Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Update of the FL2000 randomized trial combining rituximab to CHVP-Interferon in follicular lymphoma (FL) patients (pts).

7508 Background: The GELA-GOELAMS FL2000 trial investigated the role of rituximab in the first line treatment of FL pts. METHODS This prospective randomized study compared the CHVP regimen (12 courses) +18 months α2b-IFN (CHVP-I) to 6 CHVP courses combined with 6 rituximab infusions + 18 months IFN (R-CHVP-I). The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS). Inclusion criteria consisted in untreated stage II-IV FL pts; 18-75 years old; with a high tumor burden defined by at least one of the following criteria: B symptoms, ECOG PS>1, LDH>normal value, β2-microglobulin ≥3 mg/L, largest tumor ≥7 cm, 3 distinct nodes ≥3 cm, serous effusion, compression or symptomatic spleen enlargement. RESULTS From 05/00 until 05/02, 358 eligible pts were randomized (CHVP-I 183 pts and R-CHVP-I 175 pts) with the following characteristics: M/F = 1; median age = 60 years [25-75]; ECOG > 1 = 8%; B symptoms = 27%; AA stage > II = 87%; bone marrow involvement = 58%; β2-m ≥3 mg/L = 31%; LDH > N = 37%; Hb <12 g/dL = 18%; FLIPI score ≥3 in 57% of the pts. The first analysis [ASH 2004] showed a significant better treatment response in R-CHVP-I as compared to CHVP-I and a improvement of event free survival (EFS) in the R-CHVP-I arm (Log-Rang, P = .003). As initially planned, a second analysis on all pts has now been performed with a median follow-up of 3½ years, all pts with data >01/01/05. The median EFS for the whole population has not yet been reached. In the CHVP-I arm, median EFS was 3 years and 46% of the pts are event-free at 42 months (mo.). In contrast, the median has not been reached in the R-CHVP-I arm and the EFS is 67% at 42 mo. (P < .0001). This improvement in EFS was found both in the 150 pts with a low or intermediate FLIPI score (P = .019) and in those (n = 201) with a high score (P = .0005). When considering the 230 pts responders at the end of 18 mo. of therapy, 42 mo. EFS is 62% in CHVP-I arm versus 81% in R-CHVP-I arm (P = .002). Finally, the overall survival at 42 mo. of patients in the CHVP-I arm is of 84% versus to 91% in the R-CHVP-I arm (P = .029) with a reduction of death risk by approximately 2 (RR = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that rituximab combined with CHVP-I has a durable benefit, in all FLIPI risk groups, allows to reduce the duration of chemotherapy and improves overall survival in high-tumor burden FL pts. [Table: see text].
Technical Efficiency of Resource-use among Sugarcane Farmers in the NorthEast of Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study employed stochastic frontier production function to determine the technical efficiency of sugarcane farmers in Mubi Region in the north-east of Adamawa state. The data used for the analysis were obtained through purposive and simple random sampling techniques adopted at various stages to select 160 farmers across the five Local Government Areas which constitute the region. The analysis of the results showed that the coefficients of land size, fertilizer, fuel as being significant at (p < 0.01) while seed cane was significant at ( p < 0.05). The mean efficiency of the farmers was 0.87 while the maximum and minimum were 0.97 and 0.12 respectively. The distribution of efficiency indices shows that 93,74% of the farmers operated above 70% of their maximum efficiency. This implies that opportunity exist for the farmers to increase their output by 13% to reach the frontier level which can be achieved through efficient allocation of the scarce resources with little or no cost at all. The results also revealed that both family and hired labour attributed negatively to the farmers yield which could be due to excess use of manual labour. The study recommends replacing manual labour with labour-saving technology such as tractors and simple machines such as ox-dawn plough as well as adequate extension services to the farmers.
Extracts of Ficus exasperata leaf inhibit topical and systemic inflammation in rodents and suppress LPS-induced expression of mediators of inflammation in macrophages

