Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Piroxicam, indomethacin and aspirin action on a murine fibrosarcoma. Effects on tumour‐associated and peritoneal macrophages

Growth of a methylcholanthrene‐induced fibrosarcoma in BALB/c mice was accompanied by an increase in the activation state of tumour‐associated macrophages (TAM). as measured by their FclgG receptor expression, phagocytic index and β‐glucuronidase levels. All of these parameters were markedly higher in TAM than in peritoneal macrophages (PM) derived from the same animal. On the other hand, PM from tumour‐bearing mice showed lower activation parameters than PM from normal animals. We also studied the effect on tumour development of three inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis: indomethacin. piroxicam and aspirin. Intraperitoneal administration of these drugs during 8 d was followed by the regression of palpable tumours. Indomethacin (90 mg/d) induced 45% regression, while with piroxicam (two 400 mg/d doses and six 200 mg/d doses) and aspirin (1 mg/d) 32% and 30% regressions, respectively, were observed. The growth rate of non‐regressing tumours, which had reached different volumes by the end of the treatment, was delayed to a similar extent by the three anti‐inflammatory non‐steroidal drugs (NSAID). With respect to TAM, the treatment did not induce any significant change in their activation state, though both piroxicam and indomethacin increased slightly the TAM number. In contrast, NSAID administration was followed by a remarkable increase in the activation parameters of PM when compared with PM from tumour‐bearing mice receiving no treatment. Indeed, these parameters were in some cases higher than those of PM from normal mice. The leukocytosis (60 000/μl) with neutrophilia (80%) induced by tumour growth on peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) was reversed by the treatment to values close to normal, in parallel with the reduction of tumour size. A drop in haematocrit was also noted which was most probably a consequence of tumour growth rather than of the treatment. This study reveals that the three NSAID tested have a remarkable antitumour activity, which correlates with the restoration of PM activity and PBL values.
The neoadjuvant therapy of colorectal hepatic metastases and the role of biologic sensitizing and resistance factors

Liver metastasis represents a common systemic complication of colorectal cancers (CRCs). Partial liver resection has been demonstrated to result in long‐term survival in certain well‐selected patients with otherwise well‐controlled systemic disease. Neoadjuvant therapy has been demonstrated to result in improved resectability and potentially longer survival in patients with liver metastases from CRC. The addition of biologic agents to chemotherapy has been shown to improve response rates and overall survival in patients with metastatic CRC. Here, we are discussing the role of biologic agents in the treatment of patients with liver metastases from CRC. We also discuss the role of biomarkers for response and resistance to such novel therapies. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:891–897. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mating-related estradiol fluctuations during the estrous cycle of the Bolivian squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis).

The female squirrel monkey, Saimiri boliviensis, a New World monkey, has 10-day estrous cycles during the annual breeding season. Measurements of serum estradiol (E) concentrations in females housed with males in breeding pens revealed markedly higher levels than previously reported. Additionally, females in breeding pens appeared to have two distinct patterns of serum E peaks relative to the LH surge. Serum estrogen peaks averaging 5-fold greater than levels on the preceding day were observed on the same day as the LH surge, whereas other females had only a small E rise on the day of the LH surge followed by a 6-fold E rise on the next day. The serum progesterone (P) levels in all animals were depressed for 1-2 days before the LH surge but frequently started to rise on the day of the LH surge. The effect of the presence of a breeding male was examined by studying females housed in a group pen without exposure to a breeding male. In contrast to breeding-pen patterns, relatively small E rises were found in the 10 cycles observed. To further elucidate estrus-related E rises, a limited male-access paradigm was used to isolate mating-related hormone fluctuations. Pre-mating E levels had no marked rises; however, 4 h after mating, whether on the day of the LH surge or the next day, large E rises were found. These studies indicate that the LH surge in cycling squirrel monkeys is consistently preceded by a marked P nadir and associated with relatively small E rises. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Copper intoxication in tropical freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

