Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mitoxantrone as a Single Agent in Pretreated Metastatic Breast Cancer: Effects on T Lymphocyte Subsets and Their Relation to Clinical Response

Mitoxantrone (DHAD), an anthracenedione with antineoplastic properties similar to doxorubicin, was tested for therapeutic efficacy and for immunomodulating action on lymphocyte subsets in 16 metastatic breast cancer patients, 12 of whom had been previously treated with chemotherapy. DHAD was given intravenously at a dose of 14 mg/m1 every 21 days. To evaluate total T lymphocytes (CD3), T helper (CD4), and T suppressor/cytotoxic cells (CD8) and the CD4/CD8 ratio, venous blood samples were drawn before and after the first DHAD cycle. Moreover, in 8/16 patients, B lymphocytes (CD20), T suppressor cells (CD8/CD57), T cytotoxic cells (CD8/CD57), NK (CD16) and IL-2 receptor-expressing cells (CD25) were also measured at the same time. An objective tumor response was achieved in 5/16 (31 %) patients and the response rate was significantly higher in patients pretreated with hormone therapy alone than in those pretreated with chemotherapy. No relation was found between clinical response and changes in the CD4/CD8 ratio. Neither the mean number nor the percentage of CD3, CDA and CD8 cells observed after DHAD were significantly different with respect to those seen before. In contrast, the mean number of T suppressor cells, B lymphocytes and CD25-positive cells was significantly lower after than before DHAD administration, whereas no difference was seen in NK cells. These results confirm in humans the immunomodulating properties of DHAD previously described in experimental conditions. However, the DHAD-induced changes in lymphocyte subsets do not seem to be related to the clinical response in breast cancer.
High temperature and ageing test methods to characterize the dielectric properties of BOPP capacitor films

A large-area high temperature breakdown measurement and an ageing test method are presented. These methods facilitate the development of reliable higher energy density film capacitors by exploiting large measurement areas to provide information on weak point formation and subtle changes in breakdown behavior after electro-thermal or thermal ageing. The test methods were used to characterize two types of highly isotactic biaxially oriented polypropylene capacitor films, which had similar breakdown behavior at room temperature, but different breakdown properties at high temperature and out of which one was more susceptible to electro-thermal DC ageing.
Developing Appreciation for Sarcasm and Sarcastic Gossip: It Depends on Perspective.

Background Speakers use sarcasm to criticize others and to be funny; the indirectness of sarcasm protects the addressee's face (Brown & Levinson, 1987). Thus, appreciation of sarcasm depends on the ability to consider perspectives. Purpose We investigated development of this ability from late childhood into adulthood and examined effects of interpretive perspective and parties present. Method We presented 9- to 10-year-olds, 13- to 14-year-olds, and adults with sarcastic and literal remarks in three parties-present conditions: private evaluation, public evaluation, and gossip. Participants interpreted the speaker's attitude and humor from the addressee's perspective and, when appropriate, from the bystander's perspective. Results Children showed no influence of interpretive perspective or parties present on appreciation of the speaker's attitude or humor. Adolescents and adults, however, shifted their interpretations, judging that addressees have less favorable views of criticisms than bystanders. Further, adolescents and adults differed in their perceptions of the social functions of gossip, with adolescents showing more positive attitudes than adults toward sarcastic gossip. Conclusions We suggest that adults' disapproval of sarcastic gossip shows a deeper understanding of the utility of sarcasm's face-saving function. Thus, the ability to modulate appreciation of sarcasm according to interpretive perspective and parties present continues to develop in adolescence and into adulthood.
The Closer, the Better? Untangling Scientist–Practitioner Engagement, Interaction, and Knowledge Use

