Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics and disposition of the KS1/4 monoclonal antibody-desacetylvinblastine hydrazide conjugate LY203725 in rats and monkeys.

The plasma pharmacokinetics of the monoclonal antibody-vinca conjugate KS 1/4-desacetylvinblastine hydrazide (DAVLB-hyd; [3H]LY203725) have been evaluated in rats (17 mg/kg) and monkeys (15 mg/kg) after i.v. dosing. Plasma concentrations of radioactivity 1 hr after dosing were higher in monkeys than in rats. The biphasic elimination of radioactivity in rats was characterized by half-lives (T1/2) of 10 and 143 hr, whereas the elimination of radioactivity in monkeys was characterized by T1/2 values of 11 and 66 hr. Plasma total antibody and radioactivity concentrations were similar within 6 (rat) and 24 (monkey) hr after dosing; however, total antibody concentrations were greater than radioactivity concentrations thereafter, indicating the presence of free antibody in the plasma. Plasma elimination T1/2 values and areas under the curve of total antibody in rats and monkeys were greater than those of radioactivity. The presence of free antibody implies the presence of free DAVLB-hyd; however, plasma concentrations of free DAVLB-hyd were at least 3 orders of magnitude less than those of radioactivity in both species. The T1/2 of free DAVLB-hyd in plasma of LY203725 dosed monkeys was 16 hr. Hydrolysis of the conjugate to yield free DAVLB-hyd was observed upon incubation of conjugate with rat plasma in vitro. Administration of DAVLB-hyd to rats resulted in a rapid initial decrease in plasma DAVLB-hyd followed by a slower (T1/2 = 1.4 hr) elimination rate. Fecal excretion was the predominant mode of elimination of radioactivity in both rats and monkeys dosed with [3H]LY203725.
Controlled-rate versus uncontrolled-rate cryopreservation of peripheral blood progenitor cells: a prospective multicenter study. Group for Cryobiology and Biology of Bone Marrow Transplantation (CBTMO), Spain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Cryopreservation of hemopoietic progenitors for transplantation has been traditionally performed by the use of a controlled-rate freezer. Several groups have reported successful cryopreservation of progenitor cells at -80 degrees C without a controlled-rate freezer. In an attempt to elucidate whether both methods are equally efficient, we compared controlled-rate versus uncontrolled cryopreservation of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) in a prospective, multicenter study. DESIGN AND METHODS Apheresis products from patients undergoing PBPC mobilization were split into two aliquots, and cryopreserved simultaneously by both methods, in autologous plasma plus 10% dimethylsulfoxide. Controlled-rate samples were placed into a programmable freezer with a cooling rate of 1-2 degrees C/min. Uncontrolled-rate samples were directly introduced into a -80 degrees C mechanical freezer. After thawing, cell counts, assays for viability, clonogenic cultures and CD34+ cell enumeration were performed. RESULTS A total of 105 cases were included. No significant differences were found in viability (mean 88.8 +/- 13% in the controlled-rate group vs. 89.7 +/- 12% in the uncontrolled-rate group), nucleated cell loss (23.5 +/- 23% vs. 23 +/- 22%), mononuclear cell loss (19 +/- 23% vs. 19.1 +/- 22%), and loss of CD34+ cells (34.3 +/- 33% vs. 28.6 +/- 34%). On the other hand, recovery of granulomonocytic colony-forming units (CFU-GM), was significantly better with the controlled-rate technique, than with the non-controlled-rate method (104.3 +/- 95 vs. 86.5 +/- 80, respectively; p = 0.048). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that both techniques are suitable for cryopreservation of PBPC, although a better recovery of committed progenitors is achieved by the controlled-rate method. Therefore, the use of controlled-rate freezer should probably be recommended.
Prognosis in adult patients with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis.

