Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment of nonmetastatic rhabdomyosarcoma in childhood and adolescence: third study of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology--SIOP Malignant Mesenchymal Tumor 89.

PURPOSE To improve outcome for children with nonmetastatic rhabdomyosarcoma and to reduce systematic use of local therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Five hundred three previously untreated patients aged from birth to 18 years, recruited between 1989 and 1995, were allocated to one of six treatment schedules by site and stage. RESULTS Five-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 71% and 57%, respectively. Primary site, T-stage, and pathologic subtype were independent factors in predicting OS by multivariate analysis. Differences between EFS and OS reflected local treatment strategy and successful re-treatment for some patients after relapse. Patients with genitourinary nonbladder prostate tumors had the most favorable outcome (5-year OS, 94%): the majority were boys with paratesticular tumors treated successfully without alkylating agents. Patients with stage III disease treated with a novel six-drug combination showed improved survival compared with the Malignant Mesenchymal Tumor 84 study (MMT 84; 5-year OS, 60% v 42%, respectively). OS was not significantly better than that achieved in the previous MMT 84 study, but 49% of survivors were cured without significant local therapy. CONCLUSION Selective avoidance of local therapy is justified in some patients, though further work is required to prospectively identify those for whom this is most applicable. Exclusion of alkylating agents is justified for the most favorable subset of patients. The value of the new six-drug chemotherapy combination is being evaluated further in a randomized study (MMT 95).
Multidimensional assessment of sexual orientation and the fraternal birth order effect.

Previous research demonstrates that for every older male sibling a male child has, the odds are increased by 33% over the naturally occurring odds that he will be nonheterosexual. This concept is known as the Fraternal Birth Order Effect (FBOE). Although this finding has been duplicated in multiple studies, researchers have not used other dimensions of sexual orientation when measuring the presence of the FBOE. The present study measures the FBOE in a racially diverse sample of right-handed men using a multidimensional assessment of sexual orientation that measures self-identified sexual orientation, sexual behaviors, sexual attractions, and sexual fantasies. The current study did not find the presence of the FBOE using Slater’s Index, Berglin’s Index, or Blanchard’s Proportion in right-handed men regardless of being grouped by self-identified sexual orientation, sexual behaviors, sexual attractions, or sexual fantasies. Reasons for not observing a FBOE in the current data set are discussed and implications for future research are proposed.
NGC 1399: A complex dynamical case

Evidence for a disturbed velocity structure in the outer regions of the galaxy NGC 1399 comes from a re-analysis of the planetary nebulae data from Arnaboldi et al. (1994). We find a strong rotation along a $\rm PA=140^{\circ}$ for $R\le140''$ which is followed by a rapid drop off at larger radii, where the velocity dispersion starts to increase. This kinematical behavior can be interpreted as an indication for an interaction scenario. Interaction is advocated in previous analysis of the halo regions of this system, based on different dynamical tracers such as globular clusters and X-rays, but in all these studies the mass distribution is derived under the equilibrium hypothesis, which is not appropriate when an interaction takes place. Here we attempt a non-equilibrium dynamical analysis of NGC 1399: with a simple model and under the impulse approximation, we show that the observed kinematics is consistent with an energy injection caused by a flyby encounter of NGC 1399 with the nearby system NGC 1404. In this approach, we find a mass-to-light ratio, $M/L_{\rm B}=26~M_\odot/L_\odot$ within $R=400''$, which is about half of that requested when equilibrium is assumed, i.e. $M/L_{\rm B}=56~M_\odot/L_\odot$.
ONCHOCERCA INFECTION , ONCHOCERCOMATA , VISUAL ACUITY AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN CHILDREN IN AN ENDEMIC AREA OF SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA

The association between onchocerca infection, vision and nutritional status in children aged 5-14 years in an onchocerciasis endemic area in Nigeria was evaluated using pre-ivermectin baseline data. A total of 6950 children in 3 local government areas (LGAs) was examined. The crude prevalence of microfilariae was 27.7% and of nodules 20.6%. The overall intensity was 5.3 ±. 7.6 SD microfilariae per skin snip. Only 1% of the children had visual impairment. Weight for -age, weightforheight, heightforage and body mass index (weight/height ) were used as nutritional indices. Evidence of severe malnutrition was found in 56 % of children. Logistic regression showed that the presence of nodules and high microfilarial load were risk factors for weight-for-age, weight-for-height, heightfor-age, and body mass index.
Sources and Manifestations of Occupational Stress as Reported by Full-Time Special Education Teachers

Bricker, D. , Seibert, J., & Scott, K. Early intervention: History, current status and the problem of evaluation. In D. M. Doleys, T. B. Vaughan, & M. L. Cantrell [Eds.], Interdisciplinary assessment and treatment of developmental problems. Jamaica NY: Spectrum Publications, in press. Lessen, E. , & Rose, T. State definitions of preschool handicapped populations. Exceptional Children, 1980, 46, 467-469. McGovern, J. E. , Draper, D. A. , & Vacca, R. S. Introduction. In N. H. Fallen [Ed.}, Young children with special needs. Columbus OH: Charles E. Merrill, 1978.
Oral cavity pyogenic granuloma.

Pyogenic granuloma is not an uncommon oral cavity lesion. Fifty cases are summarized and compared with previous series. Such pyogenic granulomas often grow rapidly, ulcerate, and can be misdiagnosed as a malignancy. Local factors such as gingivitis, trauma from dentures, and systemic factors such as the effects of pregnancy were frequently associated. Surgical excision is curative.
Privacy-Trust-Behavior in Web-Based Insurance Services: Identifying the Relationship between Privacy Concern with Customer’s Trust and Behavioral Intention to Use Web-based Insurance Services in Indonesia

Nowadays, the free movement of electronic information in social networks and public services are growing. However, hesitancy in providing personal information to web-based public services may interfere with the successful implementation of these public services. To study the relationship between privacy concern, trust and behavioral intention in using online services, a privacy-trustbehavioral intention model was presented in 2004 [34]. This research focuses on developing a new research model that also identifies the relationship between privacy concerns, trust, and behavioral intention in using web-based insurance services. The variables of the privacy concerns are taken from the previous study about concern for information privacy instruments [58]. By combining those two former studies, a new research model was developed with four variables of privacy concerns that influence the user’s trust and behavioral intention to use the insurance web-services. This research was conducted using a quantitative approach. Data gathering was performed by distributing an online survey to 107 people with insurance schemes in Indonesia. The data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling and path analysis. The result of the study tells us that the model does not have a strong support from the use of structural equation modeling. However, it has strong support from the use of path analysis. Unauthorized access and errors in privacy concern has a strong positive relationship with the degree of trust while the degree of trust has a strong relationship with the behavioral intention and actual use of insurance web-services.
Macrophage labeling by SPIO as an early marker of allograft chronic rejection in a rat model of kidney transplantation

Anatomical and functional information (renography, perfusion) was obtained by MRI in a life‐supporting transplantation model, in which Lewis rats received kidneys from Fisher 344 donors. Renography and perfusion analyses were carried out with Gd‐DOTA and small particles of iron oxide (SPIO), respectively. Starting 12 weeks posttransplantation, images from grafts of untreated recipients exhibited distinctive signal attenuation in the cortex. Animals treated with cyclosporin (Sandimmune Neoral; Novartis Pharma, Basel, Switzerland) to prevent acute rejection showed a signal attenuation in the cortex at 33 weeks posttransplantation, while kidneys from rats treated additionally with everolimus (Certican; Novartis), a rapamycin derivative, had no changes in anatomical appearance. A significant negative correlation was found between the MRI cortical signal intensity and the histologically determined iron content in macrophages located in the cortex. Renography revealed a significantly reduced functionality of the kidneys of untreated controls 33 weeks after transplantation, while no significant changes in perfusion were observed in any group of rats. These results suggest the feasibility, by labeling macrophages with SPIO, of detecting signs of graft rejection significantly earlier than when changes in function occur. Monitoring early changes associated with chronic rejection can have an impact in preclinical studies by shortening the duration of the experimental period and by facilitating the investigation of novel immunomodulatory therapies for transplantation. Magn Reson Med 49:459–467, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasma progesterone and gonadotrophin concentrations and ovarian activity in post-partum dairy cows.