Scholarship on climate information use has focused significantly on engagement with practitioners as a means to enhance knowledge use. In principle, working with practitioners to incorporate their knowledge and priorities into the research process should improve information uptake by enhancing accessibility and improving users’ perceptions of how well information meets their decision needs, including knowledge credibility, understandability, and fit. Such interactive approaches, however, can entail high costs for participants, especially in terms of financial, human, and time resources. Given the likely need to scale up engagement as demand for climate information increases, it is important to examine whether and to what extent personal interaction is always a necessary condition for increasing information use. In this article, we report the results from two experimental studies using students as subjects to assess how three types of interaction (in-person meeting, live webinar, and self-guided instruction) affect different aspects of climate information usability. Our findings show that while in-person interaction is effective in enhancing understanding of climate knowledge, in-person interaction may not always be necessary, depending on the kinds of information involved and outcomes desired.
Prevalence of HIV infection among young adults in the United States: results from the Add Health study.

OBJECTIVES We estimated HIV prevalence rates among young adults in the United States. METHODS We used survey data from the third wave of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a random sample of nearly 19000 young adults initiated in 1994-1995. Consenting respondents were screened for the presence of antibodies to HIV-1 in oral mucosal transudate specimens. We calculated prevalence rates, accounting for survey design, response rates, and test performance. RESULTS Among the 13184 participants, the HIV prevalence rate was 1.0 per 1000 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4, 1.7). Gender-specific prevalence rates were similar, but rates differed markedly between non-Hispanic Blacks (4.9 per 1000; 95% CI=1.8, 8.7) and members of other racial/ethnic groups (0.22 per 1000; 95% CI=0.00, 0.64). CONCLUSIONS Racial disparities in HIV in the United States are established early in the life span, and our data suggest that 15% to 30% of all cases of HIV occur among individuals younger than 25 years.
Incidence of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Saudi Arabia: A Multicenter National Study

Background:Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasingly recognized in developing countries; however, the incidence and trend over time have not been reported. Methods:This retrospective study included children diagnosed with IBD in gastroenterology centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between 2003 and 2012. The date of birth, date and age at diagnosis, gender, and final diagnosis were collected on special forms. Clinical, laboratory, imaging, endoscopy, and histopathology results were reviewed to confirm the final diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were used to compare ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in different age groups, and significance was assessed by the chi-square test. Incidence rates and trend over time were analyzed with the assumption of Poisson distribution. The incidence rate over time was compared in 2 periods (2003–2007 and 2008–2012). A P value of <0.05 and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the significance and precision of the estimates. Results:A total of 340 Saudi Arabian children aged 0 to 14 years were diagnosed. The mean incidence rate per 100,000 individuals was 0.2, 0.27, and 0.47 for ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and IBD, respectively. Except for the 0- to 4-year age group, there was a significant increase in incidence over time. Conclusions:Although the incidence of pediatric IBD in Saudi Arabian children is lower than suggested in the Western literature, there is a significantly increasing trend over time. However, decreased trend in the younger age group over time is identified. Prospective studies will be important to identify the risk factors for IBD in different age groups.
Prognostic value of estrogen and progesterone receptors in operable breast cancer: Results of a univariate and multivariate analysis

From October 1977 to December 1983, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) levels were measured in 645 tumors from women with primary, unilateral, nonmetastatic breast cancer. All of them were treated surgically. Some received adjuvant radiotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy, or adjuvant hormonotherapy. A level of >5 fmol/mg cytosolic protein was considered as positive for both ER and PR. Unifactorial analysis, using Kaplan and Meier estimates and the log‐rank test, revealed that disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (SV) were both strongly related to age, tumor size, nodal status, nodal effraction, histopathologic grading (SBR), ER, and PR. Menopausal status and number of intra‐mammary tumor foci were not significant. Multifactorial analysis, using Cox's model, revealed a strong relationship between SV and age (poor prognosis [pp]: ≤37 years old), menopausal status (pp: postmeno‐pausal), tumor size, nodal status (pp: N+ > 3), nodal effraction, ER (pp: ≤5 fmol/mg), histopathologic grading (pp: SBR = 3), and PR (pp: ≤5 fmol/mg). Similarly, multifactorial analysis revealed a strong correlation between DFS and age, tumor size, nodal status, nodal effraction, histopathologic grading, and PR. A prognostic score taking into account these prognostic factors was calculated for DFS and SV. Analysis of this score allowed us to divide our patients into four significantly different (P < 0.0001) groups with high, intermediate, and low risk of relapse. Our procedure was then validated using the sample test technique. These results show that both ER and PR have their own prognostic weight and should be considered, among other classic prognostic factors, when adjuvant therapies are indicated after surgical treatment of breast cancer.
Health Risk Behaviors in an Urban Sample of Young Women Who Have Sex with Women

