Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outcome and Clinical Management of 275 Patients With Advanced Ovarian Cancer International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology II to IV Inside the European Ovarian Cancer Translational Research Consortium—OVCAD

Introduction The Sixth Framework Program European Union project OVCAD, “Ovarian Cancer—Diagnosis of a Silent Killer,” aimed to investigate new predictors for early detection of minimal residual disease in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Here we present the main pathologic, surgical, and chemotherapy characteristics of the OVCAD patient cohort. Methods Between February 2005 and December 2008, 5 European gynecologic cancer centers (WP2 group) enrolled prospective 275 consecutive patients with EOC into this translational study. Inclusion criteria were as follows: advanced International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology II to IV stage, cytoreductive surgery, platinum-based chemotherapy, and collected tumor samples. WP2 coordinated the implementation, screening, and recruiting of the patients and tumor samples into a Web-based data bank according established standard operating procedures. Results Median age at the time of diagnosis was 58 years. Most patients presented advanced high-grade EOC: International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology III/IV (94.5%), grade 2/3 (96%), serous histology (86.2%), ascites (76%), peritoneal carcinomatosis (67.6%), and lymph node involvement (52%). The most common surgical procedures were omentectomy (92.4%), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (90.9%), hysterectomy (77.3%), pelvic (69.5%) and paraaortic (66.9%) lymphadenectomy, and large (37.7%) or small bowel resection (13.4%). Patients were treated commonly with platinum-based therapy (98.2%). The macroscopic cytoreduction rate was 68.4%. After a median follow-up of 37 months, 70 patients (25.5%) developed a platinum-resistant recurrence. Biological materials such as tumor and paraffin tissue, ascites, and blood samples were collected consecutively. Conclusions The implementation of the OVCAD cohort demonstrated the feasibility and advantages of an open, prospective, and multicenter recruitment inside a translational research study. Essential was the predefinition of all inclusion criteria, standard operating procedures, and Web-based software, which enabled the prospective patient recruitment and tissue sampling, minimizing institutional bias and variability in the quality of the biological samples. The translational concept of the OVCAD study does not conflict with the state-of-the-art surgical and chemotherapy management and guaranteed an improved outcome of patients with EOC.
#UKelection2010, mainstream media and the role of the internet: how social and digital media affected the business of politics and journalism

The 2010 UK election was billed as the internet election, the social media election. From Twitter to Facebook, through viral crowdsourced ads, sentiment tracking and internet polling, technology appeared to offer political parties and mainstream media organisations powerful new ways to engage voters and audiences. This paper argues that the 2010 election did mark another significant milestone in the onward march of the internet, with unprecedented levels of participation and new techniques providing extra layers of information, context and real-time feedback, which complemented and enriched more traditional forms of media. There are six core conclusions from this study which should be noted by politicians and media practitioners alike.
A retrospective analysis of urethral rupture in 63 cats

The aim of this study was to investigate the short- and long-term morbidity and mortality associated with urethral rupture in cats. Medical records were reviewed from four veterinary hospitals. Diagnosis was made from retrograde urethrography or direct visualisation during surgery. Location of rupture was categorised as pre-, intra- or post-pelvic. Follow-up data were collected from referring veterinarians. Sixty-three cats were included in the study of which, males predominated (88.9%). Trauma was the most common cause (n = 35; 55.6%) with the remainder due to iatrogenic injury. Forty-eight cats (88.9%) were treated surgically and six (11.1%) managed conservatively. Significant differences between cats suffering traumatic versus iatrogenic injury included the presence of musculoskeletal injuries (P <0.001); the location of rupture (P <0.001); the degree of rupture (P <0.001); definitive management (P <0.001) and short-term complications (P = 0.026). Short-term complications were significantly associated with the following: musculoskeletal injuries (P = 0.012); uroabdomen/uroretroperitoneum (P = 0.004); azotaemia (P = 0.021); postoperative urinary diversion (P = 0.036) and >1 surgery performed (P = 0.006). Forty-seven cats (74.6%) survived to discharge. Prognostic factors associated with survival to discharge included the presence of musculoskeletal injuries (P = 0.017); cause of rupture (P = 0.017); location of rupture (P = 0.039) and definitive management (P = 0.020). Twenty-four cats (57.1%) suffered short-term complications and 10 (27.0%) suffered long-term complications. Of those cats surviving to discharge 30 (71.4%) had a good outcome. Median follow-up was 16 months. Outcome was significantly associated with cause of rupture (P = 0.04); short-term complications (P = 0.03) and long-term complications (P <0.001). In conclusion, a significantly greater proportion of cats with iatrogenic injuries survived to discharge and had a good outcome compared with those that suffered trauma.
Electric-thermal performance of contact elements in high power plug-in connections

