Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in healthcare workers at a tertiary care hospital

Purpose: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection through occupational exposure which is preventable through hepatitis B vaccination. In the current study, the response to HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) vaccine was assessed in a selected group of HCWs by testing for antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs). Methods: Blood samples were collected in all HCWs, who have received the complete schedule of hepatitis B vaccination and anti-HBs levels, were assessed quantitatively in sera using ELISA. Results: The age range of the study participants was 20–55 years. The mean months after the last dose of vaccination were 60.36. Among the 85 participants, 96.5% (n = 82) have protective immunity to hepatitis B. The anti-Hbs response was similar in both male and female (P > 0.05). There was a decline in immune response as the age was increasing (P < 0.05). The results of the study found a significant decline in the immune response with time (P < 0.05). The anti-Hbs response was declined with smoking habit (P < 0.05) and with increasing body mass index (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Post-HBsAg vaccination immunity to hepatitis B was 96.5% in HCW and was similar to that of global rates. Increasing age, time period, smoking habit, and overweight were associated with decreased immunity. Many studies are needed in developing newer HBV vaccines with very high immunogenicity. Giving highly immunogenic vaccine to HCWs will ensure safety at work by reducing nosocomial transmission which is very much desired in a resource-limited country.
ROS Promote Ox-LDL-Induced Platelet Activation by Up-Regulating Autophagy Through the Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway

Background/Aims: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) promotes unregulated platelet activation in patients with dyslipidemic disorders. Although oxLDL stimulates activating signaling, researchers have not clearly determined how these events drive accelerated thrombosis. Here, we describe the mechanism by which ROS regulate autophagy during ox-LDL-induced platelet activation by modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Methods: For in vitro experiments, ox-LDL, the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC), the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA were used alone or in combination with other compounds to treat platelets. Then, platelet aggregation was evaluated on an aggregometer and platelet adhesion was measured under shear stress. The levels of a platelet activation marker (CD62p) were measured by flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were then quantified by measuring DCFH-DA fluorescence intensity via flow cytometry. Nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2·-) levels were determined by the nitric acid deoxidize enzyme method and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL), respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the autophagosome formation, immunofluorescence staining was employed to detect LC3 expression and western blotting was used to measure the levels of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway- and autophagy-related proteins. Results: Ox-LDL-induced platelets showed a significant increase in platelet aggregation and adhesion, CD62p expression, ROS level and O2·- content, with an elevated LC3II/LC3I ratio and Beclin1 expression, but a dramatic reduction in the levels of p62 and pathway-related proteins (all P < 0.05). However, platelet activation and autophagy were aggravated by the Rapamycin treatment, and decreased following treatment with NAC, 3-MA, or NAC and 3-MA, together with increased activity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Additionally, decreased platelet activation and autophagy were observed in platelets treated with NAC and Rapamycin or Rapamycin and 3-MA compared with platelets treated with Rapamycin alone, suggesting that both NAC and 3-MA reversed the effects of Rapamycin. Conclusion: Inhibition of ROS production may reduce autophagy to suppress ox-LDL-induced platelet activation by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Personal Computer-Based Cephalometric Landmark Detection With Deep Learning, Using Cephalograms on the Internet

Background: Cephalometric analysis has long been, and still is one of the most important tools in evaluating craniomaxillofacial skeletal profile. To perform this, manual tracing of x-ray film and plotting landmarks have been required. This procedure is time-consuming and demands expertise. In these days, computerized cephalometric systems have been introduced; however, tracing and plotting still have to be done on the monitor display. Artificial intelligence is developing rapidly. Deep learning is one of the most evolving areas in artificial intelligence. The authors made an automated landmark predicting system, based on a deep learning neural network. Methods: On a personal desktop computer, a convolutional network was built for regression analysis of cephalometric landmarks’ coordinate values. Lateral cephalogram images were gathered through the internet and 219 images were obtained. Ten skeletal cephalometric landmarks were manually plotted and coordinate values of them were listed. The images were randomly divided into 153 training images and 66 testing images. Training images were expanded 51 folds. The network was trained with the expanded training images. With the testing images, landmarks were predicted by the network. Prediction errors from manually plotted points were evaluated. Results: Average and median prediction errors were 17.02 and 16.22 pixels. Angles and lengths in cephalometric analysis, predicted by the neural network, were not statistically different from those calculated from manually plotted points. Conclusion: Despite the variety of image quality, using cephalogram images on the internet is a feasible approach for landmark prediction.
Recurrent thrombosis after carotid endarterectomy secondary to activated protein C resistance and essential thrombocytosis

