Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thyroid Cancer in Kazakhstan: Component Analysis of Incidence Dynamics

Background: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reports that 567,000 new cases of thyroid cancer (TC) were registered in the world in 2018, and the age-standardized incidence rate was 6.7 per 100,000. The Global Cancer Observation forecasts a 35% growth in the number of new cases worldwide by 2040. The number of patients with TC in Kazakhstan is also increasing steadily. This investigation was the first epidemiological study of TC trends by component analysis among the population of Kazakhstan. This paper presents the results of the component analysis of TC incidence trends in Kazakhstan. Methods: The study covers primary data of TC cases (ICD 10 – C73) registered throughout Kazakhstan from 2009 to 2018. TC incidence trends were evaluated using component analysis according to the methodological recommendations. Results: 5,559 new TC cases were registered during the 10-year study period. The average age of patients was 52.0±0.2 years, the average annual age-standardized rate in 2009-2018 was 3.3±0.20/0000, with a constant upward trend (Т=+6.6%). According to the component analysis results, the increase in incidence was mainly due to the combined effect of the two factors: the increased disease risk (ΔR=+61.7%), and the population growth (ΔP=+15.4%). Conclusion: The noted increase in incidence was mainly caused by the changes in risk factors, such as the worsening environmental aspects and the increase in detection of clinically non-manifesting cases. The results of the study shall be taken into account when planning anticancer activities for TC.
Agreement between the total energy expenditure calculated with accelerometry data and the BMR yielded by predictive equations v. the total energy expenditure obtained with doubly labelled water in low-income women with excess weight

Abstract Low-income women are the group with the highest levels of obesity worldwide. In low-income settings, the use of predictive equations, which yield a measure of the individuals’ BMR, is a feasible approach to estimate the individuals’ total energy expenditure (TEE), using the factorial method (calculated-TEE = BMR × physical activity level), an important step of the obesity nutritional care. The present study aimed to identify the predictive equation that, in conjunction with metabolic equivalents of tasks (MET) data from accelerometers, yields the calculated-TEE with better agreement compared with the TEE measured by doubly labelled water (TEE-DLW). Forty-five women aged 19–45 years, with excess weight and mothers of undernourished children, were included. They received DLW to determine TEE (14 d); at the same time, they used triaxial accelerometers (7 d) to estimate their MET. The Bland–Altman method, paired-sample t tests, concordance correlation coefficient and root-mean-square error were used to assess the agreement. Maximum allowed differences were defined as 24 %, based on the within-variance coefficient of the energy intake of the sample. Eleven equations were studied. The calculated-TEE obtained by five equations showed non-significant bias: Dietary Reference Intake (Institute of Medicine (2005) Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids), FAO/WHO/UNU ((2001) Food and Nutrition Technical Report Series), Harris & Benedict ((1919) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 4, 370–373), Henry & Rees ((1991) Eur J Clin Nutr 45, 177–185) and Schofield ((1985) Hum Nutr Clin Nutr 39, 5–41). The mean percentage differences were –1·5, –0·8, 2·2, –2·2 and 2·0 %, respectively. Considering all parameters, FAO/WHO/UNU ((2001) Food and Nutrition Technical Report Series) equation performed slightly better than the others; nevertheless, no equation in conjunction with the estimated-MET showed a calculated-TEE with its CI for the Bland–Altman limits of agreement inside the pre-defined acceptable range.
Learning impacts reported by students living with learning challenges/disability

ABSTRACT Internationally, students with disabilities (SWD) are increasing in numbers in higher education institutions. SWD are legally required to be supported by their institutions to ensure equity of access and outcome. Most research around SWD is focused on the provision of support and accommodation to achieve equitable access. Recent research has shown that the majority of students who would qualify as ‘disabled’ choose not to disclose and receive no support. This research asks SWD (n = 553) to describe the impact of their disability on their learning. Impacts described included limited access, decreased engagement and cognitive differences. Meeting the needs of these students, who in the main are non-disclosed, is explored through consideration of impairment and disability within the institution with the goal of improving the experience of learning for these students.
Lager-brewing yeasts in the era of modern genetics

