Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
90Y Radioembolization After Radiation Exposure from Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy

Previous radiation therapy of the liver is a contraindication for performing 90Y microsphere radioembolization, and its safety after internal radiation exposure through peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has not yet been investigated. Methods: We retrospectively assessed a consecutive cohort of 23 neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients with liver-dominant metastatic disease undergoing radioembolization with 90Y microspheres as a salvage therapy after failed PRRT. Toxicity was recorded throughout follow-up and reported according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 3). Radiologic (response evaluation criteria in solid tumors), biochemical, and symptomatic responses were investigated at 3 mo after treatment, and survival analyses were performed with the Kaplan–Meier method (log-rank test, P < 0.05). Results: The median follow-up period after radioembolization was 38 mo (95% confidence interval, 18–58 mo). The mean previous cumulative activity of 177Lu-DOTA-octreotate was 31.8 GBq. The mean cumulative treatment activity of 90Y microspheres was 3.4 ± 2.1 GBq, administered to the whole liver in a single session (n = 8 patients), in a sequential lobar fashion (n = 10 patients), or to only 1 liver lobe (n = 5 patients). Only transient, mostly minor liver toxicity (no grade 4) was recorded. One patient (4.3%) developed a gastroduodenal ulcer (grade 2). The overall response rates for radiologic, biochemical, and symptomatic responses were 30.4%, 53.8%, and 80%, respectively. The median overall survival was 29 mo (95% confidence interval, 4–54 mo) from the first radioembolization session and 54 mo (95% confidence interval, 47–61 mo) from the first PRRT cycle. A tumor proliferation index Ki-67 greater than 5% predicted shorter survival (P = 0.007). Conclusion: Radioembolization is a safe and effective salvage treatment option in advanced NET patients with liver-dominant tumor burden who failed or reprogressed after PRRT. The lack of relevant liver toxicity despite high applied 90Y activities and considerable previous cumulative activities of 177Lu-octreotate is noteworthy and disputes internal radiation exposure by PRRT as a toxicity risk factor in subsequent radioembolization.
Iron metabolism in Parkinsonian syndromes

Growing evidence suggests an involvement of iron in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Several of the diseases are associated with parkinsonian syndromes, induced by degeneration of basal ganglia regions that contain the highest amount of iron within the brain. The group of neurodegenerative disorders associated with parkinsonian syndromes with increased brain iron content can be devided into two groups: (1) parkinsonian syndromes associated with brain iron accumulation, including Parkinson's disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, parkinsonian type of multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal ganglionic degeneration, and Westphal variant of Huntington's disease; and (2) monogenetically caused disturbances of brain iron metabolism associated with parkinsonian syndromes, including aceruloplasminemia, hereditary ferritinopathies affecting the basal ganglia, and panthotenate kinase associated neurodegeneration type 2. Although it is still a matter of debate whether iron accumulation is a primary cause or secondary event in the first group, there is no doubt that iron‐induced oxidative stress contributes to neurodegeneration. Parallels concerning pathophysiological as well as clinical aspects can be drawn between disorders of both groups. Results from animal models and reduction of iron overload combined with at least partial relief of symptoms by application of iron chelators in patients of the second group give hope that targeting the iron overload might be one possibility to slow down the neurodegenerative cascade also in the first group of inevitably progressive neurodegenerative disorders. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Primary stability measurements of single implants in the midline of the edentulous mandible for overdentures.

OBJECTIVES To determine the primary stability of the Southern wide diameter (8 mm) implants, Neoss regular diameter (4 mm) implants, and Southern regular diameter (3.75 mm) implants placed in the midline of edentulous mandibles for single-implant overdentures. Variables related to host site and implant characteristics were investigated to determine their influence on the primary stability of the implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 36 implants were placed in the midline symphysis of the edentulous mandibles of 36 participants. Their primary stability was then measured using the magnetic Osstell mentor device. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean implant stability quotient (ISQ) scores with one-way ANOVA for multiple comparisons. RESULTS The highest measurement (ISQ) of primary stability was for the Southern 8 mm wide diameter implants (84.8, SD 9.8), followed by the Neoss 4 mm regular diameter (82.3, SD 4.8) implants and the Southern 3.75 mm regular diameter implants (75.3, SD 8.4), respectively. The Southern 3.75 mm regular diameter implants had a significantly lower mean ISQ value than the same system 8 mm wide diameter (P=0.004) and the Neoss 4 mm regular diameter implants (P=0.03). No significant differences were observed between the 8 mm and the 4 mm diameter implants (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Host-site variables such as age, gender, bone volume, and quality do not appear to influence the primary stability of the implants. No clear correlation was established between ISQ values and implant diameter.
The relationship between central visual field sensitivity and macular ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer thickness in glaucoma

