Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response to radiation therapy in adrenocortical carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare disease which is considered resistant to many treatments. The role of radiotherapy in ACC remains unclear. In general radiotherapy is thought to be ineffective for the treatment of ACC, and therefore not often used. However, recent reports suggest the opposite. The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis to evaluate the application of radiotherapy in Dutch ACC patients, and to determine the occurrence of response. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Dutch ACC Registry (no.=159) was screened for patients who had received radiotherapy between 1990 and 2008. Tumor response evaluation was performed according to the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST). RESULTS Only 13 patients (8% of registered patients) had received radiation therapy of whom 6 were irradiated for the palliation of painful bone metastases. In all patients this radiation resulted in pain relief. Three patients received adjuvant tumor bed radiation after resection. Four patients were radiated on irresectable tumor recurrence or tumor metastases. Two patients died soon after radiation therapy and therefore follow-up information regarding tumor response after radiation therapy of 2 patients was available. Interestingly, partial tumor response according to RECIST criteria, was observed in both patients. CONCLUSION ACC can be sensitive to radiotherapy and should be considered in the treatment of advanced ACC, particularly in worrisome lesions. The role of radiotherapy in advanced ACC is to complement a systemic treatment such as mitotane or classic cytotoxic agents.
Evaluating the information content of earnings forecasts

This study develops a framework to compare the ability of alternative earnings forecast approaches to capture the market expectation of future earnings. Given prior evidence of analysts’ systematic optimistic bias, we decompose earnings surprises into analysts’ earnings surprises and adjustments based on alternative forecasting models. An equal market response to these two components indicates that the associated earnings forecast is a sufficient estimate of the market expectation of future earnings. To apply our framework, we examine four recent regression-based earnings forecasting models, alongside a simple earnings-based random walk model and analysts’ forecasts. Using the earnings forecasts of the model that satisfies our sufficiency condition, we identify a set of stocks for which the market is unduly pessimistic about future earnings. The investment strategy of buying and holding these stocks generates statistically signiﬁcant abnormal returns. We offer an explanation as to why this and similar strategies might be successful.
Autoradiographic distribution and alterations of kinin B2 receptors in the brain and spinal cord of streptozotocin‐diabetic rats

This study investigates whether bradykinin (BK) B2 receptor binding sites are increased in the brain and thoracic spinal cord of streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic rats at 2, 7, and 21 days posttreatment by in vitro autoradiography with the radioligand [125I]HPP‐Hoe 140. In control and diabetic rats, specific binding sites for B2 receptors were detected in the brain and in various laminae of the spinal cord, predominantly in superficial laminae (Kd = 34 pM). In diabetic rats, B2 receptor densities were significantly increased in lamina l of the dorsal horn (+35% at 7 and 21 days), spinal trigeminal nucleus (+70% at 7 and 21 days) and nucleus tractus solitarius (+100% at 2 and 7 days). B2 receptor analogues D‐Arg[Hyp3,Thi5,D‐Tic7,Oic8]‐BK (Hoe 140), 3‐(4 hydroxyphenyl)propionyl‐Hoe 140 (HPP‐Hoe 140), LF16‐0687 mesylate ((2‐Pyrrolidinecarboxamide, N‐[3‐[[4‐aminoiminomethyl)benzoyl]amino]propyl]‐1‐[[2,4‐dichoro‐3‐[[(2,4‐dimethyl‐8‐quinolinyl)oxy]methyl]phenyl]sulfonyl]‐(2S)‐(9Cl)), and BK decreased binding of [125I]‐HPP‐Hoe 140 in the spinal dorsal horn, with Ki values of 0.5, 1.5, 3.2, and 3.7 nM, respectively. These values were not significantly different in diabetic rats at 7 days (0.5 (Hoe 140), 0.7 (HPP‐Hoe 140), 1.2 (BK), and 1.7 (LF16‐0687) nM). While des‐Arg10‐Hoe 140 was three orders of magnitude less potent than Hoe 140, B1 receptor agonist (des‐Arg9‐BK) and antagonist (AcLys[D‐βNal7,Ile8]des‐Arg9‐BK, R‐715) did not affect [125I]‐HPP‐Hoe 140 binding at 1 μM concentration. Data suggest a very discrete and temporal increase of B2 receptor density (without affinity changes) in the spinal cord and hindbrain of STZ‐diabetic rats. This contrasts with the early induction and over‐expression of B1 receptors reported in the brain and spinal cord of STZ‐diabetic rats. Synapse 58:184–192, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
JACALIN-LECTIN LIKE1 Regulates the Nuclear Accumulation of GLYCINE-RICH RNA-BINDING PROTEIN7, Influencing the RNA Processing of FLOWERING LOCUS C Antisense Transcripts and Flowering Time in Arabidopsis1[OPEN]