BACKGROUND Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) of unknown cause has been characterized as idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH). IPH is a rare disease, which has a high prevalence in children and shows a poor prognosis. However, in adults, since there are few reports about collective cases, the details remain to be determined. METHODS Between January 2003 and June 2008, consecutive adult patients strictly defined as unknown cause DAH by chest images, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, autoantibody testing, and exclusion of systemic disease were enrolled. We investigated the clinical characterization and course of the enrolled patients. RESULTS Nine patients were included. All patients were middle-aged men (56.1 ± 4.2 year-old) with sudden onset. They did not present with anemia (the hemoglobin level was 13.9 ± 0.5 g/dL) despite the quantity of bleeding. In bronchoalveolar-lavage fluid analysis, the cell count was increased (7.6 ± 1.6×10(5) cells/mL) with neutorophilia (33.3 ± 13.3%). The illness resolved within 2 weeks with or without corticosteroid therapy. All of the patients were alive without recurrence during the follow-up period (45.2 ± 6.2 months) after diagnosis. CONCLUSION Adult IPH patients showed good prognosis. However, the present patients are clinically slightly different from the previously characterized IPH.
Tai Chi is effective in treating knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of Tai Chi in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. METHODS We conducted a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial of 40 individuals with symptomatic tibiofemoral OA. Patients were randomly assigned to 60 minutes of Tai Chi (10 modified forms from classic Yang style) or attention control (wellness education and stretching) twice weekly for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included WOMAC function, patient and physician global assessments, timed chair stand, depression index, self-efficacy scale, and quality of life. We repeated these assessments at 24 and 48 weeks. Analyses were compared by intent-to-treat principles. RESULTS The 40 patients had a mean age of 65 years and a mean body mass index of 30.0 kg/m(2). Compared with the controls, patients assigned to Tai Chi exhibited significantly greater improvement in WOMAC pain (mean difference at 12 weeks -118.80 mm [95% confidence interval (95% CI) -183.66, -53.94; P = 0.0005]), WOMAC physical function (-324.60 mm [95% CI -513.98, -135.22; P = 0.001]), patient global visual analog scale (VAS; -2.15 cm [95% CI -3.82, -0.49; P = 0.01]), physician global VAS (-1.71 cm [95% CI -2.75, -0.66; P = 0.002]), chair stand time (-10.88 seconds [95% CI -15.91, -5.84; P = 0.00005]), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (-6.70 [95% CI -11.63, -1.77; P = 0.009]), self-efficacy score (0.71 [95% CI 0.03, 1.39; P = 0.04]), and Short Form 36 physical component summary (7.43 [95% CI 2.50, 12.36; P = 0.004]). No severe adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION Tai Chi reduces pain and improves physical function, self-efficacy, depression, and health-related quality of life for knee OA.
The Effect of Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism on the Response to Lipid-Lowering Treatment With Atorvastatin or Fenofibrate

Although the effect of apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism on the response to treatment with statins has been studied, the results are conflicting. Moreover, little is known about the possible effect of apolipoprotein E alleles on the response to treatment with fibrates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of apolipoprotein E polymorphism on lipid-lowering response to treatment with atorvastatin and fenofibrate in patients with different types of dyslipidemia. The study population included 136 patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (type IIA dyslipidemia) treated with atorvastatin (20 mg/day) and 136 patients with either primary hypertriglyceridemia (type IV dyslipidemia) or mixed hyperlipidemia (type IIB dyslipidemia) treated with micronized fenofibrate (200 mg/day). Overall, no significant associations were detected between apolipoprotein E genotype and response to treatment with atorvastatin. In patients treated with fenofibrate, significant associations were noted between apolipoprotein E genotype and changes in apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein E and triglyceride levels. Specifically, in apolipoprotein E2, apolipoprotein E3, and apolipoprotein E4 individuals, apolipoprotein B reductions were 22%, 17%, and 8%, respectively (P = .003); apolipoprotein E reductions were 45%, 20%, and 15%, respectively (P = .006); whereas triglyceride reductions reached 53%, 36%, and 33%, respectively (P = .033). In conclusion, apolipoprotein E genotype had no significant effect on the response to treatment with atorvastatin in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, but in patients with primary hypertriglyceridemia or mixed hyperlipidemia, there was a clear association between apolipoprotein E genotype and response to treatment with fenofibrate.
Genotypic diversity of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) in South Africa.

