Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oncologic Outcomes in Patients Who Undergo Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy and Total Mesorectal Excision for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A 14-Year Experience in a Single Institution

Purpose This study evaluated the oncologic outcomes of locally advanced rectal cancer patients who underwent preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery and determined the prognostic significance of pathologic complete response (pCR). Methods Between January 2002 and December 2015, 580 patients with rectal cancer who underwent surgery after neoadjuvant CRT were identified. Survival according to tumor response to CRT and pathologic stage was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify factors associated with survival outcomes. Results A total of 111 patients (23.7%) achieved pCR while the other 469 patients showed residual disease. Patients with pCR had a lower pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen level and earlier cT classification than those with residual disease. With a median follow-up of 78 months, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly better in the pCR group than in the residual disease group. The 5-year DFS and 5-year OS for patients with ypStage 0, I, II, or III were 92.5%, 85.1%, 72.2%, 54.3% (P < 0.001) and 94.5%, 91.0%, 83.1%, 69.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). Pathologic AJCC stage after CRT was the most statistically significant independent predictor of OS (HR, 6.97 [95% confidence interval, 3.16–15.39] for stage III vs. stage 0) and DFS (HR, 7.30 [95% confidence interval, 3.63–14.67] for stage III vs. stage 0). Conclusion Rectal cancer patients who achieved pCR showed improved survival compared to those with residual disease after preoperative CRT. Moreover, pCR was an independent indicator of OS and DFS, and pathologic AJCC stage was correlated with survival after preoperative CRT.
Post-translational regulation of the 54K cellular tumor antigen in normal and transformed cells

The 54K cellular tumor antigen has been translated in vitro, using messenger ribonucleic acids from simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed cells or 3T3 cells. The in vitro 54K product could be immunoprecipitated with SV40 tumor serum and had a peptide map that was similar, but not identical, to the in vivo product. The levels of this 54K protein in SV3T3 cells were significantly higher than those detected in 3T3 cells (D. I. H. Linzer, W. Maltzman, and A. J. Levine, Virology 98:308-318, 1979). In spite of this, the levels of translatable 54K messenger ribonucleic acid from 3T3 and SV3T3 cells were roughly equivalent or often greater in 3T3 cells. Pulse-chase experiments with the 54K protein from 3T3 or SV3T3 cells demonstrated that this protein, once synthesized, was rapidly degraded in 3T3 cells but was extremely stable in SV3T3 cells. Similarly, in an SV40 tsA-transformed cell line, temperature sensitive for the SV40 T-antigen, the 54K protein was rapidly turned over at the nonpermissive temperature and stable at the permissive temperature, whereas the levels of translatable 54K messenger ribonucleic acid at each temperature were roughly equal. These results demonstrate a post-translational regulation of the 54K cellular tumor antigen and suggest that this control is mediated by the SV40 large T-antigen.
Upregulation of MetC Is Essential for d-Alanine-Independent Growth of an alr/dadX-Deficient Escherichia coli Strain

ABSTRACT d-Alanine is a central component of the cell wall in most prokaryotes. d-Alanine synthesis in Escherichia coli is carried out by two different alanine racemases encoded by the alr and dadX genes. Deletion of alr and dadX from the E. coli genome results in a d-alanine auxotrophic phenotype. However, we have observed growth of prototrophic phenotypic revertants during routine culturing of a d-alanine auxotrophic strain. We present a detailed comparison of the proteome and transcriptome profiles of the d-alanine auxotroph and a prototrophic revertant strain. Most noticeably, a general upregulation of genes involved in methionine synthesis in the revertant strain was detected. The appearance of the revertant phenotype was genetically linked to point mutations in the methionine repressor gene (metJ). Our results reveal an alternative metabolic pathway which can supply essential d-alanine for peptidoglycan synthesis of alr- and dadX-deficient E. coli mutants and provide evidence for significant alanine racemase coactivity of the E. coli cystathionine beta-lyase (MetC).
Respective potencies of Botox and Dysport: a double blind, randomised, crossover study in cervical dystonia

