Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Follow-up in a long-term randomized trial with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for squamous cell cervical carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE To assess the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to achieve radical surgery in a larger number of patients with locally advanced/or bulky Stage IB cervical carcinoma. We conducted a trial to determine whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy would improve disease-free survival and overall survival in Stage IB-III cervical cancer. DESIGN Prospective randomized clinical study with long-term follow-up. SETTING Department of Gynecology, Perinatology and Child Health, II Faculty University of Rome "La Sapienza". METHODS 288 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix, FIGO Stage IB-IIIB were randomized to one of the following treatments: three courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin, vincristine, bleomycin (NACT arm; n = 159); conventional surgery or exclusive radiotherapy (CONV arm; n = 129). There was no difference in age, FIGO stage, tumor size and lymph node involvement between the two groups (p = ns). Two hundred and thirty-four patients in Stage IB-IIb (n = 129 NACT arm and n = 105 CONV arm) and 24 patients in Stage III (NACT arm) who proved to be chemosensitive underwent radical hysterectomy. Six Stage III patients, non responders to chemotherapy, and 24 patients, Stage III of the CONV arm, underwent radiotherapy. Follow-up extended for seven years. RESULTS The study was performed on disease-free survival related to several prognostic factors: age, FIGO stage, tumor size, grading, parametrial involvement, lymph node status and surgical margins. Recurrence of disease occurred in 49 (32.1%) patients of the NACT arm (n = 153) and in 39 (37.1%). patients of the CONV arm (n = 105). Statistically significant differences in the recurrence of the disease were related to FIGO stage (p < 003), grading (p < .05), parametrial involvement (p < .002) lymph node status (p < .0001) and tumor size (p <.002). No statistical significance was related to age and surgical margins (p = ns). Disease-free and overall survival in the two groups were, respectively, 65.4% vs 53.5% (p = ns) and 70.4% 65.9% (p = ns).
Comparing Machine Learning Approaches for Fall Risk Assessment

Traditional fall risk assessment tests are based on timing certain physical tasks, such as the timed up and go test, counting the number of repetitions in a certain time-frame, as the 30-second sit-to-stand or observation such as the 4-stage balance test. A systematic comparison of multifactorial assessment tools and their instrumentation for fall risk classification based on machine learning approaches were studied for a population of 296 community-dwelling older persons aged above 50 years old. Using features from inertial sensors and a pressure platform by opposition to using solely the tests scores and personal metrics increased the F-Score of Naïve Bayes classifier from 72.85% to 92.61%. Functional abilities revealed higher association with fall level than personal conditions such as gender, age and health conditions.
Altered NMDA receptor expression in renal toxicity: Protection with a receptor antagonist.

BACKGROUND The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is expressed in the kidney. The receptor plays a major role in gentamicin ototoxicity. We assessed the role of the renal NMDA receptor subunits NR1 and NR2C in a model of gentamicin nephrotoxicity. METHODS Rats were exposed to either saline (control), high-dose, short-term gentamicin, or short-term gentamicin plus the NMDA antagonist MK-801 (short-term gentamicin + MK-801) for 3 days. RESULTS Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that NR1 mRNA expression was significantly higher (P= 0.03) in the renal cortex of short-term gentamicin rats. NR2C subunit mRNA expression was unaltered in short-term gentamicin rats. Western blot analysis revealed that NR1 (P= 0.009) and NR2C (P= 0.003) protein abundance was significantly higher in the renal cortex short-term gentamicin rats. We assessed two potential intracellular pathways that may mediate short-term gentamicin/NMDA. Calpain I and II expression was similar in short-term gentamicin and control rats. Endothelin type B receptor (ETBR) expression was significantly increased in the renal cortex of short-term gentamicin rats (P= 0.0003), and urinary nitrite concentration (reflecting nitric oxide) was significantly increased in short-term gentamicin rats (P= 0.03). Serum creatinine was significantly elevated in short-term gentamicin animals (P= 0.03), and this increase was attenuated in short-term gentamicin + MK-801 rats. Blood pressure was higher in short-term gentamicin rats; this was attenuated in short-term gentamicin + MK-801 rats. Urine pH was significantly lower in short-term gentamicin (P < 0.0001) rats; this was reversed in short-term gentamicin + MK-801 (P= 0.005) rats. Urinary nitrite was significantly higher in short-term gentamicin rats; this was normalized in short-term gentamicin + MK-801 rats. MK-801 alone had no effect on clinical parameters. CONCLUSION NMDA receptor subunit expression is increased in short-term gentamicin animals, and the receptor likely mediates cell damage via the endothelin-ETBR-nitric oxide pathway. NMDA antagonism ameliorated renal damage after exposure to short-term gentamicin.
consumer behavior

