Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of time to resumption of chemotherapy after definitive surgery on prognosis for non-metastatic osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND The dose intensity of chemotherapy has been described as affecting the outcome of the treatment of a number of different types of tumors. A delay in the resumption of chemotherapy after definitive surgery for the treatment of osteosarcoma can decrease the overall dose intensity. The goal of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of the time to resumption of chemotherapy after definitive surgery in patients with localized osteosarcoma in an extremity. METHODS The relationships of the time between definitive surgery and resumption of chemotherapy with death and adverse events in 703 patients with a localized resectable osteosarcoma in an extremity (556 treated in the Children's Oncology Group [COG] Study [INT 0133] and 147 treated at five tertiary care cancer centers) were assessed with use of Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS The twenty-fifth, fiftieth, and seventy-fifth percentiles of time from definitive surgery to resumption of chemotherapy were twelve, sixteen, and twenty-one days, respectively. Overall survival was poorer for patients who had had a delay of greater than twenty-one days before the resumption of chemotherapy compared with those who had had a shorter delay (hazard ratio = 1.57 [95% confidence interval = 1.04 to 2.36]; p = 0.03). Of seventy-one COG-study patients with postoperative complications, 32% (twenty-three) had a delay of more than twenty-one days before resumption of chemotherapy, but 20% (eighty-nine) of 444 patients with no complications had a similar delay. CONCLUSIONS In this retrospective analysis, increased time from the definitive surgery to the resumption of chemotherapy was found to be associated with an increased risk of death of patients with localized osteosarcoma in an extremity. Within the limitations of a retrospective study, the data indicate that it is best to resume chemotherapy within twenty-one days after definitive surgery. Surgeons, oncologists, patients, and those responsible for scheduling need to work together to ensure timely resumption of chemotherapy after surgery.
Is the Tragal Cartilage Necessary for Type 1 Tympanoplasties?

Abstract The use of cartilage grafts in tympanoplasties is recommended in cases with a higher probability of failure. Many grafting techniques have been reported, including palisade, cartilage island, and cartilage shield grafts. Cartilage minimizes the inflammatory tissue reaction, ensures resistance against infection during the recovery process, and provides good support against the retraction by virtue of its rigidity. This study compared the anatomic and functional results of conchal cartilage, tragal cartilage, and temporal muscle fascia grafts in primary type 1 tympanoplasty. Between January 2007 and January 2011, 79 patients with subtotal dry tympanic membrane perforation and an intact ossicular chain underwent primary type 1 tympanoplasty in our clinic. The postoperative perforation closure ratios, air and bone pure tone averages, and mean air-bone gap (ABG) in the 3 groups were compared with the preoperative values. The improvement in the mean ABG was assessed. The perforation closure ratio was 80.6%, 100%, and 88.5% in the muscle fascia, conchal cartilage, and tragal cartilage groups, respectively, and the mean increase in the ABG was 5.7, 8.9, and 9.7 dB, respectively. The island graft with cartilage perichondrium, which has recently become popular, can be also used in type 1 tympanoplasty. Because it does not require a second incision, conchal cartilage can be used routinely in tympanoplasties performed via a postauricular approach.
IS1311 and IS1245 Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analyses, Serotypes, and Drug Susceptibilities of Mycobacterium avium Complex Isolates Obtained from a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Negative Patient