Rationale: Thrombosis is a major cause of morbidity in the perioperative period. Although many risk factors are known, activated protein C resistance is a prominent risk for thrombosis. Activated protein C resistance frequently occurs with recurrent thromboembolism. Patient concerns: A 59-year-old Korean woman patient with hypertension was admitted due to dysarthria and left side motor weakness. Diagnosis and interventions: Magnetic resonance imaging showed subacute cerebral infarction with right frontoparietal lobe and stenosis at the right internal carotid artery. She underwent right carotid endarterectomy under general anesthesia. However, recurrent thrombosis on postoperative day 1 was noted at patient's right carotid artery, which prompted emergency surgery. Additional preoperative laboratory review revealed findings for activated protein C resistance, low protein S activity, antinuclear antibody (>1:160), anti-cardiolipin IgM antibody (16.6), and thrombocytosis, Janus kinase and factor V Leiden mutations. At the intensive care unit, heparin was continually infused until postoperative day 12 and was then switched to warfarin. Outcomes: Patient was discharged at postoperative day 21 without any event. Patient had no signs of recurrence within the 3-year follow-up period, and she is still on oral warfarin and clopidogrel. Lessons: Screening test for hypercoagulability can be used to identify patients at higher risk of postoperative complications. If hypercoagulability state is confirmed by laboratory testing, a suitable anticoagulant treatment plan should be made within the perioperative period.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone for Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome: The ATLANTIS Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There is renewed interest in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ACTH in children with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome in a randomized trial. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Participants aged 2-20 years old with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome were enrolled from 16 sites in the United States and randomized 1:1 to ACTH (repository corticotropin injection) or no relapse-preventing treatment. ACTH treatment regimen was 80 U/1.73 m2 administered twice weekly for 6 months, followed by 40 U/1.73 m2 administered twice weekly for 6 months. The primary outcome was disease relapse during the first 6 months. Participants in the control group were offered crossover to ACTH treatment if they relapsed within 6 months. Secondary outcomes were relapse after ACTH dose reduction and treatment side effects. RESULTS The trial was stopped at a preplanned interim analysis after enrollment of 31 participants because of a lack of discernible treatment efficacy. Fourteen out of 15 (93%) participants in the ACTH arm experienced disease relapse in the first 6 months, with a median time to first relapse of 23 days (interquartile range, 9-32), compared with 15 out of 16 (94%) participants and at a median of 21 days (interquartile range, 14-51) in the control group. There was no difference in the proportion of relapsed patients (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.05 to 16.40; P>0.99) or time to first relapse (hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.50 to 2.15; P=0.93). Thirteen out of 16 participants in the control group crossed over to ACTH treatment. Three out of 28 participants completed 12 months of ACTH treatment; the others exited the trial because of frequent relapses or side effects. There were no disease relapses after ACTH dose reduction among the three participants. Most side effects were mild and similar to side effects of corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS ACTH at 80 U/1.73 m2 administered twice weekly was ineffective at preventing disease relapses in pediatric nephrotic syndrome.
Effectiveness of the new integrated strategy to control the transmission of Schistosoma japonicum in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Since 2004, the national schistosomiasis control strategy in China has shifted from the morbidity control strategy (conventional strategy) to an integrated strategy (new strategy). We investigated the effectiveness of the new strategy and compared it against the conventional strategy. We retrieved from electronic databases the literature regarding the new strategy published from 2000 to 2017. The effect of the new or conventional strategy on infection by Schistosoma japonicum of humans and snails (Oncomelania hupensis) was evaluated with pooled log relative risk (logRR). A total of only eight eligible publications were included in the final meta-analysis. The results showed that implementation of the new strategy reduced the infection risk by 3–4 times relative to the conventional strategy. More specifically, the conventional strategy caused a reduction in both human (logRR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.12–0.99) and snail infections (logRR = 0.34, 95% CI: −0.69–1.37), while the new strategy also significantly reduced both human (logRR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.33–2.46) and snail infections (logRR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.06–2.15). In contrast to the conventional strategy, the new strategy appeared more effective to control both human (logRR difference = 1.32, 95% CI: 0.78–1.86) and snail infections (logRR difference = 1.53, 95% CI: 0.76–2.31). Our data demonstrate that the new integrated strategy is highly effective to control the transmission of S. japonicum in China, and this strategy is recommended for schistosomiasis elimination in other affected regions across the world, with adaptation to local conditions.
Synthesis, characterization of cellulose acetate membrane and application for the treatment of oily wastewater