Consumer behavior continued to attract additional researchers and publication outlets from 1993 through 1996. Both general interest and domainspecific scholarly contributions are discussed, along with limitations and suggested areas for future research. A concluding section observes that the integrity of consumer research is unnecessarily compromised by the failure of the major scholarly association in the field to develop and adopt a code of researcher ethics.
Is there pain with neuropathic characteristics in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? A cross-sectional study

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive debilitating and lethal disorder, characterized by degeneration of motor neurons that warrant palliative care. Pain is frequent in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and significantly impacts on quality of life. Aim: To describe pain and assess the prevalence of pain with neuropathic characteristics in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Design: Cross-sectional survey from March 2009 to October 2013. Setting/participants: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients underwent multidisciplinary assessment and completed questionnaires measuring the severity and impact of pain and anxiety. The Douleur Neuropathique–4 questionnaire was used to look for pain with neuropathic characteristics. Results: Of 96 clinical evaluations, 93 were usable for analysis (age at onset: 62 ± 12.5 years; disease duration: 34 ± 33 months). The overall pain prevalence was 66%, with 9% experiencing pain with neuropathic characteristics. Pain was most often located in the neck and shoulders (38% of pain patients). Neck and shoulder pain was associated with neck (p = 0.04) and proximal upper limb muscular weakness (p = 0.02), respectively. Pain was not associated with disease duration, respiratory or nutritional parameters, but with higher anxiety scores (p = 0.01). Patients with neuropathic characteristics pain did not differ significantly from patients with or without pain, except that they had higher minimal pain intensity score (p < 0.05). Neuropathic characteristics pain was frequently spontaneous (rarely evoked) and described as numbness, burning, electric shock, tingling, and pins-and-needle. Conclusion: Even if amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease of the motor system, pain is frequent and can rarely have neuropathic characteristics. Pain must be always sought and appropriately treated to limit quality of life impairment.
Improving curriculum development practices in a technical vocational community college: examining effects of a professional development arrangement for middle managers

Learning about curriculum development is critical for middle managers of technical vocational institutions in order to assume curriculum leadership in maintaining and enhancing the quality and relevance of their educational programs. This case study reports on the design and effects of a professional development arrangement (PDA), with such a focus, for 13 middle managers of a technical vocational community college in a developing country. The findings indicate that the middle managers appreciated the relevance of the PDA for curriculum development at the community college and gained substantial learning about systematic curriculum development. However, the middle managers' post-PDA curriculum development improvement efforts were minimal and characterised by individual initiatives, due to a lack of senior management support, unfavourable work conditions, and a high rate of middle manager attrition. The conclusion drawn is that for trained middle managers to lead systematic curriculum development practices, contextual and organisational barriers germane to technical vocational education in developing contexts need to be considered.
Production , Manufacturing and Logistics An optimization approach for supply chain management models with quantity discount policy

