Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A radiobiological study of the schemes with a low number of fractions in high-dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy for prostate cancer

Purpose Schemes with high doses per fraction and small number of fractions are commonly used in high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) for prostate cancer. Our aim was to analyze the differences between published clinical results and the predictions of radiobiological models for absorbed dose required in a single fraction monotherapy HDR-BT. Material and methods Published HDR-BT clinical results for low- and intermediate-risk patients with prostate cancer were revised. For 13 clinical studies with 16 fractionation schedules between 1 and 9 fractions, a dose-response relation in terms of the biochemical control probability (BC) was established using Monte Carlo-based statistical methods. Results We obtained a value of α/β = 22.8 Gy (15.1-60.2 Gy) (95% CI) much larger than the values in the range 1.5-3.0 Gy that are usually considered to compare the results of different fractionation schemes in prostate cancer radiotherapy using doses per fraction below 6 Gy. The doses in a single fraction producing BC = 90% and 95% were 22.3 Gy (21.5-24.2 Gy) and 24.3 Gy (23.0-27.9 Gy), respectively. Conclusions The α/β obtained in our analysis of 22.8 Gy for a range of dose per fraction between 6 and 20.5 Gy was much greater than the one currently estimated for prostate cancer using low doses per fraction. This high value of α/β explains reasonably well the data available in the region of high doses per fraction considered.
Protective effects of apocynin on damaged testes of rats exposed to methotrexate

Background/aim Methotrexate (MTX), widely used as a drug in cancer, has many adverse effects on tissues. Apocynin (APO) is a NADPH oxidase inhibitor and is known with many antioxidant properties. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the adverse effects of MTX on testicular tissue and the protective effects of APO at two different doses (20 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) on MTX-induced testicular damage. Materials and methods Fifty adult male Wistar albino rats (8 weeks old and weighing 200–250 g) were divided into five groups of 10 rats each: 1. saline control, 2. dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control, 3. MTX, 4. APO-20 + MTX, and 5. APO-50 + MTX. All injections were performed intraperitoneally. At the end of day 28, all rats were sacrificed under anesthesia. The testes were evaluated histologically and the blood samples were analyzed biochemically. Results According to histological and biochemical analyses, there was no significant difference between the DMSO and control groups. In terms of the histological findings, MTX group was significantly the worst affected group compared to the others, and in this group, apoptotic cell number (P = 0.011) was significantly increased in comparison with the control group. Except MTX, there was no significant difference in apoptotic cell number of the other groups compared to the control group. In the MTX group, malondialdehyde (MDA, P = 0.017) and myeloperoxidase (MPO, P < 0.001) levels were significantly increased in tissue and in blood (MDA P < 0.001, MPO P < 0.001), while tissue glutathione (GSH, P < 0.05) and serum testosterone levels (P < 0.01) were decreased compared with the control group. APO + MTX treatment groups exhibited better testis morphology, and apoptotic cells were also significantly decreased compared to MTX group (P < 0.001). Conclusion Our results suggest that MTX induced defects on testis via oxidative stress and APO reversed the effects of MTX with its antioxidant properties.
Switching biologics in psoriasis - practical guidance and evidence to support

ABSTRACT Introduction Advances of biologic agents have changed the treatment paradigm of psoriasis to higher efficacy and better quality of life. However, the demand for biologic switch is increasing due to patient’s greater expectation and decreasing efficacy in long-term use. Also, biologic-induced adverse effects necessitate the switching of biologics. Areas covered This review article was divided into two parts. The first part focused on the biologic switch due to lack of efficacy. The second part provided switching suggestions related to adverse effects. Expert commentary Biologic switch in psoriasis was mainly due to lack of efficacy, and the subsequent biologic agent was usually given at the next scheduled time point without washout period. In pivotal randomized controlled trials, patients with poor response to TNF-alpha inhibitors and ustekinumab achieved better efficacy after switching to IL-23 and IL-17 inhibitors. In addition, real-world data showed that intra-class switch could still achieve a 50%-80% of PASI 75 response in individuals with anti-IL-17 failure histories. As for the biologic switch due to adverse effects, washout period was recommended and transition to a biologic agent with different modes of action was preferred, especially class-specific adverse events.
Phase II study of peginterferon alpha-2b for patients with unresectable or recurrent craniopharyngiomas: a Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium report.