Objectives: Botulinum toxin type A is a potent neuromuscular paralyzing agent used in various disorders including cervical dystonia. Two preparations of botulinum toxin are now commercially available ( Dysport and Botox), but much controversy remains about their respective potencies. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of Botox with two different ratios of Dysport. Methods: A double blind, randomised, three period cross over study involving 54 patients with cervical dystonia was performed. The patients received the following treatments in a randomised order: Botox at the usually effective dose, Dysport at a dose of 1:3 (conversion factor of 3 between Botox and Dysport units—that is, one Botox unit=three Dysport units) and at a dose of 1:4 (conversion factor of four). The improvement of the Tsui (primary outcome criteria) and of the TWSTRS pain scales between baseline and a control visit 1 month after each of the three injections, as well as the incidence of adverse events, were assessed. Results: Comparison of the Tsui scores and of the TWSTRS pain scores showed a better effect on impairment and pain with Dysport 1:3 (p=0.02 and 0.04, respectively) and 1:4 (p=0.01 and 0.02, respectively) than with Botox. The number of adverse events was higher with both Dysport treatments. The most frequent adverse event was dysphagia, found in 3%, 15.6%, and 17.3% (Botox, Dysport 1:3 and 1:4, respectively) of the patients. No adverse event required withdrawal of therapy or specific management. Conclusions: Dysport 1:3 (and Dysport 1:4 to a greater extent) is more efficient than Botox for both impairment and pain in cervical dystonia although with a somewhat higher incidence of minor adverse effects. This strongly suggests that the most appropriate conversion factor between Botox and Dysport units is less than 3 in cervical dystonia.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Benzodiazepines for the Treatment of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

The objective of this review is to summarize the available data on the use of benzodiazepines for the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic search of 5 major databases, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane Collaboration, yielded a total of 5 RCTs. One study compared diazepam to thioridazine, 1 trial compared oxazepam to haloperidol and diphenhydramine, 1 trial compared alprazolam to lorazepam, 1 trial compared lorazepam to haloperidol, and 1 trial compared intramuscular (IM) lorazepam to IM olanzapine and placebo. The data indicates that in 4 of the 5 studies, there was no significant difference in efficacy between the active drugs to treat the symptoms of BPSD. One study indicated that thioridazine may have better efficacy than diazepam for treating symptoms of BPSD. In 1 study, the active drugs had greater efficacy in treating BPSD when compared to placebo. There was no significant difference between the active drugs in terms of tolerability. However, in 2 of the 5 studies, about a third of the patients were noted to have dropped out of the studies. Available data, although limited, do not support the routine use of benzodiazepines for the treatment of BPSD. But these drugs may be used in certain circumstances where other psychotropic medications are unsafe for use in individuals with BPSD or when there are significant medication allergies or tolerability issues with certain classes of psychotropic medications.
Recombinant human collagen III gel for transplantation of autologous skin cells in porcine full‐thickness wounds

Complex skin wounds, such as chronic ulcers and deep burns, require lengthy treatments and cause extensive burdens on healthcare and the economy. Use of biomaterials and cell transplantation may improve traditional treatments and promote the healing of difficult‐to‐treat wounds. In this study, we investigated the use of recombinant human collagen III (rhCol‐III) gel as a delivery vehicle for cultured autologous skin cells (keratinocytes only or keratinocyte–fibroblast mixtures). We examined its effect on the healing of full‐thickness wounds in a porcine wound‐healing model. Two Landrace pigs were used for the study. Fourteen deep dermal wounds were created on the back of each pig with an 8 mm biopsy punch. Syringes containing acellular rhCol‐III gel (n = 8) or rhCol‐III gel with autologous keratinocytes (n = 8) or rhCol‐III gel with autologous keratinocytes and fibroblasts (n = 8) were applied into wounds. Untreated wounds were used as controls for the treatment groups (n = 4). We used rhCol‐III gel to manufacture a cell‐delivery syringe containing autologous skin cells. In a full‐thickness wound‐healing model, we observed that rhCol‐III gel enhances early granulation tissue formation. Interestingly, we found cell type‐dependent differences in the stability of rhCol‐III in vivo. Fibroblast‐containing gel was effectively removed from the wound, whereas gels without cells or with keratinocytes only remained intact. Our results demonstrate that the properties of rhCol‐III gel for skin cell transplantation can be significantly altered in a cell type‐dependent manner. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between procrastination and sexual orientation

Procrastination is a common self-regulatory failure defined as a voluntary delay of an intended course of action despite foreseeable negative consequences of the delay (Wilson & Nguyen, 2012; Rozental & Carlbring, 2014). Many studies have demonstrated the adverse consequences of procrastination in various areas of wellbeing. For example, a recent study examining the relationship between procrastination and mental health found significant correlations between a general procrastination measure and measures of mental health, cognitive functioning and 0:0 Abstract
Nefazodone in social phobia.