Aims To explore the correlation of local macular ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (GC/IPL) thickness measurements with sensitivity at individual test locations on the central 10-2 visual fields (VFs) in patients with glaucoma. Methods One hundred thirty-seven eyes of 125 patients with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and 10-2 VFs were included. The exported thickness matrices (200×200) of GC/IPL measurements were centred on the fovea. Total deviation values at each test location were correlated with the 20 000 GC/IPL thickness measurements in the corresponding inferior or superior hemiretina, and areas of highest correlation were plotted. Macular structure–function relationships were also examined between six wedge-shaped GC/IPL sectors and the corresponding VF clusters. A multivariate model was built to identify the 10-2 VF test locations associated with each GC/IPL sector thickness. Results Average mean deviation on 10-2 VFs was −9.2±6.1 dB. The 10-2 VF test points demonstrated correlations with GC/IPL thickness in localised arcuate patterns mostly limited within the central 4.8×4.0 mm measurement ellipse (ρ=0.43–0.74, p<0.05 for all). Twenty-one test points of the 10-2 VF were the best predictors of sectoral GC/IPL thickness. Sectoral VF-OCT correlations were high (ρ=0.53–0.66, p<0.001) and did not significantly change after adjusting for retinal GC displacement (p>0.05). Conclusions Macular OCT/VF relationships have localised arcuate characteristics in the central region of the macula. Given the overlapping nature of structure–function relationships, a smaller number of VF test locations may be used to summarise macular functional damage. Trial registration number NCT01742819.
The Inclusion of children with Down’s syndrome in mainstream primary schools in Saudi Arabia: understanding the perspective of school principals

The inclusion of children with Down’s syndrome in Saudi Arabian schools is in a state of stress and confusion. School leaders have a critical role in improving inclusion, and they are also well placed to understand the challenges of their own schools. This research explores the perspectives of school principals on the inclusion of pupils with Down’s syndrome in mainstream Saudi schools and factors that affect it. This study consists of a qualitative study of inclusive schools (both government and ARAMCO) in the Eastern Province. Three methods were employed for data collection: interviews with a purposive sample of principals from 20 inclusive schools, the analysis of five government documents, and participant observation in five schools. The principals lacked knowledge about inclusion-associated policy, particularly regarding children with Down’s syndrome, which influenced their perspectives and had an impact on the strategies they adopted regarding inclusive learning for children with Down’s syndrome in their schools. Principals from government schools also reported unsuitability of school buildings and lack of funding for improvements, whereas ARAMCO school buildings were better designed for inclusion. For both types of schools, additional limiting factors included the profundity of the learning difficulties of children with Down’s syndrome and the training required by principals. Recommendations are also made regarding infrastructure, apparatus and resources that aid inclusion, and for measures to foster community awareness and leadership training. Collectively, it is hoped that this will result in the fruitful inclusion of children with Down’s syndrome within education and society in Saudi Arabia.
Food security in political discourse of the Common Agricultural Policy

The aim of the article is to show how the term food security evolved in the political discourse of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and how it was interpreted by actors of the decision-making process to achieve the objectives pursued. For this purpose the critical discourse analysis is used. It can be concluded that soft skills, the ability to use words are increasingly important in politics. Politicians use specific types of organisations and institutions to make ideological beliefs and discourses – they need to achieve their objectives – come true. The message, which is read in a specific way to produce very specific reactions, is thus manipulated through the media and other ideological apparatuses. The evolution of theoretical concepts in the political discourse of the CAP presented in the article indicates a high dependence on path dependency. The neo-mercantilist approach to agriculture has been present from the beginning of its existence. The concepts of multifunctionality and neo-liberalism were promoted as a result of pressure from existing external and internal conditions, but they were always to legitimise maintaining high agricultural funding from the EU budget. The food crisis of 2007–2008 and food security became a fundamental elements of the political agenda, which allowed for the return of neo-productivism, in order to defend agricultural subsidies and continue the role of the state in their maintenance.
IL‐4 and IL‐13 induce protection from complement and melittin in endothelial cells despite initial loss of cytoplasmic proteins: membrane resealing impairs quantifying cytotoxicity with the lactate dehydrogenase permeability assay

