Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic review: does endocrine therapy prolong survival in patients with prostate cancer?

Abstract Objective Primary androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains the gold standard in the management of patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa). ADT relieves symptoms and reduces tumor burden, but it has never been demonstrated to increase either PCa-specific or overall survival per se. Several trials have challenged this dogma. The aim of this study was to evaluate how endocrine therapy (ET) affects survival in different clinical settings of PCa. Materials and methods A review of published phase II, III and IV studies evaluating the effect of ET on survival was performed. Results In localized and locally advanced non-metastatic PCa, neoadjuvant ET before radical prostatectomy has no effect on survival. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant ET in combination with curatively intended radiotherapy results in PCa-specific and overall survival benefit, although the duration of ET remains under debate. In N + disease, the timing of ET is under debate, although data suggest that early ET is associated with decreased PCa-specific and overall mortality. In M + disease, no proper randomized trials have been performed in patients with newly diagnosed M1 disease. In metastatic castration-resistant PCa, two novel endocrine agents have been proven to increase overall survival significantly compared to placebo. Conclusions ET has never been proven to increase survival in newly diagnosed metastatic PCa in a randomized clinical trial. Nonetheless, a number of trials supports that ET with proper timing, sequencing and in combination with other therapeutic modalities increases survival in several stages of PCa.
Pyocyanin Production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Induces Neutrophil Apoptosis and Impairs Neutrophil-Mediated Host Defenses In Vivo1

Clearance of neutrophils from inflamed sites is critical for resolution of inflammation, but pathogen-driven neutrophil apoptosis can impair host defenses. We previously showed that pyocyanin, a phenazine toxic metabolite produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, accelerates neutrophil apoptosis in vitro. We compared wild-type and pyocyanin-deficient strains of P. aeruginosa in a murine model of acute pneumonia. Intratracheal instillation of either strain of P. aeruginosa caused a rapid increase in bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophil counts up to 18 h after infection. In wild-type infection, neutrophil numbers then declined steadily, whereas neutrophil numbers increased up to 48 h in mice infected with pyocyanin-deficient P. aeruginosa. In keeping with these differences, pyocyanin production was associated with reduced bacterial clearance from the lungs. Neutrophil apoptosis was increased in mice infected with wild-type compared with the phenazine-deficient strain or two further strains that lack pyocyanin production, but produce other phenazines. Concentrations of potent neutrophil chemokines (MIP-2, KC) and cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β) were significantly lower in wild-type compared with phenazine-deficient strain-infected mice at 18 h. We conclude that pyocyanin production by P. aeruginosa suppresses the acute inflammatory response by pathogen-driven acceleration of neutrophil apoptosis and by reducing local inflammation, and that this is advantageous for bacterial survival.
Comparison of the Tecra VIA kit, Oxoid BCET‐RPLA kit and CHO cell culture assay for the detection of Bacillus cereus diarrhoeal enterotoxin

Two commercial serological kits (Oxoid BCET‐RPLA and Tecra VIA) and a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell cytotonicity assay for the detection of Bacillus cereus diarrhoeal enterotoxin were compared. Eleven B. cereus strains and one enterotoxigenic B. thuringiensis strain were evaluated. Both kits and the CHO cell assay yielded positive toxin responses for cell‐free culture filtrates from eight out of 11 diarrhoeal enterotoxigenic strains. An emetic enterotoxin producing strain was negative with all three assays. Two B. cereus strains were negative using the BCET‐RPLA kit, but positive with the Tecra VIA kit and CHO cell assay. The BCET‐RPLA indicated significant levels of enterotoxin after samples were boiled, whereas the CHO cell and Tecra assays were negative. Overall, the cell culture assay was the most sensitive. However, the Tecra VIA kit provided similar results and was better suited for the rapid detection of B. cereus diarrhoeal enterotoxin.
Breast-feeding: A Commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition

This medical position article by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition summarises the current status of breast-feeding practice, the present knowledge on the composition of human milk, advisable duration of exclusive and partial breast-feeding, growth of the breast-fed infant, health benefits associated with breast-feeding, nutritional supplementation for breast-fed infants, and contraindications to breast-feeding. This article emphasises the important role of paediatricians in the implementation of health policies devised to promote breast-feeding. The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Committee on Nutrition recognises breast-feeding as the natural and advisable way of supporting the healthy growth and development of young children. This article delineates the health benefits of breast-feeding, reduced risk of infectious diarrhoea and acute otitis media being the best documented. Exclusive breast-feeding for around 6 months is a desirable goal, but partial breast-feeding as well as breast-feeding for shorter periods of time are also valuable. Continuation of breast-feeding after the introduction of complementary feeding is encouraged as long as mutually desired by mother and child. The role of health care workers, including paediatricians, is to protect, promote, and support breast-feeding. Health care workers should be trained in breast-feeding issues and counselling, and they should encourage practices that do not undermine breast-feeding. Societal standards and legal regulations that facilitate breast-feeding should be promoted, such as providing maternity leave for at least 6 months and protecting working mothers.
Internal Consistency in Double Bounded Dichotomous Choice Contingent Valuation: Introducing Advanced Disclosure and Explicit Decision Rules in Sequential Learning Designs

