Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab: Re-Responses to 2 Biological Agents in Patients with HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Which Had Previously Progressed during Therapy with Each Agent Given Separately: A New Biological and Clinical Observation.

Background: Pertuzumab, a fully humanised IgG1 monoclonal antibody, is a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-dimerisation inhibitor directed to the dimerisation epitope of HER2 (trastuzumab binds to the juxta-membrane epitope). Pertuzumab has demonstrated promising activity when given with trastuzumab to patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC) which had progressed during therapy with trastuzumab in a 2-step Phase II study.1Methods: The protocol was amended to include a 3rd cohort of patients to determine the activity of pertuzumab when given without trastuzumab.2 Patients recruited into this 3rd cohort were allowed to have trastuzumab re-introduced in combination with pertuzumab if there was inadequate response to pertuzumab alone or response followed by relapse.Results: Twenty-nine patients were recruited into this 3rd cohort. Patients had reached their 3rd line of treatment for mBC. To date, 15 patients have had trastuzumab re-introduced after disease progression on trastuzumab therapy and pertuzumab monotherapy. Among these 15 patients, at the time of this analysis there have been 3 patients with confirmed responses. There are also 4 patients who had not yet undergone 8 cycles of assessments to reach the overall best response end point, of which at least 2 were experiencing stablisation of disease. Updated data on activity and toxicity will be presented.Conclusions: We believe this is the first time that anti-tumour activity has been reported in patients when 2 biological agents have been used together after the disease has progressed during therapy with each agent alone. There are several mechanisms which might explain this phenomenon. Trastuzumab prevents proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular domain of HER2, keeping the receptor in situ. The addition of a second antibody to a separate epitope increases the potential for antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and prevents dimerisation between HER2 and other HER family members, such as HER1 and HER3. The combined antibodies might increase the efficiency of inhibition of signal transduction. There are wide-ranging and potentially significant biological and clinical implications. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 5114.
Age-Related Distress Among Young Women with Breast Cancer

Abstract Evidence suggests that younger women who are diagnosed with breast cancer may be at increased risk for poor psychosocial outcomes. However, only limited work has examined the adaptational challenges these younger women confront. As part of a study examining decision-making about pregnancy after breast cancer, 51 women participated in unstructured interviews. The focus of the present thematic analysis was a group of 34 women who were younger than 36 years (M= 30.6 years). These women spoke of the unique issues associated with being a young woman diagnosed with breast cancer. The predominant stressors they described included (1) coping with the un-timeliness of the diagnosis, (2) concerns about the impact of the illness on their husbands, (3) sadness about lost opportunities for childbearing, (4) a feeling of being different and isolated, (5) uncertainty about their future, and (6) concerns about their children. Evidence of altered belief systems about themselves and the world ran through their nar.
BiFeO3 epitaxial thin films and devices: past, present and future

The celebrated renaissance of the multiferroics family over the past ten years has also been that of its most paradigmatic member, bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3). Known since the 1960s to be a high temperature antiferromagnet and since the 1970s to be ferroelectric, BiFeO3 only had its bulk ferroic properties clarified in the mid-2000s. It is however the fabrication of BiFeO3 thin films and their integration into epitaxial oxide heterostructures that have fully revealed its extraordinarily broad palette of functionalities. Here we review the first decade of research on BiFeO3 films, restricting ourselves to epitaxial structures. We discuss how thickness and epitaxial strain influence not only the unit cell parameters, but also the crystal structure, illustrated for instance by the discovery of the so-called T-like phase of BiFeO3. We then present its ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties and their evolution near morphotropic phase boundaries. Magnetic properties and their modification by thickness and strain effects, as well as optical parameters, are covered. Finally, we highlight various types of devices based on BiFeO3 in electronics, spintronics, and optics, and provide perspectives for the development of further multifunctional devices for information technology and energy harvesting.
Damage control in orthopaedic trauma

The last century has seen great strides in the care of the polytrauma patient. Prior to the 1950s, routine operative stabilization of long bone fractures was not performed. With the advent of modern methods of fracture fixation the philosophy of early total care arrived and all fractures were operatively fixed at an early stage. Further understanding of the inflammatory response in trauma has now led to the concept of damage control orthopaedics. The aim of this review is to highlight this philosophy and its use in the polytrauma patient.
CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY OF THE VESTIBULAR SYSTEM, 3RD EDN

CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY OF THE VESTIBULAR SYSTEM, 3RD EDN R. W. Baloh and V. Honrubia. 2001. New York: Oxford University Press. Price $98.50. Pp. 428. ISBN 0‐19‐513982‐8. The text presents a panorama of neurophysiology, medicine and surgery related to the vestibular system. The book commences with basic concepts of anatomy and physiology, primarily of the vestibular system and its central interactions, which is restricted to about one‐quarter of the text. This is probably an appropriate balance and many other ‘textbooks’ and ‘handbooks’ in the field have tended to be imbalanced in favour of extensive accounts of physiology at the expense of medicine. Next comes the history and symptomatology of the dizzy patient followed logically, in turn, by the techniques and results of bedside examination and then by laboratory testing. Within this section the investigation of Hearing is also dealt with succinctly, but comprehensively, as an essential adjunct to vestibular testing. The second half of the book is appropriately concerned with the diagnosis, pathology and management of neuro‐otological disorders arising from both peripheral vestibular and central nervous disorders, including final sections on pharmacological and rehabilitative, largely physiotherapeutic, management. The authors’ account of neuro‐otological diseases and disorders is impressively knowledgeable and comprehensive, ranging through infection, degeneration, hydrops, immune disorders, migraine, vascular disease, tumor and trauma, toxic and metabolic disorders, development and heredity. Numerous pictures derived from imaging studies are also given where appropriate. The scope of this central section will appeal to a wide range of medical specialists dealing with topics far beyond the immediate confines of the VIIIth nerve. The final topic of rehabilitation is not dealt with in such depth and tends to be preoccupied with the rehabilitation at the level of basic physiological mechanisms. Cognitive behavioural therapy receives no mention and yet a clear explanation of the nature of dizziness …
An Initial Investigation of the Relationship Between Insomnia and Hoarding.

OBJECTIVE Insomnia has been shown to have profound negative consequences on multiple aspects of daily functioning. Despite increased interest in the association between insomnia and psychopathology, no research has examined the relationships between insomnia and hoarding. The aim of the current investigation was to examine the associations between insomnia and hoarding severity. METHODS Participants consisted of patients with hoarding disorder (n = 24). RESULTS Results revealed that insomnia was a significant predictor of increased hoarding severity. In addition, when examining the relationships among insomnia and specific hoarding symptoms, sleep difficulties were associated with increased acquiring and difficulty discarding behaviors. CONCLUSIONS These findings add to a growing body of literature on insomnia and various forms of psychopathology, as well as research on symptoms related to hoarding. Reducing insomnia symptoms among hoarders may help to reduce hoarding-related behaviors and increase treatment efficacy.
Paraneoplastic pemphigus in two pairs of brothers

A 65-year-old man (Patient 1A) presented with erosions on the face, upper trunk and the oral mucosa in 1995 (Table 1). He underwent prostatectomy for prostate cancer in 1990. PNP was proven by antibodies to IgG anti-epithelial cell surface (ECS), desmoglein (Dsg)1, and Dsg3. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2008

We thank Dora, Kramer, and Canani (1) for their interest in the Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2008 (2) and their critique of the recommendations for aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The American Diabetes Association's “A”-level evidence also encompasses supportive evidence from a meta-analysis incorporating quality ratings. Supportive evidence can derive from studies in people without diabetes but at similar CVD risk. The systematic review of evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force estimated that aspirin …
Actinomycotic Osteomyelitis of Mandible

AbstractActinomycosis is an infection of filamentous, gram-positive anaerobic bacteria. Actinomycosis of jaw bone is rare and the diagnosis is often difficult. The aim of this patient report is to present an actinomycotic osteomyelitis of mandible in a 30-year-old male patient. The patient presented with a chief complaint of pain and unhealed dental socket after mandibular teeth extractions. Radiographs showed ill-defined radiolucencies and perforation of buccal and lingual cortical plate; several biopsies and different therapy could not improve the lesion because of fault diagnosis and improper treatment. Finally, the authors’ histopathological examination revealed granulation tissue surrounded bacterial colonies compatible with actinomycotic colonies. Follow-up examinations showed that the patient was well 6 months after prolonged treatment without any pain and discharge from dental socket.
Atenolol treatment for severe Infantile Hemangiomas: a single‐centre prospective study

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common benign vascular tumors of infancy with an incidence of 4-5% 1. The majority of IHs are self-limited, though in approximately 10% of patients, when their lesions compromise vital and sensory functions or cause disfigurement, medical treatment is warranted 2,3. Τhe most exciting development in the treatment for IHs over the last decade has been the discovery of propranolol's effects during the proliferative phase of the hemangioma cycle 4. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Scaling behavior of topologically constrained polymer rings in a melt

Large scale molecular dynamics simulations on graphic processing units (GPUs) are employed to study the scaling behavior of ring polymers with various topological constraints in melts. Typical sizes of rings containing 31, 51 knots and catenanes made up of two unknotted rings scale like N1/3 in the limit of large ring sizes N. This is consistent with the crumpled globule model and similar findings for unknotted rings. For small ring lengths knots occupy a significant fraction of the ring. The scaling of typical ring sizes for small N thus depends on the particular knot type and the exponent is generally larger than 0.4.
Cultural adaptations and therapist multicultural competence: Two meta-analytic reviews.

