ âñòàíîâëåíèé ó õâîðèõ ç ãåíîòèïîì Ò/Ò: 8,03 % ± 0,71 % ïîð3âíÿíî ç 5,55 % ± 0,92 % ïðè Ò/Ñ-ãåíîòèï3 (Ð<0,05) òà 5,30 % ± 1,21 % ïðè Ñ/Ñ-ãåíîòèï3 (P<0,05). Øâèäê3ñòü ðîçïîâñþäæåííÿ ïóëüñîâî¿ õâèë3 íà ä3ëÿíêàõ êàðîòèäíî-ïðîìåíåâî¿ òà êàðîòèäíî-ñòåãíîâî¿ àðòåð3¿ òàêîæ çàëåæèòü â3ä ãåíîòèïó õâîðîãî: çà ãåíîòèïó Ò/Ò âîíà ñòàíîâèòü 9,10 ± 0,15 òà 8,68 ± 0,26 â3äïîâ3äíî, çà Ò/Ñ  9,38 ± 0,18 òà 8,74 ± 0,21, à çà Ñ/Ñ  9,71±0,22 òà 10,02 ± 0,71 (P<0,05). Òàêèì ÷èíîì, îòðèìàí3 ðåçóëüòàòè ñâ3ä÷àòü ïðî ñóòòoâèé âïëèâ Ò-786→Ñ-ïîë3ìîðô3çìó ïðîìîòîðó ãåíà eNOS íà 3íòåãðàëüí3 ïàðàìåòðè ôóíêö3îíàëüíîãî ñòàíó àðòåð3àëüíèõ ñóäèí. Êëþ÷îâ3 ñëîâà: àëåëüíèé ïîë3ìîðô3çì, åíäîòåë3àëüíà NO-ñèíòàçà, åíäîòåë3àëüíà äèñôóíêö3ÿ, øâèäê3ñòü ðîçïîâñþäæåííÿ ïóëüñîâî¿ õâèë3, ãîñòðèé êîðîíàðíèé ñèíäðîì.