One of the most commonly observed anomalies in Double Bounded Dichotomous Choice is that of internal inconsistency between the estimated values derived by single bounded and double bounded methods from the same data set. This paper introduces a simple bootstrap method to test the significance of such differences. We add to the idea that the willingness to pay (WTP) differences between Single Bounded Dichotomous Choice (SBDC) and Double Bounded Dichotomous Choice (DBDC) can be attenuated by Sequential Learning following Bateman et al. (2008). To this end, we study the effects in the field of introducing into the DBDC mechanism: i) Advance Disclosure (See Bateman et al. (2004)) and ii) Explicit DBDC Decision Rules as examined in an experimental context by Carson et al. (2009). Results show that introduction of these features into the design of CV surveys significantly reduces variance and anomalies presented in a standard DBDC treatment, thus generating internally consistent and more efficient willingness to pay estimates.
Disruption of CCR5-Dependent Homing of Regulatory T Cells Inhibits Tumor Growth in a Murine Model of Pancreatic Cancer1

Tumors evade immune destruction by actively inducing immune tolerance through the recruitment of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). We have previously described increased prevalence of these cells in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but it remains unclear what mechanisms are involved in recruiting Tregs into the tumor microenvironment. Here, we postulated that chemokines might direct Treg homing to tumor. We show, in both human pancreatic adenocarcinoma and a murine pancreatic tumor model (Pan02), that tumor cells produce increased levels of ligands for the CCR5 chemokine receptor and, reciprocally, that CD4+ Foxp3+ Tregs, compared with CD4+ Foxp3− effector T cells, preferentially express CCR5. When CCR5/CCL5 signaling is disrupted, either by reducing CCL5 production by tumor cells or by systemic administration of a CCR5 inhibitor (N,N-dimethyl-N-{{4-{[2-(4-methylphenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-8-yl]carbonyl}amino}}benzyl]-N,N-dimethyl-N- {{{4-{{{[2-(4-methylphenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-benzocycloheptan-8-yl]carbonyl}amino}}benzyl}}}tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-aminiumchloride; TAK-779), Treg migration to tumors is reduced and tumors are smaller than in control mice. Thus, this study demonstrates the importance of Tregs in immune evasion by tumors, how blockade of Treg migration might inhibit tumor growth, and, specifically in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the role of CCR5 in the homing of tumor-associated Tregs. Selective targeting of CCR5/CCL5 signaling may represent a novel immunomodulatory strategy for the treatment of cancer.
2DOF Control-Based Fast and Precise Positioning Using Disturbance Observer

The paper presents a practical compensator design approach for the fast-response and high-precision positioning using a two degrees-of-freedom (2DOF) controller. In the controller design for mechatronic positioning devices, effects of resonant vibrations and nonlinear friction on the positioning performance are especially paid attention. A feedforward control based on a coprime factorization description successfully suppresses the mechanical vibrations and provides the fast response. A feedback control with a disturbance observer, on the other hand, allows the plant system to behave a nominal one with robust stability, and compensates for effects of nonlinear friction on the positioning performance. The disturbance observer is especially designed in order to improve the servo characteristic in positioning, where an initial value compensation based on a rolling friction model is adopted at the starting motion. The proposed positioning controller has been verified by experiments using a prototype which simulates the vibratory mechanism with the nonlinear friction and the dead time components
Experimental study on low-power wireless monitor of rotary motion using improved energy harvesting system with piezoelectric element

A battery-free wireless monitoring system of vibration waveform for rotary motion is proposed. The sensor node is composed of a replicated-mass type piezoelectric generator, a 10 bit resolution ADC, a controller for quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) data transmission and a cavity-backed slot antennas for the modulated back scattering communications. Consumption power of the sensor node is 60 microwatt by using the piezoelectric generator, where 30 m wireless reading range is achieved at 2.45 GHz band with a continuous 50 sps vibration waveform in the rotation range of 100 rpm to 600 rpm.
Design of digital PID controller for voltage mode control of DC-DC converters

