Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cyberknife Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Treatment of Atypical (Who Grade II) Cranial Meningiomas

BACKGROUND:The optimal management of subtotally resected atypical meningiomas is unknown. OBJECTIVE:To perform a retrospective review of patients with residual or recurrent atypical meningiomas treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). METHODS:Twenty-five patients were treated, either immediately after surgery (n = 15) or at the time of radiographic progression or treatment failure (n = 10). SRS was delivered to with a median marginal dose of 22 Gy (range, 16-30) in 1 to 4 fractions (median, 1), targeting a median tumor volume of 5.3 cm3 (range, 0.3-26.0). RESULTS:With a median follow-up time of 28 months (range, 3-67), the 12-, 24-, and 36-month actuarial local and regional control rates for all patients were 94%, 94%, 74%, and 90%, 90%, 62%, respectively. There were 2 cases of radiation toxicity. On univariate analysis, the number of recurrences before SRS (P = .046), late SRS (ie, waiting until tumor progression to initiate treatment) (P = .03), and age at treatment ≥60 years (P = .01) were significant predictors of recurrence. Of the 20 radiation-naïve patients, 2 patients failed with the targeted lesion and 3 elsewhere in the resection bed, resulting in 12-, 24- and 36-month actuarial local and regional control rates of 100%, 100%, 73% and 93%, 93%, 75%, respectively. The overall locoregional control rates at 12, 24, and 36 months were 93%, 93%, and 54%, respectively. CONCLUSION:Irradiation of the entire postoperative tumor bed may not be necessary for the majority of patients with subtotally resected atypical meningiomas. Patients in this series achieved outcomes comparable to that of historical control rates for larger volume, conventionally fractionated radiotherapy.
Rape Culture and Sexism in Globalising India

Following the 2012 gang rape of a woman in Delhi, the spotlight was turned on women’s rights in India. A 2014 BBC documentary reignited the debate as it – and much of the international debate – was quick to suggest that this violent and misogynistic act was an expression of Indian culture and tradition. Here the author argues that such an explanation is incorrect. Rather, Kavita Krishnan suggests that there are more complex contemporary forces in play that actively work to maintain women’s subordinate role in society – specifically, caste, politics and capitalism.
Efficacy and Safety of Flexible Versus Fixed Dosing Intervals of Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL in People with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Background: Insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) has a more constant and prolonged action profile than insulin glargine 100 U/mL and in clinical studies is associated with similar glycemic control but less hypoglycemia. Whether its effects are altered by variability of injection time was examined in two 3-month substudies. Materials and Methods: Eligible participants completing 6 months of optimized treatment with Gla-300 in EDITION 1 (n = 109) and EDITION 2 (n = 89), having a mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 7.3 % (SD 1.0 %), were randomized (1:1) to groups advised to increase variability of between-injection intervals to 24 ± up to 3 h or to maintain fixed 24-h intervals for 3 months. Changes of HbA1c level and other efficacy and safety measures were assessed. Results: In the fixed-dosing group, 64% of participants reported all intervals within the 23–25-h range, compared with 15% of those advised flexible dosing. In the fixed- and flexible-dosing groups, 12% and 41%, respectively, of between-injection intervals were outside the 23–25-h range, and 2% and 16%, respectively, were outside the 21–27-h range. Least squares mean between-group difference in HbA1c change from baseline was 0.05 % (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.13 to 0.23); for fasting plasma glucose, 2.7 mg/dL (95% CI, −9.0 to 14.4); and for daily basal insulin dose, 0.00 U/kg (95% CI, −0.02 to 0.03). Frequencies of hypoglycemia and adverse events did not differ between groups. Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of Gla-300 demonstrated in EDITION 1 and EDITION 2 are maintained in substudies when the insulin was injected up to 3 h before or after the usual time of administration.
Drought stress provokes the down-regulation of methionine and ethylene biosynthesis pathways in Medicago truncatula roots and nodules.

