Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Indium-111 Radioimmunoscintigraphy in Post-Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy Management of Prostate Cancer Patients

Indium-111 radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS) has an increasing role in the treatment of prostate cancer and is most commonly performed at this disease site using labeled monoclonal antibody against prostate-specific membrane antigen. There are many limitations of RIS, including low spatial resolution, low diagnostic yield and limited availability. Despite these limitations, the efficacy of RIS has been demonstrated in many clinical studies, including multi-institutional investigations. The highest sensitivity and specificity of RIS appears to be in the post-radical retropubic prostatectomy (post-RRP) setting. RIS has recently been explored for its role in clinical radiotherapy decision-making, and was found to have a significant impact in selecting patients for radiotherapy and for the general radiotherapy treatment volume definition. RIS has also recently been explored for its role in radiotherapy planning and was found to impact clinical target volume design. However, manual editing of the RIS volume is still necessary when projected into the radiotherapy-planning scan, as there is often overlap in the RIS-defined uptake regions with normal structures (rectum, bladder and symphysis bone marrow). The impact of RIS on biochemical control has been explored, with studies in this area yielding conflicting results. It appears that the maximum impact of RIS is possible when areas of labeled antibody uptake regions are co-registered with the radiotherapy-planning computed tomography scan.The larger RIS-guided target volumes do not appear to be prohibitive in increasing radiotherapy-related toxicity. Future directions of the use of RIS for post-RRP prostate cancer are discussed.
Comparative study for the efficacy, safety and quality of life in patients of chronic myeloid leukemia treated with Imatinib or Hydroxyurea

Objective: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal hematopoietic disorder caused by acquired genetic defect in pluripotent stem cells characterized by acquisition of the philadelphia chromosome. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety and quality of life (QoL) in CML patients treated with imatinib or hydroxyurea. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 40 patients with pathologically confirmed CML in an in-patient department of Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre (tertiary care cancer hospital) in India. Patients were divided into two groups (group A: Imatinib consuming patients and group B: Hydroxyurea consuming patients). Complete blood count was done every month to assess the efficacy and safety/toxicity profile of these drugs. The results were analyzed 12 months after completion of treatment. QoL was assessed by The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire core 30. Hematological response was analyzed using kaplan-meier survival analysis. Chi-square test was applied to assess the association of two regimens with complete hematological response, hematological and non-hematological toxicity. White blood cell (WBC) was noted each month in every patient of each group and analyzed by generalized linear mode (repeated measures) analysis of variance (ANOVA). Independent t-test was used to compare changes in QoL between treatment groups. Findings: At the end of treatment, significant improvement (P = 0.001) in hematological response was observed in the group A (95%) compared to group B (30%). WBC count analyzed at each month of treatment by ANOVA achieved better results for patients treated with imatinib (P = 0.0001). The hematological toxicity was higher in imatinib group while non-hematological toxicity was higher in the hydroxyurea group; however only little toxicities such as nausea and constipation were statistically significant. QoL assessment of patients related to functional scale showed significantly better results in group A (P = 0.046). Conclusion: The study showed that imatinib has better profile compared to hydroxyurea, with siginificant statistical differences in terms of efficacy, non-hematological toxicity and QoL in CML patients. Even with such better efficacy and safety profile, pharmacoeconomic evaluation needs to be done to justify and support the use of imatinib for CML patients in India.
Population and Environmental Issues in Asia

Women, population, environment and developmenta re overwhelmingly accepted to be integrally related, although differences persist over the exact nature of relationship between them. The global significance of this issue is evident from the several mega conferences sponsored by the United Nations during recent years, namely United Nations Conference on Environment and development in Rio, Brazil (1992). International Conference on population and development in Cairo, Egypt, (19941, International Women’s Conference in Beijing, China (1995).
Experience With the Use of Single-Use Disposable Bronchoscope in the ICU in a Tertiary Referral Center of Singapore

