Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symptomatic venous thromboembolism in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy: an underestimated phenomenon.

BACKGROUND The exact incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients is unknown, partly because of confounding factors. Prophylactic treatment is warranted in surgical patients with cancer because of a high incidence of VTE. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate if the same applies for cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. METHODS The medical records of 206 consecutive patients with malignancy, treated with chemotherapy, were identified. The kind of malignancy and chemotherapeutic treatment were recorded, as was the date of treatment. The records were reviewed for other risk factors for VTE, and were searched for proved deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. RESULTS Of those 206 patients, 15 (7.3%) had proved VTE during or within 3 months after chemotherapeutic treatment. The annual incidence was 10.9%. The incidence of VTE was specifically high in the 39 patients treated with a combination of fluorouracil and leucovorin calcium because of colorectal cancer (6 [15%] of the patients were affected). The occurrence of VTE in the latter group of patients was not influenced by factors such as surgery, central venous catheters, or tumor load. CONCLUSIONS The annual incidence of VTE in patients treated with chemotherapy was high, specifically in patients with colorectal cancer treated with fluorouracil-leucovorin. If these observations are confirmed, trials to evaluate the use of prophylactic anticoagulant treatment should be conducted.
MiR-770-5p inhibits cisplatin chemoresistance in human ovarian cancer by targeting ERCC2

In this study, we examined the role of the miRNA miR-770-5p in cisplatin chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer (OVC) patients. miR-770-5p expression was reduced in platinum-resistant patients. Using a 6.128-fold in expression as the cutoff value, miR-770-5p expression served as a prognostic biomarker and predicted the response to cisplatin treatment and survival among OVC patients. Overexpression of miR-770-5p in vitro reduced survival in chemoresistant cell lines after cisplatin treatment. ERCC2, a target gene of miR-770-5p that participates in the NER system, was negatively regulated by miR-770-5p. siRNA-mediated silencing of ERCC2 reversed the inhibition of apoptosis resulting from miR-770-5p downreglation in A2780S cells. A comet assay confirmed that this restoration of cisplatin chemosensitivity was due to the inhibition of DNA repair. These findings suggest that endogenous miR-770-5p may function as an anti-oncogene and promote chemosensitivity in OVC, at least in part by downregulating ERCC2. miR-770-5p may therefore be a useful biomarker for predicting chemosensitivity to cisplatin in OVC patients and improve the selection of effective, more personalized, treatment strategies.
EXPRESSION PROFILING OF SELECTED MICRO RNAs COUPLED WITH MOLECULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSES OF ASIATICOSIDES IN CENTELLA ASIATICA (L.)URB IN VITRO

Objective: Centella asiatica (L.) Urb from Umbelliferae is a potential source of secondary metabolites having immense medicinal value. Asiaticoside is the major therapeutic compound. In the present study, Identification of a possible relationship between concentration/transcript level expression of asiaticoside and concentrations of growth hormones at different growth stages was observed. The current study includes molecular and biochemical evaluation of stress generated in C. asiatica at different time intervals in vitro. Methods: The enhancement in auxin, cytokinin and final asiaticoside content were determined using immunoassay kits for auxin, cytokinin and HPLC analysis respectively. Transcript level expression at different growth phases was carried out using real-time RT-PCR. For isolation of stress-related miRNAs, reverse transcription of total RNA using miScript II RT Kit PCR System was carried out as per instructions. The differential expression of five selected miRNAs was done by Real-Time RT-PCR. The analysis of stress in vitro was done by quantification of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), total phenolics and total antioxidants by H2O2 assay kit, total antioxidant assay kit and Folin Ciocalteau reagent respectively. The final asiaticoside content was determined by HPLC. Results: Differential expression of key genes involved in asiaticoside pathway showed significantly higher transcript expression, which is in correlation with the final asiaticoside content. The enhanced expression of miRNAs and the analysis of H2O2, total antioxidant capacity and total phenolics are suggestive of generation of oxidative stress under controlled conditions. Conclusion: The present study shows a direct correlation between oxidative stress and transcript/phytochemical estimation of asiaticoside content under in vitro conditions.
Nasal Pyriform Aperture Stenosis in Adults