The leaves of Ficus exasperata are mashed and prepared as poultices that are placed on swellings, wounds, and arthritic joints to relieve swelling and pains by the Igede tribal community of Nigeria. The leaf and stalk are also squeezed and used to mitigate itching or inflammation. These claimed benefits inspired this study in which topical and systemic (acute, chronic) anti-inflammatory activities of a methanol/methylene chloride leaf extract of F. exasperata (MFE) were assessed in rodents. Effects of an aqueous leaf extract (AFE) on lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and inducible nitric oxide (iNO) were also investigated in murine bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) cultures. Treatment of rats with MFE (200 and 400 mg/kg) led to significant inhibition of acute and chronic inflammation induced by, respectively, agar and formaldehyde in the paws. Topically, pre-application of mice with MFE (5 µg/ear) also significantly inhibited (by up to 21%) ear edema induced by xylene. In vitro, pre-treatment of BMDM with 5–100 µg AFE/ml significantly inhibited IL-1β, TNFα, and iNO production in a dose-related manner. BMDM viability was not significantly affected AFE at concentrations up to 200 µg/ml. Initial studies showed that flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids were the predominant phytoconstituents in each extract. In conclusion, the results of the various investigations indicated that F. exasperata leaf extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties that could underlie the benefits associated with the folklore use of the plant. The results also show that the extracts may be acting through a suppression of mediators of inflammation, such as IL-1β, TNFα, and iNO.
Results and complications of spinal anesthesia in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

INTRODUCTION Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the treatment of choice for large kidney calculi, staghorn calculi, and calculi that are multiple or resistant to shock wave lithotripsy. In many centers, PCNL is performed under general anesthesia. However, complications under spinal anesthesia can be less frequent. We evaluated the impact of spinal anesthesia on intra-operative and postoperative outcome in patients undergoing PCNL. MATERIALS AND METHODS The intra-operative and postoperative anesthetic and surgical outcomes were evaluated in 160 consecutive patients who underwent PCNL under spinal anesthesia in the prone position. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 40.0 +/-14.3 years, and the mean operative time was 95.0 +/- 37.8 minutes. The mean calculus size was 34.2 +/- 9.8 mm. Ten patients had staghorn calculi (mean size, 4.2 +/- 1.1 cm; mean operative time, 140 +/- 40 minutes). Return of sensory and motor activity took 140.0 +/- 19.7 minutes and 121.0 +/- 23.8 minutes, respectively. During the first part of anesthesia, 18 patients developed hypotension, which was controlled by ephedrine, 10 mg, intravenously. Ten patients (6.3%) needed blood transfusion and 6 complained of mild to moderate headache, dizziness, and mild low back pain for 2 to 4 days after the operation, which improved with analgesics and bed rest. Seventy percent of the patients had complete clearance of calculus or no significant residual calculi larger than 5 mm on follow-up ultrasonography. CONCLUSION Spinal anesthesia is safe and effective for performing PCNL and is a good alternative for general anesthesia in adult patients.
Postoperative pulmonary complications: An update on risk assessment and reduction

Postoperative pulmonary complications are common, serious, and expensive. Important predictors of risk are advanced age, poor health as assessed by American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and surgery near the diaphragm. Effective strategies to reduce risk include postoperative lung expansion techniques, preoperative intensive inspiratory muscle training, postoperative thoracic epidural analgesia, selective rather than routine use of nasogastric tubes, and laparoscopic rather than open bariatric surgery.
Aldosterone excretion among subjects with resistant hypertension and symptoms of sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE The severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) correlates with the difficulty of controlling BP. The mechanism, however, by which sleep apnea contributes to the development of resistant hypertension remains obscure. Having observed a high prevalence of OSA among hypertensive subjects with primary hyperaldosteronism, we hypothesized a possible association between sleep apnea and aldosterone excretion. DESIGN In consecutive subjects referred to a university clinic for resistant hypertension, we prospectively determined plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), and 24-h urinary aldosterone excretion during high dietary salt ingestion. In addition, all subjects completed the Berlin Questionnaire, a survey designed to identify subjects at risk of having sleep apnea. Primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) was defined as a PRA < 1.0 ng/mL/h and 24-h urinary aldosterone excretion > 12 micro g during high urinary sodium excretion (> 200 mEq/24 h). RESULTS Of the 114 subjects evaluated, 72 subjects had a high probability and 42 subjects had a low probability of having sleep apnea based on their responses to the Berlin Questionnaire. Subjects at high risk for sleep apnea were almost two times more likely to have PA diagnosed (36 vs 19%, p < 0.05), tended to have lower PRA (1.2 +/- 1.8 ng/mL/h vs 1.9 +/- 4.1 ng/mL/h), and had significantly greater 24-h urinary aldosterone excretion (13.6 +/- 9.6 micro g vs 9.8 +/- 7.6 micro g, p < 0.05) compared to subjects at low risk of sleep apnea. CONCLUSION These data provide evidence of increased aldosterone excretion in subjects with resistant hypertension and symptoms of sleep apnea. While the causality of this association is unknown, it is hypothesized that sleep apnea contributes to the development of resistant hypertension by stimulating aldosterone excretion.
The Antecedents of Service Expectations