DC/DC converters are massively used for switchmode regulated power supply, renewable energy conversion systems and electrical drives. Conventionally analog methods were popular for control of these converters. This paper elucidates a digital controller using digital filter architecture, which supports fixed-point algorithm. Digital controller application to DC/DC converters has always been considered because of their superiority over analog controller. In digital controller, the control strategy can be altered or reprogrammed without the need of significant hardware changes. The digital controller improves response of DC-DC converter by varying loop-gain, cross-over frequency and phase margin. Closed loop digital control of buck and boost converter is presented and the results are obtained for varying operating conditions and verified using MATLAB/Simulink.
Cloning and Sequencing of the Biosynthetic Gene Cluster for Saquayamycin Z and Galtamycin B and the Elucidation of the Assembly of Their Saccharide Chains

Sweet ways: We have investigated the glycosyltransferase genes of the saquayamycin Z (shown) and galtamycin B biosynthetic gene cluster from Micromonospora sp. Tü6368. The results unambiguously show that both compounds are derived from the same cluster. Furthermore, the function of five glycosyltransferases was elucidated, and the results have shed light on the assembly of the sugar chains.
Feasibility and accuracy of three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography vs. multidetector computed tomography in the evaluation of aortic valve annulus in patient candidates to transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

AIMS Proper measurement of the aortic annulus (AoA) is crucial for the success of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the first step to assess AoA diameter, but a two-dimensional TTE (2DTTE) measurement is no longer accepted as the sole determinant of prosthetic size. The aims of the study were to evaluate feasibility and accuracy of three-dimensional TTE (3DTTE) estimation of AoA dimensions in comparison with multidetector computer tomography (MDCT). METHODS AND RESULTS We enrolled 100 consecutive patients referred for TAVI. Feasibility of AoA evaluation was 91% for 3DTTE and in 90% for MDCT. In 81 of 100 patients, AoA maximum diameter (max-D), minimum diameter (min-D), and area were measured and compared using 2DTTE, 3DTTE, and MDCT. Image quality of 3DTTE was sufficient in 47, good in 46 and optimal in 7%. High correlations (P < 0.001) were found between MDCT and 3DTTE (max-D: r = 0.89; min-D r = 0.86; area: r = 0.93), and between MDCT and 2DTTE (min-D: r = 0.81; area 0.78). The 3DTTE measurements were found to be highly reproducible on intra- and interobserver variability analyses. Regarding the choice of prosthesis size, agreement between 3DTTE and MDCT was very good (k = 0.84, P < 0.001) while it was poor between 2DTTE and MDCT (k = 0.36, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS 3DTTE may be a valid imaging alternative in patients unsuitable for MDCT during the preoperative evaluation for TAVI. Evaluation of AoA through 3DTTE is feasible, and measurements closely approximate those of MDCT thus improving TTE accuracy in identifying the correct prosthesis size.
Genome-Wide Association Study for Traits Related to Plant and Grain Morphology, and Root Architecture in Temperate Rice Accessions

Background In this study we carried out a genome-wide association analysis for plant and grain morphology and root architecture in a unique panel of temperate rice accessions adapted to European pedo-climatic conditions. This is the first study to assess the association of selected phenotypic traits to specific genomic regions in the narrow genetic pool of temperate japonica. A set of 391 rice accessions were GBS-genotyped yielding—after data editing—57000 polymorphic and informative SNPS, among which 54% were in genic regions. Results In total, 42 significant genotype-phenotype associations were detected: 21 for plant morphology traits, 11 for grain quality traits, 10 for root architecture traits. The FDR of detected associations ranged from 3 · 10−7 to 0.92 (median: 0.25). In most cases, the significant detected associations co-localised with QTLs and candidate genes controlling the phenotypic variation of single or multiple traits. The most significant associations were those for flag leaf width on chromosome 4 (FDR = 3 · 10−7) and for plant height on chromosome 6 (FDR = 0.011). Conclusions We demonstrate the effectiveness and resolution of the developed platform for high-throughput phenotyping, genotyping and GWAS in detecting major QTLs for relevant traits in rice. We identified strong associations that may be used for selection in temperate irrigated rice breeding: e.g. associations for flag leaf width, plant height, root volume and length, grain length, grain width and their ratio. Our findings pave the way to successfully exploit the narrow genetic pool of European temperate rice and to pinpoint the most relevant genetic components contributing to the adaptability and high yield of this germplasm. The generated data could be of direct use in genomic-assisted breeding strategies.
Comparison of presentation and outcome for patients 18 to 40 and 60 to 70 years old with solid renal masses.