ABSTRACT Six isolates of Mycobacterium avium of genotype dnaJ+ IS901− IS1311+ IS1245+ and serotypes 6 (n = 1), 6/9, (n = 2), and 9 (n = 3) were obtained within a 5-month period from a human immunodeficiency virus-negative patient treated for tuberculosis. The isolates were identified with PvuII restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis as a single IS1311 RFLP type and six different IS1245 RFLP types. Six separate colonies/clones obtained by subculture from each of the six isolates were tested for MICs of a set of 10 drugs. This report documents the appearance of isolates that are resistant to antimycobacterial drugs as the duration of therapy increases. Because isolates recovered from the patient following longer duration of treatment were more likely to be resistant to more antimycobacterial drugs, we would conclude that there was selection for antimycobacterial drug-resistant isolates. Analyses of all 36 clones identified three IS1311 and 22 IS1245 types forming three clusters. Tests of 105 environmental samples collected in the home and the work place of the patient yielded 16 mycobacterial isolates, of which one M. avium from soil was of genotype dnaJ+ IS901+ IS1311+ IS1245+ and serotype 2, and the second M. avium from a vacuum cleaner was of genotype dnaJ+ IS901− IS1311+ IS1245+ and serotype 9. Overall analyses of the results did not reveal any relation between serotype, RFLP type, and drug susceptibility. Based on the course of the disease in the patient and different serotypes, IS1311 and IS1245 RFLP types of isolates of M. avium we suppose represent polyclonal infection.
Storage lesion: role of red blood cell breakdown

As stored blood ages intraerythrocytic energy sources are depleted resulting in reduced structural integrity of the membrane. Thus, stored red blood cells (RBCs) become less deformable and more fragile as they age. This fragility leads to release of cell‐free hemoglobin (Hb) and formation of microparticles, submicron Hb‐containing vesicles. Upon transfusion, it is likely that additional hemolysis and microparticle formation occurs due to breakdown of fragile RBCs. Release of cell‐free Hb and microparticles leads to increased consumption of nitric oxide (NO), an important signaling molecule that modulates blood flow, and may promote inflammation. Stored blood may also be deficient in recently discovered blood NO synthase activity. We hypothesize that these factors play a potential role in the blood storage lesion.
Astrocyte elevated gene‐1 interacts with β‐catenin and increases migration and invasion of colorectal carcinoma

To investigate the astrocyte elevated gene‐1 (AEG‐1) expression and its relationship with the clinicopathological features of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and β‐catenin signaling pathway. Real‐time PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect AEG‐1 expression in CRC cell lines, 8 pairs of fresh CRC and adjacent nontumor tissues (ANT), 120 pairs of paraffin‐embedded CRC specimens and ANT tissues, and 60 samples of lymph node metastatic CRC tissues. Scratch wound assay and transwell matrix penetration assay were performed to determine migration and invasion of SW480 cell lines with stable AEG‐1 overexpression or SW620 cell lines with AEG‐1 knockdown. AEG‐1 expression was upregulated in CRC cell lines and tissues compared with ANT. Furthermore, AEG‐1 expression level significantly correlated with UICC stage, and the N classification. AEG‐1 overexpression significantly enhanced migration and invasion of SW480 cell lines. However, AEG‐1 knockdown suppressed migration and invasion of SW620 cell lines. Meanwhile, there was a positive correlation between AEG‐1 high expression and β‐catenin nuclear expression in CRC. AEG‐1 overexpression increased nuclear β‐catenin accumulation in CRC cell lines. AEG‐1 knockdown decreased nuclear β‐catenin accumulation in CRC cell lines. Moreover, we firstly found that AEG‐1 interacted with β‐catenin in SW480 cell lines. Our results for the first time showed that AEG‐1 interacted with β‐catenin in CRC cells and AEG‐1 expression was closely associated with progression of CRC. AEG‐1 might be a potential therapeutic target in CRC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phase II study of yttrium-90-ibritumomab tiuxetan in patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma.

PURPOSE This phase II trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of yttrium-90 ((90)Y)-ibritumomab tiuxetan in patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with relapsed or refractory MCL were eligible for the study if they had adequate major organ function and performance status. Those with CNS disease, pleural effusion, circulating lymphoma cells > or = 5,000/microL, or history of stem-cell transplant were ineligible. Patients with a platelet count > or = 150,000/microL received a dose of 0.4 mCi/kg of (90)Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan, whereas those with a platelet count less than 150,000/microL received a dose of 0.3 mCi/kg. RESULTS Thirty-four patients with a median age of 68 years (range, 52 to 79 years) received the therapeutic dose. The patients had received a median of three prior treatment regimens (range, one to six treatment regimens), including those that contained rituximab (n = 32) and bortezomib (n = 7). Of the 32 patients with measurable disease, 10 (31%) achieved complete or partial remission. After a median follow-up of 22 months (range, 2 to 72+ months), an intent-to-treat analysis revealed a median event-free survival (EFS) duration of 6 months and an overall survival duration of 21 months. The median EFS for those who achieved partial or complete remission was 28 months, while it was 3 months for those whose disease did not respond (P < .0001); it was 9 months for patients whose tumor measured less than 5 cm in the largest diameter before treatment and 3 months for those whose tumor measured > or = 5 cm (P = .015). CONCLUSION The single-agent activity of (90)Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan and its favorable safety profile warrant its further development for the treatment of MCL.
Closed-Form Expressions for the Current Densities on the Ground Planes of Asymmetric Stripline Structures