ABSTRACT This study reports the synthesis of cellulose acetate (CA) membranes of different weight percentages of the polymer ranging from 5 to 17.5 wt% with 2.5% increment and their behaviour towards oil removal from water. The membrane showed decreased water content and porosity and also increased hydraulic resistance upto 3.38 kPa/(l m−2 h−1) as the concentration of polymer increases. The Atomic Force Microscopic studies reveal that the membrane shows decreased arithmetic mean roughness from 36.291 to 5.935 nm as the concentration of the polymer increases from 5% to 17.5%. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy shows the surface morphology of the CA membrane. X-ray diffraction studies indicate that in the membrane having above 15% polymer concentration, the polymer chains orient to regularity showing higher crystallinity. The thermal studies indicate their stability upto 280°C, and exothermic decompositions from 338°C to 380°C implying the compactness of chains as polymer concentration increases. From Total Organic Carbon studies, the oil rejection was found to be maximum (96.4%) for the highest concentration of polymer in the membrane. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Decreased serum magnesium levels in depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background: Magnesium (Mg2+), an endogenous N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, has received increased attention recently because of its role in the pathophysiology of and treatment response in depression. However, whether Mg2+ level is decreased in depression is not firmly established. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to help making consensus for the association between Mg2+ levels and depression. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the electronic database resources PubMed and Embase. After a careful selection of relevant studies, a meta-analysis using the random effects model was conducted in each measuring source, such as serum, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Results: A total of 18 studies were included in this study. Among 11 studies that measured Mg2+ in the serum, Mg2+ level was lower in patients with depression than in controls (weighted mean difference = −.088, 95% confidence interval = −.164 to −.012). In the sensitivity analysis by removing studies one by one, 2 out of the 11 studies obliterated such significant differences. There were no significant differences in the Mg2+ levels in the studies for plasma and CSF. Conclusions: Despite some evidence supporting an association between decreased Mg2+ levels and depression from studies with serum, the results of our meta-analysis urge to use caution when associating Mg2+ levels and depression. Future studies are needed to establish a consensus for the role of low Mg2+ levels in depression.
Perceptual Adjustment of Eyeball Rotation and Pupil Size Jitter for Virtual Characters

Eye motions constitute an important part of our daily face-to-face interactions. Even subtle details in the eyes’ motions give us clues about a person’s thoughts and emotions. Believable and natural animation of the eyes is therefore crucial when creating appealing virtual characters. In this article, we investigate the perceived naturalness of detailed eye motions, more specifically of jitter of the eyeball rotation and pupil diameter on three virtual characters with differing levels of realism. Participants watched stimuli with six scaling factors from 0 to 1 in increments of 0.2, varying eye rotation and pupil size jitter individually, and they had to indicate if they would like to increase or decrease the level of jitter to make the animation look more natural. Based on participants’ responses, we determine the scaling factors for noise attenuation perceived as most natural for each character when using motion-captured eye motions. We compute the corresponding average jitter amplitudes for the eyeball rotation and pupil size to serve as guidelines for other characters. We find that the amplitudes perceived as most natural depend on the character, with our character with a medium level of realism requiring the largest scaling factors.
A Comparison of Electrochemical Performance of Carbon Aerogels with Adsorption Metal Ions for Super Capacitors

Environmental problems caused by metal ions have caused widespread concern in recent years. In this work, carbon aerogels (CAs) adsorbing different metal ions were prepared. The adsorption performance and kinetics of metal ions (Cu(II), Cr(VI), and Fe(III)) on carbon aerogels were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the maximum adsorption capacity of Cu(II) was 424 mg·g−1 in 600 mg·L−1 copper solution. Adsorption performances of Cu(II), Cr(VI), and Fe(III) on CAs well fitted with a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The structures and morphologies of metal-containing samples were characterized by scanning electron micrographs (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results demonstrated that the texture and electrochemical performance of CAs adsorbing metal ions exhibited a clear change. The specific surface area of CAs for adsorbing copper ions was 450 m2·g−1 and they showed a small average pore diameter (7.16 nm). Furthermore, CAs adsorbing metals could be used for the super capacitor. The specific capacitance of CAs adsorbing copper ions could reach 255 F·g−1 at a current density of 1.0 A·g−1. The CA-Cu electrode materials exhibited excellent reversibility with a cycling efficiency of 97% after 5000 cycles.
Urotensin-II gene rs228648 polymorphism associated with the risk of diabetes mellitus