Expectations are an important element in the modelling of both service quality and customer satisfaction, through the expectation-disconfirmation paradigm. However, understanding of the way in which differing classes of expectations are formed is limited. To date, studies concerned with the antecedents of expectations have been highly exploratory and mainly qualitative in nature. Although this study is also to an extent exploratory, it advances the debate surrounding expectations by offering systematic quantitative testing of two different classes of expectations. Data were collected on service expectations for bank accounts prior to consumption, along with information on possible antecedents. Hierarchical regression analysis was then employed to interpret the data. The results showed implicit service promises are an important antecedent of both 'predictive' and 'desired' classes of expectations. In addition, explicit services promises have some influence on predictive expectations, whilst word of mouth influence desired expectations. In general, many of the posited antecedents of expectations were not significant predictors of expectation levels.
First closed-loop visible AO test results for the advanced adaptive secondary AO system for the Magellan Telescope: MagAO's performance and status

The heart of the 6.5 Magellan AO system (MagAO) is a 585 actuator adaptive secondary mirror (ASM) with <1 msec response times (0.7 ms typically). This adaptive secondary will allow low emissivity and high-contrast AO science. We fabricated a high order (561 mode) pyramid wavefront sensor (similar to that now successfully used at the Large Binocular Telescope). The relatively high actuator count (and small projected ~23 cm pitch) allows moderate Strehls to be obtained by MagAO in the “visible” (0.63-1.05 μm). To take advantage of this we have fabricated an AO CCD science camera called "VisAO". Complete “end-to-end” closed-loop lab tests of MagAO achieve a solid, broad-band, 37% Strehl (122 nm rms) at 0.76 μm (i’) with the VisAO camera in 0.8” simulated seeing (13 cm ro at V) with fast 33 mph winds and a 40 m Lo locked on R=8 mag artificial star. These relatively high visible wavelength Strehls are enabled by our powerful combination of a next generation ASM and a Pyramid WFS with 400 controlled modes and 1000 Hz sample speeds (similar to that used successfully on-sky at the LBT). Currently only the VisAO science camera is used for lab testing of MagAO, but this high level of measured performance (122 nm rms) promises even higher Strehls with our IR science cameras. On bright (R=8 mag) stars we should achieve very high Strehls (>70% at H) in the IR with the existing MagAO Clio2 (λ=1-5.3 μm) science camera/coronagraph or even higher (~98% Strehl) the Mid-IR (8-26 microns) with the existing BLINC/MIRAC4 science camera in the future. To eliminate non-common path vibrations, dispersions, and optical errors the VisAO science camera is fed by a common path advanced triplet ADC and is piggy-backed on the Pyramid WFS optical board itself. Also a high-speed shutter can be used to block periods of poor correction. The entire system passed CDR in June 2009, and we finished the closed-loop system level testing phase in December 2011. Final system acceptance (“pre-ship” review) was passed in February 2012. In May 2012 the entire AO system is was successfully shipped to Chile and fully tested/aligned. It is now in storage in the Magellan telescope clean room in anticipation of “First Light” scheduled for December 2012. An overview of the design, attributes, performance, and schedule for the Magellan AO system and its two science cameras are briefly presented here.
Simian immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein counteracts tetherin/BST-2/CD317 by intracellular sequestration

