Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between toxicity and obesity in women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: results from cancer and leukemia group B study 8541.

PURPOSE We examined data from a large clinical trial to determine if chemotherapy dosing according to actual body weight places obese patients at greater risk of toxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) study 8541, a randomized study of schedule and dose of adjuvant cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil (CAF) for stage II breast cancer patients with positive regional lymph nodes, provided data on 1,435 women for analysis. Using body-mass index (BMI), we classified a woman as obese if her BMI was > or = 27.3 kg/m2; doses were considered weight-based if within 5% of values calculated using actual weight. Our primary analysis concerned toxicity risks during cycle 1. RESULTS Among women who received weight-based doses of the most dose-intensive CAF regimen, 47% of obese and 51% of nonobese women experienced severe hematologic toxicity (grade > or = 3) during cycle 1 (P = .51, two-tailed). The overall risk ratio (obese v nonobese) of treatment failure among women who received weight-based doses during cycle 1 was 1.02 (95% confidence interval, 0.83 to 1.26), stratified by treatment and adjusted for number of positive nodes, menopausal status, hormone receptor status, and tumor size. The overall adjusted failure risk ratio (weight-based v reduced initial doses) was 0.73 (95% confidence interval, 0.53 to 1.00) among obese women. CONCLUSION Obese patients initially dosed (within 5%) by actual weight did not experience excess cycle 1 toxicity or worse outcome compared with nonobese women dosed similarly. The data suggest that obese women who received reduced doses in cycle 1 experienced worse failure-free survival. We recommend that initial doses of CAF be computed according to actual body weight.
Spinal Pretreatment with Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides against Exon-1, -4, or -8 of μ-Opioid Receptor Clone Leads to Differential Loss of Spinal Endomorphin-1-and Endomorphin-2-Induced Antinociception in the Mouse

Intrathecal (i.t.) pretreatments with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS ODNs) against exon-1, -4, or -8 of μ-opioid receptor clone (MOR-1) to knockdown different variants of MOR-1 on the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1, enomorphin-2, or [d-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) given i.t. were investigated in male CD-1 mice. The antinociception was measured with the tail-flick test. AS ODNs against exon-1 (5 μg) given i.t. once daily for 3 days attenuated the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 with the dose-response curves shifted to the right by 4.5- and 5.3-fold, respectively. AS ODNs against exon-4 (5 μg) attenuated the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 with the dose-response curves shifted to the right by 2.4- and 5.3-fold, respectively. However, AS ODNs against exon-8 (5 μg) attenuated only the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1, but not endomorphin-2 with the dose-response curves shifted to the right by 3.9- and 1.3-fold, respectively. One more day of pretreatment with antisense probes failed to further reduce the antinociception. The antinociception induced by DAMGO was attenuated by i.t. pretreatment with AS ODNs directed against exon-1, and, to a lesser extent, by AS ODNs directed against exon-8. The mismatch AS ODNs against respective exon-1, -4, and -8 failed to exert significant effects. The selective actions of antisense probes directed against different exons of the MOR-1 in attenuating the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, and DAMGO suggest that multiple splice variants of the MOR-1 exist and support the view that different subtypes of μ-opioid receptors are involved in antinociception induced by endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, and DAMGO.
What Do Consumers Consider Before They Choose ? Evidence from Asymmetric Demand Responses ∗

Discrete choice models which relax the assumption that consumers consider all available options are known as consideration set models. The applied literature on consideration sets relies for identification on either auxiliary data on what options were considered or on instruments assumed to impact consideration probabilities or utility but not both. We show that a broad class of consideration set models – including all we are aware of in the applied literature – are identified without these assumptions from asymmetries in how choice probabilities respond to the characteristics of rival goods (the discrete choice analogue of Slutsky symmetry). Our identification proof constructively recovers how consideration probabilities vary with observables from these asymmetries. We show in hotel choice data from Expedia that the model determines that the randomly assigned ordering of hotels in search impacts attention and not utility and that bounds implied by the model predict the benefits of informative advertising. We replicate an earlier finding that health plan choices are more sensitive to characteristics of the plan chosen last year than rival goods and show that this implies that observed inertia is largely driven by inattention.
Patterns of mammalian diversification in recent evolutionary times: global tendencies and methodological issues