BACKGROUND Craniopharyngiomas account for approximately 1.2-4% of all CNS tumors. They are typically treated with a combination of surgical resection and focal radiotherapy. Unfortunately, treatment can lead to permanent deleterious effects on behavior, learning, and endocrine function. METHODS The Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium performed a multicenter phase 2 study in children and young adults with unresectable or recurrent craniopharyngioma (PBTC-039). Between December 2013 and November 2017, 19 patients (median age at enrollment, 13.1 years, range 2-25 years) were enrolled in one of two strata: patients previously treated with surgery alone (stratum 1), or who received radiation (stratum 2). RESULTS Eighteen eligible patients (8 male, 10 female) were treated with weekly subcutaneous pegylated interferon alpha-2b for up to 18 courses (108 weeks). Therapy was well-tolerated with no grade 4 or 5 toxicities. Two of the 7 eligible patients (28.6%) in stratum 1 had a partial response, but only one response was sustained for more than three months. None of the 11 stratum 2 patients had an objective radiographic response, although the median progression-free survival was 19.5 months. CONCLUSIONS Pegylated interferon alpha-2b treatment, in lieu of or following radiotherapy, was well-tolerated in children and young adults with recurrent craniopharyngiomas. Although objective responses were limited, progression free survival results are encouraging warranting further studies.
Nestbox provisioning in a rural population of Eurasian Kestrels: breeding performance, nest predation and parasitism

The breeding biology of the Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculusin nestboxes in farmland was studied to test for differences between artificial and natural sites. We report on the direct effect of nestbox provisioning on some life-history traits and how nestbox use affects nest predation and parasitism. Five types of nest-sites were available: nestboxes on poles and trees (artificial sites), stick nests on trees, stick nests on pylons and holes in buildings (‘natural’ sites). The Kestrel population increased from 23 pairs in 1993 (prior to nestbox installation) to 55 in 1998 as nestboxes were provided. In general, pairs breeding in trees started to lay later than those nesting in nestboxes on poles or in building holes, but this difference was probably associated with habitat quality rather than nest type. Differences in clutch size were found between nest-sites in some years, and were associated with laying date and, probably, with variation in territory quality. Using only data from successful nests, pairs breeding in nestboxes produce more fledglings than those in building holes or pylons. The frequency of nest predation was higher in natural sites than in nestboxes. The number of fledglings from pairs breeding in nestboxes was higher than from those breeding in old stick nests in trees when all nests were considered. Nestbox provisioning had no effect on the occurrence of the ectoparasite Carnus hemapterus, but chicks from nestboxes showed higher intensity of infection. Our results suggest that nestbox provisioning increases reproductive success and the frequency of nest predation or intensity of parasite infestation in Kestrels.
Efficacy of essential oils and biopesticides on Phytophthora infestans suppression in laboratory and growth chamber studies

Abstract Control of late blight by alternative products is important for reduction of fungicide inputs and potato production costs. The efficacy of essential oils and biopesticides for inhibition of growth of Phytophthora infestans on media and suppression of late blight on potato plants in growth chambers was examined. Growth of pathogen isolates of diverse genotypes was evaluated on Rye B media amended with essential oils (lavender, thyme, thyme borneal, and oregano) and the biopesticide Serenade (Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713). Over 90% inhibition of pathogen growth was achieved with oregano and Serenade amendments. The protective foliar application of Serenade, an aerated compost tea (ACT), Effective Microorganism mix (EM), and oregano, resulted in disease suppression of 5–40% relative to the untreated control. ACT had no significant suppressive effects (0–15% reduction), EM resulted in mild suppression (15–30% reduction), and oregano and Serenade consistently resulted in moderate disease reduction (20–40%). No oil or biological treatment produced disease control comparable to the chemical control chlorothalonil, which resulted in disease reductions of 80–98%. Both oregano and Serenade resulted in some phytotoxicity at high doses. These results suggest that the natural products and biological amendments tested are not sufficient for effective late blight control by themselves; however, when used in combination with other established disease control practices, these approaches may contribute to improved, integrated, and more sustainable management options for late blight.
Understanding the neuropsychological effects of 3q29 deletion Syndrome: A fraternal twin case study

