Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interstitial lung disease in patients with connective tissue disease: Subtypes, clinical features and comorbidities in the Western Cape, South Africa

Background Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is highly prevalent in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) and is poorly characterised in South Africa. Objectives To describe the clinical, serological and radiological features of CTD-ILD and their associations in patients attending a tertiary referral hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study collating clinical, serological and radiological features of CTD-ILD in patients attending rheumatology and respiratory outpatient clinics in a tertiary referral hospital. Results Of 124 CTD-ILD patients, 37 (29.8%) had rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 32 (25.8%) systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 55 (44.4%) other autoimmune connective tissue diseases (OCTD). Most patients were female (86.3%), of mixed racial ancestry (75.0%), and the median age was 55 years. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was the most common ILD pattern (63.7%), followed by usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (26.6%). Overall, 60.5% were current or past smokers, 33.1% had previous pulmonary tuberculosis infection, and 75.6% had gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Patients with RA were older, had similar frequencies of NSIP and UIP, and had significantly better pulmonary function tests than the SSc and OCTD groups. Within three years of CTD diagnosis, two-thirds of the SSc and OCTD patients and almost half of the RA patients had developed ILD. Clinical features, chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests correlated poorly with high-resolution computerised tomography (HRCT). No case of acute pneumonitis was documented in CTD-ILD patients treated with methotrexate (MTX). Conclusion We suggest routine HRCT in all newly diagnosed CTD patients, particularly those with SSc and OCTD, where more than two-thirds of the patients had developed ILD within three years of their CTD. The use of MTX was not associated with the development of acute pneumonitis in patients with ILD. Key points Clinical features, chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests correlated poorly with high-resolution computerised tomography (HRCT). Smoking, environmental toxins, gastro-oesophogeal reflux and previous pulmonary tuberculosis infection were significant comorbidities in CTD-ILD patients. Early screening of ILD with HRCT is recommended, particularly in SSc. Use of MTX before and after ILD diagnosis was not associated with acute pneumonitis.
LEAN THINKING: AN INITIATIVE TOWARDS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT IN THE OPERATION THEATRE DEPARTMENT

Lean thinking has evolved from the Toyota Production System, but it is increasingly being applied to healthcare services. Lean focuses on continuous removal of wastes from the clinical processes whilst creating value from patient’s perspective. The current study is an initiative to implement Lean in the operation theatre department in a tertiary care Indian hospital. Of late the department was incurring performance decline and wanted to improve the patient’s experience by providing more efficient quality care and reduce the communication gaps in the department. Analysis of the “As-Is” scenario revealed many operational lapses like high case changeover time and non-adherence to case scheduling. Lean program created more effective working procedures and ensured a total continuity of care for the benefit of both staffs and patients. Operation theatres, where Lean was applied, showed a significant ameliorated performance along with an increase in the satisfaction level of patient’s in terms of service provided and improved staffs engagement and complacency.
TLR2 Deﬁciency Exacerbates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Skin Inﬂammation through Decrease in Regulatory T Cells and Impaired IL-10 Production

: Emerging evidence has demonstrated that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are associated with autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of TLR2 in psoriasis using imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis. Although TLR2 signaling is known to play a critical role in the induction of proinﬂammatory cytokines by immune cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, and monocytes, TLR2 deﬁciency unexpectedly exacerbated psoriasiform skin inﬂammation. Importantly, messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of Foxp-3 and IL-10 in the lesional skin were signiﬁcantly decreased in TLR2 KO mice compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, ﬂow cytometric analysis of the lymph nodes revealed that the frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) among CD4-positive cells was decreased. Notably, stimulation with Pam3CSK4 (TLR2 / 1 ligand) or Pam2CSK4 (TLR2 / 6 ligand) increased IL-10 production from Tregs and DCs and the proliferation of Tregs. Finally, adoptive transfer of Tregs from wild-type mice reduced imiquimod-induced skin inﬂammation in TLR2 KO mice. Taken together, our results suggest that TLR2 signaling directly enhances Treg proliferation and IL-10 production by Tregs and DCs, suppressing imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inﬂammation. Enhancement of TLR2 signaling may be a new therapeutic strategy for psoriasis.
A Study on Traffic Light Detection (TLD) as an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for Elderly Drivers

In this paper, we propose an efficient traffic light detection (TLD) method as an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) for elderly drivers. Since an increase in traffic accidents is associated with the aging population and an increase in elderly drivers causes a serious social problem, the provision of ADAS for older drivers via TLD is becoming a necessary(Ed: verify word choice: necessary? ) public service. Therefore, we propose an economical TLD method that can be implemented with a simple black box (built in camera) and a smartphone in the near future. The system utilizes a color pre-processing method to differentiate between the stop and go signals. A mathematical morphology algorithm is used to further enhance the traffic light detection and a circular Hough transform is utilized to detect the traffic light correctly. From the simulation results of the computer vision and image processing based on a proposed algorithm on Matlab, we found that the proposed TLD method can detect the stop and go signals from the traffic lights not only in daytime, but also at night. In the future, it will be possible to reduce the traffic accident rate by recognizing the traffic signal and informing the elderly of how to drive by voice.
Making a Travel Diary from GPS Traces Using an Area-Based Reverse Geocoder