Mental health treatments can be more effective when they align with the culture of the client and when therapists demonstrate multicultural competence. We summarize relevant research findings in two meta-analyses. In the meta-analysis examining culturally adapted interventions, the average effect size across 99 studies was d = 0.50 (0.35 after accounting for publication bias). In the second meta-analysis on 15 studies of therapist cultural competence, the results differed by rating source: Client-rated measures of therapist cultural competence correlated strongly (r = 0.38) with treatment outcomes but therapists' self-rated competency did not (r = 0.06). We describe patient considerations and research limitations. We conclude with research supported therapeutic practices that help clients benefit from modifications to treatment related to culture.
A model for diabetic nephropathy: Advantages of the inducible cAMP early repressor transgenic mouse over the streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mouse

We have previously found progressive diabetic nephropathy in inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER Iγ) transgenic (Tg) mice. The ICER Iγ Tg mouse is an interesting model of sustained hyperglycemia due to its low production of insulin and insulin‐producing β cells. Here in a longitudinal study we further analyzed diabetic nephropathy and structural and functional alterations in other organs, comparing our model with streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic model mice. The high‐dose STZ‐diabetic model showed marked variation in blood glucose levels and severe toxicity of STZ in the liver and kidney. The low‐dose STZ‐diabetic model showed less toxicity, but the survival rate was very low. STZ‐diabetic mice had much more variation of glomerular hypertrophy and sclerosis. Furthermore, non‐specific toxicity of STZ or insulin injections to maintain optimal blood glucose levels might have another effect upon the diabetic renal changes. In contrast, ICER Iγ Tg mice exhibited a stable and progressive phenotype of diabetic kidney disease solely due to chronic hyperglycemia without other modulating factors. Thus, ICER Iγ Tg mouse has advantages for examining diabetic renal disease, and offers unique and very different perspectives compared to STZ model. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 383–391, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zooming in on the Physical and Optical Properties of Gold Nanostars: An Experimental and Computational Study

A combined experimental and computational study was carried out to design a semi-empirical method to determine volume, surface area, and extinction coefficients of gold nanostars. The values obtained were confirmed by reconstructing the nanostar 3D topography through high-tilt TEM tomography and introducing the finite elements in Comsol Multiphysics, through which we have also calculated the morphology-dependent extinction coefficient. Doing so we have, for the first time, also modeled the heat losses of a real, experimentally synthesized nanostar, and found the plasmon resonances to be in excellent agreement with those obtained experimentally. We believe that our approach could substantially improve the applicability of this remarkable nanomaterial.
Differential introgression from a sister species explains high FST outlier loci within a mussel species

Scanning genomes for loci with high levels of population differentiation has become a standard of population genetics. FST outlier loci are most often interpreted as signatures of local selection, but outliers might arise for many other reasons too often left unexplored. Here, we tried to identify further the history and genetic basis underlying strong differentiation at FST outlier loci in a marine mussel. A genome scan of genetic differentiation has been conducted between Atlantic and Mediterranean populations of Mytilus galloprovincialis. The differentiation was low overall (FST = 0.03), but seven loci (2%) were strong FST outliers. We then analysed DNA sequence polymorphism at two outlier loci. The genetic structure proved to be the consequence of differential introgression of alleles from the sister‐hybridizing species Mytilus edulis. Surprisingly, the Mediterranean population was the most introgressed at these two loci, although the contact zone between the two species is nowadays localized along the Atlantic coasts of France and the British Isles. A historical contact between M. edulis and Mediterranean M. galloprovincialis should have happened during glacial periods. It proved difficult to disentangle two hypotheses: (i) introgression was adaptive, implying edulis alleles have been favoured in Mediterranean populations, or (ii) the genetic architecture of the barrier to edulis gene flow is different between the two M. galloprovincialis backgrounds. Five of the seven outliers between M. galloprovincialis populations were also outliers between M. edulis and Atlantic M. galloprovincialis, which would support the latter hypothesis. Differential introgression across semi‐permeable barriers to gene flow is a neglected scenario to interpret outlying loci that may prove more widespread than anticipated.
Lipid Profile Status of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Hospitalized Patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum level of total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins, (HDL) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients admitted in National Institute of Disease of Chest and Hospital, Mohakhali, Dhaka during. January 2009 to January 2010. Twenty two patients with COPD and 22 healthy controls were included in this study. Total cholesterol, HDL and TG levels were determined with ILAB 1800 Chemistry Analyzer using ILAB test Reagents. LDL concentration was calculated using the Friedewald Equation. The mean level of TG was 150.04±29.66 mg/dl and 126.14±13.28 in COPD patients and healthy control, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (p<0.001). The mean level of TC was 181.83±20.11 mg/dl and 176.28±15.35 mg/dl in COPD patients and healthy control respectively (p<0.001). LDL level mean value was 116.12±14.26 mg/dl and 108.95±10.39 in COPD patients and control respectively (p<0.001). The mean value of HDL showed 38.79±2.4 in COPD patients and 39.014±1.56 in control. A statistically significance was also found between the two groups (p<0.001). Our results showed that the values of TC, TG, LDL were higher than healthy control that is highly significant statistically. On the other hand, the was significantly decreased HDL level compared with controls. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/bjmb.v3i2. 13810 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2010; 3(2): 42-45
Neutralizing monoclonal antibody to human connective tissue growth factor ameliorates transforming growth factor‐β‐induced mouse fibrosis