High-voltage switchgear requires sliding and plug-in connections with rated continuous currents up to several kiloamperes and rated short-time withstand currents in the range of tens of kiloamperes. In these high power connections, spring loaded contact elements realize the electric and thermal contact of plug and socket. Contact elements transfer the total electric current of the main circuit and, in case they connect a device which dissipates part of its power losses via the main conductors, additionally a directional heat flow. Knowledge of the contact elements' temperature-dependent electric and thermal parameters is required to calculate the temperature distribution in the connection. In the present investigation, a custom-built test rig was used to measure the thermal joint resistance of common contact elements at temperatures up to 180°C by creating a directional heat flow. In parallel, the electric joint resistance was measured. By calculating the ideal electric and thermal flow field with the finite element method, the measured total joint resistance can be separated into bulk and contact portions. As a first approach to calculate contact element temperatures in continuous operation, the obtained parameters were implemented into a thermal network simulation.
Transcriptional Regulation of the Cyclooxygenase-2 Gene in Macrophages by PU.1*

Macrophages are an abundant source of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymatic products, but a specific mechanism for macrophage COX-2 gene expression has not been described. We examined whether PU.1, a myeloid-specific Ets family transcription factor, is involved. Sequence analysis revealed two potential c-Ets binding sites in the COX-2 promoter (COX-2p) which bind to immunoreactive PU.1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis shows inducible PU.1 binding to these sites in response to lipopolysaccharide, and COX-2 protein production is augmented by ectopic expression of PU.1 but not by PU.1S148A, indicating that PU.1 phosphorylation is likely involved. Interestingly, expression of PU.1 results in acetylation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBP-β) and increased production of COX-2 protein. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments suggest a role for p300 in C/EBP-β acetylation and COX-2 expression. In contrast, E1A inhibits acetylation of C/EBP-β and is correlated with decreased COX-2 expression. Together, these data suggest that PU.1 is activated by phosphorylation of Ser148 in response to lipopolysaccharide treatment and subsequently binds to sequences in the endogenous COX-2p in a time-dependent manner. Concomitantly, C/EBP-β becomes acetylated, and expression of the COX-2 gene increases. We speculate that a combinatorial role of PU.1 and C/EBP-β mediates the robust production of COX-2 products by macrophages which occurs in Gram-negative bacterial sepsis.
The Development of Reading across Languages