In this paper, closed-form expressions for the current density on the ground planes of an asymmetric stripline structure are derived. The derivation utilizes image theory in order to obtain a suitable quasi-static Green's function for this asymmetric geometry. For the special case of a symmetric stripline geometry and the limiting case of a microstrip line, it is demonstrated that the results obtained here reduce to previously derived results. As expected, it is illustrated that the current densities on the ground planes of an arbitrary asymmetric stripline are bounded by the current distribution of a symmetric stripline and that of a microstrip line. The validity of the analytical results is investigated by comparing to numerically obtained results. Finally, expressions are presented for the total ground-plane currents as fractions of the total current on the signal trace
Changes in arterial K+ and ventilation during exercise in normal subjects and subjects with McArdle's syndrome.

1. We have examined the relationship between ventilation (VE), lactate (La) and arterial plasma K+ concentrations [( K+]a) during incremental exercise in six normal subjects and in four subjects with McArdle's syndrome (myophosphorylase deficiency) who do not become acidotic during exercise. 2. In normal subjects, [K+]a rose to ca 7 mM at the point of exhaustion. The time courses of the increases in VE, La and [K+]a were all similar during the exercise period. La reached its peak concentration during the recovery from exercise when both VE and [K+]a were returning to resting levels. 3. McArdle's subjects, like normal subjects, had a non‐linear ventilatory response during incremental exercise. Their [K+]a was closely related to VE throughout exercise and recovery. 4. The arterial pH of McArdle's subjects, rather than remaining constant, actually rose from the onset of exercise. 5. For a given level of exercise, the levels of VE and [K+]a were greater in the McArdle's subjects than in normal subjects. 6. These findings are consistent with the idea that hyperkalaemia may contribute significantly to the drive to breathe, especially during heavy exercise.
Neuroprotection of Vestibular Sensory Cells from Gentamicin Ototoxicity Obtained Using Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors, Reactive Oxygen Species Scavengers, Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factors and Calpain Inhibitors

Objective--In order to devise a new treatment for inner ear disorders, the efficacy of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NG-nitroarginine methylester [L-NAME]), a radical scavenger (D-methionine), a neurotrophin (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]) and a calpain inhibitor (leupeptin) for protection from hair cell damage was investigated. Material and methods--The effects of these drugs on gentamicin-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were studied by means of the fluorescence indicators 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate and dihydrotetramethylrosamine. The effect on gentamicin-induced vestibular hair cell damage was examined by using an in vitro LIVE/DEAD system. Results--L-NAME inhibited the production of NO, D-methionine and BDNF restricted the production of ROS and leupeptin inhibited neither NO nor ROS. All the drugs used limited the vestibular hair cell damage caused by gentamicin. The combinations L-NAME+BDNF, L-NAME+leupeptin and D-methionine+BDNF had a significantly stronger preventive effect on hair cell damage. Conclusion--It is suggested that combined treatment with a radical inhibitor and either a neurotrophin or calpain inhibitor may help to treat inner ear disorders more effectively.
Variations in Melt Productivity and Melting Conditions along SWIR (70°E–49°E): Evidence from Olivine-hosted and Plagioclase-hosted Melt Inclusions