Changes in diversification patterns estimated from phylogenetic trees are an important source of information about the dynamics of evolution. To study the diversification of mammals, we reconstructed phylogenetic trees of 29 families and fitted both constant‐rate and variable‐rate models of diversification. In addition, we investigated the effect of clock models and phylogenetic reconstruction problems on diversification analyses. We observed, first, that none of the families increased its diversification rate during the last few million years, including the Pleistocene. Furthermore, we detected a decrease in diversification that, after application of different tests, was significant only for a minority of families. However, when diversification variation was analysed in a combined tree of all families, a global decline in diversification became significant. Therefore, although distorted by some methodological artefacts, we found an underlying signal of gradually decreasing diversification that suggests that ecological factors may have shaped the recent diversification of mammals.
Subcellular localization of cadmium in the root cells of Allium cepa by electron energy loss spectroscopy and cytochemistry

The ultrastructural investigation of the root cells of Allium cepa L. exposed to 1 mM and 10 mM cadmium (Cd) for 48 and 72 h was carried out. The results indicated that Cd induced several obvious ultrastructural changes such as increased vacuolation, condensed cytoplasm with increased density of the matrix, reduction of mitochondrial cristae, severe plasmolysis and highly condensed nuclear chromatin. Electron dense granules appeared between the cell wall and plasmalemma. In vacuoles, electron dense granules encircled by the membrane were aggregated and formed into larger precipitates, which increase in number and volume as a consequence of excessive Cd exposure. Data from electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) confirmed that these granules contained Cd and showed that significantly higher level of Cd in vacuoles existed in the vacuolar precipitates of meristematic or cortical parenchyma cells of the differentiating and mature roots treated with 1 mM and 10 mM Cd. High levels of Cd were also observed in the crowded electron dense granules of nucleoli. However, no Cd was found in cell walls or in cells of the vascular cylinder. A positive Gomori-Swift reaction showed that small metallic silver grains were abundantly localized in the vesicles, which were distributed in the cytoplasm along the cell wall.
Pediatric Crohn's disease: risk factors for postoperative recurrence

OBJECTIVE:Postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease in adults has been extensively studied; however, the course of Crohn's disease after surgery in children has not been well defined. The aim of this study was to examine the postoperative course of pediatric Crohn's disease and the factors that may predict early postoperative recurrence.METHODS:We identified 100 resective surgeries in 79 children with Crohn's disease seen at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia between 1978 and 1996. A retrospective, multivariable analysis of factors potentially influencing postoperative clinical recurrence was performed. Preoperative and postoperative height measurements were compared, and z scores were computed for height-for-age. Two-tailed t test was used for the analysis.RESULTS:Clinical recurrence rates were 17% at 1 yr, 38% at 3 yr, and 60% at 5 yr. Patients with colonic Crohn's disease had a significantly shorter postoperative recurrence-free interval (median 1.2 yr) than patients with ileocecal (median 4.4 yr) or diffuse disease (median 3.0 yr) (p = 0.01). On multivariable analysis, a high Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index at the time of surgery (p = 0.01) and preoperative use of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) (p < 0.005) were also independently associated with higher postoperative recurrence rates. There was a significant improvement in z scores for height (p = 0.04) after surgery.CONCLUSIONS:In children undergoing resective surgery for Crohn's disease, high rates of postoperative Crohn's disease recurrence are associated with severe disease at the time of surgery, colonic Crohn's disease, and the preoperative use of 6-MP. Patients who require preoperative use of 6-MP are likely to suffer from a more aggressive disease and would benefit from postoperative 6-MP prophylaxis. Height growth was improved after intestinal resection for Crohn's disease.
A Gender Gap in Autoimmunity

There are many differences between men and women in their susceptibility to particular autoimmune diseases, the characteristics of the disease at onset, and disease severity. In a Perspective in this issue, Caroline Whitacre and her fellow members of the Task Force on Gender, Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmunity explain what we currently know about gender differences in autoimmunity and discuss priorities for future research.
Teachers with Learning Disabilities