Tetherin is an IFN-inducible restriction factor that inhibits HIV-1 particle release in the absence of the HIV-1 countermeasure, viral protein U (Vpu). Although ubiquitous in HIV-1 and simian immunodeficiency viruses from chimpanzees, greater spot nosed monkeys, mustached monkeys, and Mona monkeys, other primate lentiviruses do not encode a Vpu protein. Here we demonstrate that SIV from Tantalus monkeys (SIVtan) encodes an envelope glycoprotein (SIVtan Env) able to counteract tetherin from Tantalus monkeys, rhesus monkeys, sooty mangabeys, and humans, but not from pigs. We show that sensitivity to Vpu but not SIVtan Env can be transferred with the human tetherin transmembrane region. We also identify a mutation in the tetherin extracellular domain, which almost completely abolishes sensitivity of human tetherin to SIVtan Env without compromising antiviral activity or sensitivity to Vpu. SIVtan Env expression results in a reduction of surface tetherin, as well as reduction in tetherin co-localization with mature surface-associated virus. Immuno-electron microscopy reveals co-localization of SIVtan Env with tetherin in intracellular tubulo-vesicular structures, suggesting that tetherin is sequestered away from budding virions at the cell surface. Along with HIV-1 Vpu and SIV Nef, envelope glycoprotein is the third and most broadly active lentiviral-encoded tetherin countermeasure to be described. Our observations emphasize the importance of tetherin in protecting mammals against viral infection and suggest that HIV-1 Vpu inhibitors may select active envelope mutants.
Early‐onset calorie restriction conserves fiber number in aging rat skeletal muscle

The purpose of this work was to determine the effect of early‐onset calorie restriction on sarcopenia in the aging rat. Ad libitum (AL) fed animals were examined at 5, 18, 21, and 36 months of age. Calorie‐restricted (CR) rats, 40% restricted since 4 months of age, were examined at 21 and 36 months of age. By 36 months, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and soleus muscles, from AL‐fed rats, had significant muscle mass and fiber loss, and reduced muscle cross‐sectional area. Mean fiber diameter decreased with age in the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris but not the soleus of AL‐fed rats. The number of Type I fibers significantly increased in the vastus lateralis with age. Calorie restriction did not prevent muscle mass loss with age; however, it significantly reduced muscle mass loss between 21 and 36 months of age compared with age‐ matched AL cohorts. Calorie restriction prevented fiber loss with age, and this conservation of fiber number reduced muscle mass loss with age.
Ticks and Lyme borreliosis in an alpine area in northeast Italy

A 2‐year study was conducted in a mountainous area of northeast Italy to evaluate the occurrence and distribution of ticks, as well as to assess the prevalence of the spirochaete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. All ticks collected were Ixodes ricinus L. (Parasitiformes: Ixodidae). In general, most nymphs and adult ticks were collected from April to July. Tick density was highly variable among sites; however, two areas with different infestation levels were recognized. Prevalences of B. burgdorferi s.l. in nymphal stages were rather variable between sites; overall the prevalence of infected nymphs in the whole area was slightly higher than 20%. The prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in nymphs does not seem to be correlated with nymph density. The correlation between the incidence of Lyme borreliosis (reported human cases/1000 inhabitants/year) and Borrelia prevalence in nymphs was not significant, although a significant correlation was found between borreliosis incidence and nymph density.
Multicriteria methods for resource planning: an experimental comparison

Multicriteria decision making (MCDM) methods are widely used for comparing alternatives when there are multiple objectives. For instance, utilities use them for resource bidding, externality quantification, facility siting, and resource planning. There are many alternative methods, differing in their ease of use, validity, results, and appropriateness to resource planning. Several MCDM methods are compared in an experiment involving the choice of resource portfolio for Seattle City Light. Planners and interest group representatives applied direct weight assessment, tradeoff weight assessment, additive value functions, and goal programming. Most of the participants concluded that MCDM methods could promote insight and confidence in decision making. However, the authors also confirmed the existence of method biases previously identified by psychologists. No single method emerged as best. Thus, application of two or more methods as consistency checks is recommended to guard against bias, and to stimulate insight. >
Two methods for voltage sag source location