Owing to the difficulty of treating nonlinear functions, many supply chain management (SCM) models assume that the average prices of materials, production, transportation, and inventory are constant. This assumption, however, is not practical. Vendors usually offer quantity discounts to encourage the buyers to order more, and the producer intends to discount the unit production cost if the amount of production is large. This study solves a nonlinear SCM model capable of treating various quantity discount functions simultaneously, including linear, single breakpoint, step, and multiple breakpoint functions. By utilizing the presented linearization techniques, such a nonlinear model is approximated to a linear mixed 0–1 program solvable to obtain a global optimum. 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A Novel Session Based Dual Steganographic Technique Using DWT and Spread Spectrum

This paper proposed a DWT based Steganographic technique. Cover image is decomposed into four sub bands using DWT. Two secret images are embedded within the HL and HH sub bands respectively. During embedding secret images are dispersed within each band using a pseudo random sequence and a Session key. Secret images are extracted using the session key and the size of the images. In this approach the stego image generated is of acceptable level of imperceptibility and distortion compared to the cover image and the overall security is high.
Transrectal ultrasound-guided needle aspiration for prostatic abscesses: an alternative to transurethral drainage?

PURPOSE Prostatic abscesses traditionally are drained transurethrally. Problems of this method include the risk of anesthesia, dissemination of bacteria, incomplete drainage of multiloculated or peripheral abscesses, and retrograde ejaculation, which may not be acceptable for young patients. Prostatic abscesses can be drained under transectal ultrasound (TRUS) guidance. Multiple, peripheral, or multiloculated abscesses are visualized. No anesthesia would be required. Repeat procedures can be performed easily with minimal morbidity. The risks of dissemination and retrograde ejaculation is negligible. MATERIALS AND METHODS A standard TRUS probe and a 21-gauge Chiba needle are inserted through the biopsy guide into the abscesses. Five patients underwent the procedure. Four patients had a mean follow-up of 18 months. RESULTS TRUS could visualize the abscess in all patients. Aspirate cultures corresponded to the urine culture except in one patient with sterile urine. Three had residual disease on repeat TRUS, but only two patients required repeat aspiration. All patients recovered and had no evidence of disease on follow-up. However, it was an average of 4 months before patients could be considered cured according to TRUS findings. Prostate volume decreased from a mean of 54 mL on diagnosis to 16 mL on follow-up. There was no hospital readmission or morbidity. CONCLUSIONS TRUS needle aspiration for prostatic abscess is a feasible alternative to transurethral drainage. Repeat procedures may be required, but all patients recovered. There is minimal morbidity associated with the procedure; however, the recovery period may be longer.
First– and Second–Line Drugs and Drug Resistance

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is transmitted through inhalation of aerosolized droplets. TB mainly attacks the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. TB is highly contagious during the active stage of the disease and can infect an individual through inhalation of as few as 10 Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacteria. After inhalation, these bacteria are mainly captured by the alveolar macrophages, but they can evade the host immune system and remain in the dormant stage for a long period of time, at which point they can reactivate to a virulent form under immune-compromised conditions of the host. This is possible because M. tuberculosis can persist in slow growing as well as in fast growing stages which makes treatment challenging. Almost all of the antibiotics that can be used to treat TB work when the bacteria are actively dividing. In the intensive phase of TB treatment, the antibiotics mainly kill rapidly growing bacteria, which causes rapid sputum conversion, and the eradication of clinical symptoms. However, in order to kill the persistent or slow growing strains of MTB, the continuation phase of the treatment is essential. TB can be treated effectively by using first line drugs (FLD) isoniazid (INH), rifampin (RIF), pyrazinamide (PZA), ethambutol (EMB) and streptomycin (SM). However, this first line therapy often fails to cure TB for several reasons. Relapse and the spread of the disease contribute to the emergence of drug resistant bacteria. The emergence of multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB), i.e. which is resistant to at least isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF), is of great concern, because it requires the use of second-line drugs that are difficult to procure and are much more toxic and expensive than FLDs [1]. Therefore, the detection and treatment of drug susceptible or single drug resistant TB is an important strategy for preventing the emergence of MDR-TB [2]. M. tuberculosis strains with extensively drug resistant-TB (XDR-TB), that is resistant to either isoniazid or rifampicin (like MDR tuberculosis), any fluoroquinolone, and at least one of three second-line antituberculosis injectable drugs—i.e., capreomycin, kanamy‐ cin, and amikacin have also been reported [3].
La rémunération des expatriés : le point de vue européen d'un consultant suisse