The purpose of this qualitative multicase study was to explore the perceptions of individuals who could speak from both sides of the special education desk—as students and as teachers. The three participants for this study each received special education services for learning disabilities while in school and were currently teaching students with learning disabilities. Specifically the study focused on how participants' past experiences with receiving special education services influenced their current practice as special education teachers. Participants' views on service delivery models, the importance of teacher expectations, and the value of conceiving a learning disability as a tool rather than a deficit are discussed.
Effect of kindness-based meditation on health and well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Kindness-based meditation (KBM) is a rubric covering meditation techniques developed to elicit kindness in a conscious way. Some techniques, for example, loving-kindness meditation and compassion meditation, have been included in programs aimed at improving health and well-being. Our aim was to systematically review and meta-analyze the evidence available from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of KBM on health and well-being against passive and active control groups in patients and the general population. METHOD Searches were completed in March 2013. Two reviewers applied predetermined eligibility criteria (RCTs, peer-reviewed publications, theses or conference proceedings, adult participants, KBM interventions) and extracted the data. Meta-analyses used random-effects models. RESULTS Twenty-two studies were included. KBM was moderately effective in decreasing self-reported depression (standard mean difference [Hedges's g] = -0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-1.08, -0.14]) and increasing mindfulness (Hedges's g = 0.63, 95% CI [0.22, 1.05]), compassion (Hedges's g = 0.61, 95% CI [0.24, 0.99]) and self-compassion (Hedges's g = 0.45, 95% CI [0.15, 0.75]) against passive controls. Positive emotions were increased (Hedges's g = 0.42, 95% CI [0.10, 0.75]) against progressive relaxation. Exposure to KBM may initially be challenging for some people. RESULTS were inconclusive for some outcomes, in particular against active controls. The methodological quality of the reports was low to moderate. RESULTS suffered from imprecision due to wide CIs deriving from small studies. CONCLUSIONS KBM showed evidence of benefits for the health of individuals and communities through its effects on well-being and social interaction. Further research including well-conducted large RCTs is warranted.
Lamotrigine as an augmentation agent in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: a case report

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common, often chronic and disabling disorder with high rates of partial and/or absent response to standard, recommended treatments. We report a case of treatment-resistant OCD that was successfully treated with a pharmacological augmentation of lamotrigine plus clomipramine. The patient, a 59-year-old woman, was on a stable dose of clomipramine (225 mg/day) when she was started on lamotrigine (up to 150 mg/day). After 10 weeks of this treatment, her clinical condition remarkably improved, as indicated by a significant decrease of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. This case suggests some preliminary evidence that the addition of glutamatergic agent lamotrigine may be useful in treatment-resistant OCD. However, further controlled studies are needed to support this finding.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 and Diabetes

This special issue was focused on the role and the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in type 2 diabetes. This gastrointestinal hormone, which is mainly secreted after meals, enhances glucose-stimulated insulin release and inhibits food intake. The response of circulating active GLP-1 concentrations after a standard meal, as well as after an oral glucose load, has been reported to be reduced in type 2 diabetic patients in comparison with healthy subjects. Available data suggest that GLP-1 plays a relevant role in the regulation of postprandial glucose metabolism in physiologic conditions. Furthermore, the impairment of GLP-1 secretion after meals could contribute to the pathogenesis of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. Several new drugs act through the GLP-1 signaling system to stimulate insulin release and regulate blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. This special issue includes 8 articles: three mechanistic studies and five reviews and meta-analyses, exploring the putative favourable effects of the incretins on beta-cell function and mass and on gastrointestinal motor function. The reviews and meta-analyses are focused on the promising beneficial extraglycaemic effects of the incretin-based therapy, including those on central nervous system (cognitive impairment) and cardiovascular risk. Last but not least, an interesting and intriguing review on gene therapy using expression vectors of GLP-1 and other incretin mimetics in the salivary gland for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) is presented. Matteo Monami
Estimation of reliability in a three‐factor model

Reliability measures have been well studied over many years. Such measures have been thoroughly studied for two‐factor models. Motivated by a medical research problem, point and confidence interval estimates of the intraclass correlation coefficient are extended to models containing three crossed random factors—subjects, raters, and occasions. The estimation is conducted using both analysis of variance and Monte Carlo Markov chain methods. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exercise and well-being

