Search

Purpose Our study aimed to evaluate the risk and benefit profiles of clinical trials using abiraterone in cancer treatment. Materials and Methods A comprehensive search was conducted on May 24, 2023, using databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We extracted data on adverse events, progression-free survival, overall survival, objective response rate (ORR), and prostate-specific antigen response rate (PSA-RR). The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events were used to assess risks, while ORR and PSA-RR were used to assess benefits. Trials were categorized as positive, negative, or indeterminate based on their safety profiles and efficacy outcomes. Results Nearly all clinical trials testing abiraterone in prostate cancer showed promising outcomes with 89% of studies meeting their endpoint. Our study supports abiraterone’s use in prostate cancer, its only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved indication to treat, with a median ORR of 20.0% and a median PSA-RR of 42.0%. However, when looking at the 3 novel indications tested, the risk-to-benefit profile was similar to that of its original approval. Even though most novel indications failed to meet their primary endpoint, the overall toxicity profile was similar to that found in prostate cancer. Conclusion Abiraterone showed an overall risk-to-benefit portfolio that supports the use of its treatment in prostate cancer. Although the primary endpoints in ovarian and breast cancer trials were not met, the use was appropriate when assessing how the mechanism of action for abiraterone could be beneficial in patients with these types of cancers.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of chromium (Cr) and methionine on myogenic gene expression, GLUT4 and insulin receptor (IR) synthesis, and amino acid uptake in differentiated bovine satellite cells. Cells were treated with 0, 1, or 10 μM of chromium acetate (CrAc) and 0, 1, or 10 mg/mL of methionine, with cells utilized for the amino acid assay receiving 0.1 μM instead of 1 μM of CrAc. The addition of 10 μM of Cr tended to downregulate AMPKα mRNA gene expression (P < 0.1). Myogenin was impacted by methionine and CrAc with high doses and low doses upregulating expression (P < 0.01). The ratio and protein levels of AMPKα to pAMPKα, GLUT4, and IR abundance were not affected (P > 0.1). Increase in time decreased concentrations of leucine, isoleucine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, glutamine, ornithine, lysine, and cysteine (P < 0.01) in conditioned media. Over time, alanine increased (P < 0.01). Methionine inclusion increased alanine, proline, glutamic acid, ornithine, and tryptophan concentrations, as well as decreased leucine, isoleucine, and cysteine (P < 0.01). CrAc only affected glutamine and tryptophan, which both increased with CrAc dose, whereas alanine decreased (P < 0.01). Methionine decreased over time within the 10 mg/mL group (P < 0.01). Tryptophan was generally unaffected but decreased in the 0 mg/mL group at 48 h. Cysteine decreased with a decreased dosage of CrAc at 24 h (P < 0.01). Lysine was generally unaffected by this interaction (P > 0.1), with the exception of the 0.1 μM treatment group at 24 h being higher (P < 0.01). CrAc affected the uptake of alanine, glutamine, and tryptophan (P < 0.01). Methionine inclusion increased alanine, proline, glutamic acid, ornithine, and tryptophan, as well as decreased leucine, isoleucine, and cystine (P < 0.01). Increased time saw a significant decrease in leucine, isoleucine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, glutamine, ornithine, lysine, and cystine (P < 0.01) and an increase in alanine (P < 0.01).

This study compared carcass yield and cutout value of conventional beef and dairy cattle to high-yielding (HY) and low-yielding (LY) crossbred beef × dairy cattle and identified the contribution of carcass regions to carcass yield andcutout value among beef × dairy crossbreds. Carcasses of conventional beef, beef × dairy crossbred, and dairy cattle were selected according to industry-average slaughter endpoints for their cattle type. Carcasses were fabricated at a commercial processing facility, and weights of carcass components were obtained. Post hoc subsampling was used to segregate HY and LY beef × dairy crossbreds based on subprimal yield. Multiple linear regression was used to assess carcass yield and sub-primal cutout value between the 4 cattle types (n=21 to 26 per cattle type). Beef cattle and HY crossbreds produced 1.59 to 3.04 percentage units greater (P0.05) between HY crossbreds and beef cattle, and subprimal to fat was lesser (P beef cattle > LY crossbreds > dairy cattle. In beef × dairy cattle, subprimal to bone in the round contributed most greatly to an increase (P=0.02), by 3.79 USD/45.4 kg, in subprimal cutout value. Together, these results suggested carcass value of beef × dairy cattle may be maximized when cattle are harvested at a lesser overall fatness than conventional beef cattle and when considerable muscling, especially in the round, is achieved.