SETTING The epidemiology of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), an emerging threat to TB control, is not well understood. OBJECTIVE To gain insight into the genotypic population structure of XDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in South Africa using a molecular approach and thereby determine whether XDR-TB is mainly acquired or transmitted. DESIGN Sputum isolates from patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) were submitted to the National Referral Laboratory for second-line drug susceptibility testing. The XDR-TB isolates were spoligotyped and these data were compared to the geographic origin of the isolate. RESULTS Of the 699 MDR-TB isolates submitted for testing between June 2005 and December 2006, 101 (17%) patients had a culture that was resistant to either ofloxacin or kanamycin, and 41 (6%) were resistant to both drugs (XDR-TB). Spoligotyping of the XDR-TB isolates identified 17 genotypes. As a result of the high genotypic diversity and geographical distribution, we estimate that between 63% and 75% of cases developed XDR-TB through acquisition. CONCLUSION Acquisition of extensive drug resistance appears to be the primary mechanism driving the XDR-TB epidemic in South Africa. This urgent TB control issue has to be addressed to prevent the spread of this potentially incurable disease.
Factors related to abstinence in a telephone helpline for smoking cessation.

BACKGROUND Studies indicate that shortage of cessation counsellors may be a major barrier for tobacco prevention among physicians. Telephone helplines (quitlines) may be an option. The effectiveness of the Swedish quitline and factors related to abstinence from smoking 12 months after the first contact were assessed. METHOD Subjects included 694 smokers calling a reactive (no contact initiated by the counsellors) and 900 smokers calling a proactive (four or five contacts initiated by the counsellors after the first call) quitline for smoking cessation. The subjects were followed up 12 months after the first call using a mailed questionnaire assessing current abstinence, stages of change and factors potentially related to abstinence rates. RESULTS The questionnaire was returned by 70% of the subjects. Women receiving the proactive treatment reported 34% abstinence rates compared with 27% for those receiving the reactive treatment (p=0.03). For men the abstinence rates were 27% and 28%, respectively (p=0.80). Factors significantly related to abstinence in the adjusted analysis included no nicotine use at base-line, the adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval being 6.4 (2.1-19.4), additional support from a health care professional 3.5 (1.0-12.3), additional social support 3.1 (1.6-6.1), stress or depressive mood 2.7 (1.6-4.7), nicotine replacement therapy for five weeks or more 2.1 (1.1-4.0), and exposure to second-hand smoke 1.9 (1.1-3.3). The use of oral tobacco did not significantly increase current abstinence. CONCLUSION Quitlines are effective as an adjunct to the health care system. For women a proactive treatment may be more effective than a reactive treatment.
Is there Cointegration between Renewable Energy and Economic Growth in Selected Sub-saharan African Counries?

Globally, much attention is being paid to the environment due to the negative effects of environmental degradation on human lives resulting from population growth for instance. With a growing population in Africa it is only natural that the demand for energy for various activities would continue to grow. At present, most of the energy being produced and consumed in Sub-Saharan Africa is derived from non-renewable sources which have triggered calls to shift attention to renewable energy sources. This situation raises some pertinent research questions. Is there a relationship between renewable energy and economic growth in some selected sub-Saharan African countries? Through a panel co-integration approach, the findings revealed that there is a long-run relationship between renewable energy and economic growth in the selected Sub-Saharan African countries. This calls for the implementation of public policies towards the promotion of renewable energies in Africa to combat the negative effects of carbon emissions.
Reinforcement of the adrenergic overdrive in the metabolic syndrome complicated by obstructive sleep apnea

