Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A case of astroblastoma: Radiological and histopathological characteristics and a review of current treatment options

Background: Astroblastoma is a rare neuroepithelial tumor that often originates in the cerebral hemisphere of children and young adults. Diagnosis of this obscure neoplasm can be difficult because these tumors are so infrequently encountered and share common radiological and neuropathological features of other glial neoplasms. As such, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of astrocytoma and ependymoma if the clinical and radiographic features suggest it. Standardized treatment of astroblastomas remains under dispute because of the lack of knowledge regarding the tumor and a paucity of studies in the literature. Case Description: We present a case of a low-grade astroblastoma diagnosed in a 30-year-old female with seizures, headache, and vision changes. She underwent gross total resection and, without evidence of high-grade features, adjuvant therapy was not planned postoperatively. Post-operative surveillance suggested early recurrence, warranting referral to radiation therapy. Patient ended up expiring despite adjuvant therapy secondary to extensive recurrence and tumor metastasis. Conclusions: Astroblastoma must be considered in the differential of supratentorial tumors in children and young adults. Treatment of such, as suggested by most recent literature, includes gross total resection and adjuvant radiotherapy for lesions exhibiting high-grade features.
Telomere dysfunction alters the chemotherapeutic profile of transformed cells

Telomerase inhibition has been touted as a novel cancer-selective therapeutic goal based on the observation of high telomerase levels in most cancers and the importance of telomere maintenance in long-term cellular growth and survival. Here, the impact of telomere dysfunction on chemotherapeutic responses was assessed in normal and neoplastic cells derived from telomerase RNA null (mTERC−/−) mice. Telomere dysfunction, rather than telomerase per se, was found to be the principal determinant governing chemosensitivity specifically to agents that induced double-stranded DNA breaks (DSB). Enhanced chemosensitivity in telomere dysfunctional cells was linked to therapy-induced fragmentation and multichromosomal fusions, whereas telomerase reconstitution restored genomic integrity and chemoresistance. Loss of p53 function muted the cytotoxic effects of DSB-inducing agents in cells with telomere dysfunction. Together, these results point to the combined use of DSB-inducing agents and telomere maintenance inhibition as an effective anticancer therapeutic approach particularly in cells with intact p53-dependent checkpoint responses.
Evolutionarily Conserved Function of a Viral MicroRNA

ABSTRACT MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are potent RNA regulators of gene expression. Some viruses encode miRNAs, most of unknown function. The majority of viral miRNAs are not conserved, and whether any have conserved functions remains unclear. Here, we report that two human polyomaviruses associated with serious disease in immunocompromised individuals, JC virus and BK virus, encode miRNAs with the same function as that of the monkey polyomavirus simian virus 40 miRNAs. These miRNAs are expressed late during infection to autoregulate early gene expression. We show that the miRNAs generated from both arms of the pre-miRNA hairpin are active at directing the cleavage of the early mRNAs. This finding suggests that despite multiple differences in the miRNA seed regions, the primary target (the early mRNAs) and function (the downregulation of early gene expression) are evolutionarily conserved among the primate polyomavirus-encoded miRNAs. Furthermore, we show that these miRNAs are expressed in individuals diagnosed with polyomavirus-associated disease, suggesting their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention.
'Goodbye and good luck': the mental health needs and treatment experiences of British ex-service personnel.

BACKGROUND Little is known about the psychological health or treatment experiences of those who have left the British armed forces. AIMS To describe the frequency and associations of common mental disorders and help-seeking behaviours in a representative sample of UK veterans at high risk of mental health problems. METHOD A cross-sectional telephone survey of 496 'vulnerable' ex-service personnel selected from an existing epidemiological military cohort. RESULTS The response rate was 64%; 44% of these had a psychiatric diagnosis, most commonly depression. Those with a diagnosis were more likely to be of lower rank and divorced or separated. Just over half of those with self-reported mental health problems were currently seeking help, most from their general practitioners. Most help-seekers received treatment, usually medication; 28% were in touch with a service charity and 4% were receiving cognitive-behavioural therapy. CONCLUSIONS Depression is more common than post-traumatic stress disorder in UK ex-service personnel. Only about half of those who have a diagnosis are seeking help currently, and few see specialists.
Calorie restriction effects on silencing and recombination at the yeast rDNA