Background Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) leading to respiratory insufficiency in infants has been well documented. Nevertheless, the nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (NPAS) entity in adulthood has not been discussed at all. The normative data of the width of the pyriform aperture, which has not been revealed before, is necessary for evaluation of the adult subjects with nasal bony inlet stenosis. The aim of this study was to define the normative data about the pyriform aperture width measured in 80 adult subjects with paranasal sinus symptoms without nasal obstruction and, additionally, to report the surgical results of two representative cases with NPAS. Methods The nasal bony inlet width measurements have been achieved in axial computerized tomographic sections to establish normative data. The maximal distance between the nasal processes of the opposite maxillary bones was measured. Two adult males complaining of nasal obstruction with overt pyriform aperture stenosis were treated surgically via a sublabial approach. Results The mean widest dimension of the nasal pyriform aperture was 21.6 6 2.2 mm (range, 17–27 mm) in 80 adult subjects. This width was 21.9 6 2.1 mm (range 18–27 mm) in men and 21 6 2.2 mm (range, 17–26 mm) in women. Stenotic pyriform apertures in two patients were widened surgically by drilling via a sublabial approach from 12 and 10 mm to 24 and 21 mm, respectively. Conclusion NPAS should be included in the list of differential diagnosis for nasal obstruction. Surgical enlargement using a sublabial approach was found an effective and adequate treatment in pyriform aperture stenosis.
Spurious systolic hypertension in young adults; prevalence of high brachial systolic blood pressure and low central pressure and its determinants

Objective To investigate the prevalence and determinants of spurious systolic hypertension (SSH) in a population-based sample of young adults and estimate their 20-year risk of coronary heart disease. Population and methods Seven hundred and fifty young adults (352 men and 398 women), aged 26–31 years, from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Young Adults study were studied. Blood pressure levels were measured twice and central (aortic) pressures were derived by applanation tonometry on the radial artery using a generalized transfer function. SSH was defined as brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg, brachial diastolic blood pressure (DBP) < 90 mmHg, and central SBP < 124 mmHg for men and < 120 mmHg for women. The Framingham risk score was calculated. Analysis of variance models were used to compare SSH individuals with normotensive and hypertensive males for cardiovascular risk factors. Results SSH was diagnosed in 57 men (16.1%; 95% confidence interval, 12.3–20.0) versus only three women (8%; 95% confidence interval, 0–1.6). The female population was excluded from further analysis. Compared with normotensive males, SSH individuals were heavier (88.7 versus 81.8 kg, P < 0.05) had a higher body mass index (25.8 versus 24.2 kg/m2, P < 0.01) and significantly higher brachial and central SBP, DBP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure. They had significantly higher pulse pressure amplification. Twenty-year Framingham risk scores based on DBP did not differ significantly between SSH subjects and normotensive individuals (2.72 versus 2.10%, respectively). Conclusion SSH is predominantly found among young adult men. Apart from weight and body mass index, no other cardiovascular risk factors differed significantly between subjects with SSH and normotension or hypertension. When calculating the 20-year risk of coronary heart disease based on brachial DBP, SSH individuals were at intermediate risk between normotensive and hypertensive participants, but differences were not statistically significant.
The Conditional Relation between Beta and Returns: Evidence from Sri Lanka

This paper examine the unconditional and conditional relationships between beta, size, B/M, E/P and returns in the CSE from 1995 to 2006 by using (FM) (1973) cross-sectional regression test. There is no evidence of a positive risk premium on beta when the unconditional relationship between beta and return is considered. However, when the market is split on the market excess returns, there is a significant positive (negative) relationship between beta and returns in up (down) markets for individual and portfolio of stocks. Further, there is a significant negative size-return and positive B/M-return relations, are unconditional and also insignificant E/P-return relation in the CSE. Thus, we cannot reject the usability of beta in explaining stock returns in the CSE. Beta has a significant relationship with stock returns subject to the condition of the market. Further, size and B/M are significant in explaining stock returns in the CSE and it doesn’t seem that they are affected by the condition of the market. Since these findings are important, are could be useful for making investment decisions.
How Country Image Affects Tourists’ Destination Evaluations: A Moderated Mediation Approach

Limited tourism research has as yet drawn attention to the differences and interactions between country image and destination image. Therefore, this research explored the relationships among country image, destination image, familiarity, and destination evaluation. Based on an empirical study of international tourists in Beijing, China, a model was proposed covering these four variables. Country image mainly affected international tourists’ evaluations of China as a destination in a conditional indirect way, mediated by destination image and especially by psychological image, and moderated by familiarity. Moreover, familiarity directly and positively influenced functional destination image and negatively moderated the relationship between country and psychological destination images.
Human models in acute and chronic stress: Assessing determinants of individual hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis activity and reactivity