ABSTRACT The yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus is responsible for the annual worldwide production of almost 200 billion liters of lager-type beer. S. pastorianus is a hybrid of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces eubayanus that has been studied for well over a century. Scientific interest in S. pastorianus intensified upon the discovery, in 2011, of its S. eubayanus ancestor. Moreover, advances in whole-genome sequencing and genome editing now enable deeper exploration of the complex hybrid and aneuploid genome architectures of S. pastorianus strains. These developments not only provide novel insights into the emergence and domestication of S. pastorianus but also generate new opportunities for its industrial application. This review paper combines historical, technical and socioeconomic perspectives to analyze the evolutionary origin and genetics of S. pastorianus. In addition, it provides an overview of available methods for industrial strain improvement and an outlook on future industrial application of lager-brewing yeasts. Particular attention is given to the ongoing debate on whether current S. pastorianus originates from a single or multiple hybridization events and to the potential role of genome editing in developing industrial brewing yeast strains.
Differential diagnosis between lymphoma-associated malignant pleural effusion and tuberculous pleural effusion.

Background Lymphoma-associated malignant pleural effusions (L-MPE) can mimic tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) characterized by lymphocytic exudate with high adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels. Furthermore, the low cytological yield of L-MPE makes differentiation between L-MPE and TPE more challenging. However, there are few data regarding differential diagnosis of L-MPE and TPE. Methods All consecutive patients diagnosed with L-MPE or TPE between January 2011 and December 2016 were retrospectively recruited using the Electronic Medical Record database. Clinical symptoms and laboratory and pleural fluid data [including serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein, and pleural fluid ADA levels] were compared between L-MPE and TPE. Useful variables in the differential diagnosis of L-MPE and TPE were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Seventeen patients with L-MPE and 216 patients with TPE were included in this study. In the multivariate analysis, fever was negatively associated with L-MPE [odds ratio (OR): 0.175, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.033-0.941, P=0.042], while serum LDH levels were positively associated with L-MPE (OR: 1.005, 95% CI: 1.003-1.007, P<0.001). Serum LDH >460 U/L provided a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 81% to distinguish L-MPE and TPE. In contrast, serum C-reactive protein and pleural fluid ADA levels were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusions Patients with L-MPE and TPE present very similar clinical, laboratory, and pleural fluid characteristics. Fever and serum LDH levels may be helpful in guiding the differential diagnosis of L-MPE and TPE. Lymphoma should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis in patients with lymphocytic pleural effusion and high ADA levels.
Preclinical evaluation of a Fluorine-18 (18F)-labeled phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor for breast cancer imaging.

Breast cancer is one of the commonest malignancies in women, especially in middle-aged and elderly women. Abnormal activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Protein kinase B/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (PI3K/AKt/mTOR) pathway has been found to be involved in breast cancer proliferation. Pictilisib (GDC-0941) is a potent inhibitor of PI3K with high affinity, and is undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials. In this study, we aimed to develop a noninvasive PI3K radiotracer to help determine the mechanism of the PI3K/AKt/mTOR pathway to aid in diagnosis. We designed a new 18F radiolabeled radiotracer based on the structure of pictilisib, to evaluate noninvasively abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. To increase the water solubility, and to decrease hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal uptake of the tracer, pictilisib was modified with triethylene glycol di(p-toluenesulfonate) (TsO-PEG3-OTs) to obtain TsO-PEG3-GDC-0941 as the precursor for 18F labeling. A non-radiolabeled reference compound [19F]-PEG3-GDC-0941 was also prepared. Breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, were used as high- and low-expression PI3K models, respectively. PET imaging and ex vivo biodistribution assays of [18F]-PEG3-GDC-0941 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 xenografts were also performed and the results were compared. The precursor compound and reference standard compound were successfully synthesized and identified using NMR and mass spectroscopy. The 18F radiolabeling was achieved with high yield (61 ± 1%) at high molar activity (2100 ± 100 MBq/mg). MicroPET images and biodistribution studies showed higher uptake of the radiotracer in MCF-7 tumors than in MDA-MB-231 tumors (7.56 ± 1.01 %ID/g vs 4.07 ± 0.68 %ID/g, 1 h post-injection). Additionally, the MCF-7 tumor uptake was significantly decreased when a blocking dose of GDC-0941 was co-injected, indicating high specificity. Liver was found to be the major excretory organ with 5.82 ± 0.88 %ID/g at 30 min post-injection for MCF-7 mice. This radiotracer holds great potential for patient screening, diagnosis, and therapy prediction of PI3K-related disease.
Do Shared Decision-Making Measures Reflect Key Elements of Shared Decision Making? A Content Review of Coding Schemes