Abstract In 2005, the 3q29 Deletion Syndrome was identified and defined as a rare chromosomal anomaly that effects approximately one in 30,000–40,000 children. It has a complex neuropsychiatric profile but often results in developmental delay, intellectual disability, attentional deficits, classic physical traits, behavioral health disturbances, as well as social and emotional issues. Rarely has this syndrome been seen and evaluated in fraternal twins, only one of whom has the 3q29 Deletion Syndrome. This case study highlights the twins’ strengths and weaknesses and describes their neuropsychological profiles, including a comparison of their results of the Reitan-Indiana Neuropsychological Battery (RINB). Medication management and psychoeducational interventions are outlined.
JAK Inhibition as a New Treatment Strategy for Patients with COVID-19

After the advent of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) commenced across the world. Understanding the Immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 is essential for interrupting viral infectivity and preventing aberrant immune responses before a vaccine can be developed. In this review, we provide the latest insights into the roles of angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) and Ang II receptor-1 (AT1-R) in this disease. Novel therapeutic strategies, including recombinant ACE2, ACE inhibitors, AT1-R blockers, and Ang 1–7 peptides, may prevent or reduce viruses-induced pulmonary, cardiac, and renal injuries. However, more studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of these therapeutics. Furthermore, considering the common role of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway in AT1-R expressed on peripheral tissues and cytokine receptors on the surface of immune cells, potential targeting of this pathway using JAK inhibitors (JAKinibs) is suggested as a promising approach in patients with COVID-19 who are admitted to hospitals. In addition to antiviral therapy, potential ACE2- and AT1-R-inhibiting strategies, and other supportive care, we suggest other potential JAKinibs and novel anti-inflammatory combination therapies that affect the JAK-STAT pathway in patients with COVID-19. Since the combination of MTX and baricitinib leads to outstanding clinical outcomes, the addition of baricitinib to MTX might be a potential strategy.
Morphology of the complete larval development of the pinnotherid crab Sakaina yokoyai (Glassell, 1933) (Decapoda, Brachyura)

The larval development of the pinnotherid crab Sakaina yokoyai (Glassell, 1933) (Decapoda, Brachyura) inhabiting the Russian waters of the Sea of Japan is described and illustrated for the first time, both from larvae reared in the laboratory and found in the plankton. Like in the closely related S. japonica , the development of S. yokoyai includes three zoeae and one megalopa. A comparative analysis revealed that the larvae of the two Sakaina species are very similar. The zoeal stages of the two congeneric species differ slightly in the setal formulae of antennule, maxillule, and maxilla; the megalopal stages are distinguished by the setal formulae of antennule, maxillule, maxilla, and maxillipeds I-III. The main difference between the zoeal stages of S. yokoyai and S. japonica is the presence of minute lateral spines on the telson in S. yokoyai , which are absent in S. japonica. Le developpement larvaire du crabe pinnotheride Sakaina yokoyai (Glassell, 1933) (Decapoda, Brachyura) habitant les eaux russes de la mer du Japon est decrit et illustre pour la premiere fois a partir de larves elevees en laboratoire et trouvees dans le plancton. Comme chez l'espece proche S. japonica , le developpement de S. yokoyai comporte trois zoes et une megalope. Une analyse comparative montre que les larves des deux especes de Sakaina sont tres semblables. Les stades zoes des deux especes congeneres different legerement dans la formule du nombre de soies des antennules, maxillules et maxillipedes I-III. La difference principale entre les stades zoes de S. yokoyai et S. japonica est la presence de minuscules epines laterales sur le telson de S. yokoyai , qui sont absentes chez S. japonica .
Outcomes of Patients with Clinical Stage I-IIIA Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Lung Cancer Treated with Resection

Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare malignancy with poor prognosis. The rationale of the study was to determine the survival of LCNEC patients in I–IIIA clinical stages who underwent resection. A total of 53 LCNEC (89%) and combined LCNEC (11%) patients in stages I–IIIA who underwent surgery with radical intent between 2002–2018 were included in the current study. Overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR) were estimated. Uni- and multivariable analyses were conducted using Cox-regression model. Patients were treated with surgery alone (51%), surgery with radiochemotherapy (4%), with radiotherapy (2%), with adjuvant chemotherapy (41%), or with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (2%). The median (95% Confidence Interval (CI)) OS and TTR was 52 months (20.1–102.1 months) and 20 months (7.0–75.6 months), respectively. Patients treated in clinical stage I showed better OS than patients in stages II–IIIA (p = 0.008). Patients with R0 resection margin (negative margin, no tumor at the margin) and without lymph node metastasis had significantly better TTR. In the multivariate analysis, age was an independent factor influencing OS. Recurrence within 1 year was noted in more than half cases of LCNEC. R0 resection margin and N0 status (no lymph node metastasis) were factors improving TTR. Age >64 years was observed as a main independent factor influencing OS.
CHANGES IN AMMONIA CONCENTRATION, BACTERIAL COUNTS, pH AND VOLATILE FATTY ACID CONCENTRATION IN RUMEN OF COWS FED ALFALFA HAY OR CONCENTRATE: UREA-CORN SILAGE

Four rumen-fistulated cows were fed alfalfa hay (15.4% CP) ad libitum for 4 wk prior to the experiment and from day 1 to day 8 of the experiment. From days 9 to 15 (period 2) and from days 16 to 39 (period 3) they were fed ad libitum concentrate: urea-corn silage (15.9% CP). Rumen fluid samples were collected from 0600 to 1600 h during the three periods and changes in the pH, concentrations of ammonia and volatile fatty acids (VFA) and bacterial counts were determined. Ammonia, pH and VFA concentrations showed oscillatory behavior even on an ad libitum feeding schedule. Rates of production and utilization of ammonia were significantly higher with the concentrate: urea-corn silage diet than with the hay diet. VFA concentration and pH were inversely related. Periods of high VFA production coincided with periods of rapid ammonia utilization. The evidence indicated that there was a metabolic adaptation in the rumen for better utilization of ammonia. Concentrations of amino acids and peptides were nearly 1 mM .
ESTUDO DO COMPORTAMENTO DE OVIPOSIÇÃO DO AEDES AEGYPTI EM DOIS BAIRROS SOB A INFLUÊNCIA DO CLIMA SEMIÁRIDO NO MUNICÍPIO DE SALINAS

The mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) is the main vector of human arborvirus in Brazil.Oviposition behavior is important for the survival and dispersal of A. aegypti. The objective of this studywas to evaluate the oviposition behavior and its relationship to meteorological factors. Twenty ovitrapswere installed in two neighborhoods in the urban area of the city of Salinas, MG, southeastern Brazil.The traps were inspected weekly for the presence of eggs in the water and on the paddle. Simultaneously,regional weather data were analyzed. The results showed the Ovitrap Positivity Index (OPI) variedgreatly, from 0 to 90%, between the weeks and boroughs sampled, demonstrating the vector’s greatpopulation fluctuation. Among the analyzed climatic factors, rainfall strongly influenced oviposition,followed by relative air humidity. The number of eggs found on the paddle was significantly higher thanin the water (p<0.05). However, a significant increase of eggs in the water was noticed when the relativehumidity dropped below 40%. This seems to be an important behavior to maintain the population inperiods of drought. Through the low number of eggs (<30) found in 56% of positive traps, we concludedthat skip-oviposition behavior occurred, contributing to the prevalence of mosquitoes during thesampled period. It is concluded that the occurrence of water oviposition may be higher than described inthe literature, and should be studied due to its evolutionary and epidemiological importance.
Cytological Studies in Psidium freidrichsthalianum Niedenzu

