Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The safety and tolerability of FE 100 C-D chemotherapy in a non-trial population of node positive breast cancer compared to PACS-01 trial group; Salmaniya Medical Complex experience

Introduction: In our institution, adjuvant taxanes are currently offered to fit node-positive breast cancer patients who are either Her2 positive (any ER/PR) or triple negative (ER/PR/Her2 negative). The FE 100 C-D (FE100C × 3 → docetaxel 100 mg/m 2 × 3) regime, based on the PACS 01 trial1 is used. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively audited our experience with FE 100 C-D at Salmaniya Medical Complex. Over a 2-year-period, 100 patients commenced adjuvant FE100C-D chemotherapy. Data was matched with the FE 100 C-D arm of the PACS 01 trial. Results: Median age was 54 years. Twenty-six patients (26%) had ≥1 episode of febrile neutropenia (FN), including one fatal episode; 29% patients required treatment interruption ≥1 week; 30% patients had dose reductions; and 30% patients received < 90% dose intensity of docetaxel. Conclusion: The FN rate was substantially higher and docetaxel dose intensity substantially lower in our unselected sample of patients than in the trial population, this real-life data demonstrates the problems of applying clinical trial data to the more generalised patient population. Meanwhile, the routine use of prophylactic G-CSF support with this protocol is warranted.
EVALUATION OF THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF ATROPINE AND NEOSTIGMINE ON THE LOWER OESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER

The effects, on the lower oesophageal sphincter, of the simultaneous administration of atropine and neostigmine were studied in 10 healthy patients undergoing gynaecological surgery. Atropine 1.2 mg and neostigmine 2.5 mg were given to antagonize neuromuscular blockade at the termination of surgery. For the succeeding 15–20 min, frequent measurements of lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (LOSP) were made whilst anaesthesia was maintained. It was demonstrated that this drug combination resulted in a significant decrease in LOSP initially, but that this potentially deleterious effect was transient in nature.
PDE5 Inhibitors Enhance Celecoxib Killing in Multiple Tumor Types

The present studies determined whether clinically relevant phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors interacted with a clinically relevant NSAID, celecoxib, to kill tumor cells. Celecoxib and PDE5 inhibitors interacted in a greater than additive fashion to kill multiple tumor cell types. Celecoxib and sildenafil killed ex vivo primary human glioma cells as well as their associated activated microglia. Knock down of PDE5 recapitulated the effects of PDE5 inhibitor treatment; the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L‐NAME suppressed drug combination toxicity. The effects of celecoxib were COX2 independent. Over‐expression of c‐FLIP‐s or knock down of CD95/FADD significantly reduced killing by the drug combination. CD95 activation was dependent on nitric oxide and ceramide signaling. CD95 signaling activated the JNK pathway and inhibition of JNK suppressed cell killing. The drug combination inactivated mTOR and increased the levels of autophagy and knock down of Beclin1 or ATG5 strongly suppressed killing by the drug combination. The drug combination caused an ER stress response; knock down of IRE1α/XBP1 enhanced killing whereas knock down of eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP suppressed killing. Sildenafil and celecoxib treatment suppressed the growth of mammary tumors in vivo. Collectively our data demonstrate that clinically achievable concentrations of celecoxib and sildenafil have the potential to be a new therapeutic approach for cancer. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1115–1127, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Molecular Phylogeny of an Indian Population of Kleinstyla dorsicirrata (Foissner, 1982) Foissner et al., 2002. comb. nov. (Hypotrichia, Oxytrichidae): an Oxytrichid with Incomplete Dorsal Kinety Fragmentation

Kleinstyla dorsicirrata (Foissner, 1982) Foissner et al., 2002. comb. nov. (basionym: Gastrostyla dorsicirrata) is a slightly flexible oxytrichid, measuring about 88–115 × 27–46 μm in life and possesses cortical granules. Kleinstyla dorsicirrata is the only oxytrichid known so far with incompletely fragmented dorsal kinety. Morphological and morphogenetic data recognise K. dorsicirrata as nonstylonychine oxytrichid. Molecular phylogeny of an Indian population was inferred using 18S rRNA gene sequences and was examined with respect to oxytrichids exhibiting variation in dorsal kinety fragmentation. Kleinstyla dorsicirrata clusters with Oxytricha lanceolata; this proximity is quite significant as both show deviation from typical oxytrichid fragmentation of dorsal kinety. Molecular phylogeny of Indian population confirms its nonstylonychine oxytrichid status.
Molecular-dynamics studies of competitive replacement in peptide–nanotube assembly for control of drug release