This paper presents and compares two approaches to estimate the origin (upstream or downstream) of voltage sag registered in distribution substations. The first approach is based on the application of a single rule dealing with features extracted from the impedances during the fault whereas the second method exploit the variability of waveforms from an statistical point of view. Both approaches have been tested with voltage sags registered in distribution substations and advantages, drawbacks and comparative results are presented.
Brain Drain from Turkey: Return Intentions of Skilled Migrants

The study estimates an empirical model of return intentions using a dataset compiled from an internet survey of Turkish professionals residing abroad. In the migration literature, wage differentials are often cited as an important factor explaining skilled migration. The findings of our study suggest, however, that non-pecuniary factors, such as the importance of family and social considerations, are also influential in the return or non-return decision of the highly educated. In addition, economic instability in Turkey, prior intensions to stay abroad and work experience in Turkey also increase non-return. Female respondents also appear less likely to return indicating a more selective migration process for females.
Reinventing Institutions: Bricolage and the Social Embeddedness of Natural Resource Management

This study challenges the oversimplified way in which abstract and bureaucratic 'design principles' derived from resource management literature are translated into development policy and practice, in pursuit of robust and enduring institutions. Drawing on research in the Usangu Basin, Tanzania, it explores the socially embedded nature of institutions for common property resource management and collective action. The concept of 'institutional bricolage' is outlined; a process by which people consciously and unconsciously draw on existing social and cultural arrangements to shape institutions in response to changing situations. Contrary to much theory, this study shows that institutions formed through bricolage are a dynamic mixture of the 'modern' and 'traditional', 'formal' and 'informal'.
Bark- and Wood-Borer Colonization of Logs and Lumber After Heat Treatment to ISPM 15 Specifications: The Role of Residual Bark

ABSTRACT Wood packaging material (WPM) is a major pathway for international movement of bark- and wood-infesting insects. ISPM 15, the first international standard for treating WPM, was adopted in 2002 and first implemented in the United States in 2006. ISPM 15 allows bark to remain on WPM after treatment, raising concerns that insects could infest after treatment, especially if bark were present. We conducted field studies to evaluate insect infestation of green logs and lumber with varying amounts of bark after heat treatment. In a log study, Cerambycidae and Scolytinae (ambrosia beetles and bark beetles) readily infested and developed in logs with bark after heat treatment. In a lumber study, Cerambycidae and bark beetles laid eggs in all sizes of bark patches tested (≈25, 100, 250, and 1,000 cm2) after heat treatment but did not infest control or heat-treated lumber without bark. Cerambycidae completed development only in boards with bark patches of 1,000 cm2, whereas bark beetles completed development on patches of 100, 250, and 1,000 cm2. Survival of bark beetles was greater in square patches (10 by 10 cm) versus rectangular patches (2.5 by 40 cm) of the same surface area (100 cm2). In surveys at six U.S. ports in 2006, 9.4% of 5,945 ISPM 15-marked WPM items contained bark, and 1.2% of 563 ISPM 15-marked WPM items with bark contained live insects of quarantine significance under the bark. It was not possible to determine whether the presence of live insects represented treatment failure or infestation after treatment.
Re-Engineering Values Education in Nigerian Schools as Catalyst for National Development.

The decay in the Nigerian society has affected the standard of values and moral character formation. This has manifested in so many anti-social vices. Anti-social behaviour exhibited include corruption, dishonesty, greed, violent crimes, lack of accountability, indiscipline, disrespect to constituted authorities, laziness, low moral courage among many others. All these have constituted a serious moral problem for the Nigerian State and have constrained all sincere efforts targeted at achieving national development. This paper having reviewed the weak values system in Nigeria strongly recommend the re-reengineering of values education in Nigeria schools as catalyst for national development. It is the view of the authors that the pursuit of national development is first attitudinal and so the citizenry should be given new orientation that goes to ensure the overhauling and reconstruction of the total values system in the society for obvious national development to be guaranteed. The authors advocated as a matter of necessity the development and introduction of a national policy on values education as a references instrument which will be used as a realistic paradigm for behavioral transformation and ethical reorientation. This is one sure way of attaining national development