A Jacalin-lectin manipulates an RNA binding protein in shaping plant development through regulation of pre-mRNA processing of the key flowering repressor genes. Lectins selectively recognize sugars or glycans for defense in living cells, but less is known about their roles in the development process and the functional network with other factors. Here, we show that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) JACALIN-LECTIN LIKE1 (AtJAC1) functions in flowering time control. Loss of function of AtJAC1 leads to precocious flowering, whereas overexpression of AtJAC1 causes delayed flowering. AtJAC1 influences flowering through regulation of the key flowering repressor gene FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). Genetic analysis revealed that AtJAC1’s function is mostly dependent on GLYCINE-RICH RNA-BINDING PROTEIN7 (GRP7), an upstream regulator of FLC. Biochemical and cell biological data indicated that AtJAC1 interacted physically with GRP7 specifically in the cytoplasm. AtJAC1 influences the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of GRP7, with predominant nuclear localization of GRP7 when AtJAC1 function is lost but retention of GRP7 in the cytoplasm when AtJAC1 is overexpressed. A temporal inducible assay suggested that AtJAC1’s regulation of flowering could be compromised by the nuclear accumulation of GRP7. In addition, GRP7 binds to the antisense precursor messenger RNA of FLC through a conserved RNA motif. Loss of GRP7 function leads to the elevation of total FLC antisense transcripts and reduced proximal-distal polyadenylation ratio, as well as histone methylation changes in the FLC gene body region and increased total functional sense FLC transcript. Attenuating the direct binding of GRP7 with competing artificial RNAs leads to changes of FLC antisense precursor messenger RNA processing and flowering transition. Taken together, our study indicates that AtJAC1 coordinates with GRP7 in shaping plant development through the regulation of RNA processing in Arabidopsis.
Effect of immunosuppression on outcome measures in a model of rat limbal transplantation.

PURPOSE To examine the effect of immunosuppression with intramuscularly injected cyclosporine and topical corticosteroid on limbal allograft survival in a new model in the inbred rat. METHODS Orthotopic limbal tissue harvested from male Fischer 344 (isografts) or male Wistar-Firth donors (allografts) was sutured into superior and inferior lamellar excision sites in female recipient Fischer 344 rats. Grafts were examined clinically for at least 55 days. Superficial epithelial cells were sampled weekly, and the DNA extracted and probed for the male-specific gene Sry by polymerase chain reaction. Recipients were killed at established intervals for immunohistochemistry. Graft-recipient animals were randomly assigned to receive either intramuscular cyclosporine plus topical prednisolone phosphate or vehicle for 4 weeks from the time of transplantation. RESULTS Isografts survived for a median of more than 55 days. Allografts underwent clinical rejection at a median of 6 to 7 days after grafting. Acutely rejecting allografts showed a dense mononuclear infiltrate consisting of activated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells with some macrophages. Genomic Sry was usually detectable in cells sampled from the ocular surface for more than 55 days in isografts, but not beyond 7 days in allografts. Immunosuppression prolonged allograft survival significantly, as assessed clinically, but did not prolong donor cell survival on the ocular surface, as assessed by detection of genomic Sry. CONCLUSIONS A robust model of limbal transplantation was developed in the rat. Isografts survived for the long term, whereas allografts underwent rapid rejection. Although clinical allograft survival was prolonged to a modest extent by immunosuppression, donor cell survival on the ocular surface was not improved.
Ezetimibe reverses the inhibitory effects of dietary cholesterol on mammary tumorigenesis in rats