Skin fibrotic disorders such as systemic sclerosis (SSc) are characterized by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and are understood to develop under the influence of fibrogenic growth factors. To better understand the detailed mechanisms of persistent fibrosis in SSc, we have previously established an animal model of skin fibrosis induced by exogenous application of growth factors. In this model, transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) transiently induced subcutaneous fibrosis and serial injections of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) after TGF‐β caused persistent fibrosis. These results suggest that CTGF plays an important role in the development of persistent skin fibrosis and that CTGF may be a potential and specific therapeutic target in skin fibrosis. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to develop a neutralizing monoclonal antibody against human CTGF. We also investigated the neutralizing effect of the antibodies in our animal model. Firstly, by using the DNA immunization method, we developed a panel of anti‐CTGF antibodies recognizing the native conformation of human CTGF. Next, to examine the anti‐fibrosing effects of these antibodies, newborn B6 mice received subcutaneous injections of TGF‐β for 3 days with either anti‐CTGF neutralizing antibodies or control purified immunoglobulin. Anti‐CTGF antibodies significantly reduced skin fibrosis and collagen contents compared with the control group. These results suggest that our anti‐CTGF antibodies are capable of blocking the development of skin fibrosis at least partially and these anti‐CTGF neutralizing antibodies may be useful as the feasible strategy to treat skin fibrotic diseases as SSc. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 680–687, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Traumatic Injuries in Off‐Road Bicycling

Two hundred sixty-five members of 21 off-road cycling clubs in 12 states completed a four-page questionnaire regarding their riding habits and injury history for the 1992 cycling season. The response rate was 62.4%. Of those surveyed, 85.7% reported injuries that were sustained while mountain biking during the preceding 12 months, with abrasions, contusions, and lacerations being reported most frequently. Injuries were considered significant if the cyclist sought medical attention for the injury and was unable to ride for at least 1 day due to the injury. Sixty injuries met these criteria. Of those, 90% were traumatic in nature, making the incidence of significant traumatic injury 20.4% in this group for the year studied. Fractures were the most common significant traumatic injury reported. The shoulder complex was the most commonly injured anatomic region. Loss of control, high-speed descent, and competitive activity level were identified as variables associated with traumatic injury. Competitive activity level was the only independent risk factor positively associated with traumatic injury, with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.24 (p < 0.0001).
Low dose beta‐blocker prevents ovariectomy‐induced bone loss in rats without affecting heart functions

Findings from animal studies have suggested that bone remodeling is under beta‐adrenergic control. However, the level of adrenergic inhibition required to achieve the most favorable effects on the skeleton remains unknown. To address this question, we compared the effects of low (0.1 mg/Kg/day), medium (5 mg/Kg/day) or high (20 mg/Kg/day) doses of propranolol given 5 days per week for 10 weeks in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Characteristics of bone microarchitecture, biomechanical properties and bone turnover were investigated, whilst heart functions were assessed by echocardiography and catheterization of the left ventricle. We first confirmed the expression of Adrβ2R and the absence of Adrβ1R on osteoblasts by PCR and confocal microscopy. We then showed that low dose propranolol prevented OVX induced bone loss by increasing bone formation (+30% of MAR vs. placebo, P = 0.01) and decreasing bone resorption (−52% of osteoclast surface on bone surface vs. placebo, P = 0.01). Consequently, rats receiving 0.1 mg/kg/day propranolol displayed higher stress (+27%), intrinsic energy (+28.7%) and Young's Modulus in compression versus placebo (all, P < 0.05). No significant effects on heart hemodynamic parameters were found in rats receiving this dose. In contrast, medium and high doses of propranolol had a negative effect on heart functions but no significant protective effects on bone mass in ovariectomized rats. These results, consistent with the dominant nature of the high bone mass phenotype and normal heart function of Adrβ2R‐deficient mice, suggest that low doses of β‐blockers may have a therapeutic utility in the treatment of osteoporosis with high selectivity for bone tissues. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 819–827, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.