Aging research has developed rapidly over the past decade, identifying individual genes and molecular mechanisms of the aging process through the use of model organisms and high throughput technologies. Calorie restriction (CR) is the most widely researched environmental manipulation that extends lifespan. Activation of the NAD+‐dependent protein deacetylase Sir2 (Silent Information Regulator 2) has been proposed to mediate the beneficial effects of CR in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as other organisms. Here, we show that in contrast to previous reports, Sir2 is not stimulated by CR to strengthen silencing of multiple reporter genes in the rDNA of S. cerevisiae. CR does modestly reduce the frequency of rDNA recombination, although in a SIR2‐independent manner. CR‐mediated repression of rDNA recombination also does not correlate with the silencing of Pol II‐transcribed noncoding RNAs derived from the rDNA intergenic spacer, suggesting that additional silencing‐independent pathways function in lifespan regulation.
Taking it like a man: masculine role norms as moderators of the racial discrimination-depressive symptoms association among African American men.

OBJECTIVES I examined the association between everyday racial discrimination and depressive symptoms and explored the moderating role of 2 dimensions of masculine role norms, restrictive emotionality and self-reliance. METHODS Cross-sectional survey data from 674 African American men aged 18 years and older recruited primarily from barbershops in 4 US regions (2003-2010) were used. Direct and moderated associations were assessed with multivariate linear regression analyses for the overall sample and different age groups. Models were adjusted for recruitment site, sociodemographics, masculine role norms salience, and general social stress. RESULTS Everyday racial discrimination was associated with more depressive symptoms across all age groups. Higher restrictive emotionality was associated with more depressive symptoms among men aged 18 to 29 and 30 to 39 years. Self-reliance was associated with fewer depressive symptoms among men aged 18 to 29 years and 40 years and older. The positive association between everyday racial discrimination and depressive symptoms was stronger among men with high restrictive emotionality, but this moderated effect was limited to men older than 30 years. CONCLUSIONS Interventions designed to reduce African American men's depression instigated by racism should be life-course specific and address masculine role norms that encourage emotion restriction.
Spatial analysis of regional residential markets in England and Wales

Purpose – This study examines house price returns and volatilities of the returns in residential markets in England and Wales at a county/unitary authority level for the period from 1997 to 2014. Main driving factors of the returns and volatilities are indicated. Additionally, by using spatial econometrics, we show the existing spatial structure of the returns and volatilities. Design/methodology/approach – The study employs a variety of data from the demand and supply side of property markets to help explain differences in returns and return deviations among unitary authorities and counties. The data is constructed in cross sections. Descriptive statistics, linear regression models, spatial diagnostics, and spatial regressions are applied to assess the significance and magnitude of the coefficients in order to describe return and return risk distribution across the markets. Additionally, direct and indirect spatial impacts are calculated to enrich the interpretation. Findings – The results demonstrate that returns and volatilities of the returns have a negative correlation, which is unconventional according to the Modern portfolio theory (Markowitz, 1952). Housing volatility is negatively related with factors that usually suggest stronger economic and property market environment; for example, employment or population. Additionally, average house price level in the area is a significant factor that influences house price returns and volatility. Finally, strong evidence for the spatial structure of returns and return deviations in the property market are displayed. Practical implications – The study is important for understanding residential property markets. It may help in an investment decision-making process. Additionally, examination of the return deviations in property markets suggests that standard deviation may be an appropriate risk measure, however, it cannot be considered according to a traditional risk return trade off concept, which could be affected by other risk factors that play more significant roles in UK housing markets. In addition, the study questions the trustworthiness of the data and the possibility of research at this disaggregation level. Originality/value – Few studies investigate the driving factors behind house price returns and returns volatilities in residential market at county/unitary authority level.
Determinants of Earnings Management Choice among Publicly Listed Industrial Firms in the Philippines