There are concerns regarding increased cancer incidence in patients treated with ezetimibe, an inhibitor of the absorption of dietary cholesterol. Here we tested the hypothesis that ezetimibe will accelerate mammary tumorigenesis in rats. The drug was administered at a dose of 1 ppm in an AIN‐93G diet that contained 0.3% cholesterol. This experimental diet and control diets that contained either no additions or cholesterol or ezetimibe only, were fed to groups of 30 Sprague‐Dawley rats 3 days after they were treated with 50 mg/kg methylnitrosourea (MNU). All rats were euthanized 22 weeks after MNU administration. Tumor multiplicity was significantly smaller in rats fed cholesterol than those fed no cholesterol (1.84 ± 0.42 vs. 3.86 ± 0.86 respectively, P < 0.05), but was significantly greater in the cholesterol/ezetimibe group than the group fed only cholesterol (3.48 ± 0.59 vs. 1.84 ± 0.42 respectively, P < 0.04). The average weight of tumors/rat was also significantly larger in the cholesterol/ezetimibe group than those fed cholesterol alone (5.67 ± 1.15 vs. 2.56 ± 0.71 respectively, P < 0.04). As expected, ezetimibe prevented the cholesterol raising effect of the dietary cholesterol. These results show that ezetimibe reverses the inhibitory effect of dietary cholesterol on the development of rat mammary tumors.
A general circuit model for spintronic devices under electric and magnetic fields

In this work, we present a circuit model of diffusive spintronic devices capable of capturing the effects of both electric and magnetic fields. Starting from a modified version of the well-established drift-diffusion equations, we derive general equivalent circuit models of semiconducting/metallic nonmagnets and metallic ferromagnets. In contrast to other models that are based on steady-state transport equations which might also neglect certain effects such as thermal fluctuations, spin dissipation in the ferromagnets, and spin precession under magnetic fields, our model incorporates most of the important physics and is based on a time-dependent formulation. An application of our model is shown through simulations of a nonlocal spin-valve under the presence of a magnetic field, where we reproduce experimental results of electrical measurements that demonstrate the phenomena of spin precession and dephasing (“Hanle effect”).
Skin hydration analysis by experiment and computer simulations and its implications for diapered skin

Experimental work on skin hydration is technologically challenging, and mostly limited to observations where environmental conditions are constant. In some cases, like diapered baby skin, such work is practically unfeasible, yet it is important to understand potential effects of diapering on skin condition. To overcome this challenge, in part, we developed a computer simulation model of reversible transient skin hydration effects.
Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevi: The Significance of Neurocutaneous Melanosis in Neurologically Asymptomatic Children

Patients with a giant congenital melanocytic nevus can develop melanotic tumors characterized by central nervous system involvement, termed leptomeningeal melanocytosis or neurocutaneous melanosis. Although symptomatic neurocutaneous melanosis is rare, we previously reported distinct magnetic resonance (MR) findings of T1 shortening, strongly suggestive of neurocutaneous melanosis, in 30 percent (6 of 20) of children with giant congenital melanocytic nevi who presented initially without neurological symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of neurocutaneous melanosis in high‐risk patients and its long‐term clinical significance. Magnetic resonance imaging was recommended for all 46 patients with “at‐risk” giant congenital melanocytic nevi involving the skin overlying the dorsal spine or scalp. The clinical histories and follow‐up of these patients were evaluated by retrospective chart review. Forty‐two underwent MR imaging of the brain and 11 underwent additional MR scanning of the spinal cord. Abnormalities were identified in 14 of 43 MR studies, and 23 percent (n = 10) had T1 shortening indicative of melanotic rests within the brain or meninges. None had associated masses or leptomeningeal thickening. The most common areas of involvement in these 10 included the amygdala (n = 8), cerebellum (n = 5), and pons (n = 3). In the group of 11 patients with spinal MR scans, a tethered spinal cord was demonstrated in one. Additional abnormalities were detected by MR scanning, including a middle cranial fossa arachnoid cyst, a Chiari type I malformation, and a crescentic enhancement that subsequently resolved. Clinical follow‐up averaging 5 years (range, 2 to 8 years) revealed that only one of the 46 patients evaluated developed neurological symptoms, manifested as developmental delay, hypotonia, and questionable seizures but no other signs of neurocutaneous melanosis. No patient has developed a cutaneous or central nervous system melanoma. Magnetic resonance findings of neurocutaneous melanosis are relatively common, even in asymptomatic children with giant congenital melanocytic nevi. Although these findings suggest an increased lifetime risk of central nervous system melanoma, they do not signify the eventual development of symptomatic neurocutaneous melanosis during childhood. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 107: 933, 2001.)
Internationalizing the political economy of hydroelectricity: security, development and sustainability in hydropower states