Abstract Sandbars are ubiquitous morphologic features found in the nearshore environment throughout the world, yet predictive capabilities of their evolution remain limited. In order to provide new insights on the relevant processes controlling sandbar morphodynamics, this study uses a 41‐year record of 637 monthly cross‐shore profiles from Duck, North Carolina, USA, to derive complex empirical orthogonal functions representative of the two dominant modes of sandbar migrations: offshore and onshore propagation. Interference of these two modes produces commonly observed sandbar states. While mild wave energies are traditionally assumed to drive onshore sandbar migration, the offshore mode is repeatedly seen to dominate sandbar migration in mild wave seasons following anomalously high late‐winter wave energy and when the inherited morphology is composed of a single bar or terrace, as opposed to a more common two‐bar state. A data‐derived conceptual model is presented synthesizing the effect of antecedent morphology and wave climate chronology on interannual trends in net offshore sandbar migration.

Understanding how reef-associated sharks use coastal waters through their ontogeny is important for their effective conservation and management. This study used the horizontal movements of acoustically tagged Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) to examine their use of coastal space around the Cayman Islands between 2009 and 2019. A total of 39 (59.1%) tagged sharks (male = 22, female = 17, immature = 18, mature = 21) were detected on the islands wide network of acoustic receivers. The detection data were used to calculate values of Residency Index (RI), Site-Fidelity Index (SFI) and minimum linear displacement (MLD), as well as for network analysis of individual shark movements to test for differences between demographics, seasons, and diel periods. Sharks were detected for up to 1,598 days post-tagging and some individuals showed resident behaviour but the majority of tagged individuals appear to have been one-off or only occasional transient visitors to the area. Generally, individuals showed strong site-fidelity to different areas displaying linear home ranges of < 20 km. The evidence indicates that there was no pattern of diel behaviour. Tagged sharks generally showed increased movements within and between islands during the summer (April-September), which may be related to breeding activity. Some individuals even made occasional excursions across 110 km of open water > 2,000 m deep between Grand Cayman and Little Cayman. One mature female shark showed a displacement of 148.21 km, the greatest distance reported for this species. The data shows that the distances over which some sharks moved, greatly exceeded the extent of any one of the islands' marine protected areas indicating that this species may be more mobile and dispersive than previously thought. This study provides support for the blanket protection to all sharks throughout Cayman waters, which was incorporated within the National Conservation Act in 2015.

Phenotypic expression of dairy influence often carries negative implications in beef production; thus, considerable variation in expression of beef- versus dairy-type might adversely affect value of crossbred beef × dairy cattle. This study evaluated effects of phenotype in crossbred beef × dairy cattle, specifically that associated with beef- versus dairy-type, on meat quality. Effects were blocked within commercial feedlot pens because cattle within a pen were contemporaries for sex, age, management, and source. On their harvest date, 592 Angus or [Simmental × Angus] × Holstein cattle from 9 pens were assessed by 3 expert evaluators. Scores for muscling and frame size were used to categorize and subset cattle in a pen into 4 phenotype groups: (1) fully dairy-type, (2) partially dairy-type, (3) partially beef-type, and (4) fully beef-type. Strip loin steaks were obtained from selected cattle (n = 82 to 84 per group) and evaluated for descriptive sensory attributes, shear force, pH, color at retail display, steak dimensions, muscle fiber type, and fatty acid composition. Data were tested for fixed effects of phenotype group with random effects of pen. Despite distinct expression of visual beef- versus dairy-type among cattle sampled, phenotype groups were largely not different (P > 0.05) in shape, sensory attributes, color, or biochemical properties of strip loin steaks. Other body regions, separate from the loin, were likely responsible for differences in live animal muscling. Additional research is needed on effects of sire breed, individual sire, and management strategies on meat quality in beef × dairy crossbreds. Complementarity of beef breeds and sires to produce more profitable beef-type cattle from the beef × dairy mating system should not be expected to negatively influence meat quality. Marketing programs rooted in production of consistent and premium products may benefit from including beef from beef × dairy crossbreds.