Endothelial cell activation and injury by the terminal pathway of complement is important in various pathobiological processes, including xenograft rejection. Protection against injury by human complement can be induced in porcine endothelial cells (ECs) with IL‐4 and IL‐13 through metabolic activation. However, despite this resistance, the complement‐treated ECs were found to lose membrane permeability control assessed with the small molecule calcein. Therefore, to define the apparent discrepancy of permeability changes vis‐à‐vis the protection from killing, we now investigated whether IL‐4 and IL‐13 influence the release of the large cytoplasmic protein lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in ECs incubated with complement or the pore‐forming protein melittin. Primary cultures of ECs were pre‐treated with IL‐4 or IL‐13 and then incubated with human serum as source of antibody and complement or melittin. Cell death was assessed using neutral red. Membrane permeability was quantitated measuring LDH release. We found that IL‐4‐/IL‐13‐induced protection of ECs from killing by complement or melittin despite loss of LDH in amounts similar to control ECs. However, the cytokine‐treated ECs that were protected from killing rapidly regained effective control of membrane permeability. Moreover, the viability of the protected ECs was maintained for at least 2 days. We conclude that the protection induced by IL‐4/IL‐13 in ECs against lethal attack by complement or melittin is effective and durable despite severe initial impairment of membrane permeability. The metabolic changes responsible for protection allow the cells to repair the membrane injury caused by complement or melittin.
Spend or Save? Nonprofits’ Use of Donations and Other Revenues

Panel regression methods are used to estimate the links between nonprofits’ revenues by source and the uses of those revenues. While charities spend most types of revenue on program services, they overwhelmingly save revenue from donations. This is true for all types of charity by National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities code. This saving is not driven by donor restrictions or by short-term strategic shifts but is consistent with expense smoothing over time. Policy makers should consider effects of donation incentives and government grants on the timing of outputs that result from different revenue sources.
Hybrid Health: An Analysis of a Foundations Curriculum Personal Health Course.

Hybrid courses are becoming increasingly common at the university level. With this type of course comes questions about the effectiveness of each method of instruction (faceto-face and online) when used concurrently. The available literature supports a hybrid format for many university subjects; however, research in this area with a personal health course is lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a significant difference in knowledge gained through each method of instruction experienced by students in a foundations curriculum personal health course. The hybrid design of the course in this study allowed for analysis between face-to-face and online instruction within the same group of students. Results from a two-way ANOVA show no statistically significant difference between knowledge gained through each method of instruction. The findings support the use of a hybrid format in personal health courses and future studies to determine what makes these hybrid health courses most effective.
Patterns of recruitment into acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) 15 and outcome for young patients with AML at a single referral centre

This study assessed the recruitment to an acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) trial (AML15) in a single centre, evaluated whether outcome was influenced by trial entry and whether the trial population could be considered representative of all AML patients by retrospective comparison of patient characteristics, trial entry and outcome for 81 consecutive patients (<60 years). All patients were considered for trial entry, however the trial was not offered to 12 (15%) patients. These patients had a worse outcome than the 69 (85%) patients that were invited to participate (P = 0·04). Sixteen patients (23%) invited to participate in the trial declined and were treated on equivalent protocols. These patients had a similar outcome to those who accepted entry into the trial (P = 0·2). These results suggested that physicians exert a selection bias when evaluating patients for trial entry. Thus the overall survival estimates generated from large phase III trials may indicate that the outcome for patients with AML is better than the outcome experienced in the ‘real’ world. Furthermore, patients who are considered appropriate for randomization into a trial, but decline entry, experience a similar outcome to those treated on trial when treated in an equivalent manner.
Ex Vivo Cytokine and Memory T Cell Responses to the 42-kDa Fragment of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein-1 in Vaccinated Volunteers1

A number of blood-stage malaria Ags are under development as vaccine candidates, but knowledge of the cellular responses to these vaccines in humans is limited. We evaluated the nature and specificity of cellular responses in healthy American volunteers vaccinated with a portion of the major merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP1) of Plasmodium falciparum, MSP142, formulated on Alhydrogel. Volunteers were vaccinated three times with 80 μg of either MSP142-FVO/Alhydrogel or MSP142-3D7/Alhydrogel. Cells collected 2 wk after the third vaccination produced Th1 cytokines, including IFN-γ and IL-2 following Ag stimulation, and greater levels of the Th2 cytokines IL-5 and IL-13; the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and the molecule CD25 (IL-2Rα) were also detected. The volunteers were evaluated for the MSP142–FVO or MSP142-3D7 specificity of their T cell responses. Comparison of their responses to homologous and heterologous Ags showed ex vivo IFN-γ and IL-5 levels that were significantly higher to homologous rather than to heterologous Ags. The epitopes involved in this stimulation were shown to be present in the dimorphic MSP133 portion of the larger MSP142-3D7 polypeptide, and indirect experiment suggests the same for the MSP142–FVO polypeptide. This contrasts with B cell responses, which were primarily directed to the conserved MSP119 portion. Furthermore, we explored the maturation of memory T cells and found that 46% of vaccinees showed specific memory T cells defined as CD4+CD45RO+CD40L+ after long-term in vitro culture. The identification of human-specific CD4+ memory T cells provides the foundation for future studies of these cells both after vaccination and in field studies.
Time Series Analysis among Tourism, Financial Development, FDI and Economic Growth in Jordan

This study investigates the relationships among tourism, financial development, FDI inflows and economic growth in Jordan for the (1985-2016) period. The current paper has used bounds testing approach to confirm the relationship among the study variables. Multivariate Granger causality test is used to determine the directions of causality between the study variables. The results confirmed that there is evidenced of relationships among tourism, financial development, FDI inflows and economic growth. Also, the multivariate Granger causality test confirmed deferent directions of causal among the study variables.
High prevalence of low bone mineral density in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients: bone histomorphometric analysis.