Background. There is a growing need for valid shared decision-making (SDM) measures. We aimed to determine whether the items of extant SDM observer-based coding schemes assess the 4 key elements of SDM. Methods. Items of SDM coding schemes were extracted and categorized. Except for the 4 key elements of SDM (fostering choice awareness, informing about options, discussing patient preferences, and making a decision), (sub)categories were created inductively. Two researchers categorized items independently and in duplicate. Results. Five of 12 coding schemes assessed all 4 SDM elements. Seven schemes did not measure “fostering choice awareness,” and 3 did not measure “discussing patient preferences. ” Seventy of 194 items (36%) could not be classified into one of the key SDM elements. Items assessing key SDM elements most often assessed “informing about options” (n = 57/124, 46%). Conclusion. Extant SDM coding schemes often do not assess all key SDM elements and have a strong focus on information provision while other crucial elements of SDM are underrepresented. Caution is therefore needed in reporting and interpreting the resulting SDM scores.
Consultation Recording: What Is the Added Value for Patients Aged 50 Years and Over? A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT This systematic review aimed to provide medical professionals with insight into beneficial and harmful effects of consultation recording for patients aged 50 years and over. This insight could enable medical professionals to decide on whether or not to promote consultation recording in their practice. The systematic literature search was performed in six databases; additional relevant articles were sought using the snowball method. Studies were included that investigated the value of consultation recording for patients aged 50 years and over. The selected studies were analyzed on affective cognitive outcomes, behavioral outcomes, and health outcomes. Twenty-five studies of both qualitative and quantitative design were included. Consultation recordings mainly improved patient satisfaction, recall, fulfillment of information needs, and decision-making. Both positive and negative effects were reported on anxiety. The recordings did not distinctly affect functional outcomes or quality of life. In conclusion, consultation recording positively influenced patients’ affective cognitive and behavioral outcomes, and the negative effects of consultation recording were minor. Because of the positive effects of consultation replay, we recommend that doctors promote consultation recording among their patients of 50 years and over. However, more studies are necessary among older patients because this patient population is underrepresented in the current literature.
Both hypo‐ and hyperglycaemia are associated with increased fracture risk in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes: the Fukuoka Diabetes Registry

The impact of glycaemic control on fracture risk is controversial, which may be due to the possible presence of hypoglycaemia. The aim of this study was to separately investigate the impacts of severe hypoglycaemia and poor glycaemic control on fracture risk in people with type 2 diabetes.
Facile green synthesis of bismuth sulfide radiosensitizer via biomineralization of albumin natural molecule for chemoradiation therapy aim

Abstract High atomic number Z, nanoparticles are able to enhance the photoelectric and Compton effects under X-Ray irradiation resulting the increase of radiation therapy efficacy. To achieve enhanced radiation therapy, Bi2S3 biocompatible particles coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) (Bi2S3@BSA HNPs) were prepared through a BSA-mediated biomineralization procedure under green conditions. Then, to achieve improved chemo-radiation therapy against HT-29 cancer cells, curcumin (CUR) as natural anti-cancer therapy agent loaded on the Bi2S3@BSA (Bi2S3@BSA@CUR HNPs). Next, this synthesized nanodrug was evaluated for physical and chemical properties and in vitro cytotoxicity studies. Here, in vitro enhanced chemo-radiation combination therapy power was evaluated against HT-29 cell line under 2 Gy and 6 Gy X-ray irradiation doses. The Bi2S3@BSA HNPs without irradiation rarely affect cell viability which shown the non-toxicity of Bi2S3@BSA HNPs. The result of this study proved that Bi2S3@BSA@CUR HNPs can be used as both proficient vehicles for effective delivery of CUR and radiosensitizer in the treatment of cancer. In addition, the result of this study confirmed that the combination of high Z-element nanoradiosensitizer, Bi2S3@BSA HNPs, with a natural anti-cancer drug, CUR, enhanced therapeutic power against HT-29 cells.
Impact of the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine on Severe Invasive Disease Caused by Serotype 3 Streptococcus Pneumoniae in Italian Children