# Background We surveyed addiction journal editorial board members to better understand their opinions towards data-sharing. # Methods Survey items consisted of Likert-type (e.g., one to five scale), multiple-choice, and free-response questions. Journal websites were searched for names and email addresses. Emails were distributed using SurveyMonkey. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the responses. # Results We received 178 responses (of 1039; 17.1%). Of these, 174 individuals agreed to participate in our study (97.8%). Most respondents did not know whether their journal had a data-sharing policy. Board members "somewhat agree" that addiction journals should recommend but not require data-sharing for submitted manuscripts \[M=4.09 (SD=0.06); 95% CI: 3.97-4.22\]. Items with the highest perceived benefit ratings were "secondary data use (e.g., meta-analysis)" \[M=3.44 (SD=0.06); 95% CI: 3.31-3.56\] and "increased transparency" \[M=3.29 (SD=0.07); 95% CI: 3.14-3.43\]. Items perceived to be the greatest barrier to data-sharing included "lack of metadata standards" \[M=3.21 (SD=0.08); 95% CI: 3.06-3.36\], "no incentive" \[M=3.43 (SD=0.07); 95% CI: 3.30-3.57\], "inadequate resources" \[M=3.53 (SD=0.05); 95% CI: 3.42-3.63\], and "protection of privacy"\[M=3.22 (SD=0.07); 95% CI: 3.07-3.36\]. # Conclusion Our results suggest addiction journal editorial board members believe data-sharing has a level of importance within the research community. However, most board members are unaware of their journals' data-sharing policies, and most data-sharing should be recommended but not required. Future efforts aimed at better understanding common reservations and benefits towards data-sharing, as well as avenues to optimize data-sharing while minimizing potential risks, are warranted.

A 48-year-old female with metastatic colon adenocarcinoma and history of pre-existing coronary vasospasm with ventricular tachycardia (VT) successfully tolerated de novo 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy infusions with prophylactic administration and optimization of anti-spasm medications. 5-FU has been reported to produce severe cardiotoxic side effects, including coronary vasospasm, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death, and is not typically reported in individuals with pre-existing coronary vasospasm.

The objective was to determine whether recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) enhanced live performance,skeletal muscle biological activity, and beta-adrenergic receptor expression of feedlot heifers during the finishing phase. Heifers (n = 16; initial body weight = 457 ± 3 kg) were randomly assigned to pens (4 pens/treatment; 2 heads/pen) and treatment: (1) no rbST (Control); (2) 500 mg/hd of sometribove zinc at day 0 and 14 (rbST; Posilac®; Elanco AnimalHealth, Greenfield, IN). Longissimus muscle biopsies for muscle chemistry were collected on day 0, 14, 28, 42, and 56. The rbST heifers had increased expression of AMP-activated protein kinase alpha and beta 3 adrenergic receptor (P < 0.05). Day of the study affected the expression of myosin heavy chain-IIA (MHC-IIA), MHC-IIX, beta 2 adrenergic receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (P < 0.05). Day had a significant effect on muscle fiber cross-sectional area and proportion (P < 0.05). As days on feed increased, the area of MHC-I fibers decreased whereas MHC-IIA and IIX area increased (P < 0.05). The rbST heifers had decreased proportions of MHC-I fibers and increased proportions of MHC-IIX fibers (P < 0.05). The greatest density of Paired Box 7-positive cells was on day 0, 28, and 42 (P < 0.05), and the greatest density of Myogenic factor 5-positive cells was on day 42 and 56 (P < 0.05). Also, the greatest density of cells positive for Paired Box 7:Myogenic factor 5 was measured on day 28 (P < 0.05). These data indicate that, as days on feed increase, the effects of skeletal muscle biological activity are not dependent on rbST administration but may be more due to physiological changes occurring as the animal reaches physio-logical maturity.