The aim of this study was to investigate LC50 and toxic effect of Cu 2+ on some defense functions of tropical freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (including total hemocyte count (THC), hyaline cell count (HCC), and phagocytic activity) as well as survivability of the prawn. The experiments were conducted to determine LC50 and the toxic effect of copper sulphate (Cu 2+ ) on THC, HCC, phagocytic activity % and survival % for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr exposure. The 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr LC50 (nominal calculation) were 0.60, 0.55, 0.45 and 0.35 mg L -1 , respectively. Survival of prawns exposed to more than 0.20 mgL -1 of Cu 2+ was significantly (P< 0.05), reduced and resulted in great reduction in THC, HT, phagocytic activity %, and histopatho logical alterations in gills (hyper mucus, congestion, swelling , edema , hyperplasia, haemolymph cell infiltration as well as thickened and enlarged gill chambers & lamellar sinuses), hepatopancreas (dissolving of the hepatocytes, haemolysis, haemocytic infiltration in the interstitial sinuses, thickening and ruptures of the basal laminae) and skeletal muscles (degeneration in muscles with infiltration and aggregations of hemocytes between them and focal areas of necrosis). Caution should be exercised against water source contamination and exposure to fertilizer and industrial pollution. Index—Copper; Macrobrachium rosenbergii; Immunity; Toxicity
Continuous innovation and improvement of product platforms

Product platforms are applied in order to increase the stability of the product architecture and to reap benefits of scale and scope. However, many firms face a dynamic environment with quickly changing market demands. In such an environment, firms may have to continuously renew and improve their product platforms to achieve desired flexibility. The modifications comprise two types of innovations, component as well as architectural innovations. Combining these types to simultaneously achieve stability and strategic flexibility demands continuous innovation capability. This paper provides a viable approach to coordinate architectural and component innovations. The paper is based on a case study of an international truck manufacturer. Two major issues, decision-making and the management of knowledge, stand out as important for realising continuous innovation and improvement of product platforms. Moreover, product platform management needs to consider modularity and its related economies of substitution.
Diet, Obesity, and Asthma

Abstract Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in many developed countries as Western dietary patterns have been widely adopted. These diets are characterized by excess energy intake as well as regular consumption of processed or “fast” foods and limited consumption of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. The result is a high intake of saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and sodium; and a low intake of fiber, vitamins, and other phytochemicals. This type of poor‐quality diet has been associated with increased risk of chronic inflammatory diseases, including asthma. Of particular note, high intake of saturated fat stimulates proinflammatory pathways via activation of pattern recognition receptors, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and fatty acid‐binding protein activity. Conversely, with a low intake of soluble fiber, beneficial antiinflammatory mechanisms, such as free fatty acid receptor activation and histone deacetylase inhibition, are suppressed. Similarly, with a low intake of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids, nuclear factor &kgr;‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells activity is enhanced, creating a proinflammatory environment. There is evidence derived from human and experimental models of asthma suggesting that these mechanisms contribute to the development of airway inflammation, loss of asthma control, and/or worse lung function. Obese individuals have increased asthma morbidity and reduced quality of life, so strategies for better management of these patients are urgently needed. Evidence suggests that, in addition to reducing the quantity of food consumed, interventions should also target the quality of food consumed to improve both asthma management and the overall health and well being of these patients.
Residency Programs' Evaluations of the Competencies: Data Provided to the ACGME About Types of Assessments Used by Programs.