Earnings management involves the use of acceptable accounting rules and procedures as well as circumventing business activities to achieve desired ends. In the literature, earnings management through discretionary accruals has always been associated with an opportunistic motive to mislead various stakeholders about a business’ financial performance to the advantage of owners and managers. However, the literature presented two possible motives behind earnings management, namely: an opportunistic, a self-serving perspective which mirrors the agency problem; and an efficient motive which utilizes earnings management as a signalling mechanism to send signals about the firm to its stakeholders. In this paper, we investigate the type of earnings management employed by industrial firms in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). Evidence was found that managers use earnings management in an efficient perspective to signal private information to stakeholders. In addition, the study examined firm-specific characteristics in terms of profitability, leverage, cash flows from operations, and firm size. Furthermore, this study also examined corporate governance variables such as the number of independent board of directors, the presence of CEO duality, board size, and audit quality. We also examined the effect of these variables on a firm’s tendency to engage in earnings management using discretionary accruals. Results revealed that among the firm specific characteristics, leverage and cash flow from operations are both significantly and positively related to a firm’s level of discretionary accruals, while profitability was found to be negatively related. However, we found that corporate governance variables such as board size, board independence, CEO duality, and audit quality were all insignificant predictors of a firm’s earnings management activities.
Magnetic Properties and Large Magnetocaloric Effect in Amorphous Fe-Ag-Ni-Zr for Room-Temperature Magnetic Refrigeration

This paper reveals that a partial replacement of Fe by Ni (5%) and/or Ag (2%) in amorphous Fe<sub>85-x</sub>Ag<sub>x</sub>Ni<sub>5</sub>Zr<sub>10</sub> (x = 0 and 2) alloys leads to the shift of T toward room temperature (RT) (T<sub>C</sub> = 308 and 303 K for x = 0 and 2, respectively). Basing on isothermal magnetization data, the magnetic entropy change (ΔS<sub>m</sub>) of the amorphous alloys was calculated. Their maximum ΔS<sub>m</sub> values (|ΔS<sub>max</sub>|) achieve just around RT, corresponding to the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic (FM-PM) phase transition of the amorphous phase. Under a magnetic field change of 10 kOe, |ΔS<sub>max</sub>| values are ~1 J · kg<sup>-1</sup> · K<sup>-1</sup>. We have also used different methods, such as the modified Arrott plots, the Kouvel-Fisher method, and critical isotherm analysis to study their critical property around the FM-PM phase transition. Our results suggest that the amorphous Fe<sub>85-x</sub>Ag<sub>x</sub>Ni<sub>5</sub>Zr<sub>10</sub> alloys exhibit a second-order magnetic phase transition with the critical exponents of β = 0.389-0.396 and y = 1.279-1.334 close to those expected for the 3-D Heisenberg model. This proves the existence of short-range FM interactions in these alloys.
Energy management of electric vehicles with permanent magnet synchronous in-wheel motors using pontryagin's minimum principle

Due to a strong appealing for environment protection and energy saving, electric vehicles (EVs) receive more attention nowadays. Those equipped with permanent magnet synchronous in-wheel motors (PMSIMs) are regarded having an efficient structure that can transmit electrical energy to mechanical energy directly. To optimize vehicle performance, a new energy management strategy is proposed in this work to identify the optimal working points of the EVs analytically. The most important contribution of this work is to provide an analytical method for determining the optimal working points of the EV, which is of interest to both EV designers and users. With the proposed modeling, the coupling effects between PMSIMs performance and EV working status are analyzed using Pontryagin's Minimum Principle. To solve the mathematically hard-to-solve Hamiltonian, a numerical scanning approach is also proposed to determine the optimal working points of the EV. Simulation results are demonstrated to verify that the analytical optimal working point achieved by Pontryagin's Minimum Principle has the least energy consumption rate, compared to other cases, with the model of DC motors or non-optimal working points.
The Effect of Temperature on Survival of Pityophthorus juglandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