We examined the prevalence of sexual and substance use behaviors among a group of young women who have sex with women (WSW) aged 16 to 24. A convenience sample of 137 young WSW participants completed a confidential survey that included demographics, substance use, and sexual risk behaviors. Descriptive analyses were used to interpret the data. Comparisons were made between rates of risk behaviors in this sample and non-sexual minority youth in a national dataset. The mean age of participants was 19.6 (SD = 2.3) and 59% were from communities of color. Participants reported a history of risky behaviors including anal intercourse with men (26%), monthly binge drinking (22%), pregnancy (20%), and tobacco use (54%). These findings highlight the need for health promotion interventions aimed at reducing risky health behaviors in this highly vulnerable and underserved sub-population of young women.
Evolution of sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.

BACKGROUND Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has rapidly evolved into the standard of care for clinically node-negative melanoma. Since adopting sentinel lymph node (SLN) technology in 1993, we have periodically reviewed our institution's results and made several modifications. METHODS From January 1993 to December 1998, 182 patients with clinically node-negative primary cutaneous melanoma underwent SLNB. Charts were retrospectively reviewed and assessed for the technique for the identification of the SLN, the pathologic analysis, and the use of intraoperative frozen section. RESULTS The accuracy of SLN identification improved from 91% to 100% with the combination of isosulfan blue dye and radiolabeled colloid over isosulfan blue dye alone. Routine versus selective lymphoscintigraphy identified 7 in-transit SLNs and increased detection of dual nodal basin drainage (15%-27%). Identification of micrometastases in the SLN increased from 14% to 24% after a modification of pathologic evaluation. The positive SLN was the only involved node in most patients (80%). Intraoperative frozen section had a sensitivity of 58% and was of benefit in only 13 of 124 patients (10%). CONCLUSIONS Several modifications to the identification of the SLNs and the detection of metastatic melanoma have improved our outcome with SLNB. A careful, periodic review of results to identify areas for improvement at each institution is crucial to the success of SLNB for melanoma.
In vivo efficacies of combinations of beta-lactams, beta-lactamase inhibitors, and rifampin against Acinetobacter baumannii in a mouse pneumonia model.

The effects of various regimens containing combinations of beta-lactams, beta-lactam inhibitor(s), and rifampin were assessed in a recently described mouse model of Acinetobacter baumannii pneumonia (M. L. Joly-Guillou, M. Wolff, J. J. Pocidalo, F. Walker, and C. Carbon, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 41:345-351, 1997). Two aspects of the therapeutic response were studied: the kinetics of the bactericidal effect (treatment was initiated 3 h after intratracheal inoculation, and bacterial counts were determined over a 24-h period) and survival (treatment was initiated 8 h after inoculation, and the cumulative mortality rate was assessed on day 5). Two clinical strains were used: a cephalosporinase-producing strain (SAN-94040) and a multiresistant strain (RCH-69). For SAN-94040 and RCH-69, MICs and MBCs (milligrams per liter) were as follows: ticarcillin, 32, 64, 256, and >256, respectively; ticarcillin-clavulanate, 32, 64, and 512, and >512, respectively; imipenem, 0.5, 0.5, 8, and 32, respectively; sulbactam, 0.5, 0.5, 8, and 8, respectively; and rifampin, 8, 8, 4, and 4, respectively. Against SAN-94040, four regimens, i.e., imipenem, sulbactam, imipenem-rifampin, and ticarcillin-clavulanate (at a 25/1 ratio)-sulbactam produced a true bactericidal effect (>/=3-log10 reduction of CFU/g of lung). The best survival rate (i.e., 93%) was obtained with the combination of ticarcillin-clavulanate-sulbactam, and regimens containing rifampin provided a survival rate of >/=65%. Against RCH-69, only regimens containing rifampin and the combination of imipenem-sulbactam had a true bactericidal effect. The best survival rates (>/=80%) were obtained with regimens containing rifampin and sulbactam. These results suggest that nonclassical combinations of beta-lactams, beta-lactamase inhibitors, and rifampin should be considered for the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia due to A. baumannii.
Macroeconomic Effects of Minimum Wage Increases in an Economy with Wage Underreporting