The effectiveness and impact of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) against invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) due to serotype 3 (ser3) has been questioned. However, the impact of PCV13 on different clinical presentations of ser3-IPD has not been studied so far. The impact of PCV13 on different clinical presentations of ser3-IPD in a population of Italian children aged 0–8 years was evaluated, comparing pre- and post-PCV13 introduction period. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the diagnosis and serotyping of IPD. During the observation period (1 January 2006–1 August 2018), ser3 was detected in 60/284 (21.1%) children under 8 with serotyped IPD. The incidence of sepsis and meningitis was 0.24 per 1,000,000 person-years (p-y) in pre-PCV13 and 0.02 per 1,000,000 p-y in post-PCV13. No cases occurred in vaccinated children. In the post-PCV13 period, case reduction was 13% for all ser3 IPD and 92% for sepsis and meningitis. Vaccination impact may be underestimated due to significant improvement in pneumococcal surveillance in post-PCVC13. Our data suggest a significant impact of PCV13 on meningitis and sepsis due to ser3 and a lower impact against pneumonia. While waiting for increasingly effective anti-pneumococcal vaccines, PCV13, which guarantees protection against the most severe clinical presentations of ser3-IPD, is currently the most effective prevention option available.
The First Case of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 8 in Monozygotic Twins

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) is a rare hereditary cerebellar ataxia showing mainly pure cerebellar ataxia. We herein report cases of SCA8 in Japanese monozygotic twins that presented with nystagmus, dysarthria, and limb and truncal ataxia. Their ATXN8OS CTA/CTG repeats were 25/97. They showed similar manifestations, clinical courses, and cerebellar atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging. Some of their pedigrees had nystagmus but not ataxia. These are the first monozygotic twins with SCA8 to be reported anywhere in the world. Although not all subjects with the ATXN8OS CTG expansion develop cerebellar ataxia, these cases suggest the pathogenesis of ATXN8OS repeat expansions in hereditary cerebellar ataxia.
Ratiometric Polymer Probe for Detection of Peroxynitrite and the Application for Live-Cell Imaging

Peroxynitrite (ONOO−) is one of the sources of oxidation stress involved in many biological signaling pathways. The role of ONOO− being a double-edged sword in biological systems drives the development of effective detection tools. In this work, a boronate-based polymeric fluorescent probe PB-PVA was synthesized and the probe performance was evaluated. The probe exhibits ratiometric sensing of ONOO− in a range of 0–6 µM. There is good linear relationship between the probe fluorescence intensity ratio and ONOO− concentration. The probe also displays moderate selectivity towards ONOO− over other ROS. Moreover, it is water-soluble and possesses good biocompatibility which aids the imaging of ONOO− in living cells. These properties could make the probe a promising tool in in vitro study related to ONOO−.
Lefamulin. Comment on: “Novel Antibiotics for Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Positive Microorganisms. Microorganisms, 2019, 7, 270”

On 18 August 2019, an article was published in Microorganisms presenting novel, approved anti-Gram-positive antibiotics. On 19 August 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of lefamulin, a representative of a new class of antibiotics, the pleuromutilins, for the treatment of adult community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. We present a brief description of lefamulin.
Factors Limiting the Apparent Hydrogen Flux in Asymmetric Tubular Cercer Membranes Based on La27W3.5Mo1.5O55.5−δ and La0.87Sr0.13CrO3−δ