A selective review is presented of empirical evidence from different languages concerning phonological development and reading development in children. It is demonstrated that the development of reading depends on phonological awareness in all languages so far studied. However, because languages vary in syllable structure and in the consistency with which phonology is represented by the orthography, there are developmental differences in the grain size of lexical representations and in the reading strategies that develop across languages. It is argued that these cross‐language data can be explained by a psycholinguistic grain size theory of reading and its development, as proposed by Ziegler and Goswami.
Major postpartum hemorrhage: survey of maternity units in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND To determine current clinical practice among different maternity units in the United Kingdom for the management of major postpartum hemorrhage. METHODS A postal questionnaire was sent to 258 maternity units in the UK. It was developed to identify the definition of major postpartum hemorrhage, and to identify the medical and surgical interventions used for postpartum hemorrhage, as considered by each unit, and the type and use of thromboprophylaxis following surgery for major hemorrhage after delivery. RESULTS A total of 212 (82%) returned the questionnaire, but 13 units indicated that the questionnaire was not applicable to them, leaving 199 (82%) for analysis. There was a lack of agreement between the different units regarding the definition and interventions for major postpartum hemorrhage. The majority of the units use oxytocin, ergometrine and carboprost as a 'first-line' for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. Hysterectomy was the most common surgical procedure (89% of units had performed at least one hysterectomy for major hemorrhage in the last 5 years). There was a lack of agreement regarding the use and choice of thromboprophylaxis following surgery for major hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS Current management of major postpartum hemorrhage varies considerably. There is an urgent need to identify protocols that will reduce the need for hysterectomy in women with major hemorrhage who are unresponsive to conventional medical therapy.
The Theory of Comparative Advantage in a Monetary World

This paper investigates the theory of comparative advantage (CA) in the context of a monetary economy. Traditionally, this well-known theory of CA compares the relative prices of commodities in the absence of trade ("under autarky") in the usual two country, two commodity framework. Let pA and pB, respectively, denote the equilibrium relative prices of commodity 1 (in terms of 2) in countries A and B under autarky. The theory of comparative advantage then offers the following proposition (which we call "Proposition CA") in its descriptive form. ' Proposition CA: Suppose pA < pB. Then assuming perfect competition and no impediments to trade, we have:
Re-Thinking Competitive Advantage from Human Capital: How the Concept of Firm-Specificity has Led Theorists Astray

There continues to be tremendous interest in human capital as a potential source of competitive advantage among firms. Indeed, knowledge can be valuable, rare and hard to imitate for a variety of reasons. However, we contend that extant theory over-emphasizes the role of firm-specificity as a condition for competitive advantage. The implicit assumption is that labor markets for general and industry-specific human capital are sufficiently frictionless that it is not possible for a firm to enjoy an advantage. Here, we adopt more realistic assumptions about labor markets and explore how firms might gain advantages. We also examine the extent to which firm-specificity serves as the barrier to mobility assumed throughout much of the literature. We conclude with a richer understanding of how and when human capital may lead to advantages and suggest a research agenda that differs markedly from current trajectories.
Use of drugs with anticholinergic effect and impact on cognition in Parkinson's disease: a cohort study

Background Cognitive decline is common in Parkinson's disease (PD). Although some of the aetiological factors are known, it is not yet known whether drugs with anticholinergic activity (AA) contribute to this cognitive decline. Such knowledge would provide opportunities to prevent acceleration of cognitive decline in PD. Objective To study whether the use of agents with anticholinergic properties is an independent risk factor for cognitive decline in patients with PD. Methods A community-based cohort of patients with PD (n=235) were included and assessed at baseline. They were reassessed 4 and 8 years later. Cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A detailed assessment of the AA of all drugs prescribed was made, and AA was classified according to a standardised scale. Relationships between cognitive decline and AA load and duration of treatment were assessed using bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Results More than 40% used drugs with AA at baseline. During the 8-year follow-up, the cognitive decline was higher in those who had been taking AA drugs (median decline on MMSE 6.5 points) compared with those who had not taken such drugs (median decline 1 point; p=0.025). In linear regression analyses adjusting for age, baseline cognition and depression, significant associations with decline on MMSE were found for total AA load (standardised β=0.229, p=0.04) as well as the duration of using AA drugs (standardised β 0.231, p=0.032). Conclusion Our findings suggest that there is an association between anticholinergic drug use and cognitive decline in PD. This may provide an important opportunity for clinicians to avoid increasing progression of cognitive decline by avoiding drugs with AA. Increased awareness by clinicians is required about the classes of drugs that have anticholinergic properties.
Facial wrinkling in men and women, by smoking status.

