Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant chemotherapy and outcomes in esophageal carcinoma.

Background Standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer is neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery. The role of postoperative chemotherapy is unclear. We sought to determine the indications, patterns, and outcomes for adjuvant chemotherapy in esophageal carcinoma. Methods This single institution retrospective review included patients with esophageal cancer who received neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery at Moffitt. We identified patients in this cohort who additionally received adjuvant chemotherapy. Medical records were reviewed for demographic/clinical information. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank. Case-control analysis was performed using a 2:1 nearest neighbor propensity score matching algorithm, which included 92 without adjuvant chemotherapy and 46 with adjuvant chemotherapy. Results We identified 382 patients, 46 of whom received adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy were younger (60.2 vs. 63.8 years; P=0.047), more likely to have adenocarcinoma (91% vs. 85%; P=0.034), had more advanced ypT and ypN classifications (P<0.001), less response to neoadjuvant therapy (P<0.001), and more margin positivity (15% vs. 4%; P=0.007). With propensity score matching analysis, no variables were significantly different between the two matched groups. Median follow-up times for the entire cohort and for case-control analysis were 2.9 and 2.4 years, respectively. There were no significant differences in overall or recurrence-free survival (RFS) between groups in either analysis. Conclusions The role of adjuvant chemotherapy following neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery in esophageal cancer is unclear. We found no significant difference in survival based on adjuvant chemotherapy. Future prospective studies should further investigate potential survival benefits and morbidity.
Basic Ideas and Principles for Quantifying Regional Blood Flow with Nuclear Medical Techniques

Summary The measurement of blood flow in various organs and its visual presentation in parametric images is a major application in nuclear medicine. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the most important nuclear medicine procedures used to quantify regional blood flow. Starting with the first concepts introduced by Fick and later by Kety-Schmidt the basic principles of measuring global and regional cerebral blood are discussed and their relationships are explained. Different applications and modifications realized first in PET- and later in SPECT-studies of the brain and other organs are described. The permeability and the extraction of the different radiopharmaceuticals are considered. Finally some important instrumental implications are compared.
Smart City and Smart Tourism: A Case of Dubai

Over the past decade, the advent of new technology has brought about the emergence of smart cities aiming to provide their stakeholders with technology-based solutions that are effective and efficient. Insofar as the objective of smart cities is to improve outcomes that are connected to people, systems and processes of businesses, government and other public- and private-sector entities, its main goal is to improve the quality of life of all residents. Accordingly, smart tourism has emerged over the past few years as a subset of the smart city concept, aiming to provide tourists with solutions that address specific travel related needs. Dubai is an emerging tourism destination that has implemented smart city and smart tourism platforms to engage various stakeholders. The objective of this study is to identify best practices related to Dubai’s smart city and smart tourism. In so doing, Dubai’s mission and vision along with key dimensions and pillars are identified in relation to the advancements in the literature while highlighting key resources and challenges. A Smart Tourism Dynamic Responsive System (STDRS) framework is proposed while suggesting how Dubai may able to enhance users’ involvement and their overall experience.
Chromosomal and genetic alterations of 7,12‐ Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene–induced melanoma from TP‐ras transgenic mice

The TP‐ras transgenic mouse line expresses an activated human T24 Ha‐ras gene with a mutation in codon 12, regulated by a mouse tyrosinase promoter. The transgene is expressed in melanocytes of the skin, eyes, and brain. The mice develop cutaneous melanoma when treated with 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. Cell lines have been generated from the cutaneous tumors and metastatic lesions. By using fluorescence in situ hybridization with mouse whole chromosome paints, the cell lines were characterized for chromosomal abnormalities. Key findings in the tumor cells included translocations of chromosome 4 and alterations in chromosome 6. One tumor cell line contained a double translocation involving chromosomes 3 and 6. To extend the results of the chromosome 4 painting, Southern analysis of the p15INK4B, p16INK4A, and p19INK4D genes was performed. Our data indicated that there were homozygous and partial allelic deletions and polymorphisms in the region of chromosome 4 containing these genes, resulting in the absence or reduced expression of the p16 product. These findings are similar to those reported for human melanoma, and the TP‐ras transgenic mouse may therefore be a valuable model for studying novel strategies for melanoma prevention and treatment. Mol. Carcinog. 20:78–87, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exogenous Endophthalmitis in Pediatric Age Group