Background Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a marked sympathetic overactivity. It is unknown, however, whether the neuroadrenergic activation can be ascribed to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), OSA exerts potentiating effects on the metabolic syndrome-related sympathetic activation and reflex/metabolic variables (insulin resistance) participate at the phenomenon. Methods and results We conducted a cross-sectional study of healthy individuals and metabolic syndrome patients recruited in our outpatient clinic. Fifty-five middle-age men classified according to Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and apnea–hypopnea index (overnight polysomnographic evaluation) as healthy controls without OSA and metabolic syndrome patients without and with OSA were studied. Blood pressure (Finapres), heart rate (ECG) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; microneurography) were measured at rest and during baroreflex manipulation. Compared with controls, patients with metabolic syndrome with and without OSA displayed higher waist–hip ratio, blood pressure, triglycerides and homeostasis model assessment index values but lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. MSNA was significantly higher in patients with metabolic syndrome without OSA than in controls (61.9 ± 3.9 vs. 37.7 ± 4.1 bursts/100 heartbeats, respectively, P < 0.01), a further marked increase being detected in patients with metabolic syndrome with OSA (77.1 ± 4.3 bursts/100 heart beats, P < 0.01). Compared with controls, baroreflex control of heart rate and MSNA was markedly impaired in patients with metabolic syndrome with OSA, a further impairment in baroreflex–heart rate modulation being detected in metabolic syndrome with OSA. In the metabolic syndrome group as a whole, at the multivariate analysis, MSNA was significantly related to the apnoea–hypopnoea index but not to other variables. Conclusion Thus the sympathetic activation of metabolic syndrome occurs independently on OSA. OSA, however, markedly potentiates this neuroadrenergic abnormality via a hypoxic-dependent chemoreflex activation.
Impact of the Preservice Field Experience in Foreign Language Teaching: A Study of the Development of Preservice Teachers' Perspectives in Foreign Language Teaching. (Volumes I and II).

Within the broader issue of teacher education, the focus of this study is on one of the most neglected areas of inquiry in the field of foreign languages, the preservice field experience, and the development of student teachers’ perspectives of foreign language teaching. The following questions were specifically addressed: (1) What perspectives of foreign language teaching do student teachers hold upon completion of their program of university courses? (2) Is there an alteration of student teachers’ perspectives of foreign language teaching during their student teaching semester? (3) What factors appear to influence student teachers’ perspectives of foreign language teaching during their student teaching semester? Berlak & Berlak’s concept of "dilemmas" underlies the formulation of these objectives, the choice of the method of inquiry, the choice of instruments, the procedures for collecting data and for their analysis, and the reporting of the findings. The perspectives of five foreign language student teachers attending a major American university were examined during their 15-week field experience at the middle and high school levels. The most appropriate framework for this study was the naturalistic paradigm. Multiple methods were used to collect data from the five preservice teachers, the five cooperating teachers, the university Clinical Experiences Office, the methods instructor, and the participating schools. A variety of instruments were used to collect data, including biographical questionnaires and essays, reflective pre-student
The Influence of Stereotypes and Host–Tourist Interactions on Post-travel Destination Image and Evaluations of Residents

ABSTRACT In recent years, media coverage reporting or reflecting stereotypes from Chinese tourists towards other national groups has drawn widespread attention. Yet limited research has been conducted to explore the connections between the concepts of Chinese tourists’ stereotypes, host–tourist interactions (HTIs) and destination image. To address this gap, the objective of this study is to investigate the influence of Chinese tourists’ pre-travel stereotypes of local residents and their on-site HTIs on post-travel evaluations of locals and destination image. In-depth interviews with Chinese tourists to overseas destinations were conducted, and a sequential model is presented to illustrate how tourists could make comparisons between their pre-travel stereotypes and experienced HTIs to generate post-trip evaluations.
The Role of p53 in Combination Radioimmunotherapy with 64Cu-DOTA-Cetuximab and Cisplatin in a Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer

Radioimmunotherapy has been successfully used in the treatment of lymphoma but thus far has not demonstrated significant efficacy in humans beyond disease stabilization in solid tumors. Radioimmunotherapy with 64Cu was highly effective in a hamster model of colorectal cancer, but targeted radiotherapies with this radionuclide have since not shown as much success. It is widely known that mutations in key proteins play a role in the success or failure of cancer therapies. For example, the KRAS mutation is predictive of poor response to anti–epidermal growth factor receptor therapies in colorectal cancer, whereas p53 is frequently mutated in tumors, causing resistance to multiple therapeutic regimens. Methods: We previously showed that nuclear localization of 64Cu-labeled DOTA-cetuximab was enhanced in p53 wild-type tumor cells. Here, we examine the role of p53 in the response to radioimmunotherapy with 64Cu-DOTA-cetuximab in KRAS-mutated HCT116 tumor–bearing mice, with and without cisplatin, which upregulates wild-type p53. Results: Experiments with HCT116 cells that are p53 +/+ (p53 wild-type) and −/− (p53 null) grown in cell culture demonstrated that preincubation with cisplatin increased expression of p53 and subsequently enhanced localization of 64Cu from 64Cu-acetate and 64Cu-DOTA-cetuximab to the tumor cell nuclei. Radioimmunotherapy studies in p53-positive HCT116 tumor–bearing mice, receiving either radioimmunotherapy alone or in combination with cisplatin, showed significantly longer survival in mice receiving unlabeled cetuximab or cisplatin alone or in combination (all, P < 0.01). In contrast, the p53-negative tumor-bearing mice treated with radioimmunotherapy alone or combined with cisplatin showed no survival advantage, compared with control groups (all, P > 0.05). Conclusion: Together, these data suggest that 64Cu specifically delivered to epidermal growth factor receptor–positive tumors by cetuximab can suppress tumor growth despite the KRAS status and present opportunities for personalized clinical treatment strategies in colorectal cancer.
Trajectories of suicide ideation, nonsuicidal self-injury, and suicide attempts in a nonclinical sample of military personnel and veterans.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a risk factor for suicide attempts, but little is known about NSSI among military personnel and veterans, or about the temporal sequencing of NSSI relative to suicide ideation and attempts. This study evaluates trajectories of suicide ideation, NSSI, and suicide attempts in a sample of 422 military personnel and veterans. Of those with a history of NSSI, 77% also experienced suicide ideation. Suicide ideation emerged before NSSI (67%) more often than the reverse (17%). Of those with a history of suicide attempt, 41% also engaged in NSSI. NSSI emerged prior to the first suicide attempt (91%) more often than the reverse (9%). The length of time from suicide ideation to suicide attempt was longer for those who first engaged in NSSI (median = 3.5 years) compared with those who did not engage in NSSI (median = 0.0 years), Wald χ(2)(1) = 11.985, p = . 002. Age of onset was earlier for participants reporting NSSI only compared with those reporting both NSSI and suicide attempts (16.71 vs. 22.08 years), F(1, 45) = 4.149, p = . 048. NSSI may serve as a "stepping stone" from suicide ideation to attempts for 41% of those who attempt suicide.
Patronage Appointments and Agency Independence

When making appointments to bureaucratic positions, presidents often have to balance various appointee traits, including loyalty, competence, connections, campaign experience, and potential electoral benefit. Previous research has suggested that patronage appointees—often characterized as those individuals appointed because of campaign experience, electoral benefit, or other nonpolicy political benefits—tend to be placed in low-priority agencies whose missions are ideological matches to the president and in positions where they will have minimal effects on agency outcomes. However, this research has overlooked the role of agency structure and the ease with which appointees can be placed into—or removed from—office. This article focuses on agency decision-maker independence, or the extent to which agency structure limits the appointment/removal of key agency decision makers. Using data on individuals appointed in the first six months of the Obama administration, I find that presidents put fewer patronage appointees into agencies whose structural features promote agency decision-maker independence.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adult females in the United Arab Emirates

The purpose of this present study was to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adult females in the United Arab Emirates. A total number of 724 females, age 20–90 years, were recruited from the seven Emirates. The sample was divided into three age groups, 20 to <30 years, 30 to <60 years and >60 years. Height, weight and mid-upper-arm circumference were measured in each subject. Overweight and obesity were defined as a body mass index of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2 and >30 kg/m2, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 27% and 16%, respectively. The age group between 30 and <60 years had the highest prevalence of overweight (33%) and obesity (24%). In conclusion, the findings from our study suggest that a high proportion of adult females in the United Arab Emirates are overweight and obese. The consequences of this are a serious concern for public health and need to be addressed.