35 research outputs found
The R&D Master File Documentation
This document describes the panel of publicly traded United States manufacturing firms which was created and updated at the National Bureau of Economic Research from 1978 through 1988 within the Productivity Program. The panel consists of about 2600 large manufacturing firms with three to twenty-seven years of data each; the period covered by the sampling frame was 1976 through 1985, with data back to 1959 where possible. There are approximately 70 variables for each firm-year of data, consisting of income statement and balance sheet variables and the corresponding common stock data. The technological data available for these firms consist of R&D expenditures and patents granted, both by date of application and by granting date. The patents data are available only through about 1981, due to the limitations of our sources and budget. The firms on the file are identified both by their CUSIP number and by name, making it feasible to match this data to other sources.
In vitro antioxidant activity of crude extracts of Harpagophytum zeyheri and their anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity activity compared with diclofenac
BACKGROUND : This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant activity and comparison of anti-inflammatory and
cytotoxic activity of Harpagopytum zeyheri with diclofenac.
METHODS : In vitro assays were conducted using water, ethanol, and ethyl acetate extracts of H.zeyheri. The
antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) and 2,2′- azino-bis (3-
ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by measuring
the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages as well as
cytokine (TNF-α and IL-10) expression on LPS-induced U937 human macrophages. For cytotoxicity, cell viability was
determined using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.
RESULTS : The ethyl acetate extract had the lowest IC50 values in the DPPH (5.91 ÎĽg/ml) and ABTS (20.5 ÎĽg/ml) assay
compared to other extracts. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate extracts effectively inhibited NO and TNF-α and proved
to be comparable to diclofenac at some concentrations. All extracts of H. zeyheri displayed dose-dependent activity
and were associated with low levels of human-IL-10 expression compared to quercetin. Furthermore, all extracts
displayed low toxicity relative to diclofenac.
CONCLUSIONS : These findings show that H. zeyheri has significant antioxidant activity. Additionally, similarities exist in
the inflammatory activity of H. zeyheri to diclofenac at some concentrations as well as low toxicity in comparison to
diclofenac.This manuscript is part of a PhD project supported by a grant (Grant: RB/58/
16) from the Research Board of the National University of Science and
Technology, Zimbabwe and Higherlife Foundation Delta Philanthropies
Doctoral Fellowship (NCU56422B).https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/am2022Paraclinical Science
An approach for the identification of targets specific to bone metastasis using cancer genes interactome and gene ontology analysis
Metastasis is one of the most enigmatic aspects of cancer pathogenesis and is
a major cause of cancer-associated mortality. Secondary bone cancer (SBC) is a
complex disease caused by metastasis of tumor cells from their primary site and
is characterized by intricate interplay of molecular interactions.
Identification of targets for multifactorial diseases such as SBC, the most
frequent complication of breast and prostate cancers, is a challenge. Towards
achieving our aim of identification of targets specific to SBC, we constructed
a 'Cancer Genes Network', a representative protein interactome of cancer genes.
Using graph theoretical methods, we obtained a set of key genes that are
relevant for generic mechanisms of cancers and have a role in biological
essentiality. We also compiled a curated dataset of 391 SBC genes from
published literature which serves as a basis of ontological correlates of
secondary bone cancer. Building on these results, we implement a strategy based
on generic cancer genes, SBC genes and gene ontology enrichment method, to
obtain a set of targets that are specific to bone metastasis. Through this
study, we present an approach for probing one of the major complications in
cancers, namely, metastasis. The results on genes that play generic roles in
cancer phenotype, obtained by network analysis of 'Cancer Genes Network', have
broader implications in understanding the role of molecular regulators in
mechanisms of cancers. Specifically, our study provides a set of potential
targets that are of ontological and regulatory relevance to secondary bone
cancer.Comment: 54 pages (19 pages main text; 11 Figures; 26 pages of supplementary
information). Revised after critical reviews. Accepted for Publication in
PLoS ON
Adding 6 months of androgen deprivation therapy to postoperative radiotherapy for prostate cancer: a comparison of short-course versus no androgen deprivation therapy in the RADICALS-HD randomised controlled trial
Background
Previous evidence indicates that adjuvant, short-course androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) improves metastasis-free survival when given with primary radiotherapy for intermediate-risk and high-risk localised prostate cancer. However, the value of ADT with postoperative radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy is unclear.
Methods
RADICALS-HD was an international randomised controlled trial to test the efficacy of ADT used in combination with postoperative radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Key eligibility criteria were indication for radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, prostate-specific antigen less than 5 ng/mL, absence of metastatic disease, and written consent. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to radiotherapy alone (no ADT) or radiotherapy with 6 months of ADT (short-course ADT), using monthly subcutaneous gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue injections, daily oral bicalutamide monotherapy 150 mg, or monthly subcutaneous degarelix. Randomisation was done centrally through minimisation with a random element, stratified by Gleason score, positive margins, radiotherapy timing, planned radiotherapy schedule, and planned type of ADT, in a computerised system. The allocated treatment was not masked. The primary outcome measure was metastasis-free survival, defined as distant metastasis arising from prostate cancer or death from any cause. Standard survival analysis methods were used, accounting for randomisation stratification factors. The trial had 80% power with two-sided α of 5% to detect an absolute increase in 10-year metastasis-free survival from 80% to 86% (hazard ratio [HR] 0·67). Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN40814031, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00541047.