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation is one of the first physiological processes inhibited in legume plants under water-deficit conditions. Despite the progress made in the last decades, the molecular mechanisms behind this regulation are not fully understood yet. Recent proteomic work carried out in the model legume Medicago truncatula provided the first indications of a possible involvement of nodule methionine (Met) biosynthesis and related pathways in response to water-deficit conditions. To better understand this involvement, the drought-induced changes in expression and content of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of Met, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) and ethylene in M. truncatula root and nodules were analyzed using targeted approaches. Nitrogen-fixing plants were subjected to a progressive water deficit and a subsequent recovery period. Besides the physiological characterization of the plants, the content of total sulphur, sulphate and main S-containing metabolites was measured. Results presented here show that S availability is not a limiting factor in the drought-induced decline of nitrogen fixation rates in M. truncatula plants and provide evidences for a down-regulation of the Met and ethylene biosynthesis pathways in roots and nodules in response to water-deficit conditions.
The Long‐Term Impact of Entrepreneurial Self‐Efficacy and Entrepreneurial Orientation on Venture Performance

We collected multi‐wave survey data to assess the lagged effects of entrepreneurial self‐efficacy (ESE) and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on firm performance over a five‐year period. The results of our study indicate that ESE and EO are both positively associated with firm performance but in different, and interesting, ways. Entrepreneurially self‐efficacious founder/managers may help improve the performance of very young firms but such benefits dissipate over time. An EO, on the other hand, does not appear to be particularly beneficial to very young firms. However, our results suggest an EO may play an increasingly valuable role as new firms mature.
Cell Migration Velocities In the Crypts of the Small Intestine After Cytotoxic Insult Are Not Dependent On Mitotic Activity

Abstract. The role of mitotic activity in the normal process of intestinal epithelial cell migration was investigated. the movement of [3H]TdR‐labelled cells in the crypt‐villus column was used to study migration both in the crypts and on the villi. Radiation alone or in conjunction with other cytotoxic agents (hydroxyurea, cyclophosphamide and isopropyl‐methane sulphonate) was used to eliminate cell division activity and to decrease crypt cellularity. This was done in order to determine the role of ‘mitotic pressure’ in driving cell migration.
Citalopram for the Prevention of Depression and Its Consequences in HIV-Hepatitis C Coinfected Individuals Initiating Pegylated Interferon/Ribavirin Therapy: A Multicenter Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: Depression related to interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is common, may reduce adherence, and can be treatment limiting. HIV-HCV coinfected persons experience lower sustained virologic response rates and commonly have psychiatric comorbidities, thus they may benefit from prevention of depression. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether prophylactic citalopram can increase HCV treatment adherence and reduce the incidence of moderate depression in HIV-HCV coinfected patients initiating PEG-IFN-α/ribavirin therapy. Methods: This was an investigator-initiated Canadian multicenter randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. HIV-HCV coinfected patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive citalopram or placebo 3 weeks prior to starting PEG-IFN-α2b/ribavirin, stratified by study center and HCV genotype. The protocol design permitted the comparison of prophylaxis with the treatment of emergent depression. The primary outcomes were adherence (assessed through questionnaire and returned medication) and time to moderate depression measured by Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) score greater than 15, confirmed 2 weeks apart. Results: Seventy-six patients (36 citalopram/40 placebo) were randomized. Overall adherence was high, ranging from 95% (week 12) to 91% (week 48). There was no difference between arms with respect to mean or median adherence at any study time point. Cumulative incidence of moderate depression did not differ significantly by group (log rank P = .32). The hazard ratio for moderate depression was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.26 to 2.54) for citalopram compared with placebo when adjusted for baseline BDI-II score. Conclusions: A strategy of prophylactic citalopram compared to treatment of emergent depression was not associated with higher adherence or a reduction in treatment-limiting depression nor did it significantly reduce depressive symptoms among HIV-HCV coinfected persons during treatment for HCV.
Use of Antimicrobial Food Additives as Potential Dipping Solutions to Control Pseudomonas spp. Contamination in the Frankfurters and Ham