I have built a monetary DSGE model to investigate how wage underreporting in an economy characterized by a minimum wage regime affects the macroeconomic response to a minimum wage increase. The model is calibrated and estimated for Ukraine. The main result is that under a higher degree of wage underreporting, the economy is less responsive to a minimum wage shock. Quantitatively, the magnitude of the response to a minimum wage shock is affected by the share of non-Ricardian households, that is, households that do not have access to financial markets and consequently consume all of their income each period.
Reliability of a Rating Scale for Measuring Speech Intelligibility After Pediatric Cochlear Implantation

Objective To evaluate the reliability of the Speech Intelligibility Rating scale to monitor the speech intelligibility of deaf children who have received cochlear implants. Study Design A prospective study assessing the speech intelligibility of deaf children with cochlear implants by local and cochlear implant program speech and language therapists. Setting Pediatric tertiary referral center for cochlear implantation. Patients and Methods Fifty-four children were each rated by two speech and language therapists, one working with the child locally and the other working with the child at the cochlear implant program. All children were between 1.2 and 10.9 years of age at the time of implantation (median, 4.0 years). The follow-up intervals ranged from before implantation to 9 years after implantation. Main Outcome Measure Correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient, and kappa statistics were used to assess the interobserver reliability of the Speech Intelligibility Rating scale. Results Spearman rank correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient were 0.82 with high statistical significance (p < 0.00001). Kappa statistical analysis revealed a moderate to substantial agreement between the ratings. This agreement also reached a high statistical significance (overall &kgr; = 0.53, p < 0.000001). The Speech Intelligibility Rating scale was found to be able to discriminate speech intelligibility among subjects, and the ratings covaried with high consistency. Conclusion The study found a high rate of agreement between observers when they used the Speech Intelligibility Rating scale to assess the speech intelligibility of deaf children after cochlear implantation. Because the scale presents information in a format that is understood by parents, local professionals, and health care purchasers, it will be useful to provide them with accessible information on speech intelligibility outcomes of deaf children who have received cochlear implants.
Hemodynamic Effects of High‐frequency Jet Ventilation in Patients With and Without Circulatory Shock

Nineteen critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure were studied to compare the hemodynamic effects of continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV) and high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) at comparable levels of alveolar ventilation. Patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 included seven patients without circulatory shock in whom mean airway pressure (Paw) was slightly higher during CPPV than during HFJV (17.3 ± 3.0 vs. 13.0 ± 2.9 mm Hg); Group 2 included six patìents without circulatory shock in whom HFJV and CPPV were compared at the same level of Paw (19.2 ± 5.0 mm Hg); Group 3 included seven patients with circulatory shock in whom HFJV and CPPV were compared at the same level of Paw (16.0 ± 3.9 mm Hg). The following respiratory frequencies were used in HFJV: Group 1, 200 ± beats/min; Group 2, 238 ± 103 beats/min; Group 3, 286 ± 149 beats/min. In all patients comparable levels of Paco2 were obtained with CPPV and HFJV. In Group 1 patients, mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, and stroke index were significantly higher during HFJV. In Group 2 patients, no significant difference was found between HFJV and CPPV. In Group 3 patients, the following hemodynamic variables were significantly higher during HFJV: mean arterial pressure (71 ± 24 vs. 84 ± 23 mm Hg), cardiac index (3.6 ± 1 vs. 4.1 ± 1.41 · min−1 · m−2), and oxygen delivery (403 ± 93 vs. 471 ± 124 ml · m−1 · m−2). However, Pao2 was significantly lower (210 ± 105 vs. 155 ± 99 mm Hg, fractional inspired oxygen content [FIo2] 1) and pulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt) was significantly higher (31 ± 12 vs. 36 ± 11%) during HFJV. These results demonstrate that patients with circulatory shock and acute respiratory failure have a more favorable hemodynamic profile during HFJV than during CPPV at identical levels of Paw.
Megakaryocytes promote hepatoepithelial liver cell development in E11.5 mouse embryos by cell‐to‐cell contact and by vascular endothelial growth factor A signaling