Melt inclusion and host glass compositions from the eastern end of the Southwest Indian Ridge show a progressive depletion in light rare earth elements (LREE), Na8 and (La/Sm)n, but an increase in Fe8, from the NE (64°E) towards the SW (49°E). These changes indicate an increase in the degree of mantle melting towards the SW and correlate with a shallowing of the ridge axial depth and increase in crustal thickness. In addition, LREE enrichment in both melt inclusions and host glasses from the NE end of the ridge are compatible with re-fertilization of a depleted mantle source. The large compositional variations (e.g. P2O5 and K2O) of the melt inclusions from the NE end of the ridge (64°E), coupled with low Fe8 values, suggest that melts from the NE correspond to a variety of different batches of melts generated at shallow levels in the mantle melting column. In contrast, the progressively more depleted compositions and higher Fe8 values of the olivine- and plagioclase-hosted melt inclusions at the SW end of the studied region (49°E), suggest that these melt inclusions represent batches of melt generated by higher degrees of melting at greater mean depths in the mantle melting column. Systematic differences in Fe8 values between the plagioclase- and the olivine-hosted melt inclusions in the SW end (49°E) of the studied ridge area, suggest that the plagioclase-hosted melt inclusions represent final batches of melt generated at the top of the mantle melting column, whereas the olivine-hosted melt inclusions correspond to melts generated from less depleted, more fertile mantle at greater depths.
The Relationship of Restless Legs Syndrome to History of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension.

BACKGROUND Restless legs syndrome (RLS), a burdensome sleep disorder, has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, diabetes, and related disorders. However, the relationship of RLS to history of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), a predictor of subsequent CVD, diabetes, and associated conditions, remains little explored. In this study, we investigated the relationship of RLS to history of PIH in a sample of primary care patients. METHODS Participants were women aged ≥40 years drawn from an anonymous survey study of West Virginia primary care patients. Data collected included detailed information on demographics, lifestyle factors, sleep patterns, and reproductive/medical history; the survey also included an RLS diagnostic questionnaire. Women who were pregnant or unsure about their pregnancy status were excluded from the analyses. RESULTS Of the 498 participants in the final analytic sample, 24.5% met diagnostic criteria for RLS (17.9% with symptoms ≥once/week, 11.9% with symptoms ≥3 times/week); 73 (16.5% of parous women) reported a history of PIH, defined as physician-diagnosed preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. After adjustment for demographics, lifestyle characteristics, obesity, reproductive history, health conditions, and other factors, those reporting a history of PIH were approximately twice as likely to meet criteria for RLS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 3.6). These associations increased in magnitude with increasing symptom frequency (adjusted OR for RLS with symptoms ≥3 times/week = 3.8; CI 1.9, 7.6; p for trend = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS History of PIH was strongly and positively related to current RLS in this study of primary care patients; these findings further support a possible role for metabolic dysregulation in RLS etiology.
Investment in Child Quality Over Marital States 1

Policies governing divorce and parenting, such as child support orders and enforcement, child custody regulations, and marital dissolution requirements, can have a large impact on the welfare of parents and children. Recent research has produced evidence on the responses of divorce rates to unilateral divorce laws and child support enforcement. We argue that in order to assess the child welfare impact of family policies, one must consider their inuence on parentsinvestments in their children as well as the stability of the marginal marriage. Further, we expect that changes in the regulatory environment induce changes in the distribution of resources within both intact and divided families. We develop a continuous time model of parentsmarital status choices and investments in children, with the main goal being the determination of how policies toward divorce inuence outcomes for children. Estimates are derived for model parameters of interest using the method of simulated moments, and simulations based on the model explore the e¤ects of changes in custody allocations and child support standards on outcomes for children of married and divorced parents. We nd that, while small changes in childrens academic attainment are induced by signi cant shifts in custody and support, the major e¤ects of these policies in both intact and divided households are on the distribution of welfare between parents. In addition, childrens attainments are not necessarily best served by the divorce-minimizing policy. JEL codes: J12, J13, J18
Phenylalanine Binding Is Linked to Dimerization of the Regulatory Domain of Phenylalanine Hydroxylase