—This paper presents a system for creating a travel diary that shows a list of the locations visited on a trip with durations as well as a travel trace on a map. It also describes the implementation methods for the system. Proposed system determines the visited locations and infers the names of the sites and managed places with boundaries such as fences and roads, including the locations, from a GPS trace using an area-based reverse geocoder (ARG) newly developed for the system. Because it infers the names of sites using a site-boundary database, the ARG is more precise than conventional reverse geocoders, particularly when multiple sites are close to a portion of the travel trace. Proposed system introduces a sequence matching method that simultaneously matches consecutive GPS points with a boundary provided by the ARG. Because it uses site boundaries to ﬁnd a sequence of noisy GPS points across the boundaries, the method effectively reduces the impact caused by GPS noise.
A FRAMEWORK FOR THE MODULAR DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PROCESS-AWARE APPLICATIONS

Process-aware software systems are establishing themselves as prominent examples of distributed software infrastructures. Workﬂow Management Systems, web service orchestration platforms, Business Process Management support systems are relevant instances of process-aware software systems. These systems, because of their own nature, are all characterized by presenting a behavioral perspective, that is a perspective describing the steps that can be executed during the enactment of the process. In this paper we present a framework for the design and implementation of the behavioral perspective in modular process-aware architectures. This approach can be applied across different application domains. The modularity of the resulting architectures is well-known as a key factor in achieving software qualities such as reliability, extensibility, robustness, maintainability and ease of use. Our framework is based on EPML [21][22], an executable process modeling language, and on its enactment engine. EPML has been designed with the aim of promoting separation of concerns, easing the modular approach to the design of process-aware software architectures. A notable advantages of the presented approach is that of using the same modeling language and the same modular software component to support the behavioral perspective across different application domains. As an example we show how it is possible to use EPML and its engine in the modeling and the implementation of a wide spectrum of software architectures, from those supporting business process simulation to those supporting web service orchestration.
Rare Complication of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreotography; Bilateral Pneumothorax Bilateral Pnömotoraks

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatobiliary diseases. The most serious complication that develops post ERCP is perforation of gastrointestinal tract and it can be mortal. ERCP-related pneumothorax is a rare complication requiring urgent intervention. We present a case of 50- year-old female patient who developed bilateral pneumothorax after ERCP.
Working life expectancy and working years lost among users of part- and full-time sickness absence in Finland

Objectives The use of part-time sickness absence (pSA) instead of full-time sickness absence (fSA) is known to increase work participation. Yet, its effect on the total length of working lives remains unclear. We carried out a quasi-experiment to assess the impact of using pSA versus fSA on the length of working lives. Methods We used a register-based 70% random sample of the working-age population living in Finland on 31 December 2007 to (i) form propensity-score-matched groups of users of pSA and fSA and (ii) calculate their working life expectancy (WLE) and working years lost (WYL). We applied the Sullivan method based on daily measured time spent at work and other labor market statuses, followed up over a four-year period until the end of year 2017. The study population consisted of private and public sector employees with SA due to mental and musculoskeletal disorders, ie, the diagnostic groups where pSA has been primarily used. Results Among both genders, the pSA group had a significantly higher WLE at age 30 than the fSA group, with larger differences seen in mental disorders compared to musculoskeletal diseases and in the private versus public sector. Overall, the pSA group had fewer WYL due to unemployment and disability retirement but more expected years working with partial disability benefits than the fSA group. Conclusions Based on beneficial working career effects, the use of pSA instead of fSA should always be recommended for persons with mental or musculoskeletal disorders where feasible.
INTESTINAL DAMAGE AND IMMUNE RESPONSE AFTER EXPERIMENTAL BLUNT ABDOMINAL TRAUMA