The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of package and muscle type on postmortem proteolysis and subsequent release of flavor-contributing free amino acids during storage. Beef strip loins and top sirloin butts (n = 20/subprimal) from USDA Low Choice carcasses were fabricated into 2.54-cm steaks (M. longissimus lumborum and M. gluteus medius) at 7 d postmortem. Steaks were randomly assigned to packaging treatments (carbon monoxide mother-bag [CO], high-oxygen modified atmosphere packaging [HIOX], polyvinyl overwrap [OW], or rollstock [ROLL]) and aged for an additional 14 d in dark storage. Steaks intended for OW were initially vacuum packaged during dark storage,then overwrapped just prior to display. Steaks were placed in coffin-style retail cases for 48 h under fluorescent lighting to simulate retail display. HIOX steaks exhibited the highest Warner-Bratzler shear force values (P < 0.05); the lowest desmin degradation rate (P < 0.05); the highest ratings for fishy, bitter, sour, and oxidized flavors; and the lowest overall tenderness scores (P < 0.05) and, in general, produced the lowest amount of free amino acids (P < 0.05) compared with all other treatments. Contrastingly, ROLL packaging produced the highest ratings for beef flavor identity, brown/roasted, bloody/serumy, and umami flavors (P < 0.05). Additionally, ROLL packaging exhibited (P < 0.05) greater desmin degradation in comparison with HIOX steaks. These data indicate that the optimum package for storage and aging is an anaerobic environment to maintain optimum flavor, tenderness, and postmortem proteolysis.

The effects of immune system stimulation (ISS), induced by repeated injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide, on the whole-body protein synthesis versus degradation rates, the efficiency of protein deposition (PD), and muscle fiber characteristics in pigs were evaluated. Twelve growing gilts were assigned to two levels of amino acid intake that was predicted based on the potential of each group’s health status for PD and feed intake. Isotope tracer, nitrogen balance, and immunohistochemical staining techniques were used to determine protein turnover, PD, and muscle fiber characteristics, respectively. Protein synthesis, degradation, and PD were lower in immune-challenged pigs than in control pigs (p < 0.05). Strong tendencies for a higher protein synthesis-to-PD ratio (p = 0.055) and a lower protein synthesis-to-degradation ratio (p = 0.065) were observed in immune-challenged pigs. A decrease in muscle cross-sectional area of fibers and a shift from myosin heavy chain (MHC)-II towards MHC-I fibers (p < 0.05) were observed in immune-challenged pigs. These results indicated that ISS reduces PD not only by suppressing the whole-body protein synthesis and degradation rates, but also by decreasing the efficiency of PD in growing pigs. In addition, ISS induces atrophy in skeletal muscles and favors a slow-twitch oxidative fiber type composition.

This study examined exploratory behaviors used by 12 infants who were congenitally blind and 12 infants who were sighted to note similarities and differences in exploration. By including both groups of infants and matching the infants by age and their mothers' education, direct comparisons could be made between the groups. No differences were found between the two groups for 11 of 12 exploratory behaviors. The only behavior that was significantly different was pushing. Thus, the development of many exploratory behaviors was found not to be dependent on vision.

With the number of new and revised nonverbal and language-reduced tests of cognitive ability, selection and interpretation of appropriate measures can be complicated. Seven nonverbal or language-reduced tests with normative data collected within the last 15 years were evaluated. Besides evaluating technical adequacy, other variables affecting test selection and interpretation including adequacy of floors and item gradients, provision of data for subgroups of students, percent of timed items, and response mode are described. Eight additional tests with language-reduced components also were reviewed. Implications for practice and research are presented.