We report molecular-dynamics simulation of carbon-nanotube-based drug delivery and release systems. We show that a peptide encapsulated inside or attached to the outer surface of a carbon nanotube can be released by another nanotube through a competitive replacement process. Energy analysis reveals that the van der Waals interaction plays the key role in this process, and the potential well between two nanotubes drives the competitive replacement. We further show that competitive replacement is a basic principle which may be generally explored for drug release. For example, one type of peptide can be used to replace/release another type of peptide, depending on the difference in their affinity for the nanotube. The effects of the peptide sequence and the nanotube size on the drug release process are also studied in this paper.
Cytologic and Genetic Characteristics of Endobiotic Bacteria and Kleptoplasts of Virgulinella fragilis (Foraminifera)

The benthic foraminifer Virgulinella fragilis Grindell and Collen 1976 has multiple putative symbioses with both bacterial and kleptoplast endobionts, possibly aiding its survival in environments from dysoxia (5–45 μmol‐O2/L) to microxia (0–5 μmol‐O2/L) and in the dark. To clarify the origin and function of V. fragilis endobionts, we used genetic analyses and transmission electron microscope observations. Virgulinella fragilis retained δ‐proteobacteria concentrated at its cell periphery just beneath the cell membranes. Unlike another foraminifer Stainforthia spp. , which retains many bacterial species, V. fragilis has a less variable bacterial community. This suggests that V. fragilis maintains a specific intracellular bacterial flora. Unlike the endobiotic bacteria, V. fragilis klepto‐plasts originated from various diatom species and are found in the interior cytoplasm. We found evidence of both retention and digestion of kleptoplasts, and of fragmentation of the kleptoplastid outer membrane that likely facilitates transport of kleptoplastid products to the host. Accumulations of mitochondria were observed encircling endobiotic bacteria. It is likely that the bacteria use host organic material for carbon oxidation. The mitochondria may use oxygen available around the δ‐proteobacteria and synthesize adenosine triphosphate, perhaps for sulfide oxidation.
Predictors of postnatal depression: using an antenatal needs assessment discussion tool

Depression affects 13% of postnatal women and the long‐term repercussions affect women, children and families. Health visitors are being urged to increase antenatal support, including preparation for the impact of becoming a parent, and identification of vulnerable families. An antenatal tool incorporating validated measures was developed to facilitate discussion on childhood experiences, perceived physical and emotional social support and to screen for depression (using EPDS). Postnatal information was also collected. Health visitors in Bristol PCT used the tool when visiting primiparous women antenatally at home over two years. Twenty health visitors covering seven GP practices in South Bristol completed 187 antenatal and 142 postnatal records. There was a significant correlation between the 118 antenatal and postnatal EPDS scores recorded. An antenatal 13+ EPDS cut‐off gave a positive predictive value (PPV) of 35% for a high postnatal EPDS score and the 15+ cut off gave a PPV of 67%; women with high antenatal EPDS scores were significantly more likely to have postnatal depression symptomatology. Computed ‘At risk’ scores, combining high antenatal EPDS, poor antenatal emotional support and a high proportion of negative childhood adjectives were compared with postnatal EPDS scores. This score had a PPV of 86% using the antenatal EPDS 15+ score and a very high odds ratio for the likelihood of screening high postnatally. The high predictive value of the ‘at risk’ tool in identifying primiparous women who are likely to develop postnatal depression indicates that it is important to start these discussions in the antenatal period.
Malaria diagnosis in the community: Challenges and potential role of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in the African Region.