BACKGROUND In 1999, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Outcome Project began to focus on resident performance in the 6 competencies of patient care, medical knowledge, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal communication skills, and professionalism. Beginning in 2007, the ACGME began collecting information on how programs assess these competencies. This report provides information on the nature and extent of those assessments. METHODS Using data collected by the ACGME for site visits, we use descriptive statistics and percentages to describe the number and type of methods and assessors accredited programs (n = 4417) report using to assess the competencies. Observed differences among specialties, methodologies, and assessors are tested with analysis of variance procedures. RESULTS Almost all (>97%) of programs report assessing all of the competencies and using multiple methods and multiple assessors. Similar assessment methods and evaluator types were consistently used across the 6 competencies. However, there were some differences in the use of patient and family as assessors: Primary care and ambulatory specialties used these to a greater extent than other specialties. CONCLUSION Residency programs are emphasizing the competencies in their evaluation of residents. Understanding the scope of evaluation methodologies that programs use in resident assessment is important for both the profession and the public, so that together we may monitor continuing improvement in US graduate medical education.
SEROPREVALENCE OF TRYPANOSOMA CRUZIIN RACCOONS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA

Trypanosoma cruzi,the causative agent of American trypanosomiasis or Chagas' disease, is of both medical and veterinary importance as is evidenced by chronic phase myocarditis in humans and dogs. Further, T. cruzihas been reported from over 20 species of wildlife reservoir hosts in the USA, with raccoons (Procyon lotor) and opossums (Didelphis virginiana) being the most common. Whereas previous studies on T. cruziin raccoons have included only culture and direct examination of blood, the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used in the current study to detect anti-T. cruziantibodies in the serum of raccoons. Of 221 raccoons trapped at 13 sites representing the five physiographic regions of South Carolina plus five sites in the Piedmont region of Georgia (from April 1997 to February 2000), 104 (47%) were seropositive. A higher seroprevalence in raccoons was observed in the coastal regions, with seroprevalence in the Lower Coastal Plain South (61%) being significantly higher than that in the Foothills (37%), Piedmont (42%), and Upper Coastal Plain (40%) regions. However, at a seroprevalence of 52%, the Lower Coastal Plain North was not significantly different from any other region. Although more female raccoons were infected than males, no statistical difference in prevalence was observed between sexes. The high seroprevalence of T. cruziin raccoons, together with a few reports of wildlife isolates being infective for other wildlife species and domestic/laboratory animals, suggests that risk of T. cruziinfection may be higher than previously suspected.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of young patients with colorectal cancer in Eastern China.

AIM To explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis of young patients with colorectal cancer patients in Eastern China. METHODS A total of 1335 patients with colorectal cancer treated from December 1985 to December 2005 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine were studied retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups, a younger group (aged ≤ 30 years) and an older group (aged > 30 years), and comparison was made in the clinical characteristics and prognosis between the two groups. Chi-square test was used for data analysis of all categorical variables, and overall survival (OS) was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. A multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox model. RESULTS There were 42 (3.1%) and 1293 (96.9%) cases in the younger group and older group, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the 5- and 10-year OS in the younger group were 33.9% and 26.1%, respectively, and those in the older group were 60.1% and 52.2%, respectively. Younger group had poor survival (χ(2) = 14.146, P = 0.000). Multivariate analysis revealed that age was not a dependent factor for prognosis (OR = 0.866, 95%CI: 0.592-1.269, P = 0.461). Stratified analysis indicated that in stage III and IV disease, the 5- and 10-year OS were 24.6% and 14.8% in the younger group, and 40.4% and 33.3% in the older group, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (χ(2) = 5.101, P = 0.024). In the subgroup of radical surgery, the 5- and 10-year OS were 44.3% and 34.2% in the younger group, and 69.6% and 60.5% in the older group, with a difference being significant between the two groups (χ(2) = 7.830, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION Compared with older patients, the younger patients have lower survival, especially in the subgroups of stage III and IV disease and radical surgery.
Investigating Speech Gesture Coordination in the Production of L 2 Consonant Clusters : the Added Value of Electromagnetic Articulography