Background: Flexible bronchoscopy is performed frequently in intensive care units (ICUs) for various indications using the reusable conventional bronchoscope (CB). Recently, “single-use disposable bronchoscope” (SB) was introduced into the health care industry. The purpose of this study was to compare the utility of SB with CB in ICU. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy in the ICUs in the year 2015. Results: Ninety-three patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy in the ICU were studied. Eighty-three bronchoscopies were performed using SB in 71 patients, and 24 using CB in 22 patients. The most common indications for using the SB were percutaneous tracheostomy [n=37 (44.6%)] in neuro-ICU, followed by collecting specimens for microbiological evaluation [n=20 (24.1%)] in the medical ICU. Airway inspection [8 (9.6%)], bronchial toilet [8 (9.6%)], hemoptysis [5 (6%)], and intubation [3 (3.6%)] were other indications for which SB was used. Microbiological yield of SB was 70% (14/20) versus 70% (7/10) for CB (P=1.0). The median interval between identification of the need-to-start of the procedure was shorter with SB (10 min) versus CB (66 min, P=0.01), whereas the cost was similar, SGD450 versus SGD472, respectively. In addition, less (3 personnel) were needed to perform bronchoscopy with SB versus 5 with CB with additional resource sparing effect in terms of nursing personnel having to wheel the CB equipment to ICU. Conclusions: SB is equivalent in performance to CB in ICU. In addition, the SB may confer clinical, economic, and logistical advantages over the CB.
Focus Groups in Mental Health Research: Enhancing the Validity of User and Provider Questionnaires

Most mental health researchers rely upon quantitative methods of data collection. Whilst such methods are commonly seen as reliable, qualitative methods are often seen as more valid. Despite the value of qualitative methods of data collection, however, many researchers denigrate their use. Qualitative research is often viewed as lacking in scientific rigour. This paper explores the use of the focus group as a qualitative instrument to enhance the validity of existing questionnaires for mental health service users and providers. Between July and August 1995 four focus groups were conducted in Exeter and Taunton among service users (with severe or long-term mental health problems) and providers (community psychiatric nurses, social workers and occupational therapists). It is demonstrated that focus groups enhance the validity of existing questionnaires by highlighting those concerns held by users and providers that would otherwise have been neglected.
Reduced Cognitive Control of a Visually Bistable Image in Schizophrenia

Abstract Schizophrenia is associated with the inability to control and coordinate thoughts, actions, and perceptions. In conventional assessments of cognitive control, multiple sensory features of stimuli are concomitantly manipulated, introducing a confounding role of bottom-up perceptual information. To overcome this difficulty, we used an ambiguous visual stimulus (Necker cube), which allowed measurement of cognitive control with constant sensory input. Subjects (20 patients, 20 controls) were asked to control their perception of a transparent Necker cube by keeping a designated plane at the front or back of the stimulus, the position of which is perceptually bistable. Patients were highly deficient at controlling their perception of the cube. When a visual feature (the luminance contrast between a designated cube plane and the other planes) was systematically manipulated, an interaction was found whereby schizophrenia patients no longer under-performed on the highest contrast condition. These results show patients’ impairment of controlling perception in the absence of visual modulation and suggest the potential utility of perceptually based approaches to cognitive remediation in schizophrenia. (JINS, 2011, 551–556)
Efficacy of a Pre-thickened Infant Formula: A Multicenter, Double-Blid, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Parallel Group Trial in 104 Infants with Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux

To evaluate a pre-thickened formula (Enfamil AR1/2) for regurgitant gastroesophageal reflux, 104 infants were enrolled in a 5-week, multi center, double-blind, randomized, place bo controlled parallel group trial. The Enfamil AR group showed greater symptom reduction by the end of the first week: percent feedings with any regurgitation (p=0.045), total regurgitation volume score (p=0.035), and percent feedings with choke-gag-cough (p=0.004). The most symptomatic infants at baseline had a reduction in trouble sleeping significantly with Enfamil AR by the end of the study (p=0.030). This formula flows through a standard nipple, reduces regurgitation and choking-gagging-coughing within a week, and improves sleep in the most symptomatic babies by 5 weeks, without causing constipation.
Bank Risk Profile, Good Corporate Governance And Company Values in Banking Companies Go Public in Indonesia