BACKGROUND A variety of drug treatments have been shown to be effective in the treatment of social phobia. This study attempted to assess the efficacy of nefazodone, a new novel serotonergic drug, in the treatment of social phobia. METHOD Nefazodone was administered to 23 patients who had a primary DSM-IV diagnosis of social phobia, generalized type (diagnosed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV), in a 12-week open clinical trial. Treatment began at 100 mg of nefazodone daily and was increased according to clinical response and side effects. Patients completed self-report measures at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. These measures included the Fear of Negative Evaluation scale, the Social Avoidance and Distress scale, the Social Anxiety Thoughts Questionnaire, the Fear Questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Social Adjustment Scale Self-Report, and the Sheehan Disability Scale. Clinicians completed the Liebowitz Panic and Social Phobic Disorders rating form and the Brief Social Phobia Scale. RESULTS Twenty-one of the 23 patients completed the 12-week trial. Sixteen (69.6%) were considered responders (moderate or marked improvement), and 7 (30.4%) were considered to be nonresponders (minimal improvement or no change in symptoms). Measures of social anxiety, social phobic avoidance, depression, and social functioning showed a statistically significant change at endpoint. CONCLUSION These findings support a role for nefazodone in the treatment of social phobia, generalized type. Controlled studies will be required to further investigate this preliminary finding as well as to compare nefazodone with other pharmacologic treatments of social phobia.
Effect of nitrogen and row spacing on growth, yield and economics of niger (Guizotia abyssinica)

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 1998 and 1999 to study the effect of nitrogen and row spacing of niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. ]. Application of 20 to 40 kg N/ha had significant favourable effect on plant height, branches/plant, capitula/plant, test weight and biological yield. Niger seed yield increased significantly with increase in N level up to 40 kg N/ha, but stalk yield and harvest index showed significant increase only up to 20 kg N/ha. The maximum gross returns of Rs 6,771/ha and net returns of Rs 3,408/ha were obtained with the application of 40 kg N/ha which were 9.37 and 61.56% (gross returns) and 13.52 and 65.49% (net returns) higher over 20 and 0 kg N/ha respectively. However, the maximum benefit: cost ratio(1.01) was realized with 40 kg N/ha. Closer row spacing of 15 cm increased significantly almost all the growth and yield attributes as well as seed yield and N uptake over wider row spacings of 30 and 45 cm. Row spacing of 15 cm gave maximum gross returns (Rs 6,462/ha), net returns (Rs 3,447/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.14).
The labor force participation and earnings profiles of married female immigrants.

This article uses 1980 Census data to examine the extent to which the "tied-mover" phenomenon affects the probability of labor force participation and earnings profiles. (A "tied-mover" is one whose own economic opportunities do not warrant migration but those of the family do.) The article also 1) analyzes whether differences in labor force participation across countries of origin diminish as quickly as Keimers research indicates 2) examines the impact of country of origin on earnings 3) examines whether the impact of the presence of children on the labor force participation decision varies across origins and 4) tests Longs hypothesis that married female immigrants increase their labor force participation to subsidize their husbands investment in human capital. Empirical analyses show that 1) married immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe have significantly higher participation rates than those from the UK reference group; 2) married female immigrants from South America East Asia Southwest Asia Western Europe Israel the USSR and the Middle East have significantly lower probabilities of participation; 3) the participation rates of female immigrants from various origins converge together as length of time in the US increases but not as quickly as Keimers suggests; 4) women who married before migration to the US are 3.59% less likely to participate than those who married in the US; 5) evidence is weak that women increase their participation if their husbands are attending school; 6) the presence of other adult relatives increases the probability of participation particularly for women with children under age 6; and 7) those women who speak English well or very well are 7.41% more likely to participate than those who do not. Results of an examination of the parameters of the country of origin variables in the annual earning equation include 1) married immigrants from Southern Europe Eastern Europe and Canada have significantly higher annual earnings than United Kingdom migrants; 2) immigrants from South America have lower annual earnings; and 3) the effect of young children on participation depends upon the womans country of origin.
Anti-mutagenic activity of Phyllanthus amarus Schum & Thonn in vitro as well as in vivo.

Methanolic extract of Phyllanthus amarus was tested for its anti-mutagenic activity in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA1535, TA100, and TA102 (Ames test). P. amarus extract was able to inhibit the activation and mutagenicity of 2-acetaminofluorene (2-AAF) and aflatoxinB(1) at concentrations of 0.25-2 mg/plate. It was also found to inhibit mutagenicity induced by direct acting mutagens sodium azide (NaN(3)), N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), and 4-nitro-0-phenylenediamine (NPD), at concentrations of 1 mg to 0.25 mg/plate. Urinary mutagenicity produced in rats by benzo[a] pyrene was found to be significantly inhibited by the oral administration of Phyllanthus extract. These results indicate significant anti-mutagenicity of the extract in vitro as well as in vivo.
Profitability of yam production in Southern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria.