Analytical ultracentrifugation has been used to analyze the oligomeric structure of the isolated regulatory domain of phenylalanine hydroxylase. The protein exhibits a monomer–dimer equilibrium with a dissociation constant of ∼46 μM; this value is unaffected by the removal of the 24 N-terminal residues or by phosphorylation of Ser16. In contrast, phenylalanine binding (Kd = 8 μM) stabilizes the dimer. These results suggest that dimerization of the regulatory domain of phenylalanine hydroxylase is linked to allosteric activation of the enzyme.
Insights into pilus assembly and secretion from the structure and functional characterization of usher PapC

Ushers constitute a family of bacterial outer membrane proteins responsible for the assembly and secretion of surface organelles such as the pilus. The structure at 3.15-Å resolution of the usher pyelonephritis-associated pili C (PapC) translocation domain reveals a 24-stranded kidney-shaped β-barrel, occluded by an internal plug domain. The dimension of the pore allows tandem passage of individual folded pilus subunits in an upright pilus growth orientation, but is insufficient for accommodating donor strand exchange. The molecular packing revealed by the crystal structure shows that 2 PapC molecules in head-to-head orientation interact via exposed β-strand edges, which could be the preferred dimer interaction in solution. In vitro reconstitution of fiber assemblies suggest that PapC monomers may be sufficient for fiber assembly and secretion; both the plug domain and the C-terminal domain of PapC are required for filament assembly, whereas the N-terminal domain is mainly responsible for recruiting the chaperone–subunit complexes to the usher. The plug domain has a dual function: gating the β-pore and participating in pilus assembly.
Expression of interleukin‐13 receptor α 1‐subunit on peripheral blood eosinophils is regulated by cytokines

Interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) is critical for the development of allergic asthma and is involved in the activation of eosinophils within the airways. IL‐13 exerts its activity on target cells via the dimeric IL‐13 receptor (IL‐13R), which comprises the IL‐13 receptor α1‐chain (IL‐13Rα1) as a specific component. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the IL‐13Rα1‐chain on primary human eosinophilic granulocytes. Furthermore, it addresses the regulatory influence of cytokines on the level of surface abundance of this receptor subunit. Expression of IL‐13‐ and IL‐4‐receptor subunits in purified primary human eosinophils was monitored at the messenger RNA level by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and at the protein level by flow cytometry. For the analysis of IL‐13Rα1 surface expression, a new monoclonal antibody, which was generated using genetic immunization, was employed. Different cytokines with established activity on eosinophils were studied with regard to their influence on IL‐13Rα1 in vitro by flow cytometry. Whereas IL‐13 and IL‐4 had inhibitory effects on IL‐13Rα1 expression on eosinophils, interferon‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐α, and, to the largest extent, transforming growth factor‐β, enhanced the expression of this receptor subunit. A positive regulatory response evoked by transforming growth factor‐β and interferon‐γ does not prevent inhibitory effects caused by IL‐13. These findings suggest a regulatory cytokine network influencing the reactivity of eosinophils to IL‐13.
Musculoskeletal symptoms among female garment factory workers in Sri Lanka

Abstract Objectives: To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and their association with sociodemographic risk factors among female garment factory workers in Sri Lanka. Methods: 1058 randomly selected female garment factory workers employed in the free trade zone of Kogalla, Sri Lanka were recruited to complete two interviewer-administered questionnaires assessing musculoskeletal symptoms and health behaviors. Discussion: Musculoskeletal complaints among female garment workers in the FTZ of Kogalla are less common than expected. Sociocultural factors may have resulted in underreporting and similarly contribute to the low rates of healthcare utilization by these women. Results: 164 (15.5%) of workers reported musculoskeletal symptoms occurring more than 3 times or lasting a week or more during the previous 12-month period. Back (57.3%) and knee (31.7%) were the most common sites of pain. Although most symptomatic women reported that their problems interfered with work and leisure activities, very few missed work as a result of their pain. Prevalence correlated positively with increased age and industry tenure of less than 12 months. Job type, body mass index, and education were not significant predictors of musculoskeletal symptoms.