Students with low-incidence disabilities frequently receive less than optimal psychoeducational services because the specialized tests and instructional materials required to meet their idiosyncratic needs often are unavailable due to budget constraints, inadequate training of school personnel, and the difficulty school personnel have keeping current on low-incidence disabilities. To enhance the services provided for these students, a centralized statewide lending library for school personnel serving students with low-incidence disabilities was implemented. The development of this project, its impact, and the needs of school personnel in the area of low-incidence disabilities are described.

We evaluated the effects of white noise played through headphones on off-task behavior, percentage of items completed, and percentage of items completed correctly for 3 students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Headphones plus white noise were associated with decreases in off-task behavior relative to baseline and headphones-only (no white noise) control conditions. Little change in academic responding occurred across conditions for all participants.

Three studies examine the validity of the Preschool Form of the Cognitive Abilities Scale--Second Edition (CAS-2). Significant high concurrent criterion-related validity correlations, corrected for restricted range, are found between the CAS-2 and the Detroit Test of Learning Ability--Primary: Third Edition for 26 three-year-olds (r[subscript c] = 0.86) and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development--Second Edition for 20 two-year-olds (r[subscript c] = 0.63). Significant correlations also are evident for the CAS-2 and the Test of Early Language Development--Third Edition for 26 three-year-olds (r[subscript c] = 0.77) and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System--Second Edition for 20 two-year-olds ( r[subscript c] = .65). Predictive power is critical when making interpretations regarding future performance. A high, significant correlation (r[subscript c] = 0.72) is observed for the CAS-2 for 37 children at ages 2 and 3 and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Third Edition administered 6 years later. Results expand validity evidence for the CAS-2, increasing confidence in interpretations regarding young children's performance.

Autism is a low-incidence disability that is complex to assess and for which rates continue to increase. Assessment options for autism are reviewed and presented in the context of recent research and a comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessment model. The model involves three levels that yield data progressing from more subjective and general to more objective and specific. Each level provides unique information critical to verifying eligibility, planning instruction, and monitoring progress. Because of the complexity of autism, a systematic and comprehensive assessment approach is critical to reducing error in decisions regarding eligibility and treatment. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)

Ignoring the adequacy of floors and item gradients for tests used with young children can have serious consequences. Thus, because of the importance of early intervention for reading and math problems, we used the criteria suggested by Bracken for adequate floors and item gradients, and reviewed 15 reading tests and 12 math tests for ages 4-0 through 7-11. Results indicate that few of these tests have adequate floors at the age at which their norms begin. Although most of the reading tests have adequate item gradients, only 4 of the 12 math tests did not have item gradient problems. If test floors and item gradients are not considered, examiners risk misdiagnosing young children and drawing invalid conclusions for research and program evaluation, especially for low-performing children. (Contains 5 tables.)

Thirty students (ages 3-20) with profound mental retardation and 30 healthy, full-term infants (5-8 months) were shown 12 patterned stimuli, three times each. Both groups looked significantly longer at face patterns than other patterns. However, the students with mental retardation looked longer at black and white patterns than colored patterns, whereas infants preferred the colored patterns. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Ratings by 23 parents and 21 regular education teachers of 20 elementary-aged students with blindness on the Social Skills Rating Scale (SSRS) were compared to ratings for the SSRS sighted-norm group. Although no significant differences were found for overall ratings, students with blindness were rated as less academically competent and higher on problem behaviors than the sighted-norm group. (Author/DB)

Examined concurrent validity of Nonvocal Cognitive Quotient (NVCQ) of Cognitive Abilities Scale (CAS) and Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fourth Edition (Binet IV) for two and three year olds. Found adequate concurrent validity for CAS NVCQ and Binet IV Verbal Comprehension at both age levels as well as for Nonverbal Reasoning/Visualization factor of Binet IV at age three. (Author/NB)