The latest Bank Indonesia Regulation No.14/18/PBI/2012 requires bank to have minimum capital of 8%-14% depends on the risk profile of each bank. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to assess whether the total of inherent risk profile of each bank meets the terms of this regulation. In addition, this study aims to examine the impact of inherent risk profile and GCG on the banking company value. The sample in this study is determined by purposive sampling method and resulted in 24 banks or 72 observations during 2011-2013. The results showed that 23 banks had low risk and low to moderate risk, and only one bank had moderate risk. The results also showed that inherent risk profile rating is equivalent to capital adequacy. In other words, inherent risk profile of these banks have complied with Bank Indonesia Regulation No.14/18/PBI/2012. Furthermore, this study indicated that GCG has significant and positive influence on the company value, while the inherent risk has no influence on the company value. Overall, this study suggest that go public banks in Indonesia are one of good alternative means of investment for its soundness as reflected by the fulfillment of minimum capital ratio required by the regulator.
Composition and Abundance of Stink Bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in Corn

ABSTRACT The species composition and abundance of stink bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in corn, Zea mays L. , was determined in this on-farm study in Georgia. Seven species of phytophagous stink bugs were found on corn with the predominant species being Nezara viridula (L.) and Euschistus servus (Say). All developmental stages of these two pests were found, indicating they were developing on the corn crop. The remaining five species, Oebalus pugnax pugnax (F.), Euschistus quadrator (Rolston), Euschistus tristigmus (Say), Euschistus ictericus (L.), and Acrosternum hilare (Say), were found in relatively low numbers. Adult N. viridula were parasitized by the tachinid parasitoid Trichopoda pennipes (F.). There was a pronounced edge effect in distribution of stink bugs in corn. Population dynamics of N. viridula and E. servus were different on early and late-planted corn. Oviposition by females of both stink bug species occurred in mid-to-late-May and again mid-to-late-June in corn, regardless of planting date. In early planted fields, if stink bug females oviposited on corn in mid-July, the resulting nymphs did not survive to the adult stage in corn because ears were close to physiological maturity and leaves were senescing. Density of stink bug adults in early planted corn was relatively low throughout the growing season. In late-planted corn, females of both stink bug species consistently laid eggs in mid-to-late-July on corn with developing ears. This habitat favored continued nymph development, and the resulting adult population reached high levels. These results indicate that corn management practices play a key role in the ecology of stink bugs in corn agroecosystems and provide information for designing management strategies to suppress stink bugs in farmscapes with corn.
Binge alcohol drinking is associated with GABAA α2-regulated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression in the central amygdala

Binge drinking (blood-alcohol levels ≥ 0.08 g% in a 2-h period), is a significant public health burden in need of improved treatment. Gene therapy may offer beneficial alternatives to current psychosocial and pharmacotherapeutic interventions, but identification of the target genes is a clinical challenge. We report that a GABAA α2 siRNA vector (pHSVsiLA2) infused into the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) of alcohol-preferring (P) rats caused profound and selective reduction of binge drinking associated with inhibition of α2 expression, decreased GABAA receptor density, and inhibition of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). CeA infusion of a TLR4 siRNA vector (pHSVsiLTLR4a) also inhibited binge drinking, but neither vector functioned when infused into the ventral pallidum. Binge drinking was inhibited by a GABAA α1 siRNA vector (pHSVsiLA1) infused into the ventral pallidum, unrelated to TLR4. The vectors did not alter sucrose intake and a scrambled siRNA vector was negative. The data indicate that GABAA α2-regulated TLR4 expression in the CeA contributes to binge drinking and may be a key early neuroadaptation in excessive drinking.
Response surface methodology for optimizing the fermentation medium of alpha‐galactosidase in solid‐state fermentation