Resume Ce texte brosse un tableau des differents types de remuneration et d’avantages qui peuvent etre associes aux contrats d’employes expatries. A travers les extraits d’un entretien mene avec un expert suisse, ancien directeur des ressources humaines Europe d’une multinationale americaine, nous presentons les principaux enjeux lies a la remuneration des expatries ainsi que les nouvelles tendances observees dans ce domaine.
Incomplete removal of the RNA primer for minus-strand DNA synthesis by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase

A synthetic RNA oligonucleotide (15-mer) corresponding to the 3' end of the lysine tRNA primer was hybridized to single-stranded DNA containing the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) primer-binding site and extended with a DNA polymerase. The resulting structures were used to study primer removal by the RNase H activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. The initial cleavage event removes the RNA primer as a 14-mer and leaves a single ribonucleotide A residue bound to the 5' end of the DNA strand. This result explains the observation by several groups that HIV-1 circle junctions contain 4 bp that are not present in the integrated provirus instead of the predicted 3 bp. Subsequent cleavage events occur at other sites internal to the RNA molecule, and the ribonucleotide A residue on the end of the DNA strand is ultimately removed. Therefore, the biologically relevant cleavage that produces the 14-mer reflects the kinetics of the reaction as well as a specificity for nucleic acid sequence. When the RNA oligonucleotide alone was hybridized to the primer-binding site and tested as a substrate for HIV-1 RNase H, the cleavage pattern near the 3' end of the RNA was altered.
OH column abundance over Table Mountain Facility, California: AM‐PM diurnal asymmetry

Observations of the OH column abundance have been made by the Fourier Transform Ultraviolet Spectrometer at the JPL Table Mountain Facility (TMF) near Los Angeles since July 1997. In the January 1998–December 2003 data set we used five OH lines to derive the OH column abundance in the atmosphere. This data set was used to quantify the OH morning/afternoon asymmetry (AMPMDA). An analysis of summer and winter data showed that the daily OH maximum occurred 26–36 minutes after solar transit. This phase lag appears to be the primary reason why OH in the afternoon is larger than at corresponding solar zenith angles in the morning throughout the year. A simple heuristic model suggests that the asymmetry is a direct consequence of the finite lifetime of OH. Comparison of the TMF data with earlier results from Fritz Peak Observatory, Colorado, by Burnett et al. reveals significant differences in the behavior of the AMPMDA between the two sites.
A comparative analysis of total serum miRNA profiles identifies novel signature that is highly indicative of metastatic melanoma: a pilot study

Abstract Context: Quantification of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) has recently become feasible and reliable, with most efforts focusing on miRNAs overexpressed by cancer cells. Objective: Identification of a characteristic circulating miRNAs profile in melanoma patients. Methods: We conducted a pilot study comprised of unbiased qPCR comparison of serum miRNA profiles between metastatic melanoma patients and healthy donors. Results: Loss of two normal serum-miRNAs, miR-29c and miR-324-3p, is highly indicative of metastatic melanoma. Hierarchical clustering analysis supported the results and clearly distinguished melanoma patients from healthy donors, metastatic colon and renal cancer patients. Discussion and conclusions: This approach is independent of tumor heterogeneity and is expected to have superior biomarker performances.
Evaluation of Bcl-2, Bcl-x and cleaved caspase-3 in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and neurofibromas.