Asymmetric tubular ceramic–ceramic (cercer) membranes based on La27W3.5Mo1. 5O55.5−δ-La0.87Sr0. 13CrO3−δ were fabricated by a two-step firing method making use of water-based extrusion and dip-coating. The performance of the membranes was characterized by measuring the hydrogen permeation flux and water splitting with dry and wet sweep gases, respectively. To explore the limiting factors for hydrogen and oxygen transport in the asymmetric membrane architecture, the effect of different gas flows and switching the feed and sweep sides of the membrane on the apparent hydrogen permeability was investigated. A dusty gas model was used to simulate the gas gradient inside the porous support, which was combined with Wagner diffusion calculations of the dense membrane layer to assess the overall transport across the asymmetric membrane. In addition, the stability of the membrane was investigated by means of flux measurements over a period of 400 h.
Gene targeting in Arabidopsis via an all‐in‐one strategy that uses a translational enhancer to aid Cas9 expression

Gene targeting, i.e. precise sequence knock-in or replacement, is the ultimate goal of precision genome engineering. Although homologous recombination (HR)-mediated gene targeting is widely used in many organisms, including mammals (Thomas and Capecchi, 1987) (Chandrasegaran and Carroll, 2016), the low frequencies of HR in higher plants limit its utilization for gene targeting (Fauser et al., 2012). We recently described a sequential transformation approach for efficient (5.3~9.1%) HR-mediated gene targeting in Arabidopsis.
Decision-Centered Design of Patient Information Visualizations to Support Chronic Pain Care

Abstract Background For complex patients with chronic conditions, electronic health records (EHRs) contain large amounts of relevant historical patient data. To use this information effectively, clinicians may benefit from visual information displays that organize and help them make sense of information on past and current treatments, outcomes, and new treatment options. Unfortunately, few clinical decision support tools are designed to support clinical sensemaking. Objective The objective of this study was to describe a decision-centered design process, and resultant interactive patient information displays, to support key clinical decision requirements in chronic noncancer pain care. Methods To identify key clinical decision requirements, we conducted critical decision method interviews with 10 adult primary care clinicians. Next, to identify key information needs and decision support design seeds, we conducted a half-day multidisciplinary design workshop. Finally, we designed an interactive prototype to support the key clinical decision requirements and information needs uncovered during the previous research activities. Results The resulting Chronic Pain Treatment Tracker prototype summarizes the current treatment plan, past treatment history, potential future treatments, and treatment options to be cautious about. Clinicians can access additional details about each treatment, current or past, through modal views. Additional decision support for potential future treatments and treatments to be cautious about is also provided through modal views. Conclusion This study designed the Chronic Pain Treatment Tracker, a novel approach to decision support that presents clinicians with the information they need in a structure that promotes quick uptake, understanding, and action.
Reversible adhesion to rough surfaces both in and out of water, inspired by the clingfish suction disc

Adhesion is difficult to achieve on rough surfaces both in air and underwater. In nature, the northern clingfish (Gobiesox maeandricus) has evolved the impressive ability to adhere onto substrates of various shapes and roughnesses, while subject to strong intertidal surges. The suction disc of the clingfish relies on suction and friction to achieve and maintain adhesion. Inspired by this mechanism of attachment, we designed an artificial suction disc and evaluated its adhesive stress on rough surfaces and non-planar geometries. The artificial suction disc achieved adhesion strengths of 10.1 ± 0.3 kPa in air on surfaces of moderate roughness (grain size, 68 µm), and 14.3 ± 1.5 kPa underwater on coarse surfaces (grain size, 269 µm). By comparison, a commercially available suction cup failed to exhibit any significant adhesion in both scenarios. The roughly 2 g heavy clingfish-inspired suction discs gripped concave surfaces with small radii of curvature (12.5 mm) and supported payloads up to 0.7 kg. We correlated the effect of key bioinspired features (i.e. slits, a soft outer layer, and body geometry) to adhesion performance using contact visualization techniques and finite element analysis (FEA). The suction discs were then tested on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to demonstrate their utility in the soft manipulation of fragile objects.