Aims: Alpha‐galactosidase is applied in food and feed industries for hydrolysing raffinose series oligosaccharides (RO) that are the factors primarily responsible for flatulence upon ingestion of soybean‐derived products. The objective of the current work was to develop an optimal culture medium for the production of alpha‐galactosidase in solid‐state fermentation (SSF) by a mutant strain Aspergillus foetidus.
Higher level of heme oxygenase-1 in patients with stroke than TIA.

BACKGROUND There is a reverse relationship between serum bilirubin level and incidence of stroke, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) can catalyze heme into bilirubin, it is unknown the association of HO-1 level with risk of stroke. METHODS Sixty patients with stroke and fifty patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) were recruited. Serum level of HO-1, total and direct bilirubin, alanine transaminase, live function, lipid profile and infection status of patients were measured. RESULTS Significant differences were found between two groups in terms of serum levels of HO-1 (163.6±58.7 vs. 141.2±49.7, P=0.032), total bilirubin (10.1±4.6 vs. 15.8±2.7, P<0.001), direct bilirubin (3.2±2.1 vs. 5.9±1.2, P<0.001), fasting glucose (6.7±3.1 vs. 4.9±1.3, P<0.001), cholesterol (4.4±1.1 vs. 3.9±0.8, P=0.005) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (84.9±9.4 vs. 81.3±9.2, P=0.046). In multivariate analysis, serum direct bilirubin (OR, 2.83; P<0.001), total bilirubin (OR, 1.82, P=0.001), DBP (OR, 0.88, P=0.041), and fasting glucose (OR, 0.34, P<0.001) were independent predictors of stroke. CONCLUSIONS Serum HO-1 level is higher in patients with stroke than TIA, but the bilirubin level is lower in patients with stroke than TIA and is an independent predictor of stroke. Further studies are warranted to clarify the underlying link among HO-1, bilirubin and stroke.
Heterogeneous Preferences, Investment, and Asset Pricing

We present a production-based general equilibrium model in which agents have heterogeneous risk aversion and heterogeneous discount rates. We find that agents' wealth share, investment and Tobin's q, and equity premium exhibit cyclical patterns. In particular, when agents have heterogeneous discount rates, both Tobin's q and investment ratio are countercyclical. When agents have heterogeneous risk aversion, both Tobin's q and investment exhibit procyclical patterns when the lower risk-averse agent's wealth share is high, while they exhibit countercyclical patterns when the higher risk-averse agent's wealth share is high.
The Accuracy of Simulated Indoor Time Trials Utilizing a CompuTrainer and GPS Data

Abstract Peveler, WW. The accuracy of simulated indoor time trials utilizing a CompuTrainer and GPS data. J Strength Cond Res 27(10): 2823–2827, 2013—The CompuTrainer is commonly used to measure cycling time trial performance in a laboratory setting. Previous research has demonstrated that the CompuTrainer tends toward underestimating power at higher workloads but provides reliable measures. The extent to which the CompuTrainer is capable of simulating outdoor time trials in a laboratory setting has yet to be examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of replicating an outdoor time trial course indoors by comparing completion times between the actual time trial course and the replicated outdoor time trial course on the CompuTrainer. A global positioning system was used to collect data points along a local outdoor time trial course. Data were then downloaded and converted into a time trial course for the CompuTrainer. Eleven recreational to highly trained cyclists participated in this study. To participate in this study, subjects had to have completed a minimum of 2 of the local Cleves time trial races. Subjects completed 2 simulated indoor time trials on the CompuTrainer. Mean finishing times for the mean indoor performance trial (34.58 ± 8.63 minutes) were significantly slower in relation to the mean outdoor performance time (26.24 ± 3.23 minutes). Cyclists' finish times increased (performance decreased) by 24% on the indoor time trials in relation to the mean outdoor times. There were no significant differences between CompuTrainer trial 1 (34.77 ± 8.54 minutes) and CompuTrainer trial 1 (34.37 ± 8.76 minutes). Because of the significant differences in times between the indoor and outdoor time trials, meaningful comparisons of performance times cannot be made between the two. However, there were no significant differences found between the 2 CompuTrainer trials, and therefore the CompuTrainer can still be recommended for laboratory testing between trials.
Prefrontal β2 Subunit-Containing and α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Differentially Control Glutamatergic and Cholinergic Signaling