Background: Urotensin-II (UII) rs228648 polymorphism has been reported to be associated with the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) with inconsistent results. The present study sought to reassess the relationship between this polymorphism and susceptibility to DM by meta-analysis. Methods: Relevant eligible studies and whole genome association study (GWAS) data electronically searched were pooled to evaluate the strength of the association with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Seven case–control studies involving 894 cases and 1186 controls were finally included in the meta-analysis. Overall analyses indicated that UII gene rs228648 variant was significantly associated with reduced risk of DM (allele, A vs. G: OR = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.56–0.82; dominant, AA+GA vs. GG: OR = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.53–0.91; homozygote, AA vs. GG: OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.28–0.61; recessive, AA vs. GA+GG: OR = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.19–0.71). In subgroup analyses based on ethnicity, the results showed a significant association of rs228648 polymorphism with decreased risk of DM in Chinese population under all five genetic models as well as in non-Chinese population under heterozygote and recessive models. Stratified analyses by specific type of DM also presented a significant association for common diabetes mellitus (CDM) under allele and homozygote as well as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) under all genetic models except for homozygote model. However, the synthetic analysis with GWAS data suggested an increased risk of DM with rs228648 effect allele in European population (OR = 1.01, 95%CI = 1.00–1.02). Conclusion: The present meta-analysis preliminarily suggested a potentially opposite role of rs228648 polymorphism associated with DM risk in the Chinese and European population. Further studies are in great request to verify the results.
Evaluation of in vitro culture systems for goat preantral follicles using reused ovaries from reproductive biotechniques: An alternative to maximize the potential of reproduction

This study aimed to examine the in vitro culture of secondary preantral follicles, using reused ovaries, to compare both the 2D and 3D methods of in vitro culture of preantral follicles, and the system of medium replacement. Twenty-five pairs of ovaries from mixed-breed goats were used for the experiment. Follicular puncture of antral follicles was performed for in vitro production. After this procedure, the secondary preantral follicles were submitted to a microdissection procedure. The isolated preantral follicles were randomly divided into three treatments: (a) Two-dimensional culture with partial replacement of medium during culture (2D PR), (b) Three-dimensional culture with addition of medium during culture (3D AD) and (c) Three-dimensional culture with partial replacement of medium (3D PR). The culture period was 18 days. All treatments at the end of the in vitro culture period (18 days) presented a follicular survival rate which ranged from 59% to 70%, demonstrating that it was possible to perform an experiment with preantral follicles using ovaries that had previously been used in another reproductive biotechnique. The 3D AD treatment showed a survival percentage and follicular diameter higher than the 2D PR treatment, however, it did not differ from the 3D PR treatment. In conclusion, experiments employing the use of preantral follicles can be performed with success after the ovaries have been used for experiments with antral follicles. Moreover, the three-dimensional system with the addition of medium is recommended for in vitro culture of preantral follicles, since this system is more practical and financially feasible.
The Role of the Anti-Aging Protein Klotho in IGF-1 Signaling and Reticular Calcium Leak: Impact on the Chemosensitivity of Dedifferentiated Liposarcomas

By inhibiting Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Receptor (IGF-1R) signaling, Klotho (KL) acts like an aging- and tumor-suppressor. We investigated whether KL impacts the aggressiveness of liposarcomas, in which IGF-1R signaling is frequently upregulated. Indeed, we observed that a higher KL expression in liposarcomas is associated with a better outcome for patients. Moreover, KL is downregulated in dedifferentiated liposarcomas (DDLPS) compared to well-differentiated tumors and adipose tissue. Because DDLPS are high-grade tumors associated with poor prognosis, we examined the potential of KL as a tool for overcoming therapy resistance. First, we confirmed the attenuation of IGF-1-induced calcium (Ca2+)-response and Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in KL-overexpressing human DDLPS cells. KL overexpression also reduced cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and increased apoptosis induced by gemcitabine, thapsigargin, and ABT-737, all of which are counteracted by IGF-1R-dependent signaling and activate Ca2+-dependent endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Then, we monitored cell death and cytosolic Ca2+-responses and demonstrated that KL increases the reticular Ca2+-leakage by maintaining TRPC6 at the ER and opening the translocon. Only the latter is necessary for sensitizing DDLPS cells to reticular stressors. This was associated with ERK1/2 inhibition and could be mimicked with IGF-1R or MEK inhibitors. These observations provide a new therapeutic strategy in the management of DDLPS.