ABSTRACT Abdominal trauma (AT) is of major global importance, particularly because the civil, terroristic, and military traumatic potential of blast injuries has increased. The consequences of blunt abdominal injuries are highly variable and frequently underestimated or even overlooked. However, the underlying path mechanisms and subsequent innate immune response remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the spatiotemporal local and systemic effects of a standardized blast-induced blunt AT on the intestine and innate immune response. In an established AT model, 66 male C57Bl6 mice were anesthetized and exposed to either a single blast wave centered on the epigastrium or control treatment (sham). At 2, 6, or 24 hours after trauma induction, animals were sacrificed. In 16 of 44 (36%) AT animals, one or more macroscopically visible injuries of the intestine were observed. Epithelial damage was detected by histological analysis of jejunum and ileum tissue samples, quantified by the Chiu score and by increased plasma concentrations of the intestinal fatty acid–binding protein, an enterocyte damage marker. Moreover, in the early posttraumatic period, elevated syndecan-1, claudin-5, and mucin-2 plasma levels also indicated alterations in the gut-blood barrier. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 in tissue homogenates and plasma indicate a systemic immune activation after blunt AT. In conclusion, we detected early morphological intestinal damage associated with high, early detectable intestinal fatty acid–binding protein plasma levels, and a considerable time- and dose-dependent impairment of the gut-blood barrier in a newly established mouse model of blunt AT. It appears to be a sufficient model for further studies of the intestinal immunopathophysiological consequences of AT and the evaluation of novel therapeutic approaches.
The hypnagogic state: A brief update

The hypnagogic state refers to a transitional stage between wakefulness and sleep, in which sensory perceptions can be experienced. In this review, we compile and discuss the recent scientific literature on hypnagogia research regarding the future directions proposed by Schacter (1976; Psychological Bulletin, 83, 452). After a short introduction discussing the terminology used in hypnagogia research and the differentiation of hypnagogic states with other related phenomena, we review the reported prevalence of hypnagogic states. Then, we evaluate the six future directions suggested by Schacter and we propose three further future directions. First, a better understanding of the emotional quality of hypnagogic states is needed. Second, a better understanding of why hypnagogic states occur so frequently in the visual and kinaesthetic modalities is needed. Lastly, a better understanding of the purpose of hypnagogic states is needed. In conclusion, research has made great progress in recent years, and we are one step closer to demystifying the hypnagogic state.
A classification of irreducible prehomogeneous vector spaces and their relative invariants

Let G be a connected linear algebraic group, and p a rational representation of G on a finite-dimensional vector space V, all defined over the complex number field C. We call such a triplet (G, p, V) a prehomogeneous vector space if V has a Zariski-dense G-orbit. The main purpose of this paper is to classify all prehomogeneous vector spaces when p is irreducible, and to investigate their relative invariants and the regularity.
Evaluation of the Herb-Drug Interaction Potential of Commonly Used Botanicals on the US Market with Regard to PXR- and AhR-Mediated Influences on CYP3A4 and CYP1A2

Abstract In this study, hydroethanolic extracts of 30 top-selling botanicals (herbs) commonly used as ingredients of herbal dietary supplements in the US were screened for their potential to activate the human pregnane X receptor (hPXR) and human aryl hydrocarbon receptor (hAhR) and to increase the activities of hPXR- and hAhR-regulated drug metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes (i.e., CYP3A4 and CYP1A2, respectively). Of the 30 botanicals tested, 21 induced PXR and 29 induced AhR transcriptional activities. Out of the 21 botanicals that induced hPXR transcriptional activity, 14 yielded >50% induction in CYP3A4 activity at concentrations ranging from 6 to 60 µg/mL and 16 out of the 29 botanicals that activated hAhR yielded >50% induction in CYP1A2 activity at concentrations ranging from 3 to 30 µg/mL. Moreover, eight botanicals (G. gummi-gutta [garcinia], Hemp [low and high CBD content], H. perforatum [St. John’s wort], M. vulgare [horehound], M. oleifera [moringa], O. vulgare [oregano], P. johimbe [yohimbe] and W. somnifera [ashwagandha]) yielded >50% induction in both CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 activity. Herbal products are mixtures of phytoconstituents, any of which could modulate drug metabolism. Our data reveals that several top-selling botanicals may pose herb-drug interaction (HDI) risks via CYP450 induction. While in vitro experiments can provide useful guidance in assessing a botanical’s HDI potential, their clinical relevance needs to be investigated in vivo. Botanicals whose effects on hPXR/CYP3A4, and hAhR/CYP1A2 activity were most pronounced will be slated for further clinical investigation.
Internet of Things: A Project Based Engineering Course

Project based learning with its emphasis on both conceptual and practical aspect is getting a lot of attention, recently, within the engineering academic circles. Project based learning leads to better participation from students because of the self study activities involved. It fosters communication, lateral thinking, team work, project management, cost analysis and problem solving skills of the students. At BMS College of Engineering, the recent paradigm shift in learning has led to more courses being offered with project based approach. 'Internet of Things' is still in its nascent stages and BMS with a flair for adopting the latest trends in technology in their curriculum, wanted to include it as part of their undergraduate program. This paper analyzes advantages and challenges in offering this course in the undergraduate level. The analyses include the steps taken, feedback, outcome and other assessment carried out as part of this activity.
Bioinformatic analysis identifies potential key genes in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration

Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in older individuals. More studies focused on screening the genes, which may be correlated with the development of AMD. With advances in various technologies like multiple microarray datasets, researchers could identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) more accurately. Exploring abnormal gene expression in disease status can help to understand pathophysiological changes in complex diseases. This study aims to identify the key genes and upstream regulators in AMD and reveal factors, especially genetic association, and the prognosis of the development of this disease. Methods: Data from expression profile GSE125564 and profile GSE29801 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We analyzed DEGs using R software (version 3.6.3). Functional enrichment and PPI network analysis were performed using the R package and online database STRING (version 11.0). Results: We compared AMD with normal and found 68 up-regulated genes (URGs) and 25 down-regulated genes (DRGs). We also compared wet AMD with dry AMD and found 41 DRGs in dry AMD. Further work including PPI network analysis, GO classification, and KEGG analysis was done to find connections with AMD. The URGs were mainly enriched in the biological process such as DNA replication, nucleoplasm, extracellular exosome, and cadherin binding. Besides, DRGs were mainly enriched in these functions such as an integral component of membrane and formation of the blood-aqueous barrier (BAB). Conclusion: This study implied that core genes might involve in the process of AMD. Our findings may contribute to revealing the pathogenesis, developing new biomarkers, and raising strategies of treatment for AMD.
Outcomes of medical and surgical management in eyes with idiopathic elevated episcleral venous pressure

Purpose: Idiopathic elevated episcleral venous pressure (IEEVP) is a rare cause of secondary glaucoma and is a diagnosis of exclusion. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation and analyze the outcomes of medical and surgical management in eyes diagnosed with idiopathic elevated episcleral venous pressure. Methods: A retrospective analysis of eyes diagnosed with IEEVP over a 5-year period between April 2012 and March 2016 was performed. The demographic details, medical history, and clinical course of the cases were obtained from the medical records. Data pertaining to the severity of glaucomatous damage, response to medical management, need for surgical intervention, and their outcomes were analyzed. Results: Fifteen eyes of 13 patients were included. Thirteen eyes (86.6%) had open angle configuration. Among the 13 eyes that had glaucoma, eight eyes (61.5%) had severe glaucoma, four eyes (30.7%) had moderate glaucoma, and one eye (7.6%) had mild glaucoma. The median follow-up was 210 days. Seven of the 15 eyes (46.6%) required a glaucoma filtration procedure, and three underwent prophylactic sclerotomies. 71.4% of these eyes had complete success. One out of the seven operated eyes required choroidal drainage post-operatively. Conclusion: IEEVP is an extremely rare condition and presents with raised intra-ocular pressure and tortuous episcleral vessels. The management of IEEVP is similar to that of primary open angle glaucoma. Uveal effusion is to be anticipated, and hence, combining trabeculectomy with prophylactic sclerotomies is advisable.
Hepatic leukemia factor-expressing paraxial mesoderm cells contribute to the developing brain vasculature

ABSTRACT Recent genetic lineage tracing studies reveal heterogeneous origins of vascular endothelial cells and pericytes in the developing brain vasculature, despite classical experimental evidence for a mesodermal origin. Here we provide evidence through a genetic lineage tracing experiment that cephalic paraxial mesodermal cells give rise to endothelial cells and pericytes in the developing mouse brain. We show that Hepatic leukemia factor (Hlf) is transiently expressed by cephalic paraxial mesenchyme at embryonic day (E) 8.0-9.0 and the genetically marked E8.0 Hlf-expressing cells mainly contribute to the developing brain vasculature. Interestingly, the genetically marked E10.5 Hlf-expressing cells, which have been previously reported to contain embryonic hematopoietic stem cells, fail to contribute to the vascular cells. Combined, our genetic lineage tracing data demonstrate that a transient expression of Hlf marks a cephalic paraxial mesenchyme contributing to the developing brain vasculature. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
CMAR_A_268823 12319..12327

1Population Health Research Section, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3Oncology Department, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Background: In Saudi Arabia, there is no population-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, and more than two-thirds of patients are diagnosed with a late stage. We assessed the association between sex and distant metastasis CRC and hypothesize that females, younger age, non-married, and patients with colon cancer would present with metastatic tumors. Patients and Methods: The retrospective cohort study used data from the Ministry of National Guard Cancer Registry. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between sex and metastatic CRC adjusting for patient covariates. In a sensitivity analysis, the association between sex and late-stage CRC was evaluated. Results: A total of 1016 CRC patients met the eligibility criteria, with 37.59% of females and 30.26% of males diagnosed with metastatic CRC. After adjusting for marital status, grade, and morphology, females were 20% more likely than males to present with a metastatic tumor 1.20 (95% CI, 1.04–1.38). Conclusion: Although the entire Saudi population would benefit from CRC screening, women may benefit the most from targeted screening.