Stress is one of the most significant health problems in modern societies and the 21st century. This explains a pressing need for investigations into the biological pathways linking stress and health. Besides the locus coeruleus–noradrenaline/autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system (), the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is the major physiological stress response system in the body. Since alterations in HPA axis regulation under basal conditions and in response to acute stress appear to be a close correlate or even a determining factor of the onset of different diseases or disease progression (; ; ; ; ; ; ), the characterization of an individual's HPA axis activity as well as reactivity pattern to psychosocial stress appears to be of major interest. It is obvious that such a research agenda substantially depends on the availability of appropriate measures. However, since the HPA axis is a highly adaptive system which is characterized by marked inter- and intraindividual variability (; ), the development of such markers of HPA axis regulation in humans was—and still is—a rather challenging task. In this brief review, we focus on findings on two HPA axis measures, namely the cortisol-awakening response (CAR) to assess HPA axis basal activity and the Trier social stress test (TSST) to investigate HPA axis stress reactivity.
Modeling harmonics of networks supplying nonlinear loads

This work presents the development and validation of a model for electric networks supplying nonlinear loads (NLL). The model is based on Neural Networks (NN) and its purpose is the prediction of harmonic currents sank by the loads, in case of supply impedance changes caused by the insertion or releasing of neighboring loads or by the voluntary insertion of filters to reduce such harmonic currents. The NN is trained using data obtained from several Matlab simulations and the model is validated using the same network with different supply impedances and load conditions.
The Kinesin Adaptor Calsyntenin-1 Organizes Microtubule Polarity and Regulates Dynamics during Sensory Axon Arbor Development

Axon growth and branching, and development of neuronal polarity are critically dependent on proper organization and dynamics of the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton. MTs must organize with correct polarity for delivery of diverse cargos to appropriate subcellular locations, yet the molecular mechanisms regulating MT polarity remain poorly understood. Moreover, how an actively branching axon reorganizes MTs to direct their plus ends distally at branch points is unknown. We used high-speed, in vivo imaging of polymerizing MT plus ends to characterize MT dynamics in developing sensory axon arbors in zebrafish embryos. We find that axonal MTs are highly dynamic throughout development, and that the peripheral and central axons of sensory neurons show differences in MT behaviors. Furthermore, we show that Calsyntenin-1 (Clstn-1), a kinesin adaptor required for sensory axon branching, also regulates MT polarity in developing axon arbors. In wild type neurons the vast majority of MTs are directed in the correct plus-end-distal orientation from early stages of development. Loss of Clstn-1 causes an increase in MTs polymerizing in the retrograde direction. These misoriented MTs most often are found near growth cones and branch points, suggesting Clstn-1 is particularly important for organizing MT polarity at these locations. Together, our results suggest that Clstn-1, in addition to regulating kinesin-mediated cargo transport, also organizes the underlying MT highway during axon arbor development.
Changes in Serum Adiponectin Levels from Birth to Term-Equivalent Age Are Associated with Postnatal Weight Gain in Preterm Infants

Background: Adiponectin, one of the adipocytokines, is postulated to play a key role in fetal growth, probably enhancing the growth-promoting effect of insulin through insulin-sensitizing action. Objectives and Methods: To examine how different intrauterine or postnatal growth patterns relate to adiponectin secretion, we measured serum adiponectin concentrations in 30 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) and 19 small-for-gestational-age (SGA) preterm infants on the first day of life and at term-equivalent age. Results: The serum levels of adiponectin increased significantly in all preterm infants from birth to term-equivalent age. The adiponectin levels at term-equivalent age were significantly higher in the AGA than in the SGA group [mean (SD) 40.4 (12.3) vs. 28.4 (10.4) µg/ml; p < 0.01] after adjustment for gestational age or term-equivalent body weight. The increase in adiponectin levels from birth to term-equivalent age was significantly higher in the AGA than in the SGA group, and was positively correlated with the weight gain rate (g/kg/day) in the combined groups (r = 0.37, p < 0.01). A multiple regression analysis with the adiponectin increase from birth to term-equivalent age as the dependent variable for all the subjects revealed that only weight gain rate was independently associated with the adiponectin increase. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the change in serum adiponectin levels may reflect postnatal growth from birth to term-equivalent age in preterm infants.
Gene Expression and Localization of Amelogenin in the Rat Incisor

Gene expression and localization of amelogenin were studied in the developing rat incisor by the methods of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. ISH revealed the first expression of amelogenin mRNA in the inner enamel epithelium of the cervical loop. The signals were clearly observed in pre-ameloblasts in the region bordering on predentin formation and became more intense toward the cells on the initial enamel matrix secretion. The maximal signals were found in the cytoplasm of secretory ameloblasts. From the terminal secretion zone, the signals then became gradually weaker toward the incisal edge but were still evident in the cytoplasm of shortening, transitional ameloblasts and those at the early maturation stage. No signals were found in the cells of the stratum intermedium and stellate reticulum throughout amelogenesis. Immunohistochemistry by means of an antibody against amelogenin C-telopeptide consisting of 12 amino acids revealed immunoreaction in the secretory ameloblasts reacting to the ISH. When a polyclonal antibody against amelogenin was used, immunoreaction was found in the distal ends of ruffle-ended ameloblasts (RA) in the maturation zone. Those results indicated that amelogenin is synthesized by ameloblastic cells from the inner enamel epithelium to the early maturation stage and is then resorbed by the RA.
Short Sale Constraints, Heterogeneous Interpretations, and Asymmetric Price Reactions to Earnings Surprises