AIMS To study the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-x, as well the presence of cleaved caspase-3 in neurofibromas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x and the presence of cleaved caspase 3 were compared to clinicopathological features of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and their impact on survival rates were also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The evaluation of Bcl-2, Bcl-x and cleaved caspase-3 was performed by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays in 28 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and 38 neurofibromas. Immunoquantification was performed by computerized digital image analysis. CONCLUSIONS Apoptosis is altered in neurofibromas and mainly in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. High levels of cleaved caspase-3 are more common in tumors with more aggressive histological features and it is associated with lower disease free survival of patients with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
Burnout among physiotherapists and length of service

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify factors that contribute to the development of burnout among physiotherapists with different length of service in physiotherapy.Material and MethodsThe following research tools were used to study burnout: the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LSQ), based on FLZ (Fragebogen zur Lebenszufriedenheit) by Frahrenberg, Myrtek, Schumacher, and Brähler; the Burnout Scale Inventory (BSI) by Steuden and Okła; and an ad hoc questionnaire to collect socio-demographic data. The survey was anonymous and voluntary and involved a group of 200 active physiotherapists working in Poland.ResultsA statistical analysis revealed significant differences in overall life satisfaction between length-of-service groups (p = 0.03). Physiotherapists with more than 15 years of service reported greater satisfaction than those with less than 5 years and between 5 and 15 years of service. The results suggest that burnout in those with 5–15 years of service is higher in physiotherapists working in health care centers and increases with age and greater financial satisfaction, while it decreases with greater satisfaction with friend and family relations and greater satisfaction with one’s work and profession. In those with more than 15 years of service, burnout increases in the case of working in a setting other than a health care or educational center and decreases with greater satisfaction with one’s work and profession.ConclusionsJob satisfaction and a satisfying family life prevent burnout among physiotherapists with 5–15 years of service in the profession. Financial satisfaction, age and being employed in health care may cause burnout among physiotherapists with 5–15 years of service. Physiotherapists with more than 15 years of service experience more burnout if they work in a setting other than a health care or educational center and less burnout if they are satisfied with their profession.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND THE GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES: A LEGAL AND APPROPRIATE LINKAGE?

Abstract This article will question the legality of measures of environmental ‘conditionality’ in the Generalized System of Preferences [GSP] of the European Community [EC]. 1 The GSP is a GATT/WTO2 authorized scheme which permits developed nations to grant non-reciprocal tariff preferences in favour of developing countries.3 The objectives of the GSP are primarily development-oriented in that it aims to increase the export earnings of developing countries, promote their industrialization and accelerate rates of economic growth.4 A recent case taken in the WTO examined the legal contours of the grant of tariff preferences and it is in the light of this that this article will examine the so-called ‘special incentive arrangements’ of the reformed EC GSP which offers additional tariff preferences to developing countries on the ‘condition’ that they adhere to specified standards of environmental protection.
The position of the article dn in New Testament Syriac

The present paper investigates the placement of the Syriac particle den within the clause in the Peshitta version of the New Testament. The main line of the argumentation is that the placement of den within the clause (I) is essentially a clause-internal matter and (2) that it is dependent on the surface layer of the clause structure. The internal dynamics of the placement of den are understood in terms of one basic rule (den in the second slot of the clause) challenged by (I) various constraints on word-ordering patterns and (2) one phonological parameter.
Estructura de propiedad y capacidad informativa de los resultados contables

RESUMEN El presente trabajo analiza la relación entre la estructura de propiedad de las empresas no financieras cotizadas españolas en el periodo 1996–2002 y la capacidad informativa de sus resultados contables. Los resultados alcanzados muestran una relación negativa entre la participación en los derechos de voto del principal accionista y la capacidad informativa de los resultados contables. Sin embargo, no se obtienen resultados estadísticamente significativos en cuanto a la incidencia de la divergencia entre derechos de voto cash flow sobre la capacidad informativa de los resultados contables.