Purpose: To identify the microbiological spectrum and visual outcome of exogenous infectious endophthalmitis in the pediatric age group. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of all children 14 years and younger with culture-positive endophthalmitis treated at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and King Abdulaziz University Hospital between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2004. Results: Forty-nine children were identified. There were 32 males and 17 females with a mean age of 5.7 ± 2.8 years (range 1–13 years). Thirty-five (71.4 %) cases occurred after penetrating open globe injuries and the remaining 14 (28.6%) followed ocular surgery. Primary vitrectomy was performed on 29 (59.2%) eyes. The mean follow-up was 28.4 ± 28.4 months (range 1.2–98.5 months). A single species was isolated in 42 (85.7%) eyes, and multiple organisms in seven (14.3%) with a total of 56 infecting organisms. The most common isolates were Streptococcus species and coagulase-negative Staphylococci comprising 44.6% and 21.4% of the isolates, respectively. Final visual acuity was 20/200 or better in 15 (34.1%), counting fingers in 8 (18.2%), light perception to hand motions in 8 (18.2%), no light perception in 13 (29.5%) eyes, including 3 that have been enucleated or eviscerated, and not available in 5 patients. None of the children who had nonvirulent organisms had a final visual acuity of no light perception compared with 39.4% of children who had virulent organisms (p = 0.011). Visual outcome of counting fingers was attained in 26% of children who were treated with primary vitrectomy compared with 5.9% of children treated with antibiotics alone on presentation (p = 0.0484). Visual outcome was no light perception in 18.5% of children who underwent primary vitrectomy compared with 47.1% of children treated with antibiotics alone. Conclusions: The most common organisms identified were Streptococcus species and coagulase-negative Staphylococci. Culture of a nonvirulent organism, and treatment with primary vitrectomy were associated with better visual outcomes. Visual outcomes were generally poor.
Management of dysphonia in children

Abstract Background: Dysphonia is common in children, but practice varies considerably regarding what, if any, investigations are performed and how the condition is managed. Although childhood dysphonia is mostly due to non-serious causes such as voice misuse, very serious pathology such as papillomatosis or malignancy needs occasionally to be excluded, and treatable congenital anomalies such as webs and cysts can be missed. Voice clinics and voice therapy services are now well established in most adult health services in the developed world, but equivalent services for children are less common, at least in the UK. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all children presenting to our large children's hospital with a primary complaint of dysphonia between January 2001 and October 2007, in order to determine their management, investigations and final diagnosis. Results: We identified 142 children. Case records were found for 137 (97 per cent). Eight-three children were male (61 per cent) and 54 female (39 per cent). Ages ranged from two months to 15 years (median 5.3 years). In 10 children (7 per cent), hoarseness was congenital, presenting as a hoarse, weak cry at birth. In 15 children (11 per cent), onset of hoarseness was related to a specific surgical procedure. The larynx was visualised by mirror alone in 23 children (17 per cent), by awake fibre-optic laryngoscopy in 27 (20 per cent) and by microlaryngoscopy-bronchoscopy under anaesthesia in 42 (31 per cent). Forty children (29 per cent) did not undergo laryngeal visualisation at any time and were diagnosed based on history alone. A further five (4 per cent) were scheduled for direct laryngoscopy but this was not performed due to resolution of symptoms. Voice abuse accounted for 62 (45 per cent) of all diagnoses. Conclusions: Childhood dysphonia accounts for a large number of referrals. There is considerable variation in how these children are managed. A more structured approach to diagnosis and investigation would be beneficial, perhaps within the setting of a dedicated paediatric voice clinic.
Assessment of solid waste management problems in college of education, Ikere - Ekiti, Ekiti State, South West Nigeria

This paper assesses the problem of solid waste management at College of Education, Ikere – Ekiti located in South West Nigeria as an institution. Since solid waste is being generated in the school, it is imperative to make sure they are properly handled in the specified way. Solid waste management is defined as the branch of solid waste Engineering associated with waste control of generation, storage, collection and transfer, transportation, processing and disposal of solid waste in a manner that is in accordance with the best principle of Public Health Economics, Engineering Conservation, aesthetics and other environmental consideration. The various problems facing the management of these solid wastes in the College were discussed and appropriate solutions were suggested.
Diffusion of Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Toward a Conceptual Framework