Abstract Our study offers a comparative assessment of the economic, sociopolitical and environmental implications of the world’s largest source of renewable electricity, hydropower. Theorists from many disciplines have questioned both the proper role and ostensible benefits from the generation of electricity from large-scale hydroelectric dams. In this study, we use 30 years of World Bank data from 1985 to 2014 and a research design with three mutually exclusive reference classes of countries: major hydropower producers, members of OPEC and all other countries. This is precisely so our analysis moves away from ‘dam-centric’ or single case study approaches to comparative analysis at the international scale. We examine and test six separate hypotheses related to (a) military conflict, (2) poverty, (3) economic growth, (4) public debt, (5) corruption and (6) greenhouse gas emissions. Our analysis lends statistical support to the idea that there is such a thing as a ‘hydroelectric resource curse’, although effects were not always significant and varied from small, medium to large. The possible benefits of hydroelectricity—improved energy access, economic development and positive spillover effects—are real, but they are all too frequently constrained. Planners, investors and researchers may therefore need to rethink their underlying assumptions about how they evaluate hydropower’s risk.
Genetic similarity as a measure for connectivity between fragmented populations of the moor frog (Rana arvalis)

Genetic differentiation among populations of the moor frog (Rana arvalis) was tested on a spatial scale where some dispersal between populations is expected to occur, in a landscape in The Netherlands that has become fragmented fairly recently, in the 1930s. Five microsatellite loci were used, with 2–8 alleles per locus. FIS was 0.049 across loci, and most populations were in HW equilibrium. The degree of population subdivision was low (FST=0.052). A significant positive correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance was found, indicating a limitation in dispersal among populations due to distance. To test the impact of the landscape mosaic on the connectivity between patches, distance measures were corrected for relative amounts of habitat types with known positive or negative influence on moor frog dispersal. Notably, the resistance variable for the fraction of negative linear elements (roads and railways) gave a higher explanatory value than geographical distance itself. Therefore, it is particularly the number of barriers (roads and railways) between populations that emerges as a factor that reduces exchange between populations. It is concluded that genetic techniques show promise in determining the influence of landscape connectivity on animal dispersal.
The profile and risks of suicidal behaviours in the Nigerian Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being

Background. Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide but information about it is sparse in Sub-Saharan Africa. Suicide-related behaviours can provide an insight into the extent of this compelling consequence of mental illness. Method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a representative sample of persons aged 18 years and over (n=6752) in 21 of Nigeria's 36 states (representing about 57% of the national population). Suicide-related outcomes, mental disorders, as well as history of childhood adversities were assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Results. Lifetime prevalence estimates of suicide ideation, plan and attempts were 3·2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·4–6·5], 1·0% (95% CI 0·4–7·5) and 0·7% (95% CI 0·5–1·0) respectively. Almost two of every three ideators who made a plan went on to make an attempt. The highest risks for transition from ideation to plan and from plan to attempt were in the first year of having ideation or plan respectively. Mental disorders, especially mood disorders, were significant correlates of suicide-related outcomes. Childhood adversities of long separation from biological parents, being raised in a household with much conflict, being physically abused, or being brought up by a woman who had suffered from depression, anxiety disorder, or who had attempted suicide were risk factors for lifetime suicide attempt. Conclusions. History of childhood adversities and of lifetime mental disorders identify persons at high-risk for suicide-related outcomes. Preventive measures are best delivered within the first year of suicide ideation being expressed.
The investment return puzzle on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