OBJECTIVES This study examined the association of smoking status and pack-years of smoking with facial wrinkling in men and women. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 299 never smokers, 551 former smokers and 286 current smokers, aged 30 through 69 years, drawn from a health maintenance organization. Smoking status, pack-years of smoking, and potential confounding variables were assessed by questionnaire. Facial wrinkle category, a dichotomous variable, and facial wrinkle score, a computed continuous variable, were assessed by blinded standardized visual assessment. Wrinkling was so uncommon among 30- through 39-year-old subjects that analyses were restricted to subjects aged 40 and over (227 never smokers, 456 former smokers, and 228 current smokers). RESULTS With age, average sun exposure, and body mass index controlled, the estimated relative risk of moderate/severe wrinkling for current smokers compared to never smokers was 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2, 4.2) among men and 3.1 (95% CI = 1.6, 5.9) among women. Pack-years was positively associated with facial wrinkle score in women aged 40 through 69 years and in men aged 40 through 59 years. In both groups, the increased risk of wrinkling was equivalent to about 1.4 years of aging. CONCLUSIONS Our results support earlier findings that risk of facial wrinkling is greater in cigarette smokers than in never smokers.
First-time stroke survivors and caregivers' perceptions of being engaged in rehabilitation.

AIM To explore community-dwelling first-time stroke survivors and family caregivers' perceptions of being engaged in stroke rehabilitation. BACKGROUND Stroke is recognized as a worldwide common healthcare problem and the leading cause of adult disability. An holistic approach to rehabilitation can only be achieved by engaging stroke survivors and caregivers in all stages of recovery and by providing ongoing coordinated rehabilitation programmes. DESIGN An interpretive study design was applied to the study. METHOD In-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 community-dwelling first-time stroke survivors and caregivers were conducted in 2013. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed using a thematic analysis. FINDINGS Four major themes were identified. First, participants demonstrated low health literacy in stroke and their needs to learn about the disease and rehabilitation were usually ignored in busy clinical settings prior to discharge from hospital. Second, there was a lack of communication and continuity of treatment when the stroke survivors were transferred from one institution to another. Third, challenged with fragmented post-discharge rehabilitation services, the participants perceived that nurse-led coordination of rehabilitation was desirable. Fourth, participants perceived ongoing changing of rehabilitation goals in different stages of recovery. They expected to be engaged in ongoing rehabilitation planning and programmes. CONCLUSION The findings of this study challenge service providers to realize a true partnership with stroke survivors and caregivers by working with them as one team that is led by nurses. Making the necessary changes requires mutual effort at both the systemic and individual levels with rehabilitation nurse-led coordination of rehabilitation programmes.
Ectopic Trophoblast Allografts in the Horse Resist Destruction by Secondary Immune Responses

