Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phase II study of erlotinib plus temozolomide during and after radiation therapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme or gliosarcoma.

PURPOSE This open-label, prospective, single-arm, phase II study combined erlotinib with radiation therapy (XRT) and temozolomide to treat glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and gliosarcoma. The objectives were to determine efficacy of this treatment as measured by survival and to explore the relationship between molecular markers and treatment response. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty-five eligible adults with newly diagnosed GBM or gliosarcoma were enrolled. We intended to treat patients not currently treated with enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs) with 100 mg/d of erlotinib during XRT and 150 mg/d after XRT. Patients receiving EIAEDs were to receive 200 mg/d of erlotinib during XRT and 300 mg/d after XRT. After XRT, the erlotinib dose was escalated until patients developed tolerable grade 2 rash or until the maximum allowed dose was reached. All patients received temozolomide during and after XRT. Molecular markers of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), EGFRvIII, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and methylation status of the promotor region of the MGMT gene were analyzed from tumor tissue. Survival was compared with outcomes from two historical phase II trials. RESULTS Median survival was 19.3 months in the current study and 14.1 months in the combined historical control studies, with a hazard ratio for survival (treated/control) of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.45 to 0.91). Treatment was well tolerated. There was a strong positive correlation between MGMT promotor methylation and survival, as well as an association between MGMT promotor-methylated tumors and PTEN positivity shown by immunohistochemistry with improved survival. CONCLUSION Patients treated with the combination of erlotinib and temozolomide during and following radiotherapy had better survival than historical controls. Additional studies are warranted.
Time Motion and Video Analysis of Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance Performance

Video analysis has become a useful tool in the preparation for sport performance and its use has highlighted the different physiological demands of seemingly similar sports and playing positions. The aim of the current study was to examine the performance differences between classical ballet and contemporary dance. In total 93 dance performances (48 ballet and 45 contemporary) were analysed for exercise intensity, changes in direction and specific discrete skills (e. g., jumps, lifts). Results revealed significant differences between the 2 dance forms for exercise intensity (p<0.001), changes in direction (p<0.001) and discrete skills (p<0.05) with gender differences noted in the latter (p<0.05). Ballet was characterised by longer periods at rest (38 s x min(-1)) and high to very high exercise intensities (9 s x min(-1)), whilst contemporary dance featured more continuous moderate exercise intensities (27 s x min(-1)). These differences have implications on the energy systems utilised during performance with ballet potentially stressing the anaerobic system more than contemporary dance. The observed high rates in the discrete skills in ballet (5 jumps x min(-1); 2 lifts x min(-1)) can cause local muscular damage, particularly in relatively weaker individuals. In conclusion, classical ballet and contemporary dance performances are as significantly different in the underlying physical demands placed on their performers as the artistic aspects of the choreography.
Critical Role of NADPH Oxidase-derived Reactive Oxygen Species in Generating Ca2+ Oscillations in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells Stimulated by Histamine*

There is increasing evidence that intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in cell signaling and that the NADPH oxidase is a major source of ROS in endothelial cells. At low concentrations, agonist stimulation of membrane receptors generates intracellular ROS and repetitive oscillations of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+] i ) in human endothelial cells. The present study was performed to examine whether ROS are important in the generation or maintenance of [Ca2+] i oscillations in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) stimulated by histamine. Histamine (1 μm) increased the fluorescence of 2′,7′-dihydrodichlorofluorescin diacetate in HAEC, an indicator of ROS production. This was partially inhibited by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI, 10 μm), by the farnesyltransferase inhibitor H-Ampamb-Phe-Met-OH (2 μm), and in HAEC transiently expressing Rac1N17, a dominant negative allele of the protein Rac1, which is essential for NADPH oxidase activity. In indo 1-loaded HAEC, 1 μm histamine triggered [Ca2+] i oscillations that were blocked by DPI or H-Ampamb-Phe-Met-OH. Histamine-stimulated [Ca2+] i oscillations were not observed in HAEC lacking functional Rac1 protein but were observed when transfected cells were simultaneously exposed to a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide (10 μm), which by itself did not alter either [Ca2+] i or levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins-1,4,5-P3). Thus, histamine generates ROS in HAEC at least partially via NADPH oxidase activation. NADPH oxidase-derived ROS are critical to the generation of [Ca2+] i oscillations in HAEC during histamine stimulation, perhaps by increasing the sensitivity of the endoplasmic reticulum to Ins-1,4,5-P3.
Role of T helper 2 cells in intestinal goblet cell hyperplasia in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The four principal types of intestinal epithelial cells are derived from multipotent stem cells. Currently, there is no information on factors that regulate commitment of stem cells to differentiate along one lineage vs. another. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of T cells in the regulation of small intestinal goblet cell hyperplasia in mice infected with the parasite Trichinella spiralis. METHODS NIH mice were infected with T. spiralis, and intestinal goblet cells and cytokine response were studied. Interferon gamma and interleukin 5 were used as candidate T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cytokines, respectively. Adoptive transfer experiments were also performed. RESULTS Small intestinal goblet cell hyperplasia occurred 8 days after infection with T. spiralis. Th1-type cells were predominant in the mesenteric lymph nodes early in the course of infection, with a switch to Th2-predominant cells around the time of goblet cell hyperplasia. Transfer of Th2-enriched mesenteric lymph node cells further enhanced goblet cell hyperplasia in recipient mice. Neutralization of interleukin 5 activity did not affect T. spiralis-induced goblet cell hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS Small intestinal goblet cell hyperplasia in T. spiralis-infected mice is probably regulated by Th2 cells. We postulate that Th2-derived factors (other than interleukin 5) induce stem cells to differentiate preferentially along the goblet cell lineage.
Mutations in the human SC 4 MOL gene encoding a methyl sterol oxidase cause psoriasiform dermatitis , microcephaly , and developmental delay

1Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. 2Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. 3Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. 4Department of Immunology, 5Department of Dermatology, and 6Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. 7Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA. 8Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
The impact of brand equity on brand loyalty: The mediating role of customer satisfaction

The study investigates the impact of brand equity on brand loyalty with the mediation of customer satisfaction in restaurant sector of Lahore, Pakistan. The study uses seven dimensions of brand equity, which include physical quality, staff behavior, ideal selfcongruence, brand identification, life style-congruence, trust and environment. Questionnaire has been used to collect the data from the customers using restaurants as a choice for their food demand. The data has been collected from 400 respondents and analyzed through SPSS and AMOS. All hypotheses have been supported except last hypothesis which has been partially supported. The effect of life style-congruence and environment has not been fully mediated by customer satisfaction and has proved insignificant, therefore these two variables have been dropped from modified model fit. It has found that the effect of physical quality, staff behavior, ideal self-congruence, brand identification and trust on brand loyalty has been fully mediated by customer satisfaction in case of Lahore. The study will enable the managers to change policies and to train the staff so they can satisfy the customers which in turn would make customers loyal with the organization. The study is limited only to the fast-food restaurants situated in the city of Lahore only. Future studies can be conducted across different type of businesses and cultures. This paper provides a basis to study the effect of trust on brand loyalty with mediation of customer satisfaction and offers practical help for managers to train employees which could enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The seizure outcome after amygdalohippocampectomy and temporal lobectomy

The aim of this study was to compare the seizure outcome of two different types of epilepsy surgery, selective amydalohippocampectomy (AHE) and anterior temporal lobectomy (ATLE) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. We included 114 patients who had mesio‐temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis or gliosis on histology. Patients had ATLE if the non‐dominant hemisphere was affected or if the whole temporal lobe was atrophic. Patients had AHE if the dominant hemisphere was affected. Standardized seizure outcome at 1 year following surgery was used. Overall 40% of the 114 patients who had temporal lobe epilepsy surgery were seizure‐free at 1‐year (Engel's class Ia). A good outcome (Engel's classes I and II) was significantly more frequent in ATLE than in AHE. (66% and 44%, respectively, P = 0.03). ATLE had a better seizure outcome than AHE.
Intubation through Intubating Laryngeal Mask with and without a Lightwand: A Randomized Comparison

The combined use of a lightwand and the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) was compared with the use of the ILMA alone to determine whether the combination was a more efficient method of endotracheal intubation. One hundred healthy patients were randomly assigned to two groups. After induction of anaesthesia, Group A patients were intubated blindly through the ILMA while in Group B, intubation was guided by a lightwand. A sequence of standard manoeuvres was followed if attempts at intubation failed. The number of manoeuvres used, the time taken for successful intubation and complications associated with intubation were recorded. Intubations were successful in all patients, but the mean endotracheal intubation time was longer in Group A than in Group B (38.3±10.4 s versus 26.4±9.1 s, P<0.001). The number of patients who needed one or more manoeuvres was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (76% versus 42%, P=0.001). We conclude that the lightwand is a useful adjunct in endotracheal intubation through an ILMA.
The ecology and biting activity of blackflies (Simuliidae) and the prevalence of onchocerciasis in an agricultural community in Ghana