ABSTRACT Firms that invest into positive net present value projects should outperform firms that do not invest. Surprisingly, several studies on United States data have found a negative relationship between capital investment and subsequent shareholder return. There are conflicting explanations for this negative relationship. The present study also confirmed a significant negative relationship between capital investment and subsequent shareholder returns in the South African developing market conditions. Over the period from 1992 to 2017, shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange with lower investment rates consistently outperformed shares with higher investment rates, exhibiting similar behaviour to the US. We find that the negative investment return is significantly associated to the firm’s book-to-market value consistent to the rational-based q-theory of investment with real options explanation.
Association of Total Dose Intensity of Chemotherapy in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (Human Non-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and Survival

OBJECTIVE The importance of enhanced drug delivery in patients with central nervous system (CNS) malignancies has not yet been demonstrated conclusively. Intra-arterial chemotherapy in combination with osmotic blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD) increases drug delivery to tumor by 2- to 5-fold and to surrounding brain tissue by 10- to 100-fold as compared with intravenous administration of chemotherapy. Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is an excellent model for studying dose intensity because PCNSL is a highly infiltrative, chemosensitive, primary CNS malignancy in which the integrity of the blood-brain barrier is highly variable. METHODS Survival time was assessed in 74 non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients with PCNSL who underwent a total of 1047 BBBD procedures. Total dose intensity is estimated by using the number of intra-arterial infusions or a cumulative degree of BBBD score. RESULTS Using proportional hazards multivariable analyses to adjust for baseline characteristics, survival was significantly associated with the total intensity of BBBD (P < 0.05). Additional statistical analyses demonstrate that survival bias does not fully explain these associations. Even when only patients who attained a complete response are considered, increased dose intensity resulted in increased survival. CONCLUSION In patients with PCNSL, a chemotherapy-responsive tumor type, survival time is highly associated with total drug dose delivered, even in analyses designed to control for potential survival biases. These results probably constitute the strongest evidence to date of the importance of total dose intensity in treating CNS malignancies.
Development of the rat septohippocampal projection: Tracing with DiI and electron microscopy of identified growth cones

The factors determining the development of specific fiber tracts in the central nervous system as well as the interactions of growth cones with the surrounding micromilieu are largely unknown. Here we investigated the ontogenetic development of the septohippocampal projection in the rat with the lipophilic carbocyanine dye DiI which is transported anterogradely and retrogradely in neurons and can be applied to fixed embryonic tissue. Photoconversion of anterogradely labeled fibers allowed us to study individual growth cones by electron microscopy.
Pharmacotherapy approaches to antifungal prophylaxis

Introduction: Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a serious problem due to difficulties in early diagnosis and high mortality. Different approaches are adopted for the treatment and management of IFI, including prophylactic, empiric, preemptive and directed strategies. Areas covered: This paper reviews the type of pharmacotherapy used for antifungal prophylaxis in infants with extremely low birth weights, pediatric patients with cardiac disease, preterm neonates, pediatric oncology patients, adult cancer patients with neutropenia, adult patients with hematologic malignancy, hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation recipients, organ transplant recipients, HIV-infected patients, immunosuppressed patients treated with moderate or high doses of corticosteroids, and patients with invasive fusariosis, candidemia, invasive candidiasis, systemic mycoses and immunocompromised patients. Expert opinion: Azole drugs are the drugs most often used in cost-effective antifungal prophylaxis of patients with conditions such as immunodeficiency and cancer, which render them highly susceptible to IFI. Fluconazole is the most outstanding example. However, there are many azoles with different pharmacological characteristics that the physician can choose from. Echinocandins have favorable characteristics that make them useful for treating Candida infections. Antibodies, or their engineered derivatives directed against cell-wall polysaccharides and glycopeptides, and some protein epitopes of Candida albicans, appear to be a promising novel approach for prophylaxis against Candida infection and deserve further in-depth investigations.