UNLABELLED Chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in pre-dialysis and dialysis patients. A few studies have used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to assess BMD in pre-dialysis CKD patients and have shown low BMD to be highly prevalent. Until now there have been no studies reporting the histological features of low BMD in pre-dialysis CKD patients. AIM To determine the prevalence and histological features of low BMD in pre-dialysis CKD patients. METHOD Pre-dialysis CKD patients (n = 103, 46 females/57 males), median creatinine clearance of 29 (10 - 78) ml/min/ 1.73 m2, were evaluated using biochemical analysis and DEXA. Bone biopsies were obtained from those with low BMD. RESULTS Fifty (48.5%) out of the 103 patients had low BMD (LBD group) and 53 (51.5%) had normal BMD (NBD group). The risk for low BMD was increased in those patients with alkaline phosphatase levels above 190 U/l and intact-PTH (iPTH) below 70 pg/ml (p < 0.05). Demographic and biochemical parameters from both groups were comparable, except for lower body mass index (BMI) in LBD subjects (p = 0.04). Women who had been post-menopausal for at least 1 year comprised 65% (13/20) and 50% (13/26) of the LBD and NBD groups, respectively (p = NS). In 40 LBD patients, bone histomorphometry revealed adynamic bone disease (ABD, 52.5%), osteomalacia (OM, 42.5%) and mixed bone disease (MBD, 5%). Trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) was lower in ABD and OM patients. A nearly significant association was found between ABD and iPTH < or = 150 pg/ml (p = 0.056), whereas higher values of iPTH were associated with OM. Total alkaline phosphatase < or = 190 U/l was significantly associated with ABD, whereas higher values were associated with OM. No correlation was observed between BV/TV and BMD. CONCLUSION Low BMD is frequent in pre-dialysis CKD patients, and low turnover bone disease, manifesting as ABD and OM, was the hallmark of this bone loss.
Physiological mechanisms of lysophosphatidylcholine‐induced de‐ramification of murine microglia

Activation of microglial cells, the resident macrophages of the brain, occurs rapidly following brain injury. De‐ramification, i.e. transformation from ramified into amoeboid morphology is one of the earliest manifestations of microglial activation. In the present study, we identified the physiological mechanisms underlying microglial de‐ramification induced by lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). Patch‐clamp experiments revealed activation of non‐selective cation currents and Ca2+‐dependent K+ currents by extracellular LPC. LPC‐activated non‐selective cation channels were permeable for monovalent and divalent cations. They were inhibited by Gd3+, La3+, Zn2+ and Grammostola spatulata venom, but were unaffected by diltiazem, LOE908MS, amiloride and DIDS. Ca2+ influx through non‐selective cation channels caused sustained increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. These Ca2+ increases were sufficient to elicit charybdotoxin‐sensitive Ca2+‐dependent K+ currents. However, increased [Ca2+]i was not required for LPC‐induced morphological changes. In LPC‐stimulated microglial cells, non‐selective cation currents caused transient membrane depolarization, which was followed by sustained membrane hyperpolarization induced by Ca2+‐dependent K+ currents. Furthermore, LPC elicited K+ efflux by stimulating electroneutral K+–Cl− cotransporters, which were inhibited by furosemide and DIOA. LPC‐induced microglial de‐ramification was prevented by simultaneous inhibition of non‐selective cation channels and K+–Cl− cotransporters, suggesting their functional importance for microglial activation.
Variations in the Microcystin Content of Different Fish Species Collected from a Eutrophic Lake

Microcystins produced from cyanobacteria can accumulate in fish tissues. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is an attractive alternative to immunoassays for the determination of low concentrations of microcystins in tissues. Fish taken from Grand Lake St. Marys, a eutrophic lake in Ohio, USA, were analyzed for microcystin-LR in their fillets using LC-MS/MS. Of 129 fish tested for microcystins, only black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) tested positive for microcystin-LR. Less than 10% of Pomoxis and 7% of Cyprinus samples contained measurable levels of microcystin-LR. Statistical analysis yielded a p-value of 0.07 between Pomoxis and the pooled results of the other four fish species. However, this comparison was complicated by the large difference in sample size between species. Further sampling in Grand Lake St. Marys for microcystin-LR would help determine if microcystin-LR exposure occurs through foodweb transfer.