PURPOSE We compared histological subtype, pathological features and outcome of patients with solid renal masses who were 18 to 40 years old vs patients who were 60 to 70 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of the Mayo Clinic Nephrectomy Registry from 1970 to 2000, and identified 124 patients 18 to 40 years old and 1,067 patients 60 to 70 years old available for analysis. RESULTS There was no significant difference in the incidence of benign solid renal masses between patients 18 to 40 years old and those 60 to 70 years old (13.7% vs 10.2%). Among patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), younger patients were more likely to have chromophobe RCC (13.1% vs 3.6%) and less likely to have clear cell RCC (70.1% vs 81.5%) than older patients. Among patients with clear cell RCC, younger patients were more likely to have stage pT2b or lower tumors (82.7% vs 69.9%) and a higher incidence of cystic clear cell RCC (10.7% vs 2.2%) than older patients. Younger patients had an improved cancer specific survival compared with older patients but this difference was not statistically significant (risk ratio 0.71, p =0.127). CONCLUSIONS We found that patients 18 to 40 years old were more likely to have chromophobe and less likely to have clear cell RCC compared with patients 60 to 70 years old. We did not identify a higher incidence of papillary RCC in younger patients. Patients with clear cell RCC 18 to 40 years old had a higher incidence of low stage and cystic tumors compared with patients 60 to 70 years old, features which have been shown to have a favorable prognosis. These factors likely contributed to improved cancer specific survival for younger patients.
Latest evidence on gout management: what the clinician needs to know

Until recently, the last drug approved for the treatment of gout by the United States Food and Drug Administration was allopurinol in 1966. Since 2008, two new drugs for the treatment of gout, febuxostat and pegloticase, have been approved in the US. Febuxostat has been approved in the EU and pegloticase approval is anticipated. A new single-ingredient colchicine preparation is available in the US, and the treatment recommendations for the use of colchicine in acute gout have evolved, now favoring a low-dose regimen. Several other exciting drugs are in development. Herein, we review some of basic principles in the diagnosis and staging of gout. We then examine current treatment principles, with particular attention to febuxostat and pegloticase, offering suggestions as to where they might fit into a modern therapeutic algorithm for gout treatment. We then present available data on several exciting new agents in development, including interleukin-1 inhibitors, and relate them to advances in our understanding of gout pathogenesis. We conclude with some important nonpharmacologic principles for optimal management of this ancient and eminently treatable disease. Dedicated gout research, going on quietly in the background of other breathtaking advances in rheumatology, is now paying off. This comes at a time when the number of patients affected by gout continues to rise, mainly due to an epidemic of obesity. An effort to improve lifestyle choices as a society and better management of the disease by clinicians should have a positive impact on gout incidence and outcome in our lifetimes.
Arthroscopic acromioclavicular joint resection

Distal clavicle resection has been an effective procedure for treatment of acromioclavicular arthritis. The conven tional open surgical technique involves deltoid detach ment and reattachment, which may cause postopera tive weakness and requires protection during the post operative period to allow for healing. Arthroscopic acromioclavicular joint resection has the theoretical ad vantages of no deltoid disruption and a shorter rehabil itation period. The purpose of this study was to com pare open versus arthroscopic acromioclavicular joint resection in a laboratory setting. The goals of acromioclavicular joint resection in this study were to remove 5 mm of the medial acromion and 10 mm of the distal clavicle. Acromioclavicular joint resections were performed on 10 cadaver shoulders (5 open resections and 5 arthroscopic resections). Open resection was successful at 10 of 15 distal clavicle locations and 14 of 15 medial acromial locations. Ar throscopic resection was successful at 14 of 15 distal clavicle locations and 10 of 15 medial acromial loca tions. The combined bone resection averaged 14.8 mm (±1.99 mm) for the open technique and 14.8 mm (± 2.58 mm) for the arthroscopic technique. The combined bone resection was 1.5 cm or more in all of the meas ured locations for the open technique and in 14 of 15 measure locations for the arthroscopic technique. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. In the laboratory setting, acromioclavicular joint re section was performed effectively and predictably with arthroscopic instruments. Arthroscopic bone resection was comparable to open bone resection.
The relative effect of coping strategy and depression on health-related quality of life in patients in the chronic phase after stroke.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relative associations of coping strategy and depression on health-related quality of life in patients in the chronic phase after stroke. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS A total of 213 patients after stroke (> 18 months post-onset), mean age 59 years (standard deviation (SD) 9.86 years), 56% men, mean time post-stroke 53 months (SD 37.8 months). METHODS Coping strategy was measured using the assimilative-accommodative coping scale, depression using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and quality of life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Multivariable regression analyses were performed, adjusted for patient characteristics. RESULTS Depression score was independently related to all domains of quality of life (Psychological Health (B = -0.924; p = 0.000), Physical Health (B = -0.832; p = 0.000), Social Relationships (B = -0.917; p = 0.000), Environment (B = -0.662, p = 0.000)). Accommodative coping (B = 0.305; p = 0.024) and assimilative coping (B = 0.235; p = 0.070) were independently related to the domain Psychological Health, adjusted for depression and education level. CONCLUSION Coping strategies and depression score were independently associated with Psychological Health in patients in the chronic phase after stroke. Patients who prefer an accommodative coping strategy may show less symptoms of depression. Preferable coping strategies may be trained in order to improve both depression score and health-related quality of life in future research.