Yam production is a component of farming activities by most farmers in the Southern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria. However, many farmers do not seem to find farming a financially rewarding exercise. This study therefore aimed to find out the profit margin of yam production by farmers in this zone. A survey of farmers’ fields was carried out in 2013 in five major yam producing areas in Nigeria, namely; Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger Nassarawa States and Abuja Federal Capital Territory. Fifty four (54) respondents were recruited into the study sample using structured questionnaire and interview method. The farmers cultivated mainly Dioscorea rotundata Poir (white or guinea yam) for commercial purposes while D. alata L. (water yam), D. cayenensis Lam (yellow yam), D. dumetorum Kunth (bitter yam) and D. bulbifera L. (aerial yam) are intercropped with D. rotundata for home consumption only. Yam production includes cultural operations such as heap preparation, staking and weed control. Some of the major constraints identified by the farmers were high cost of input such as planting materials (yam seed or setts), unreliable source of credit and unpredictable weather conditions. Net income benefit analysis revealed a positive return per hectare of land under yam production. The production of yam on one hectare of farm field will translate to a net profit of ₦450,000.00 equivalent to US $2,000.00. It was recommended that yam production could be a financially profitable endeavor if cost-reducing steps are engaged.
Prognostic implications of miR‐16 expression levels in resected non‐small‐cell lung cancer

MicroRNAs are novel regulators of gene expression that are linked to the main oncogene networks, including the p53 pathway. p53 regulates the maturation process of miR‐16 and miR‐143. We analyzed the role as prognostic markers of miR‐16 and miR‐143 in 70 non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
Tracking of oocyte dysmorphisms for ICSI patients may prove relevant to the outcome in subsequent patient cycles.

BACKGROUND We determined whether oocyte dysmorphisms, especially repetition of specific dysmorphisms from cycle to cycle, had a prognostic impact on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome. METHODS ICSI patients (n = 67) were grouped as follows: group 1 >50% phenotypically dysmorphic oocytes per cohort (cytoplasmic and extra-cytoplasmic dysmorphisms) with no repetition of a specific dysmorphism from cycle one to cycle two (36 cycles and 274 oocytes); group 2 >50% dysmorphic oocytes per cohort and repetition of the same dysmorphism from cycle one to cycle two (32 cycles and 313 oocytes); group 3 (control) <30% dysmorphic oocytes (33 cycles and 378 oocytes). RESULTS In group 2 (repetitive), 47% of oocytes were observed to have organelle clustering versus 20.5% in group 1 and 17.3% in group 3 (P < 0.001). There was no difference between the groups in fertilization rates, cleavage rates or embryo quality. Embryos derived from normal oocytes were transferred in each group (57, 33 and 72% respectively). The clinical pregnancy and implantation rates in group 2 (3.1 and 1.7% respectively) were lower (P < 0.01, P = 0.005) than both group 1 (28 and 15% respectively) and group 3 (45.5 and 26.5% respectively). CONCLUSIONS The low implantation rate in group 2, even though 33% of transferred embryos were derived from morphologically normal oocytes, suggests that repetitive organelle clustering may be associated with an underlying adverse factor affecting the entire follicular cohort.
A Survey of the Use of Herbs Among Patients Attending Secondary-Level Health Care Facilities in Southwestern Nigeria

This study was carried out to evaluate the herb usage among patients attending secondary health facilities in Southwestern Nigeria. Data including allergies to drug and herbs, use of social drugs, and herbs and their perceived efficacy to herbs was collected from 265 patients (inpatients n = 65; outpatients n = 200) using structured questionnaire and patients' drug charts. A total of 15.4% of inpatients were found to be using herbs that may be potentially harmful due to drug–drug/drug–herb interactions. Nine percent experienced adverse effects with the use of herbs, whereas 2% experienced adverse reactions on coadministration with prescribed drugs. A high percent of outpatients, 38%, were using alcoholic beverages for extracting the plant materials themselves. The study showed that the use of herbs with drugs is widely practiced among patients attending secondary health care facilities in Nigeria, usually without the doctor or pharmacist's knowledge.
Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program into an Online Social Network

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Prevent, an online social network-based translation of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention, against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Diabetes Prevention and Recognition Program (DPRP) outcome standards and weight loss outcomes of other DPP translations. Methods Two hundred twenty participants previously diagnosed with prediabetes were recruited online and enrolled in Prevent, a DPP-based group lifestyle intervention that integrates a private online social network, weekly lessons, health coaching, and a wireless scale and pedometer. Participants underwent a core 16-week intensive lifestyle change intervention and were then offered to continue with a post-core lifestyle change maintenance intervention, with the entire intervention (core plus post-core) totaling 12 months. Results One hundred eighty-seven participants met inclusion criteria for the core program and achieved an average of 5.0% and 4.8% weight loss at 16 weeks and 12 months, respectively. They also had a 0.37% reduction in their A1C level at final measurement. One hundred forty-four of these same participants also met inclusion criteria for the post-core program and achieved an average of 5.4% and 5.2% weight loss at 16 weeks and 12 months, respectively, and a 0.40% reduction in A1C at final measurement. Conclusion Results indicate that Prevent meets CDC DPRP outcome standards for diabetes prevention programs and performs favorably to other DPP translations. Considering national initiatives to address the obesity and diabetes epidemics, online delivery platforms like Prevent offer an effective and scalable solution.