In the mouse embryo, hematopoietic progenitor cells migrate to the fetal liver (FL) between gestational days (E) 9.5 and 10.5, where they rapidly expand to form the main fetal reservoir of hematopoietic cells. The embryonic megakaryocyte progenitors (MKPs) in the E11.5 FL were identified as CD49fHCD41H (and c‐KitDKDR+CD42+CD9++CD31+) cells, expressing several hepato‐specific proteins. Unlike adult bone marrow megakaryocytes (MKs), embryonic MKPs were CD45− and represent an abundant population in the FL. The CD49fHCD41H MKPs purified by cytometry differentiated in vitro to produce proplatelets, independent of thrombopoietin stimulation, and they responded to stimulation with adenosine diphosphate, thrombin, and the PAR4 thrombin receptor‐activating peptide. Moreover, after removing CD49fHCD41H MKPs from purified E11.5 FL hepatoepithelial‐enriched cell preparations (c‐KitDCD45−Ter119−), the remaining CD49fD cells neither differentiated nor survived in vitro. Indeed, direct cell‐to‐cell contact between the CD49fHCD41H and CD49fD populations was required to promote the hepatocyte differentiation of CD49fD cells. The addition of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) and medium conditioned by E11.5 CD49fHCD41H MKPs produced a partial effect on CD49fD cells, inducing the formation of hepatoepithelial layers. This effect was abolished by anti‐VEGF‐A antibodies. Together, these findings strongly suggest that CD49fHCD41H MKPs are fundamental to promote FL development, as proposed in adult liver regeneration. Conclusion: The cells of the MK lineage present in the developing mouse embryo liver promote the growth of hepatoepithelial cells in vitro through VEGF‐A signaling and may play a role in liver development in vivo. (HEPATOLOGY 2012;56:1934–1945)
Feedlot entry characteristics and climate: their relationship with cattle growth rate, bovine respiratory disease and mortality.

OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between the feedlot entry characteristics of breed, gender, entry weight and the presence or absence of permanent incisors, with growth rate, the incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), and mortalities of cattle destined for the Australian domestic market. The relationship between climate data and the occurrence of BRD was also investigated. DESIGN Two thousand four hundred and sixty eight cattle were individually identified at feedlot entry, and lot number, body weight, property identification code, breed, gender, and the presence or absence of permanent incisors were recorded for each animal. Daily climate data were collected for the duration of the experiment. Univariate correlations, multivariate analysis and survival analysis techniques were used to examine the relationship between these feedlot entry characteristics and the outcomes of BRD and growth rate. RESULTS The feedlot entry description of breed had a significant effect on average daily gain. The presence of permanent incisors at feedlot entry was associated with an increase in average daily gain of 0.1 kg/animal/d. Growth rate decreased by 0.702 kg/animal/d in cattle treated for BRD and by 0.302 kg/animal/d in cattle identified with anorexia. Treatment for BRD was ten times more likely with Hereford cattle. There was a moderate correlation between minimum daily temperature and the occurrence of BRD. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that breed can affect growth rate and health, specifically the occurrence of BRD, in Australian domestic feedlot cattle. The moderate correlation between minimum daily temperature and the occurrence of BRD indicates potential associations between climate and BRD incidence in Australian feedlots.