ABSTRACT The walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman) vectors Geosmithia morbida, the causal agent of thousand cankers disease in Juglans, and is particularly damaging to Juglans nigra L. (black walnut). Native hosts of P. juglandis are distributed in the southwestern United States where winter temperatures tend to be higher than those found within the native range of black walnut. To better understand temperature effects on survival of P. juglandis, we initiated studies to determine: 1) seasonal variations in cold tolerance, as measured by the supercooling point (SCP), and 2) upper and lower lethal temperatures (LT). In the lower LT study, Xyleborinus saxeseni (Ratzeberg) was tested for comparison. Insects were either exposed to increasing or decreasing temperatures and then checked for survival. Upper and lower LTs were estimated using a logistic model. For the SCP study, data were grouped into seasons. Seasonal mean SCPs were highest in summer (-15.4°C) and lowest in fall (-18.1°C). The upper lethal limit estimations required to kill 99% of the population (LT99) for adults and larvae were 52.7 and 48.1°C, respectively, and lower limit LT99 estimations for adults and larvae were -18.1 and -18.7°C, respectively. The lower median LT (LT50) of X. saxeseni was -24.7°C. These studies, as well as beetle survival in infested Colorado trees where temperatures reached -29°C in February 2011, suggest P. juglandis could survive the winter in much of the native range of black walnut, but may be limited in trees where temperatures regularly exceed the lower LT.
Concomitant Impairment of Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Function During Doxorubicin Therapy: A Prospective Radionuclide Ventriculographic and Echocardiographic Study

Thirty adult lymphoma patients were studied prospectively with serial radionuclide ventriculography (RVG) and echocardiography (ECHO) to investigate whether changes in left ventricular (LV) diastolic function precede the impairment of LV systolic function during doxorubicin therapy. The patients received 8-10 cycles of CHOP to a cumulative doxorubicin dose of 400-500 mg/m 2. RVG and ECHO were performed at baseline and after cumulative doxorubicin doses of 200, 400 and 500 mg/m 2. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased from 58 ± 1.3 to 49.6 ± 1.7% (p <0.001) and from 58 ± 1.7 to 52.5 ± 1.3% (p =0.036) as assessed with RVG and 2D ECHO, respectively. Of the diastolic ECHO doppler indices peak E wave velocity decreased from 63.3 ± 3.2 to 51.3 ± 2.6 cm/s (p =0.008) and LV filling during the first 1/3 of diastole (1/3FF) from 42.2 ± 1.7 to 36.5 ± 2.0% (p <0.001). The decrease in LVEF was statistically significant after the cumulative doxorubicin dose of 200 mg/m 2 as assessed with RVG and after 400 mg/m 2 as assessed with 2D ECHO. The decrease in 1/3FF reached the statistical significance after the cumulative doxorubicin dose of 400 mg/m 2 and the decrease in peak E wave velocity after 500 mg/m 2. This study shows that during doxorubicin therapy there are significant changes both in systolic and diastolic LV function. In addition, these changes manifest at relatively low cumulative doxorubicin doses and occur concomitantly. Thus, the assessment of diastolic function provides no advantage over monitoring systolic function during doxorubicin therapy.
Roles of MMP/TIMP in regulating matrix swelling and cell migration during chick corneal development