Plasma progesterone concentrations in jugular vein blood samples collected every other day after calving from 13 Friesian dairy cows indicated that ovarian cyclic activity was initiated by 16.6 +/- 1.1 (s.e.m.) days post partum, except for 1 cow which did not resume cyclic activity until Day 98 post partum. Rectal palpation of the ovaries indicated that a developing follicle was recognizable at a mean time of 15.7 +/- 2.0 days after calving. During the first oestrous cycle after parturition there was a significantly shorter period when plasma progesterone levels were elevated than during the next 2 cycles. Concentrations of progesterone, LH, FSH and prolactin were determined for 4 cows, in blood samples taken every 6 h from 2 to 36 days post partum. Tonic LH release was lower during the first 10 days than subsequently, but the lack of change in pattern for FSH suggests dissimilar control mechanisms for these hormones during this time. Three cows showed evidence of a resumption of ovarian cyclicity during the sampling period: in 2 there was an initial LH surge of a magnitude which would normally give rise to ovulation, followed 4 days later by an increase in plasma progesterone lasting only 5 and 9 days. This progesterone was considered to be of follicular origin. A second LH surge was followed by the presence of a corpus luteum.
Clinical spectrum of SCN1A mutations

Mutations in the NaV1.1 neuronal sodium channel alpha‐subunit (SCN1A) gene have been documented in a spectrum of epilepsy syndromes, ranging from the relatively benign generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) to severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (SMEI), and rare cases of familial migraine. More than 300 new mutations have been identified to date, with missense mutations being the most common in GEFS+ and more deleterious mutations (nonsense, frameshift) representing the majority of SMEI mutations. Microchromosomal abnormalities including SCN1A deletions, amplifications, and duplications are also found in patients with SMEI. Deletions range in size from one single exon to abnormalities extending beyond SCN1A and involving contiguous genes. The majority of SCN1A mutations in SMEI arise de novo. SCN1A mutations are found throughout the protein structure, and some clustering of mutations is observed in the C‐terminus and the loops between segments 5 and 6 of the first three domains of the protein. Functional studies so far show no consistent relationship between changes to channel properties and clinical phenotype.
Complete development of Cryptosporidium parvum in bovine fallopian tube epithelial cells

Cryptosporidium parvum is a coccidian parasite responsible for causing protracted and life-threatening diarrheal illness in immunocompromised humans, especially patients with AIDS. The lack of medications effective in treating people suffering from cryptosporidiosis has prompted the development of in vivo and in vitro models for this disease. This study is the first to demonstrate that C. parvum can complete its entire life cycle (from sporozoite to infective oocyst) in a primary culture of bovine fallopian tube epithelial (BFTE) cells. Scanning and transmission electron photomicrographs were used to detail the ultrastructure of individual parasitic stages. Successful infections were produced by inoculating cell cultures with either oocysts or purified sporozoites. Infection of BFTE cells with C. parvum close paralleled in vivo infections with regard to host cell location and chronology of parasite development. Infecting BFTE cells with sporulated oocysts provided a reproducible and quantitative cultivation system with significantly (P < or = 0.001) higher infection rates than in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Oocysts produced in BFTE cells were infective for immunosuppressed adult C57BL/6N mice. Cultivation of C. parvum in BFTE cells will facilitate the study of interactions between parasites and host cells as well as provide a reliable system for evaluating anticryptosporidial compound efficacy.
Autosomal dominant cortical tremor, myoclonus and epilepsy: many syndromes, one phenotype