This study evaluated the effect of sodium diacetate and sodium lactate solutions for reducing the cell count of Pseudomonas spp. in frankfurters and hams. A mixture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCCP10338, NCCP10250, and NCCP11229), and Pseudomonas fluorescens (KACC10323 and KACC10326) was inoculated on cooked frankfurters and ham. The inoculated samples were immersed into control (sterile distilled water), sodium diacetate (5 and 10%), sodium lactate (5 and 10%), 5% sodium diacetate + 5% sodium lactate, and 10% sodium diacetate + 10% sodium lactate for 0-10 min. Inoculated frankfurters and ham were also immersed into acidified (pH 3.0) solutions such as acidified sodium diacetate (5 and 10%), and acidified sodium lactate (5 and 10%) in addition to control (acidified distilled water) for 0-10 min. Total aerobic plate counts for Pseudomonas spp. were enumerated on Cetrimide agar. Significant reductions (ca. 2 Log CFU/g) in Pseudomonas spp. cells on frankfurters and ham were observed only for a combination treatment of 10% sodium lactate + 10% sodium diacetate. When the solutions were acidified to pH 3.0, the total reductions of Pseudomonas spp. were 1.5-4.0 Log CFU/g. The order of reduction amounts of Pseudomonas spp. cell counts was 10% sodium lactate > 5% sodium lactate ≥ 10% sodium diacetate > 5% sodium diacetate > control for frankfurters, and 10% sodium lactate > 5% sodium lactate > 10% sodium diacetate > 5% sodium diacetate > control for ham. The results suggest that using acidified food additive antimicrobials, as dipping solutions, should be useful in reducing Pseudomonas spp. on frankfurters and ham.
New Insights Into the Roles of NADPH Oxidases in Sexual Development and Ascospore Germination in Sordaria macrospora

NADPH oxidase (NOX)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as signaling determinants that induce different cellular processes. To characterize NOX function during fungal development, we utilized the genetically tractable ascomycete Sordaria macrospora. Genome sequencing of a sterile mutant led us to identify the NADPH oxidase encoding nox1 as a gene required for fruiting body formation, regular hyphal growth, and hyphal fusion. These phenotypes are shared by ∆nor1, lacking the NOX regulator NOR1. Further phenotypic analyses revealed a high correlation between increased ROS production and hyphal fusion deficiencies in ∆nox1 and other sterile mutants. A genome-wide transcriptional profiling analysis of mycelia and isolated protoperithecia from wild type and ∆nox1 revealed that nox1 inactivation affects the expression of genes related to cytoskeleton remodeling, hyphal fusion, metabolism, and mitochondrial respiration. Genetic analysis of ∆nox2, lacking the NADPH oxidase 2 gene, ∆nor1, and transcription factor deletion mutant ∆ste12, revealed a strict melanin-dependent ascospore germination defect, indicating a common genetic pathway for these three genes. We report that gsa3, encoding a G-protein α-subunit, and sac1, encoding cAMP-generating adenylate cyclase, act in a separate pathway during the germination process. The finding that cAMP inhibits ascospore germination in a melanin-dependent manner supports a model in which cAMP inhibits NOX2 activity, thus suggesting a link between both pathways. Our results expand the current knowledge on the role of NOX enzymes in fungal development and provide a frame to define upstream and downstream components of the NOX signaling pathways in fungi.
Modulation of potassium channels in human T lymphocytes: effects of temperature.

1. The predominant channels found in lymphocytes with patch‐clamp whole‐cell recordings are voltage‐gated K+ channels. Several lines of evidence suggest that these channels are involved in lymphocyte function. Most lymphocyte functions are temperature sensitive and have not been correlated with electrophysiology at different temperatures. We have examined the effect of temperature on the voltage‐dependent K+ channel in normal human T lymphocytes. Both macroscopic current and single‐channel events were studied with whole‐cell recordings at temperatures from 5 to 42 degrees C. 2. Peak conductance, activation rate, inactivation rate and rate of recovery from inactivation all increased progressively as the temperature increased. The effect of temperature on channel opening processes was greater at low temperatures. In contrast, the inactivation process was most sensitive to temperature changes above room temperature. Arrhenius plots of conductance and kinetic parameters were curvilinear with no obvious break‐points. 3. The increase in whole‐cell conductance at 37 degrees C was due to both an increase in the single‐channel conductance and in the probability that each channel is open at any time. 4. K+ currents were fitted by Hodgkin‐Huxley equations with n4j kinetics providing the best description of the currents at all temperatures tested. 5. Steady‐state activation‐ and inactivation‐voltage curves shifted in opposite directions with warming, resulting in a greater area of overlap of the curves ('window' current). The increase in resting K+ channel activity predicted by a greater window current was confirmed with single‐channel measurements. 6. The present study has shown that the behaviour of K+ channels in human T lymphocytes is temperature dependent.
Intra-uterine insemination for unexplained subfertility.