ABSTRACT Invasive trophoblast from Day 34 horse conceptuses survives in extrauterine sites in allogeneic recipients that are immunologically naive to donor major histocompatibility complex class I antigens. The ectopic trophoblast retains its in utero characteristics, including similar lifespan, physiologic effect of its secreted product (equine chorionic gonadotropin) upon the recipient's ovaries, and induction of host immune responses. Immunologic memory has not been considered previously in this experimental system. We hypothesized that primary exposure to ectopic trophoblast would affect the recipient's immune status such that the survival time of subsequent transplants would be altered. Secondary transplant lifespans could be shortened by destructive memory responses, as has been observed in ectopic trophoblast studies in rodents, or lengthened, as occurs when male skin grafts follow multiple syngeneic pregnancies in mice. Eight mares received two closely spaced trophoblast transplants. Both grafts for each recipient were obtained from conceptuses sired by the same stallion to provide consistency in histocompatibility antigen exposure. Donor stallions were major histocompatibility complex class I homozygotes. Cytotoxic antibody production was tracked to monitor recipients' immune responses to the transplants. Detection of serum equine chorionic gonadotropin was used as a proxy for transplant lifespan. There was no significant difference between the distributions of primary and secondary transplant lifespans, despite evidence of immunologic memory. These data demonstrate that secondary ectopic trophoblast transplants in horses do not experience earlier destruction or prolonged survival following immune priming of recipients. Mechanisms responsible for the eventual demise of the transplants remain unperturbed by secondary immune responses or chronic antigenic exposure.
Hemolytic activities of the Candida species in liquid medium.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro hemolytic activities of 107 Candida strains isolated from different clinical samples in liquid medium, and to examine the impact of glucose on this activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 107 Candida isolates representing seven species (C. albicans, n=28; C. glabrata, n=23; C. tropicalis, n=17; C. parapsilosis, n=16; C. kefyr, n=14; C. krusei, n=5; C. guilliermondii, n=4) were included in the study. The hemolytic activities of the strains were tested on two different Sabouraud dextrose liquid media (SDB) containing 7% defibrinated human blood, one of which is supplemented with 3% glucose and the other without glucose. Cultures were evaluated at the end of a 48-hour incubation. The hemolysis in the media was detected spectrophotometrically by measuring the amount of released hemoglobin and compared with a standard hemolysate which was prepared prior to testing. The degree of hemolysis (percentage value) by an individual strain was calculated according to the following formula below: (Absorbance of supernatant media at 540 nm / Absorbance of standard hemolysate at 540 nm X 100). RESULTS In the liquid medium without glucose, strains generally produced hemolysis at low levels. The degree of hemolysis produced by all species increased noticeably in the liquid medium with glucose. Strains of C. albicans and C.kefyr had demonstrated significant hemolytic activity, whereas others had lower activity. C. parapsilosis exerted very little hemolytic activity in the medium with glucose and showed no activity in the medium without glucose. CONCLUSION The hemolytic activities of most Candida species was found to be higher in the human blood-enriched SDB medium containing 3% additive glucose than in the one free from additives. This result indicates that increased blood glucose concentration may contribute to increased hemolytic activity in Candida species, and it suggests a parallel with possible pathogenesis of Candida in patients with diabetes mellitus.
TTF-1, a Homeodomain Gene Required for Diencephalic Morphogenesis, Is Postnatally Expressed in the Neuroendocrine Brain in a Developmentally Regulated and Cell-Specific Fashion

TTF-1 is a member of the Nkx family of homeodomain genes required for morphogenesis of the hypothalamus. Whether TTF-1, or other Nkx genes, contributes to regulating differentiated hypothalamic functions is not known. We now report that postnatal hypothalamic TTF-1 expression is developmentally regulated and associated with the neuroendocrine process of female sexual development. Lesions of the hypothalamus that cause sexual precocity transiently activate neuronal TTF-1 expression near the lesion site. In intact animals, hypothalamic TTF-1 mRNA content also increases transiently, preceding the initiation of puberty. Postnatal expression of the TTF-1 gene was limited to subsets of hypothalamic neurons, including LHRH neurons, which control sexual maturation, and preproenkephalinergic neurons of the lateroventromedial nucleus of the basal hypothalamus, which restrain sexual maturation and facilitate reproductive behavior. TTF-1 mRNA was also detected in astrocytes of the median eminence and ependymal/subependymal cells of the third ventricle, where it colocalized with erbB-2, a receptor involved in facilitating sexual development. TTF-1 binds to and transactivates the erbB-2 and LHRH promoters, but represses transcription of the preproenkephalin gene. The singular increase in hypothalamic TTF-1 gene expression that precedes the initiation of puberty, its highly specific pattern of cellular expression, and its transcriptional actions on genes directly involved in neuroendocrine reproductive regulation suggest that TTF-1 may represent one of the controlling factors that set in motion early events underlying the central activation of mammalian puberty.