Tissue remodeling is central to embryonic development. Here, we used immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and RT‐PCR analysis to investigate the roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the related “a disintegrin and metalloproteinase“ (ADAM) family proteinases in chick corneal development. While MMP‐13 was expressed in developing chick corneas from embryonic day (ED) 5 to ED 10, its inhibitor, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1), was expressed from ED 18 to 2 days post‐hatching (P2). Early MMP‐13 activity may be associated with degradation of type IX collagen from the primary stroma, which loosens the collagen fibrils and facilitates neural crest (NC) cell migration. The membrane‐bound and secreted forms of ADAM10 were both detected throughout corneal development, and active ADAM10 formed a cleavage complex with CD44v6, a CD44 splice variant that is a major cell surface adhesion molecule for hyaluronic acid (HA) and has been implicated in cell migration. Both CD44v6 and its ectodomain cleavage products were detected from ED 5 to ED 14, and a broad‐spectrum MMP inhibitor blocked ectodomain cleavage in cultured stromal cells. These findings suggest that ADAM10 mediates CD44v6 cleavage in the developing cornea, facilitating NC cell‐derived mesenchymal cell migration. Finally, we identified high levels of active membrane‐type 3‐MMP (MT3‐MMP) in developing corneas at ED 7, ED 14, and ED 18. MT3‐MMP takes part in MMP‐2 activation and possibly also CD44v6 shedding, suggesting that this pathway may be involved in cell migration. These findings collectively show for the first time that multiple MMPs, ADAMs, and TIMPs appear to functionally interact during corneal development. J. Cell. Biochem. 101:1222–1237, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The prevalence and risk factors of falling and fear of falling among lower extremity amputees.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the falling experience and fear of falling status and to describe characteristics associated with falling and fear of falling. DESIGN Population-based consecutive sample survey and chart review. SETTING Two Canadian, regional, university-affiliated outpatient amputee clinics. PARTICIPANTS The sample (n = 435; mean age, 62 +/- 15.7 yr) of community-living participants was mostly male (71%), had unilateral (below knee 73%; above knee 27%) amputations primarily for vascular (53% vs 47% nonvascular) reasons. INTERVENTION Review patient charts and survey questionnaires to determine sociodemographic information (eg, social support), information about the amputation (eg, cause, level, problems), physical health and function (eg, pain, limitations, comorbidity), and psychologic state (depression, adaptation). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Occurrence of a fall in the past 12 months and presence of a fear of falling. RESULTS Exactly 52.4% subjects reported falling in the past year, whereas 49.2% reported a fear of falling. Logistic regression analyses revealed falling was related to having an above knee amputation (odds ratio [OR] = 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.71-4.51), back (OR = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.08-3.54) and joint (OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.01-2.74) pain, and multiple stump and prosthesis problems (OR = 3.09; 95% CI = 1.58-6.04). Having had the amputation > or = 4 years in the past was protective (OR =.53; 95% CI =.29-.89). Factors related to an increase risk of fear of falling included having to concentrate on each step while walking (OR = 4.06; 95% CI = 2.46-6.71) and having a fall in the past 12 months (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.04-2.54), whereas being male (OR = 0.35; 95% CI =.21-.57) and having good to excellent perceived health (OR =.35; 95% CI =.21-.58) were protective. CONCLUSIONS Falling and fear of falling are pervasive among amputees. Comprehensive and ongoing intervention and education should be considered. Research is required to assess the consequences of falling and fear of falling.
A Novel Defensive Mechanism against Acetaminophen Toxicity in the Mouse Lateral Nasal Gland: Role of CYP2A5-Mediated Regulation of Testosterone Homeostasis and Salivary Androgen-Binding Protein Expression

To identify novel factors or mechanisms that are important for the resistance of tissues to chemical toxicity, we have determined the mechanisms underlying the previously observed increases in resistance to acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity in the lateral nasal gland (LNG) of the male Cyp2g1-null/Cyp2a5-low mouse. Initial studies established that Cyp2a5-null mice, but not a newly generated strain of Cyp2g1-null mice, were resistant to APAP toxicity in the LNG; therefore, subsequent studies were focused on the Cyp2a5-null mice. Compared with the wild-type (WT) male mouse, the Cyp2a5-null male mouse had intact capability to metabolize APAP to reactive intermediates in the LNG, as well as unaltered circulating levels of APAP, APAP-GSH, APAP-glucuronide, and APAP-sulfate. However, it displayed reduced tissue levels of APAP and APAP-GSH and increased tissue levels of testosterone and salivary androgen-binding protein (ABP) in the LNG. Furthermore, we found that ABP was able to compete with GSH and cellular proteins for adduction with reactive metabolites of APAP in vitro. The amounts of APAP-ABP adducts formed in vivo were greater, whereas the amounts of APAP adducts formed with other cellular proteins were substantially lower, in the LNG of APAP-treated male Cyp2a5-null mice compared with the LNG of APAP-treated male WT mice. We propose that through its critical role in testosterone metabolism, CYP2A5 regulates 1) the bioavailability of APAP and APAP-GSH (presumably through modulation of the rates of xenobiotic excretion from the LNG) and 2) the expression of ABP, which can quench reactive APAP metabolites and thereby spare critical cellular proteins from inactivation.