The study describes how non-native consonant clusters are realized by Italian learners of French L2. In particular it aims at describing articulatorily the coordination across successive consonant gesture in order to understand which strategies are at play when learners produce non-native clusters. The electromagnetic articulography (AG500), a technology that allows a precise tracking of position and movement of tongue, lips and jaw during speech, is employed to observe L2 productions. The attention is focused on the production of sibilant clusters since they are phonotactically marked in Italian, while in French are frequent so much so that place assimilations occur. Sibilant clusters were studied across words into a carrier phrase at different speech rate (normal/fast) as a faster rate can facilitate coproduction. In French, results show that vowel insertion is realized only at normal speech rate, while at faster speech rate place assimilations are realized instead. Italian learners’ of FrenchL2main strategy is the vowel insertion between the two sibilants in order to repair the non-native clusters, independently of speech rate. On the acoustic level, learner’s productions show a dichotomic result (vowel segment between consonants/no segment). On the articulatory level, learners’ productions reveal a greater variability of articulatory strategies, due to their attempts to produce nonnative clusters. However, speech gesture tracking data suggest that the inserted vowel results from the failure in reaching a felicitous coordination between gestures. Indeed, vowel insertion seems to be due to a transitional passage between the two consonants. These results highlight how it is important not only to learn to produce correctly a segment but also to concatenate it with other segments. The electromagnetic articulography, capturing tongue/lip movement and position, is crucial for investigating these features of L2 speakers’ production.
Hypotensive Anesthesia and Recovery of Cognitive Function in Long-term Craniofacial Surgery

The aim of our study was to compare three different anesthesiological techniques with regard to hemodynamics, recovery, and postoperative morbidity, for craniofacial surgery. One hundred twenty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of I or II patients, 18 to 32 years old, and undergoing maxillary and mandibular osteotomies were randomly assigned to receive anesthesia with propofol-remifentanil (group P), desflurane-remifentanil (group D), or sevoflurane-remifentanil (group S). All patients were given premedication: midazolam 0.03 mg/kg, atropine 0.007 mg/kg, desametasone 0.1 mg/kg, NaCl 0.9% 100 mL + 2 mg/kg ketoprofene + 1.5 mg/kg ranitidine + 1 μg/kg clonidine. Anesthesia was induced by O2/air (FiO2 0.5), remifentanil 0.5 μg/kg/min, propofol 2 mg/kg, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. Maintenance group P received O2/air (FiO2 0.5), remifentanil 0.25 to 1.5 μg/kg/min, propofol 6 to 10 mg/kg/h; groups D and S received O2/air (FiO2 0.5), remifentanil 0.25 to 1.5 μg/kg/min, and respectively, sevoflurane or desflurane 0.5 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration. The dosage of propofol, desflurane, and sevoflurane, obtained with a value of bispectral index (BIS) 40, was kept unchanged throughout the course, and remifentanil was titrated to maintain controlled hypotension: systolic arterial blood pressure 70 to 90 mmHg and mean arterial blood pressure 50 to 65 mmHg. A 24-hour elastomeric infusion system (ketoprofene 320 mg) was started 60 minutes before induction and cloridrat ondansetron 0.1 mg/kg was administered 30 minutes before the end of surgery. Hypotension was successfully obtained in all three groups with a bloodless surgical field, and there was no need for additional use of a potent hypotensive agent. Early and late recovery were faster and more complete in the D group; P < 0.05. Postoperative morbidity (nausea, vomiting, shivering, pain, and edema) was slight and did not significantly differ among the groups.
Organizational Justice and Citizenship Behavior, the Mediating Role of Trust

This study examines the role of organizational trust in the relationship between organizational justice and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB). A total sample of 191 employees was selected from Syrian private banks. The research findings indicate that there is a significant positive impact of organizational justice dimensions (distributive, procedural, and interactional) on OCB. Similarly, organizational trust positively affects OCB. Furthermore, this study shows that organizational trust plays a mediating role in the relationship between the organizational justice and OCB.
The Aim of Technology During Liver Resection — A Strategy to Minimize Blood Loss During Liver Surgery