Findings
Between Nov 22, 2007, and June 29, 2015, 1480 patients (median age 66 years [IQR 61–69]) were randomly assigned to receive no ADT (n=737) or short-course ADT (n=743) in addition to postoperative radiotherapy at 121 centres in Canada, Denmark, Ireland, and the UK. With a median follow-up of 9·0 years (IQR 7·1–10·1), metastasis-free survival events were reported for 268 participants (142 in the no ADT group and 126 in the short-course ADT group; HR 0·886 [95% CI 0·688–1·140], p=0·35). 10-year metastasis-free survival was 79·2% (95% CI 75·4–82·5) in the no ADT group and 80·4% (76·6–83·6) in the short-course ADT group. Toxicity of grade 3 or higher was reported for 121 (17%) of 737 participants in the no ADT group and 100 (14%) of 743 in the short-course ADT group (p=0·15), with no treatment-related deaths.
Interpretation
Metastatic disease is uncommon following postoperative bed radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy. Adding 6 months of ADT to this radiotherapy did not improve metastasis-free survival compared with no ADT. These findings do not support the use of short-course ADT with postoperative radiotherapy in this patient population
Duration of androgen deprivation therapy with postoperative radiotherapy for prostate cancer: a comparison of long-course versus short-course androgen deprivation therapy in the RADICALS-HD randomised trial
Background
Previous evidence supports androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with primary radiotherapy as initial treatment for intermediate-risk and high-risk localised prostate cancer. However, the use and optimal duration of ADT with postoperative radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy remains uncertain.
Methods
RADICALS-HD was a randomised controlled trial of ADT duration within the RADICALS protocol. Here, we report on the comparison of short-course versus long-course ADT. Key eligibility criteria were indication for radiotherapy after previous radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, prostate-specific antigen less than 5 ng/mL, absence of metastatic disease, and written consent. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to add 6 months of ADT (short-course ADT) or 24 months of ADT (long-course ADT) to radiotherapy, using subcutaneous gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue (monthly in the short-course ADT group and 3-monthly in the long-course ADT group), daily oral bicalutamide monotherapy 150 mg, or monthly subcutaneous degarelix. Randomisation was done centrally through minimisation with a random element, stratified by Gleason score, positive margins, radiotherapy timing, planned radiotherapy schedule, and planned type of ADT, in a computerised system. The allocated treatment was not masked. The primary outcome measure was metastasis-free survival, defined as metastasis arising from prostate cancer or death from any cause. The comparison had more than 80% power with two-sided α of 5% to detect an absolute increase in 10-year metastasis-free survival from 75% to 81% (hazard ratio [HR] 0·72). Standard time-to-event analyses were used. Analyses followed intention-to-treat principle. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN40814031, and
ClinicalTrials.gov
,
NCT00541047
.
Findings
Between Jan 30, 2008, and July 7, 2015, 1523 patients (median age 65 years, IQR 60–69) were randomly assigned to receive short-course ADT (n=761) or long-course ADT (n=762) in addition to postoperative radiotherapy at 138 centres in Canada, Denmark, Ireland, and the UK. With a median follow-up of 8·9 years (7·0–10·0), 313 metastasis-free survival events were reported overall (174 in the short-course ADT group and 139 in the long-course ADT group; HR 0·773 [95% CI 0·612–0·975]; p=0·029). 10-year metastasis-free survival was 71·9% (95% CI 67·6–75·7) in the short-course ADT group and 78·1% (74·2–81·5) in the long-course ADT group. Toxicity of grade 3 or higher was reported for 105 (14%) of 753 participants in the short-course ADT group and 142 (19%) of 757 participants in the long-course ADT group (p=0·025), with no treatment-related deaths.
Interpretation
Compared with adding 6 months of ADT, adding 24 months of ADT improved metastasis-free survival in people receiving postoperative radiotherapy. For individuals who can accept the additional duration of adverse effects, long-course ADT should be offered with postoperative radiotherapy.
Funding
Cancer Research UK, UK Research and Innovation (formerly Medical Research Council), and Canadian Cancer Society
The Microsoft Data Warehouse Toolkit: With SQL Server 2008 R2 and the Microsoft Business Intelligence Toolset
Best practices and invaluable advice from world-renowned data warehouse expertsIn this book, leading data warehouse experts from the Kimball Group share best practices for using the upcoming "Business Intelligence release" of SQL Server, referred to as SQL Server 2008 R2. In this new edition, the authors explain how SQL Server 2008 R2 provides a collection of powerful new tools that extend the power of its BI toolset to Excel and SharePoint users and they show how to use SQL Server to build a successful data warehouse that supports the business intelligence requirements that are common to mos
DNA Microarrays
Australia and New Zealand Horizon Scanning NetworkLinda Mundy, Annette Braunack-Mayer and Janet Hille
The Data Warehouse Lifecycle Toolkit
A thorough update to the industry standard for designing, developing, and deploying data warehouse and business intelligence systemsThe world of data warehousing has changed remarkably since the first edition of The Data Warehouse Lifecycle Toolkit was published in 1998. In that time, the data warehouse industry has reached full maturity and acceptance, hardware and software have made staggering advances, and the techniques promoted in the premiere edition of this book have been adopted by nearly all data warehouse vendors and practitioners. In addition, the term "business intelligence" emerg