Psidium freidrichsthalianum Niedenzu is a diploid species having a chromosome number 2n=22. Quadrivalent, trivalent and univalent have been observed concomitant with bivalents. In addition to this dicentric bridges accompanied by framgent have been seen. It is presumably the consequence of inversion crossing over at the preceding diplotene. Beside these, other abnormalities such as precocious disjunction, unequal separation, lagging chromosomes, spindle fusion and stray chromosomes have been recorded. Pollen fertility is 50 per cent.
Inoculants to Enhance the Ruminal Degradation of Small‐Grain Forage

Abstract Fibrolytic enzymes and microbial inoculants have the potential to improve fiber degradability. A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted to determine the nutritive value, ruminal degradability, and degradation rates of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) and oat ( Avena sativa L.) pretreated with fibrolytic enzyme (xylanase plus cellulase: XC) or bacterial [Promote ASB ( Lactobacillus buchneri and L. plantarum ); PRO] inoculants at two maturities. Forage was harvested twice during the tillering stage (H1 and H2) and a third time as stover (H3). Forage from H1 had less neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 43.8% dry-matter [DM] basis) and acid detergent fiber (ADF; 31.2% DM basis) and greater in vitro true digestibility (IVTD; 78.5%) concentrations than H3 (69.0 and 45.3% DM basis, and 51.9%, respectively). The IVTD was greater for oat (55.0%) than wheat (50.7%). Chemical composition was not affected by inoculant; however, inoculant did affect ruminal degradability and degradation rates. Potentially degradable DM, NDF, and ADF and effective ruminal degradability were greater for wheat and oat at tillering. Treatment of oat or wheat with XC or PRO enhanced potential degradability and reduced undegradable fractions. Both XC and PRO may be used to degrade the fiber fractions of small-grain forage.
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and associated factors among Human immunodeficiency virus positive patients accessing treatment at Nekemte referral hospital, west Ethiopia, 2019

Background Antiretroviral therapy has a remarkable clinical effect in reducing the progress of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. The clinical outcome of Anti-Retroviral therapy depends on strict adherence. Poor adherence reduces the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy and increases viral replication. With changes in service delivery over time and differences in socio-demographic status from region to region, it is essential to measure adherence. Therefore, this study aimed to assess adherence to antiretroviral therapy and its associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients accessing treatment at Nekemte referral hospital, West Ethiopia. Methods Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on 311 HIV/AIDS patients from March 01 to March 30, 2019. The study participants were selected by a simple random sampling method and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Bivariable logistic regression was conducted to find an association between each independent variable and adherence to antiretroviral medication. Multivariable logistic regression was used to find the independent variables which best predict adherence. The statistical significance was measured using odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval with a p-value of less than 0.05. Results Out of a total of 311 patients sampled, 305 were participated in the study, making a response rate of 98.07%. From these 305 study participants,73.1% (95% CI = 68.2, 78.0) were adherent to their medication. Having knowledge about HIV and its treatment (AOR = 8.24, 95% CI: 3.10, 21.92), having strong family/social support (AOR = 6.21, 95% CI: 1.39, 27.62), absence of adverse drug reaction (AOR = 5.33, 95% CI: 1.95, 14.57), absence of comorbidity of other chronic diseases (AOR = 5.72, 95% CI: 1.91, 17.16) and disclosing HIV status to the family (AOR = 5.08, 95% CI: 2.09, 12.34) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of adherence to antiretroviral medication. Conclusion The level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy was found low compared to WHO recommendation. The clinician should emphasize reducing adverse drug reaction, detecting and treating co-morbidities early, improving knowledge through health education, and encouraging the patients to disclose their HIV status to their families.