Field studies on the ecology and biting activity of blackflies (Simuliidae), as well as an assessment of the prevalence status of Onchocerciasis diseases were conducted in a rural forest area of Ghana. It was observed that the blackfly vector Simulium damnosum s.l was the most abundant and widely distributed of the species encountered. The pH and flow rate of the breeding sites were significant factors influencing the distribution of the flies. The pattern of biting exhibited by S. damnosum s.l was bi-modal with morning and late afternoon peak activity. The savanna forms of the S. damnosum s.l were found to occur in the area representing 0.0–0.26% of the catch. The disease is endemic with the prevalence rate ranging between 0.0001 and 12.9% in the district and the frontline communities having infection rates exceeding 60%.
Short-pulse generation with broad-band tunability from semiconductor lasers in an external ring cavity

Short optical pulses are generated by actively mode locking semiconductor lasers in an external ring cavity with a very broad tuning range from 795 to 857 nm. The wide tunability is possible because the gain bandwidth is broadened by the use of asymmetric dual quantum wells for the semiconductor laser material. Assuming a Gaussian shape, the generated pulses have pulsewidths of 13-21 ps and spectral widths of 24.5 /spl Aring/ for the tuning range. The mode-locked spectrum contains almost no amplified spontaneous emission noise.
Meristem culture for the elimination of the strawberry crown rot pathogen Phytophthora cactorum

Two methods to induce a symptomless infection of crown rot (Phytophthora cactorum) in stolons of three strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa) cultivars were evaluated. Spraying a 10 −4 ml zoospore suspension was the most effective method, producing a mean infection rate of 12%. Meristem cultures were subsequently established from all of the inoculated stolons and tested eight weeks later for the presence of P. cactorum using a PCR-based assay. A total of 784 meristems were excised and DNA was successfully extracted from 505 viable meristem cultures, 46 of which had been excised from stolons that were shown to have a symptomless infection of crown rot. No viable meristems were found to be infected with the pathogen. This investigation confirmed the suitability and reliability of meristem culture for the production of strawberry plants free from crown rot.
MRI comparison of periprosthetic structures around zirconium knee prostheses and cobalt chrome prostheses.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to compare reviewer confidence and interobserver agreement in the evaluation of MR images of periprosthetic structures around zirconium total knee prostheses and cobalt chrome prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three board-certified radiologists blinded to prosthesis type used identical MRI protocols to independently evaluate 21 total knee prostheses: 14 zirconium prostheses and seven cobalt chrome prostheses. The radiologists evaluated the following eight parameters: integrity of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, the quadriceps and the patellar tendons, presence of a joint effusion, and for evidence of periprosthetic osseous signal abnormality around each of the three components. The reviewers gave their degree of confidence in evaluating each of the findings on a five-point scale, 0 being no confidence and 4 being high confidence in the finding. The degree of confidence was used as the vehicle for comparing the two groups of patients. RESULTS The confidence ratings for all MRI variables were significantly higher for the zirconium group than for the cobalt chrome group. The confidence ratings varied less for the zirconium group than for the cobalt chrome group with an SD of 0.45 versus 0.95, respectively. There was greater interobserver agreement in the zirconium group (coefficient of interobserver agreement, 0.82 vs 0.35). The reviewers had the highest degree of confidence when examining for joint effusion in both groups (3.9 for the zirconium group; 3.7 for the cobalt chrome group). The greatest discrepancies between the two groups were in evaluation of periprosthetic osseous signal changes with the greatest difference being between the femoral component of each group with an average confidence rating of 3.3 for the zirconium group and 0.8 for the cobalt chrome group. CONCLUSION Reviewers had significantly more confidence, less variability, and greater interobserver agreement in MRI evaluation of periprosthetic structures around zirconium knee prostheses than those around cobalt chrome knee prostheses.
Determination of the antibacterial efficacy of a new porphyrin-based photosensitizer against MRSA ex vivo