The association of cortical tremor, myoclonus and epileptic seizures has been reported in many Japanese and European families with different acronyms. We reviewed the familial cases presenting the clinical picture of autosomal dominant cortical tremor, myoclonus and epilepsy and analysed the phenotypic differences between the pedigrees, according to the recent genetic acquisitions. We concluded that BAFME, FAME, FEME, FCTE and ADCME are the same clinical entity even if genetically heterogeneous, with Japanese families linked to 8q24 and Italian ones to 2p11.1‐q12. A third locus could also be involved. Further studies should better clarify the electrophysiological features of this condition and identify the underlying molecular defects.
Implant-Based, Two-Stage Breast Reconstruction in the Setting of Radiation Injury: An Outcome Study

Background: More women with breast cancer who either have already had radiation therapy or will be getting radiation therapy as part of their treatment protocol are now seeking implant-based breast reconstruction. The literature on the success of this type of reconstruction in the setting of radiation injury is mixed. Methods: A single reconstructive surgeon's experience over a 10-year period with implant-based, two-stage breast reconstruction was retrospectively examined. A total of 267 breasts in 194 patients were included in the study and divided into three groups. Reconstruction was performed for breasts that had no radiation exposure (n = 218), radiation exposure before mastectomy/reconstruction (n = 32), or radiation exposure after mastectomy and first-stage reconstruction but before completion of the second stage of reconstruction (n = 17). Age, follow-up time, history (of diabetes, smoking, and chemotherapy), body mass index, and expander volume were recorded. Logistical regression analysis was performed for major reoperative complications following the reconstruction. Results: Radiation exposure before reconstruction resulted in a 43.8 percent complication rate, during reconstruction had a 41.2 percent complication rate, and no radiation exposure had a 13.8 percent complication rate. The most common complication in both radiation groups was wound dehiscence, but there were also a significant number of patients who had failure of expansion. In addition, smoking significantly influenced the occurrence of complications. Conclusions: Radiation therapy for the treatment of breast cancer significantly increased the incidence of major, reoperative complications in implant-based, two-stage breast reconstruction. Despite this high rate, however, in the present study, 80 percent of patients with major complications went on to complete their breast reconstructions with either implants or autogenous tissue. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.
Salmonella Serovars from Humans and Other Sources in Thailand, 1993–2002

We serotyped 44,087 Salmonella isolates from humans and 26,148 from other sources from 1993 through 2002. The most common serovar causing human salmonellosis in Thailand was Salmonella enterica Weltevreden. Serovars causing human infections in Thailand differ from those in other countries and seem to be related to Salmonella serovars in different food products and reservoirs.
Organizational citizenship behavior levels of nurses and effective factors

INTRODUCTION: Nurses who are the most active members of health staff should display high level of organizational citizenship behavior in order to provide more efficient health services. Certain factors like nurse and patient satisfaction, motivation and performances of the nurses promote organizational commitment. Nurses’ job satisfaction and commitment to institution reduce the rate of job quitting. AIM: This descriptive and also comparative study was carried out to determine organizational citizenship behavior levels of nurses and effective factors. METHOD: Study population included nurses employed in 11 general hospitals with ≥100 bed capacity and located in European Side of Istanbul Personal Information Form and the Organizational Citizenship Level Scale were used for data collection. Approvals of the relevant ethics committee, and related organizations and also participants’ consent were obtained. Study data were analyzed by frequency and percentage distributions, ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis, Tukey HSD and t-test with SPSS 11.5 packet software. RESULTS: Nurses were found to display high levels of organizational citizenship behavior. The factors including organizations, age, position, organizational experience, intentional choice of profession, shift, working type, job satisfaction, and intention to leave from organization were found to be effective on certain organizational citizenship behaviors of nurses. CONCLUSION: Study results indicated that organizational citizenship behavior levels of nurses were affected by certain factors.
Stress Resistance in the Naked Mole-Rat: The Bare Essentials – A Mini-Review