One-second-long increases in prefrontal cholinergic activity (“transients”) were demonstrated previously to be necessary for the incorporation of cues into ongoing cognitive processes (“cue detection”). Nicotine and, more robustly, selective agonists at α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) enhance cue detection and attentional performance by augmenting prefrontal cholinergic activity. The present experiments determined the role of β2-containing and α7 nAChRs in the generation of prefrontal cholinergic and glutamatergic transients in vivo. Transients were evoked by nicotine, the α4β2* nAChR agonist ABT-089 [2-methyl-3-(2-(S)-pyrrolindinylmethoxy) pyridine dihydrochloride], or the α7 nAChR agonist A-582941 [2-methyl-5-(6-phenyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-octahydro-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole]. Transients were recorded in mice lacking β2 or α7 nAChRs and in rats after removal of thalamic glutamatergic or midbrain dopaminergic inputs to prefrontal cortex. The main results indicate that stimulation of α4β2* nAChRs evokes glutamate release and that the presence of thalamic afferents is necessary for the generation of cholinergic transients. ABT-089-evoked transients were completely abolished in mice lacking β2* nAChRs. The amplitude, but not the decay rate, of nicotine-evoked transients was reduced by β2* knock-out. Conversely, in mice lacking the α7 nAChR, the decay rate, but not the amplitude, of nicotine-evoked cholinergic and glutamatergic transients was attenuated. Substantiating the role of α7 nAChR in controlling the duration of release events, stimulation of α7 nAChR produced cholinergic transients that lasted 10- to 15-fold longer than those evoked by nicotine. α7 nAChR-evoked cholinergic transients are mediated in part by dopaminergic activity. Prefrontal α4β2* nAChRs play a key role in evoking and facilitating the transient glutamatergic–cholinergic interactions that are necessary for cue detection and attentional performance.
The Effect of Face-to-Face With Telephone-Based Counseling on Sexual Satisfaction Among Reproductive Aged Women in Iran

This study was designed to investigate and compare the effect of face-to-face with telephone-based counseling on sexual satisfaction in women of reproductive age in Iran. This study was a randomized controlled trial in which 46 married women who got married 1–5 years ago were randomly selected and assigned to 1 of 2 groups (face-to-face and telephone-based counseling). Two groups received counseling by a trained midwife once a week for 4 weeks. The sexual satisfaction (using the Sexual Satisfaction Index) score was calculated in the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks. An independent t test, chi-square test, likelihood ratio test, Fisher's exact test, and linear-by-linear test were used for analyzing data. The mean score of sexual satisfaction in the face-to-face group was 93.6 (SD = 7.1) and improved significantly to 108.08 (SD = 5.44) after intervention (p =.001). The mean score of sexual satisfaction in the telephone-based counseling was 93.52 (SD = 5) and increased to 113 (SD = 6.07) after 4 weeks (p =.001). Telephone-based counseling could increase the sexual satisfaction better than face-to-face counseling (mean difference: 20.34 [SD = 7.38] vs. 14.47 [SD = 5.32], p =.003). The telephone-based counseling is an effective and affordable method to solve the sexual problems and could increase the sexual satisfaction. Using this method in public health centers is recommended.