The parameter "Blood loss" has a central role in liver surgery and different strategies to minimize it are a key to improve these results. Bleeding has to be considered a major concern for the hepatic surgeon because of several reasons. At first it is certainly the major intraoperative surgical complication and cause of death and historically one of the major postop‐ erative complication together with bile leaks and hepatic failure [5],[6],[7],[8],[9].
The PREVASC study: the clinical effect of a multifaceted educational intervention to prevent childhood asthma

As asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood, much attention is directed towards primary prevention. Here, the clinical effectiveness of a multifaceted educational prevention was studied. A total of 476 high-risk children were recruited during the prenatal period by general practitioners and randomised to either: 1) a control group, receiving usual care; or 2) an intervention group in which families received instruction from nurses on how to reduce exposure of newborns to mite, pet and food allergens, and passive smoking. A total of 443 infants were followed-up for 2 yrs. At 2 yrs of age, the intervention group (n = 222) had less asthma-like symptoms, including wheezing, shortness of breath and night-time cough, than the control group (n = 221). No significant differences in total and specific immunoglobulin E were found between the groups. During the first 2 yrs of life, the incidence of asthma-like symptoms was similar in both groups; however, subanalysis revealed a significant reduction in the female, but not in the male, intervention group. In conclusion, the intervention used in this study was not effective in reducing asthma-like symptoms in high-risk children during the first 2 yrs of life, although it was modestly effective at 2 yrs. Follow-up is necessary to confirm whether the intervention can actually prevent the development of asthma.
Lack of Association between the Levels of the Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor‐Related Protein (LRP) and Either Alzheimer Dementia or LRP Exon 3 Genotype

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP), which interacts with the Alzheimer disease (AD) β-amyloid precursor protein (APP), represents an important pathway in AD pathology. LRP-mediated receptor pathways appear to regulate both the production and the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ), a principal neuropathological product in AD. Several conflicting studies have examined levels of LRP in AD brains, as well as the relationship between the LRP exon 3 (C766T) polymorphism and LRP levels and/or disease susceptibility. In order to further investigate the role of LRP in AD, we examined well-characterized brain samples collected from subjects with varying degrees of cognitive impairment for LRP protein expression levels as well as for the presence of the LRP exon 3 polymorphism. We found no correlation between LRP levels and either presence of the disease or cognitive decline. In addition, we found no correlation between the LRP exon 3 polymorphism and either AD or LRP levels.
Ready, Steady, Go! Program, Italy: A Program Impact Pathways (PIP) Analysis

Background Ready, Steady, Go! promotes proper nutrition and physical activity among people of all ages in targeted neighborhoods and encourages social integration and children's participation in decisions that affect their lives. It also seeks to involve parents in activities so that they can influence their children's attitudes toward lifestyles and personal development. This partnership has reached 70,000 Italian children and adults with new opportunities for physical activities and social experiences that help them improve nutritional behaviors while having fun with their peers. Objective To assess the Ready, Steady, Go! Program logic and to identify Critical Quality Control Points (CCPs) and a core suite of impact indicators based on a Program Impact Pathways (PIP) analysis. Methods The PIP analysis team reviewed the key activities and processes that form Ready, Steady, Go! and then identified key CCPs for the project. The findings were presented at the Healthy Lifestyles Program Evaluation Workshop held in Granada, Spain, 13–14 September 2013, under the auspices of the Mondelēz International Foundation. Results The PIP analysis confirmed that Ready, Steady, Go! has a structure that is likely to support the primary aims of the program. The CCPs identified are training of teachers in healthy lifestyles, teachers' active participation in the program, access to remodeled and well-equipped sports and recreational centers, participation of parents and grandparents, and involvement of local institutions and networks. A suite of impact indicators for changes in healthy lifestyle knowledge, attitudes, and behavior was identified. Conclusions Project staff are now more aware of the importance of carefully monitoring the CCPs and have decided to conduct quarterly PIP-informed quality control evaluations.