At present, malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely available and used in parts of Asia and Latin America. In Africa, their use has been limited mainly to private health facilities. With the adoption of artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) by most African countries as first line treatment for malaria, an effective, but expensive treatment is available, and the case for an expanded role for rapid diagnostics in the fight against malaria is clear. Despite this perceived potential role for RDTs, some challenges hinder their introduction and scale-up in the public health sector. Among the requirements are significant investments in policy development, training, infrastructure, and supply chain and quality assurance systems. African Journal of Health Sciences Vol. 14 (3-4) 2007: pp. 114-117
Grp78 Is Critical for Amelogenin‐Induced Cell Migration in a Multipotent Clonal Human Periodontal Ligament Cell Line

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are known to play a pivotal role in regenerating the periodontium. Amelogenin, which belongs to a family of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, is a potential bioactive molecule for periodontal regenerative therapy. However, its downstream target molecules and/or signaling patterns are still unknown. Our recent proteomic study identified glucose‐regulated protein 78 (Grp78) as a new amelogenin‐binding protein. In this study, we demonstrate, for the first time, the cellular responses induced by the biological interaction between amelogenin and Grp78 in the human undifferentiated PDL cell line 1‐17, which possesses the most typical characteristics of PDLSCs. Confocal co‐localization experiments revealed the internalization of recombinant amelogenin (rM180) via binding to cell surface Grp78, and the endocytosis was inhibited by the silencing of Grp78 in 1‐17 cells. Microarray analysis indicated that rM180 and Grp78 regulate the expression profiles of cell migration‐associated genes in 1‐17 cells. Moreover, Grp78 overexpression enhanced rM180‐induced cell migration and adhesion without affecting cell proliferation, while silencing of Grp78 diminished these activities. Finally, binding of rM180 to Grp78 promoted the formation of lamellipodia, and the simultaneous activation of Rac1 was also demonstrated by NSC23766, a widely accepted Rac1 inhibitor. These results suggest that Grp78 is essential for enhancing amelogenin‐induced migration in 1‐17 cells. The biological interaction of amelogenin with Grp78 offers significant therapeutic potential for understanding the biological components and specific functions involved in the signal transduction of amelogenin‐induced periodontal tissue regeneration. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 414–427, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth, Grazing, and Starvation Survival in Three Heterotrophic Dinoflagellate Species

To assess the effects of fluctuating prey availability on predator population dynamics and grazing impact on phytoplankton, we measured growth and grazing rates of three heterotrophic dinoflagellate species—Oxyrrhis marina, Gyrodinium dominans and Gyrodinium spirale—before and after depriving them of phytoplankton prey. All three dinoflagellate species survived long periods (> 10 d) without algal prey, coincident with decreases in predator abundance and cell size. After 1–3 wks, starvation led to a 17–57% decrease in predator cell volume and some cells became deformed and transparent. When re‐exposed to phytoplankton prey, heterotrophs ingested prey within minutes and increased cell volumes by 4–17%. At an equivalent prey concentration, continuously fed predators had ~2‐fold higher specific growth rates (0.18 to 0.55 d−1) than after starvation (−0.16 to 0.25 d−1). Maximum specific predator growth rates would be achievable only after a time lag of at least 3 d. A delay in predator growth poststarvation delays predator‐induced phytoplankton mortality when prey re‐emerges at the onset of a bloom event or in patchy prey distributions. These altered predator‐prey population dynamics have implications for the formation of phytoplankton blooms, trophic transfer rates, and potential export of carbon.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Differentiating to Adipocytes Accumulate Autophagic Vesicles Instead of Functional Lipid Droplets