Existing literature is still lacking an overall descriptive model for sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) diffusion at the intraorganisation (between functions) and inter-organisation (between companies) levels. Drawing from theories of diffusion of business ideas and practices, and relying on a literature review on SSCM, our research aims at outlining diffusion mechanisms for sustainable supply chain decisions and actions. We highlight research gaps and propose research avenues to take in order to advance the theory-building process for SSCM diffusion.
Altered Gene Expression Profiles Reveal Similarities and Differences Between Parkinson Disease and Model Systems

Parkinson disease (PD) targets dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, resulting in motor disturbances such as resting tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. Pathogenic processes likely occur over several decades, in that an overwhelming percentage of neurons are already dead at the time of clinical diagnosis. For this reason, the usage of animal model systems to discover the early steps in the pathologic cascade is required. These include exposure to the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), which selectively kills dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, and genetic models incorporating mutations in the α-synuclein gene that cause disease in human patients. Through the evaluation of these models at multiple time points, it is possible to discover novel gene expression changes that may underlie disease pathogenesis. Specifically, the authors hypothesize that animal models of PD and human PD brains share a gene expression profile that signifies certain aspects of pathogenesis and/or recovery-resistance. To test this and similar hypotheses, the authors and others have utilized new microarray technology that enables the sampling of thousands of genes’ expression level in one assay. Because the technology is fairly new and results can vary depending on methods used, results must be evaluated with care. Multiple array and data-mining options can be used to make the most accurate inferences as to differentially expressed genes in each set of samples. The authors developed a fusion classifier approach whereby individual data-mining algorithms generate lists of significant genes. The lists are subsequently queried, and only genes unanimously called significant are retained for further validation. Although the authors’ approach identified hundreds of differentially expressed genes in each of three PD systems, only a few were common between the human and animal substantia nigra. These were related to dopamine phenotype, synaptic function, and the mitochondrial metabolism, implicating the presynaptic terminal as a primary site of injury. The time course of the authors’ experiments indicates that if the synaptic changes could be prevented, this may alleviate some cell death, in that these changes precede neuronal loss.
Information seeking behaviour of undergraduates in a Nigerian university

This study investigates the information seeking behaviour of undergraduates of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE). A structured questionnaire was used for data gathering in the University. The questionnaire data was analyzed using frequency, bar char, and percentage for easy interpretation. The research findings show that the respondents use goggle, print textbooks, library materials and social media as major research resources. Lack of computer skills, irregular electricity supply and lack of good search skills were found as factors affecting information seeking behaviour of the respondents. The following were recommended in line with the findings of the study: Training of students on computers skills, provision of alternative power supply as well as adequate coverage of information literacy skills in the use of library currently taught in the university. Keywords: literacy skills, information seeking behavior, users’needs
Economics of experimentally-induced territorial defence in a gregarious bird, the Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

Fieldfares wintering in eastern England have a flexible social structure ranging from highly gregarious to near-territorial according to their food supply. Feeding experiments were carried out to investigate this variability. In experiments using apples, previously-gregarious Fieldfares established large exclusive territories, of a kind hitherto unknown in this species. Territory-owners spent more time on aggression and eating experimental apples and less time hunting invertebrates than non-territorial birds did. Within the range used, apple density and distribution had little effect on feeding and territorial behaviour. Increasing intrusion by Fieldfares and Starlings reduced the amount of time which owners spent eating apples, while increasing the time which non-territorial birds spent eating them. Increasing intrusion increased agonistic behaviour time for all birds. Estimated net energy gain of territory-owners declined with increasing intrusion rate while that of non-territorial birds did not. Territories shrank and were abandoned when non-territorial birds enjoyed higher net energy gain than owners, possibly following a period of assessment of the value of defence after defence had become uneconomical. Territoriality permitted accumulation of reserves in preparation for food scarcity and was thus part of an adaptation to unpredictable, rather than stable, food supplies.
Factors Affecting Foreign Direct Investment in Thanh Hoa Province