BACKGROUND Intra-uterine insemination (IUI) is a widely used fertility treatment for couples with unexplained subfertility. Although IUI is less invasive and less expensive than in vitro fertilisation (IVF), the safety of IUI in combination with ovarian hyperstimulation (OH) is debated. The main concern about IUI treatment with OH is the increase in multiple pregnancy rates. OBJECTIVES To determine whether for couples with unexplained subfertility IUI improves the live birth rate compared with timed intercourse (TI), both with and without ovarian hyperstimulation. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorder and Subfertility Group Trials Register (searched March 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2005, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to November 2005), EMBASE (1980 to November 2005), SCIsearch and reference lists of articles. Authors of identified studies were contacted for missing or unpublished data. SELECTION CRITERIA Truly randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with at least one of the following comparisons were included: --IUI versus TI, both in a natural cycle; --IUI versus TI, both in a stimulated cycle; --IUI in a natural cycle versus IUI in a stimulated cycle; --IUI with OH versus TI in natural cycle; --IUI in a natural cycle versus TI with OH. Only couples with unexplained subfertility were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two review authors. Outcomes were extracted and the data were pooled. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were done where possible. MAIN RESULTS In the six trials where IUI was compared with TI, both in stimulated cycles, there was evidence of an increased chance of pregnancy (six RCTs, 517 women: OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.50). A significant increase in pregnancy rate was also found for women where IUI with OH was compared with IUI in a natural cycle (three RCTs, 415 women: OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.46 to 3.71). However, the trials provided insufficient data to investigate the impact of IUI with or without OH on several important outcomes including live birth, multiple pregnancies, miscarriage and risk of ovarian hyperstimulation. There was no evidence of a difference in pregnancy rate for IUI with OH compared with TI in a natural cycle (one RCT, 51 women: OR 4.05, 95% CI 0.39 to 41.87). No RCTs were found for the other two comparisons. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is evidence that IUI with OH increases the live birth rate compared to IUI alone. The likelihood of pregnancy was also increased for treatment with IUI compared to TI both in stimulated cycles. There is insufficient data on multiple pregnancies and other adverse events for treatment with OH. Therefore, couples should be fully informed about the risks of IUI and OH as well as alternative treatment options.
Association of a mutation in the β3‐adrenergic receptor gene with obesity and response to dietary intervention in Chinese children

This study aimed to determine whether the Trp64Arg mutation in the β3‐adrenergic receptor (β3‐adr) gene is related to childhood obesity and the response to dietary intervention for obesity. The study included 311 healthy children aged 8‐11 y selected at random from 4 primary schools in Beijing. Fasting insulin and lipids were measured and anthropometry was carried out for all samples. The mutation of the β3‐adr gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Forty‐seven obese children were selected and divided into two groups. One group received dietary intervention (36 subjects); the other served as the control group (11 subjects). After 3 mo of dietary intervention, anthropometry was carried out again in 47 obese children. The frequency of the mutated allele was similar in 73 overweight and 238 normal‐weight children (0.18 and 0.17, respectively). Adjusted for age and sex, there was no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) and the levels of fasting lipids and insulin between those with and without the mutation of the 311 children. However, after 3 mo of dietary intervention, increases in weight and BMI were significantly lower in obese children without the mutation than in the control group (2.41 ± 0.56 vs 4.43 ± 0.70, p < 0.05; 0.48 ± 0.24 vs 1.55 ± 0.35, p < 0.05, respectively), but the changes in weight and BMI in obese children with the mutation were similar to the results in the controls (4.32 ± 0.69 vs 4.43 ± 0.70; 1.47 ± 0.32 vs 1.55 ± 0.35).
PTPϵ has a critical role in signaling transduction pathways and phosphoprotein network topology in red cells