Adult bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) can easily be differentiated into a variety of cells. In vivo transplantation of BMSCs‐differentiated cells has had limited success, suggesting that these cells may not be fully compatible with the cells they are intended to replace in vivo. We investigated the structural and functional features of BMSCs‐derived adipocytes as compared with adipocytes from adipose tissue, and the structure and functionality of lipid vesicles formed during BMSCs differentiation to adipocytes. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed fatty acid composition of BMSCs‐derived adipocytes and adipocytes from the adipose tissue to be very different, as is the lipid rafts composition, caveolin‐1 expression, caveolae distribution in their membranes, and the pattern of expression of fatty acid elongases. Confocal microscopy confirmed the absence from BMSCs‐derived adipocytes of markers of lipid droplets. BMSCs‐derived adipocytes cannot convert deuterated glucose into deuterated species of fatty acids and cannot uptake the deuterated fatty acid–bovine serum albumin complexes from the culture medium, suggesting that intra‐cellular accumulation of lipids does not occur by lipogenesis. We noted that BMSCs differentiation to adipocytes is accompanied by an increase in autophagy. Autophagic vesicles accumulate in the cytoplasm of BMSCs‐derived adipocytes and their size and distribution resembles that of Nile Red‐stained lipid vesicles. Stimulation of autophagy in BMSCs triggers the intra‐cellular accumulation of lipids, while inhibition of autophagy prevents this accumulation. In conclusion, differentiation of BMSCs‐derived adipocytes leads to intra‐cellular accumulation of autophagic vesicles rather than functional lipid droplets, suggesting that these cells are not authentic adipocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 863–875, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Euchlorocystis gen. nov. and Densicystis gen. nov., Two New Genera of Oocystaceae Algae from High‐altitude Semi‐saline Habitat (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)

The Oocystaceae family is generally considered to contain common freshwater eukaryotic microalgae, and few are reported living in semi‐saline habitats. Our latest ecological survey in Qinghai Lake and Angzicuo Lake, both large, closed, high‐altitude, semi‐saline lakes located on the Qinghai‐Tibet plateau in China, revealed Oocystaceae species as a dominant group among plankton. Since limited knowledge exists about semi‐saline species in the Oocystaceae family, a taxonomical study was carried out using morphological and phylogenetic methods. Using this approach, four new strains of Oocystaceae were identified and successfully cultured in the lab. Molecular results correlated with morphological characters and resolved these species into at least three genera. A new genus, Euchlorocystis, with type species Euchlorocystis subsalina, is described here as having the distinctive morphology of multiple pyrenoids per chloroplast among Oocystaceae, and an independent phylogenetic position at the base of the Oocystaceae. Similarly, the genus Densicystis, with type species Densicystis glomerata, is newly proposed here as having a unique colony morphology of dozens or hundreds of little cells tightly embedded in ellipsoid to round mucilage masses. Oocystis marina, originally described from the Baltic Sea, was also identified in Qinghai Lake and Angzicuo Lake and phylogenetically positioned in the semi‐saline clade of the Oocystaceae. The result that a marine species was detected in the closed inland lakes implies a further need to reevaluate the origins of these species.
The structural and electronic properties of chiral SiC nanotubes: a hybrid density functional study

Hybrid density functional theory was employed in investigating the structural and electronic properties of 14 chiral and 3 armchair SiC nanotubes (SiCNTs). The role of the tube diameter, as well as that of the chiral angle ϑ, was studied in detail by considering nanotubes of diameters varying from 2 to 9 Å and chiral angles ϑ varying between 7° and 30°. The study revealed that all the investigated SiCNTs are semiconductors with a broad spectrum of bandgap values ranging from 0.2 to 2.9 eV and that the structural stability of the nanotubes increases with diameter. By analyzing the behavior of the molecular orbitals, an explanation of the mechanism by which ϑ affects the determination of such values is put forward.
Re-Parameterization the Logistic Model in Assessing Changes in the Baroreceptor Reflex

The logistic model is frequently used to describe the nonlinear relationship between systemic arterial pressure (SAP) and carotid sinus pressure (CSP). In this paper, we propose using maximum gain and saturation as parameters in the logistic model. By this method, the estimates and standard errors together with confidence intervals for maximum gain and saturation are direct outputs from the curve fitting, which also makes it easy to perform various hypotheses testing on these quantities. The method is illustrated by real life data from a study on the carotid baroreflex function during infusion of sodium nitroprusside, in which seven healthy, young men who were clinically proved to be free from any disease were studied. Their heart rate, arterial blood pressure and central venous pressure were measured. Neck pressure and neck suction protocol was carried out to selectively elicit changes in CSP and the responsiveness of SAP. Data were analyzed and compare before and after nitroprusside infusion. Our results showed that nitroprusside significantly decreased arterial blood pressure and central venous pressure, and significantly increased heart rate, and significantly augmented maximum gain of the carotid baroreflex function.
Prioritizing care in a resource-limited health service