Background: Studies comparing similar-sized species with disparate longevity may elucidate novel mechanisms that abrogate aging and prolong good health. We focus on the longest living rodent, the naked mole-rat. This mouse-sized mammal lives ∼8 times longer than do mice and, despite high levels of oxidative damage evident at a young age, it is not only very resistant to spontaneous neoplasia but also shows minimal decline in age-associated physiological traits. Objectives: We assess the current status of stress resistance and longevity, focusing in particular on the molecular and cellular responses to cytotoxins and other stressors between the short-lived laboratory mouse and the naked mole-rat. Results: Like other experimental animal models of lifespan extension, naked mole-rat fibroblasts are extremely tolerant of a broad spectrum of cytotoxins including heat, heavy metals, DNA-damaging agents and xenobiotics, showing LD50 values between 2- and 20-fold greater than those of fibroblasts of shorter-lived mice. Our new data reveal that naked mole-rat fibroblasts stop proliferating even at low doses of toxin whereas those mouse fibroblasts that survive treatment rapidly re-enter the cell cycle and may proliferate with DNA damage. Naked mole-rat fibroblasts also show significantly higher constitutive levels of both p53 and Nrf2 protein levels and activity, and this increases even further in response to toxins. Conclusion: Enhanced cell signaling via p53 and Nrf2 protects cells against proliferating with damage, augments clearance of damaged proteins and organelles and facilitates the maintenance of both genomic and protein integrity. These pathways collectively regulate a myriad of mechanisms which may contribute to the attenuated aging profile and sustained healthspan of the naked mole-rat. Understanding how these are regulated may be also integral to sustaining positive human healthspan well into old age and may elucidate novel therapeutics for delaying the onset and progression of physiological declines that characterize the aging process.
The Role of Stem Cells in the Etiology and Pathophysiology of Endometriosis

Abstract Human endometrium is a dynamic organ that normally undergoes repetitive cyclic regeneration. To enable this rapid regeneration, it is not surprising that the endometrium contains a reservoir of progenitor stem cells. However, this pool of cells that allows the growth of the endometrium also allows for unrestrained growth that can reach beyond the endometrium. In this review, we will address the role of stem cells in endometriosis. Recent characterization of stem cell populations within human endometrium has opened the possibility of understanding their physiologic as well as their pathologic roles. While stem cells are critical to the cyclic regeneration of a healthy endometrium, we have shown that both endometrium-derived and bone marrow-derived stem cells can migrate to ectopic sites and contribute to the development of endometriosis. Furthermore, endometriosis interferes with the normal stem cell trafficking to the uterus that is necessary for endometrial growth and repair. Altered stem cell mobility and engraftment characterize this disease.
Clinical and In Vitro Resistance to GS-9669, a Thumb Site II Nonnucleoside Inhibitor of the Hepatitis C Virus NS5B Polymerase

ABSTRACT Treatment with GS-9669, a novel nonnucleoside inhibitor (site II) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural 5B (NS5B) polymerase, resulted in significant antiviral activity in HCV genotype (GT) 1 patients dosed at 50 and 500 mg once daily (QD) and at 50, 100, and 500 mg twice daily (BID) for 3 days. This report characterizes the virologic resistance to GS-9669 in vitro and in GT1 HCV-infected patients from a phase I clinical study. An in vitro resistance selection study with GS-9669 revealed substitutions at several NS5B residues that conferred resistance. The M423 variants were selected at low drug concentrations (5× the 50% effective concentration [EC50]), and the L419, R422, and I482 variants were selected at higher drug concentrations (20× the EC50). During the phase I clinical study, substitutions at NS5B residues 419, 422, and 486 were the predominant changes associated with GS-9669 monotherapy. Substitutions at position 423 were observed only in GT1a patients in the low-dose groups (50 and 100 mg BID). Interestingly, four HCV patients had substitutions at position 423 at baseline. Consistent with the low resistance level at this position, three patients with M423I or M423V at baseline achieved >2-log10 reductions of HCV RNA when treated with 100 mg BID or with 500 mg QD or BID of GS-9669. The fourth patient, who had the M423V substitution at baseline, had a 4.4-log10 reduction of HCV RNA with 500 mg BID of GS-9669. Phenotypic analyses demonstrated that the viral isolates with multiple GS-9669 resistance-associated variants have reduced susceptibility to GS-9669 and lomibuvir (VX-222) but are not cross-resistant to other classes of HCV inhibitors. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01431898.)