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are crucial components of cellular signal transduction pathways. Here, we report that red blood cells (RBCs) from mice lacking PTPϵ (Ptpre−/−) exhibit (i) abnormal morphology; (ii) increased Ca2+‐activated‐K+ channel activity, which was partially blocked by the Src family kinases (SFKs) inhibitor PP1; and (iii) market perturbation of the RBC membrane tyrosine (Tyr‐) phosphoproteome, indicating an alteration of RBC signal transduction pathways. Using the signaling network computational analysis of the Tyr‐phosphoproteomic data, we identified seven topological clusters. We studied cluster 1 containing Fyn, SFK, and Syk another tyrosine kinase. In Ptpre−/−mouse RBCs, the activity of Fyn was increased while Syk kinase activity was decreased compared to wild‐type RBCs, validating the network computational analysis, and indicating a novel signaling pathway, which involves Fyn and Syk in regulation of red cell morphology.
Inhaled salbutamol does not affect athletic performance in asthmatic and non-asthmatic cyclists

Rationale Salbutamol may affect lung function and exercise performance differently in individuals with and without asthma. Objectives To compare the effects of inhaled salbutamol on lung function, exercise performance and respiratory parameters during cycling exercise in athletes with a positive response to a eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea (EVH+) and negative (EVH−) challenge, indicative of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Methods In a randomised controlled trial with a crossover design, a total of 49 well-trained male athletes (14 EVH+ and 35 EVH−) performed two simulated 10 km time-trials on a cycle ergometer 60 min after the inhalation of either 400 μg of salbutamol or a placebo. Lung function, assessed by forced expiratory volume in 1 s, was measured immediately before and 30 min after inhalation. Performance was measured by mean power output. Measurements & main results Despite a significant increase in lung function after the inhalation of salbutamol compared to the placebo (p<0.001), salbutamol did not affect athletes’ perceptions of dyspnoea (p>0.05) or leg exertion (p>0.05) during exercise. Salbutamol did not affect mean power output: EVH+ and EVH− athletes averaged 4.0 (0.5) and 4.1 (0.5) W/kg after salbutamol and 4.0 (0.5) W/kg and 4.0 (0.4) W/kg after placebo, respectively (p>0.05 for each comparison). Conclusions The inhalation of salbutamol induced a significant increase in resting lung function in EVH+ and EVH− athletes but this improvement in lung function did not translate to improved exercise performance. Salbutamol had no discernible effect on key ventilatory and exercise parameters regardless of EVH challenge outcome.
Human exposure to the jet fuel, JP-8.

INTRODUCTION This study investigates anecdotal reports that have suggested adverse health effects associated with acute or chronic exposure to jet fuel. METHODS JP-8 exposure during the course of the study day was estimated using breath analysis. Health effects associated with exposure were measured using a neurocognitive testing battery and liver and kidney function tests. RESULTS Breath analysis provided an estimate of an individual's recent JP-8 exposure that had occurred via inhalation and dermal routes. All individuals studied on base exhaled aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons that are found in JP-8. The subject who showed evidence of the most exposure to JP-8 had a breath concentration of 11.5 mg x m(-3) for total JP-8. This breath concentration suggested that exposure to JP-8 at an Air Guard Base is much less than exposure observed at other Air Force Bases. This reduction in exposure to JP-8 is attributed to the safety practices and standard operating procedures carried out by base personnel. The base personnel who exhibited the highest exposures to JP-8 were fuel cell workers, fuel specialists and smokers, who smoked downwind from the flightline. DISCUSSION Although study-day exposures appear to be much less than current guidelines, chronic exposure at these low levels appeared to affect neurocognitive functioning. JP-8-exposed individuals performed significantly poorer than a sample of non-exposed age- and education-matched individuals on 20 of 47 measures of information processing and other cognitive functions.