Following extensive in vitro screening of new photosensitizers the purpose of the present study was to examine penetration as well as antibacterial efficacy of a lead photosensitizer against MRSA using an ex vivo porcine skin model. Two different applications were performed: (i) preincubation of bacteria in solution with a porphyrin-based photosensitizer XF73 and subsequent application on the ex vivo porcine skin; (ii) application of pure bacteria on the explants followed by an incubation with XF73 in a water-ethanol formulation for up to 60 min under occlusion. The localisation of XF73 was restricted to the stratum corneum. Different concentrations (0–10 μM) of XF73 and different incubation times (5-60 min) were used to determine phototoxicity against methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus , which was applied on the explants. Preincubation of S. aureus with 0.1 μM XF73 in solution prior to the application of these XF73-incubated bacteria on the skin demonstrates a higher efficacy (>3 log_10) after irradiation. Antibacterial photodynamic inactivation resulted in a ~1 log_10 (0.1 μM)-3.64 ± 0.035 (10 μM) log_10 growth reduction independently of the antibiotic resistance pattern of used S. aureus strains. Irradiation of applied bacteria without photosensitizer incubation did not show any marked decrease (<1 log_10) of bacteria cell number, indicating a significant phototoxicity of the XF73. Histological evaluations of untreated and treated skin areas upon irradiation within 24 h showed no significant degree of necrosis or apoptosis determined by TUNEL-assay indicating that the porcine skin is still vital. This study demonstrates that this XF73 porphyrin-based photosensitizer had concentration-dependent differences in killing efficacy of MRSA in comparison to skin cells using an ex vivo porcine skin model. The results described here imply that topical delivery of XF73 may be considered as a possible treatment in patients with superficial infections of the skin.
Removal of transgene‐expressing cells by a specific immune response induced by sustained transgene expression

Induction of the immune response to transgene products is a serious concern in gene therapy, and is generally known to be influenced by the transgene expression profile, as well as the types of cells that express the transgene. However, the exact nature of the association between the transgene expression profile and immune induction following gene transfer is unclear.
A Behavioral-Genetic Study of Alexithymia and its Relationships with Trait Emotional Intelligence

The present study is the first to examine relationships between alexithymia and trait emotional intelligence (trait EI or trait emotional self-efficacy) at the phenotypic, genetic, and environmental levels. The study was also conducted to resolve inconsistencies in previous twin studies that have provided estimates of the extent to which genetic and environmental factors contribute to individual differences in alexithymia. Participants were 216 monozygotic and 45 dizygotic same-sex twin pairs who completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20. In a pilot study, a sub-sample of 118 MZ and 27 DZ pairs also completed the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire. Results demonstrated that a combination of genetic and non-shared environmental influences contribute to individual differences in alexithymia. As expected, alexithymia and trait EI were negatively correlated at the phenotypic level. Bivariate behavioral genetic analyses showed that that all but one of these correlations was primarily attributable to correlated genetic factors and secondarily to correlated non-shared environmental factors.
Novel Approaches in Antiretroviral Therapies Retention and Demand Estimation for AIDS patients in Zimbabwe

Currently, Zimbabwe is one of the most HIV-affected countries of the world, presenting an average prevalence of about 13-15% of the population living with the virus. The Zimbabwe government has implemented a framework focused on HIV between 2012 and 2015. The program has been completed and data are currently still being collected. Improvements have been made but the pandemic is far from being beaten. This work is focused on the challenges encountered while determining improvement in health status, retention and factors associated with attrition among HIV-infected patients within the latest HIV programs. According to these challenges, possible solutions based on literature are proposed. Moreover, the data collected from national and international reports have been used in a stochastic model to complement the comparative analysis of policies. An initial estimate of costs and effects is reported. The stochastic model defined an horizon of equilibrium for the pandemic in more than 40 years, unless large investments are made and policies on prevention are extended. While the current success in terms of decentralization of life-saving treatments is acknowledged, there is still a need to improve and decentralize testing and monitoring of patients. Confidently, the costs associated to anti-retroviral therapies will continue to drop, but in this context it is relevant to identify the emergence of medication toxicities or failure, to act a change from first to second line therapy promptly. All these observations lead to the general suggestions of increasing the domestic financing in the fight against HIV, and of improving the rural HIV-testing.
Effect of sodium butyrate on S‐100 protein levels and the cAMP response

Sodium butyrate (NaB), when added to cell cultures, produces a variety of morphological and biochemical changes. We examined its effects, in nM concentrations, on the expression to two glioma cell‐associated proteins, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S‐100 protein in human glioma‐derived cell line (RF), and of S‐100 protein in the C6 rat glioma cell line. GFAP levels decreased by about 50% in the RF cell line, and S‐100 protein levels decreased protein levels decreased by about 40% after treatment with 1 mM NaB for 48 h. In the C6 rat glioma cell line, isoproterenol with theophylline was found to increase S‐100 protein levels by two‐fold over basal levels. NaB was found to inhibit the induction of S‐100 protein but exhibited no effect no effect on the basal levels of the protein. Other short chain fatty acids, including sodium propionate and sodium isobutryate, exhibited partial inhibitory activity. NaB, at an EC50 of 1 mM, was also found to inhibit both the beta‐adrenergic and the forskolin‐mediated increase in cAMP levels in these cells. This suggests that NaB may inhibit cells from expressing S‐100 protein by attenuating cAMP levels.