We investigate the effects of heterogeneous interpretations on price reactions to earnings announcements. We find that when investors interpret earnings news homogenously, price reactions are stronger to bad news. However, when interpretations of earnings news become more heterogeneous, price reactions become stronger to good news. This pattern is more pronounced when the short sale constraints are more binding. These findings support the notion that, under short sale constraints, price reactions to public information reflect the selective registration of more optimistic opinions rather than the average opinion of all investors. This study contributes to the accounting literature on the impact of heterogeneous interpretations on price reactions to earnings announcements. Our evidence on the significant interplay between the price and volume reactions to earnings announcements also adds to the resurgence of interest in connecting trading activity to prices. JEL Classification: G12, G14, M41
Institutional Cross-Ownership and Corporate Strategy: The Case of Mergers and Acquisitions

This article provides new evidence on the important role of institutional investors in affecting corporate strategy. Institutional cross-ownership between two firms not only increases the probability of them merging, but also affects the outcomes of mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Institutional cross-ownership reduces deal premiums, increases stock payment in M&A transactions, and lowers the completion probabilities of deals with negative acquirer announcement returns. Furthermore, deals with high institutional cross-ownership have lower transaction costs and disclose more transparent financial statement information. The effect of cross-ownership on the total deal synergies and post-deal long-term performance is positive, which can be attributed to independent and non-transient cross-owners. Our findings are robust after mitigating the cross-ownership asymmetry concern. Overall, our results suggest that the growth of institutional cross-holdings in U.S. stock markets may greatly change corporate strategies and decision-making processes.
Acute Stroke Mortality and Air Pollution: New Evidence from Shanghai, China

The association between air pollution and daily mortality, especially of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, has been confirmed by numerous studies. Recently, two studies conducted in Korea have identified air pollution as a new risk factor for ischemic stroke mortality . Nevertheless, the results still need to be replicated in other areas of the world. In Shanghai, the largest city in China, stroke has become one of the leading causes of death; and the stroke mortality reached 79.2 per 100,000 in the 37–79 age group during 1991 to 1999 with 87.2 and 71.4 per 100,000 for males and females respectively. Therefore, it is worthwhile to explore the relationship between air pollution and stroke mortality in Shanghai, since air pollution is a potentially preventive risk factor. In this study, we used a time-series approach to assess the relationship between air pollution and daily stroke mortality in one urban district of Shanghai, and we also explored the patterns of exposure-response relationship for the major air pollutants considered.
Estratégias de investimento na indústria brasileira de latas de alumínio: uma análise no contexto dos jogos de opções reais

Objective – The purpose of this article is to analyze the impact of preemption (first move advantage, with the consequent emergence of negative externalities to competitors) in situations that consider the optimal moment for investment, in the context of asymmetric oligopolies, and using the options games method. Design/methodology/approach – The developed model was applied to the Brazilian aluminum can industry, in which three firms made up an asymmetric oligopoly, allowing strategic interactions and their consequences on firms’ investment decisions to be analyzed. Findings – In situations of preemption, the results show the relevance of using a dynamic model, allowing us to observe the importance of obtaining a competitive advantage in cost, and showing that it is possible to obtain monopoly profits or take advantage of isolated expansion for a longer period. If this advantage is great, rivals’ threat of preemption can be considered irrelevant, and that the firm will invest in monopolistic time, ignoring the possibility of rivals’ entry. Practical implications – In a competitive environment, firms need to decide whether the best strategy is to invest earlier, acquiring a competitive advantage over their rivals, or to postpone their investments, to acquire more information and mitigate the eventual consequences of market uncertainties. This work shows how to do it. Originality/value – This is the first paper that, by applying real options games, studies the impact of preemption of investment in the oligopolistic asymmetric environment of the Brazilian industry of aluminum cans.
Natural gas as petroleum fuels substitution: Impact on economic performance in Indonesia

ABSTRACT The lack of natural gas infrastructure is the main hurdle in maximizing natural gas usage in Indonesia. This study analyzes the substitution of natural gas for petroleum fuels and its investment impacts on Indonesian economic performances using econometrics. Five econometric models have been proposed which are capable of describing economic behavior. The policy simulations show that fuel substitution has a significant impact on Indonesian economic performance, particularly related to reducing unemployment.