In einer Zeit der wachsenden Anforderungen an jeden einzelnen von uns entsteht das Bedurfnis nach Ausgleich. Ein Ausgleich, der uns einerseits hilft mit dem Stress des alltaglichen Lebens umzugehen und andererseits uns davor bewahrt zu erkranken. Stress ist in der heutigen Zeit einer der tragenden Ausloser fur Krankheit und korperlichen Verfall. Um diesem entgegen zu wirken werden verschiedenste Methoden angewandt, die oft auserhalb des westlichen Medizinsystems liegen, da dieses sich mehr mit der Behandlung von Symptomen beschaftigt als der Pravention von Krankheit. Die so genannten ‘funf Tibeter’ sind eine Form des Ausgleichs. Eine Ubungsabfolge, die einmal richtig erlernt die Praktizierenden zu ihrer Mitte bringt, wodurch sie gefestigt und resistenter gegen Stress werden. Zusatzlich beschreiben die Ausubenden die Effekte der Ubungen als Energie bringend, beruhigend und das Korperempfinden starkend. Die Geschichte der ‘funf Tibeter’ ist sehr jung. Im Jahr 1939 kam Peter Kelders erste Version The Eye of Revelation heraus, die jedoch erst Jahre spater (1989) zum ersten Mal ins deutsche ubersetzt und erweitert wurde. Laut Buch stammen die Ubungen aus Tibet, die Recherche ergab allerdings, dass diese Ubungen in Tibet unbekannt sind. So werden die Ubungen aufgrund ihrer verbluffenden Ahnlichkeit mit Yoga-Ubungen gleichgesetzt. Ein weiteres Mysterium bildet der Autor selbst, dessen wahre Identitat nicht eruierbar ist. Nichtsdestoweniger finden die Ubungen grosen Anklang und die Frage nach dem Ursprung scheint irrelevant fur die Praktizierenden. Genauso wie der Anspruch der ‘Tibeter’, verjungend zu wirken, zu dem die Praktizierenden verschiedene Ansichten hatten. Deren pragmatische Aneignung zeigt einerseits die Flexibilitat des Systems und andererseits die Unbedeutsamkeit von gesichertem Wissen. Diese Arbeit beschaftigt sich mit der Art und Weise wie die Praktizierenden sich die Ubungen zu eigen machen und unterschiedlich ausfuhren. Nicht von der korperlichen Ausfuhrung her, sondern in Bezug auf zum Beispiel Zeitpunkt und Anzahl der Wiederholungen; ob auch die zwei weiteren Ubungen (sechster und siebter ‘Tibeter’) praktiziert werden, oder ob sie auch zusatzliche Praktiken, wie die Verwendung von Affirmationen wahrend des Ubens, oder die Ausweitung auf eine bestimmte Ernahrung, zur Unterstutzung der Praxis angewandt werden. Des Weiteren wurde auch versucht die Erfahrungen der Praktizierenden einzufangen, welche Auswirkungen im Einzelnen die Praxis auf jeden hat. Hier zeigte sich wie schwierig es ist korperliches Empfinden zu artikulieren und etwas zu beschreiben das nahezu nicht zu beschreiben ist. Wie es oft auch im Yoga heist, scheint es, dass gewisse Dinge nicht verstanden werden konnen, noch konkret ausdruckbar sind, allerdings in der Praxis erfahrbar gemacht werden konnen.
A wafer mapping technique for residual stress in surface micromachined films

The design of MEMS devices employing movable structures is crucially dependant on the mechanical behaviour of the deposited materials. It is therefore important to be able to fully characterize the micromachined films and predict with confidence the mechanical properties of patterned structures. This paper presents a characterization technique that enables the residual stress in MEMS films to be mapped at the wafer level by using microstructures released by surface micromachining. These dedicated MEMS test structures and the associated measurement techniques are used to extract localized information on the strain and Young’s modulus of the film under investigation. The residual stress is then determined by numerically coupling this data with a finite element analysis of the structure. This paper illustrates the measurement routine and demonstrates it with a case study using electrochemically deposited alloys of nickel and iron, particularly prone to develop high levels of residual stress. The results show that the technique enables wafer mapping of film non-uniformities and identifies wafer-to-wafer differences. A comparison between the results obtained from the mapping technique and conventional wafer bow measurements highlights the benefits of using a procedure tailored to films that are non-uniform, patterned and surface-micromachined, as opposed to simple standard stress extraction methods. The presented technique reveals detailed information that is generally unexplored when using conventional stress extraction methods such as wafer bow measurements.
Commentary: Life course epidemiology embraces geroscience.

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Action of peracetic acid on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in suspension or settled on stainless steel surfaces

The efficiency of a commercial peracetic acid sanitizer on destruction of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was evaluated using two distinct methods. The first method is the AOAC suspension test and the second is a method proposed by one of the authors in which the microbial cells are settled on a stainless steel surface and then treated with the sanitizer. The results showed that when in suspension S. aureus was more resistant to the sanitizer than E. coli. When S. aureus was settled on the stainless steel surface, the contact time between the sanitizer and the microorganisms to attain a 6.5 log reduction in the number of viable cells was three times greater than when the cells were in suspension.