This paper attempts to identify the main factors affecting the process of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Thanh Hoa province in Vietnam . Forty one questionnaires were s ent to foreign companies in many regions and ninety questionnaires were sent to government officials in Thanh Hoa province for observation. The survey results show that there are some factors that have been highly evaluated. Companies appreciate the value of shortening the time for investment licensing, the dynamics of provincial leaders and access to investment information and investment policies. However, many enterprises think some important factors such as compensation for land acquisition, land allocation and corruption control are not improved. Thus, these factors have negative effects on the implementation of investment projects in this province. The paper proposes some main policies that the local go vernment should implement in the coming time in order to encourage FDI to this province.
E-Waste in Transition - From Pollution to Resource

E-waste management is a serious challenge across developed, transition, and developing countries because of the consumer society and the globalization process. E-waste is a fast-growing waste stream which needs more attention of international organizations, governments, and local authorities in order to improve the current waste management practices. The book reveals the pollution side of this waste stream with critical implications on the environment and public health, and also it points out the resource side which must be further developed under the circular economy framework with respect to safety regulations. In this context, complicated patterns at the global scale emerge under legal and illegal e-waste trades. The linkages between developed and developing countries and key issues of e-waste management sector are further examined in the book
Brand Advocacy: Conceptualization and Measurement

Brand advocacy occurs when consumers who feel very passionately about a brand seek to promote it to others and defend it against its naysayers. These consumers are valuable to brands as information between consumers is more easily and rapidly shared than ever before, and as consumer distrust of brand-sponsored messages is high. As a result, brands are dependent upon their brand advocates to leverage the perceived reliability of peer recommendations to recruit new customers. However, thus far in the marketing literature, an adequate conceptualization of brand advocacy has failed to emerge. Instead, when discussed, brand advocacy is often measured using a proxy variable such as positive word-of-mouth. It is the supposition of the author that these two constructs are not synonymous and using one as a proxy for the other severely limits researchers understanding of the brand advocacy and its impact. The goal of this research is to define brand advocacy and develop a valid scale to measure it. Following Churchills (1979) paradigm for scale development, a series of four studies were undertaken to validate the new scale. The first two studies are qualitative in nature and help identify the domains of brand advocacy. Based on the results of the first study, a series of depth interviews, and the second study, an open-ended questionnaire, the following definition of brand advocacy is put forth: Brand advocacy is a combination of customer-motivated behaviors, including proactively recommending the brand and defending the brand against detractors, intended to maintain the customers relationship with the brand and promote it to others. The construct was determined to be a higher-order construct comprising two distinct sets of behaviors that address advocates need to not only defend the brand to naysayers but also to proactively spread positive brand communications to others. The third and fourth studies use quantitative data to complete the scale development process by proposing and validating a nine-item scale to measure the multi-dimensional construct of brand advocacy as well as provide evidence that it is a distinct construct from PWOM. The results of this research provide a definition and valid scale of brand advocacy.
STAT1 Signaling Is Essential for Protection against Cryptococcus neoformans Infection in Mice

Nonprotective immune responses to highly virulent Cryptococcus neoformans strains, such as H99, are associated with Th2-type cytokine production, alternatively activated macrophages, and inability of the host to clear the fungus. In contrast, experimental studies show that protective immune responses against cryptococcosis are associated with Th1-type cytokine production and classical macrophage activation. The protective response induced during C. neoformans strain H99γ (C. neoformans strain H99 engineered to produce murine IFN-γ) infection correlates with enhanced phosphorylation of the transcription factor STAT1 in macrophages; however, the role of STAT1 in protective immunity to C. neoformans is unknown. The current studies examined the effect of STAT1 deletion in murine models of protective immunity to C. neoformans. Survival and fungal burden were evaluated in wild-type and STAT1 knockout (KO) mice infected with either strain H99γ or C. neoformans strain 52D (unmodified clinical isolate). Both strains H99γ and 52D were rapidly cleared from the lungs, did not disseminate to the CNS, or cause mortality in the wild-type mice. Conversely, STAT1 KO mice infected with H99γ or 52D had significantly increased pulmonary fungal burden, CNS dissemination, and 90–100% mortality. STAT1 deletion resulted in a shift from Th1 to Th2 cytokine bias, pronounced lung inflammation, and defective classical macrophage activation. Pulmonary macrophages from STAT1 KO mice exhibited defects in NO production correlating with inefficient inhibition of fungal proliferation. These studies demonstrate that STAT1 signaling is essential not only for regulation of immune polarization but also for the classical activation of macrophages that occurs during protective anticryptococcal immune responses.