Abstract Despite the promise of more resources for the NHS the need to ration and prioritize the activities of the NHS will not disappear. The NHS Plan has set a national agenda, to be implemented by National Service Frameworks. Decisions by NICE are expected to be implemented to avoid post-code prescribing. At the same time, patients are given more choice and local primary care organizations encouraged to plan to meet the specific needs of their local populations. Oxfordshire Health Authority developed a methodology for priority setting based on regular meetings of its Priorities Forum and the use of an ethical framework. The decisions made were best judgements informed by consideration of effectiveness, equity and patient preference taking into account views of all stakeholders. The new structures in England mean new ways of making decisions—perhaps based on the lessons from the past—but the biggest challenge will be to shape local decision-making to reflect local priorities and not just respond to the national political imperatives.
Submicron fabrication by local anodic oxidation of germanium thin films

Here we describe a lithography scheme based on the local anodic oxidation of germanium film by a scanning atomic force microscope in a humidity-controlled atmosphere. The oxidation kinetics of the Ge film were investigated by a tapping mode, in which a pulsed bias voltage was synchronized and applied with the resonance frequency of the cantilever, and by a contact mode, in which a continuous voltage was applied. In the tapping mode we clearly identified two regimes of oxidation as a function of the applied voltage: the trench width increased linearly during the vertical growth and increased exponentially during the lateral growth. Both regimes of growth were interpreted taking into consideration the Cabrera–Mott mechanism of oxidation applied to the oxide/Ge interface. We also show the feasibility of the bottom-up fabrication process presented in this work by showing a Cu nanowire fabricated on top of a silicon substrate.
Inflammatory Events and Oxidant Production in the Diaphragm, Gastrocnemius, and Blood of Rats Exposed to Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia: Therapeutic Strategies

We hypothesized that inflammatory events and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production may be differentially expressed in respiratory and limb muscles, and blood of a chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) experimental model and that antioxidants and TNF‐alpha blockade may influence those events. In blood, diaphragm, and gastrocnemius of rats non‐invasively exposed to CIH (10% hypoxia, 2 h/day, 14 consecutive days) with/without concomitant treatment with either anti‐TNF‐alpha antibody (infliximab) or N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC), inflammatory cytokines, superoxide anion production, muscle structural abnormalities, and fiber‐type composition were assessed. Compared to non‐exposed controls, in CIH‐exposed rats, body weight gain was reduced, TNF‐alpha, IL‐1beta, IL‐6, and interferon‐gamma levels were increased in diaphragm, TNF‐alpha, and IL‐1 beta plasma levels were greater, systemic and muscle superoxide anion production was higher, diaphragm and gastrocnemius inflammatory cells and internal nuclei were higher, and muscle fiber‐type and morphometry remained unmodified. CIH rats treated with infliximab further increased TNF‐alpha, IL‐1beta, IL‐6, and interferon‐gamma diaphragm levels, whereas NAC induced a reduction only in TNF‐alpha and IL‐1beta levels in diaphragm and plasma. Infliximab and NAC elicited a significant decline in superoxide anion production in diaphragm, gastrocnemius, and plasma, while inducing a further increase in inflammatory cells and internal nuclei in both muscles. Proinflammatory cytokines are differentially expressed in respiratory and limb muscles and plasma of CIH‐exposed rats, while superoxide anion production increased in both muscle types and blood. Infliximab and NAC exerted different effects. These findings may help understand the biology underlying CIH in skeletal muscles and blood of patients with chronic respiratory diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1165–1175, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is Foster-Parent Training Worthwhile?

A two-year follow-up evaluation was conducted for a foster-parent training pro- gram. The sample involved 105 foster families with 267 children placed in their homes. The study design explicitly took into consideration the sex, age, behavior, and number of prior placements of the foster children, the experience of the foster parents, the maximum number of foster children in the home at one time, and whether training occurred before or after the children were placed. This was done to eliminate the possibility that these factors, rather than training, produced the observed relationships. The analysis found that foster-parent training reduced the incidence of aborted placements, increased the probability of desirable placement outcomes, and substantially increased the probability of foster parents remaining licensed. The implications of foster-parent training for short- and long-term placements, recurrent placements, and high-risk children are discussed.