Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors Use and Relative Risk of Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in a Case-Control Study

Background and Objectives: Limited research focuses on the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease associated with use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Taiwan. This study aimed to investigate the association between DPP-4 inhibitors use and the first episode of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Methods: We designed a case-control study using the database of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program. There were 1999 type 2 diabetic subjects aged 20–84 years with the first episode of ischemic cerebrovascular disease from 2000 to 2013 as the cases, and 7996 sex- and age-matched, randomly selected type 2 diabetic subjects aged 20–84 years without any type of cerebrovascular diseases as the matched controls. We estimated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of ischemic cerebrovascular disease associated with cumulative duration of DPP-4 inhibitors use by the multivariable logistic regression model. Results: After adjustment for confounding variables, the adjusted OR of ischemic cerebrovascular disease was 0.96 (95% CI 0.95, 0.97) in subjects with ever use of DPP-4 inhibitors as increase in use duration for every 1 month, compared with never use. The sub-analysis disclosed that the adjusted ORs of ischemic cerebrovascular disease were 1.57 (95% CI 1.36, 1.80) for subjects with cumulative duration of DPP-4 inhibitors use <1 year, and 0.70 (95% CI 0.57, 0.87) for subjects with cumulative duration of DPP-4 inhibitors use ≥1 year, compared with never use. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that DPP-4 inhibitors use correlates with relative risk reduction of the first episode of ischemic cerebrovascular disease in type 2 diabetic patients in a duration-dependent response. The beneficial effect will be marked when DPP-4 inhibitors use is ≥1 year.
Environmental disclosure quality: examining the impact of the stock exchange of Malaysia’s listing requirements

Purpose - – The purpose of this study is to investigate the environmental disclosure (ED) quality of public-listed companies (PLCs) in environmentally sensitive industries (ESI) in Malaysia in 2005 and 2009 (two years before and two years after the mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) requirement of Bursa Malaysia (BM)). BM (The Stock Exchange of Malaysia) has made CSR, including ED in annual reports mandatory since 2007. This study compares environmental reporting (ER) before and after the 2007 mandatory reporting requirement to determine if this command and control mechanism has had any effect on the quality of ED. Design/methodology/approach - – The quality of ED was measured using a disclosure quality index adapted from various prior studies. The index consists of a total of 46 disclosure items grouped into 9 categories. Content analysis was utilized to extract data from the annual reports of 164 PLCs in ESI. Findings - – Overall, the quality of ED improved in 2009 from that of 2005. More importantly, companies disclosed more quantitative environmental information in 2009 than in 2005. However, the average quality of ED was still low in 2009 compared to the overall potential score. Results provide some support for legitimacy as well as institutional theories. Research limitations/implications - – The sample of the study consisted of listed companies in ESI only; the results cannot be generalized to other companies in non-environmentally sensitive sectors. Practical implications - – Prior studies that used data before the mandatory CSR requirement by BM found ED in annual reports mainly declarative in nature, generally low on quality and with little quantifiable data. The results of the present study provide evidence of the positive impact of mandatory environmental reporting on ED quality. Originality/value - – The use of a multi-theoretical perspective may offer a more meaningful explanation of ER behavior in Malaysia. The results of the study would provide the impetus for regulatory agencies in developing countries to perhaps consider legislating ER. The findings provide some evidence to support the influence of legitimacy and institutional factors behind improved ED of Malaysian PLCs. This outcome exhibits a positive influence on the government efforts in promoting sustainability. Finally, the study contributes to present a more up-to-date account of environmental commitment undertaken by Malaysian corporations through their environmental reporting, after the CSR mandatory listing requirement took effect in 2007.
Blood Coagulation Factors in Periodontal Pathophysiology: A Review with Emphasis on the Role of Thrombin

Periodontal diseases, diseases of the tissues supporting the teeth, are very common chronic conditions of an infectious nature. There are several types of periodontal diseases, ranging from gingivitis (an inflammatory lesion confined to the gingiva, without any permanent tissue loss) to adult periodontitis (characterized by chronic inflammation, formation of periodontal pockets, loss of connective tissue attachment around the teeth, and loss of alveolar bone). Periodontitis is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Research performed during the last two decades has implicated bacteria as the etiologic agents of periodontal diseases and has characterized a number of bacterial species as putative periodontal pathogens. Although the bacteria characterized as periodontopathogens appear to be adequately equipped with mechanisms for tissue destruction, the host response is thought to play a substantial role in the tissue pathologic changes associated with periodontal diseases. Moreover, the response of the host is necessary for the tissue repair mechanisms operating during resolution of the disease. Gingival bleeding is a common finding in periodontal diseases. Bleeding on probing (using the periodontal probe, a calibrated blunt instrument) is one of the several instruments used in the diagnosis and monitoring of periodontal disease. In rare instances, gingival bleeding is a sign of an underlying systemic disorder such as acute leukemia. In addition, gingival bleeding may be an early sign of hemorrhagic disorders, such as thrombocytopenia and acquired coagulation defects. Most commonly, though, gingival bleeding is a typical sign of gingival inflammation as seen in chronic gingivitis and periodontitis. This kind of bleeding usually occurs in response to various mechanical stimuli (such as chewing and brushing), but it may also occur spontaneously. Thus, diseased periodontal tissues represent sites of almost continuous localized activation of the blood coagulation cascade. Despite this fact, the conceivable involvement of blood clotting factors in the periodontal disease process has received limited attention. In contrast, blood coagulation has received much more attention as a pathogenic mechanism in the development of renal (glomerular) disease. This review will summarize pertinent current research on various components of the blood coagulation cascade and will discuss the potential role or roles of certain clotting factors in three aspects of periodontal pathophysiology: bacterial infection, tissue destruction, and tissue repair.
Regional Decentralisation and Location of Foreign Direct Investment in China

China's economic transition is essentially a two-pronged decentralisation process: power and fiscal decentralisation from central to local government and shift of decision making from governments to firms and households. Using FDI flow data at the provincial level from 1995 to 2002, this study finds that provinces with more authority in economic matters and hardening fiscal budget constraints have a larger FDI inflow. Market decentralisation may significantly improve the investment environment and attract foreign investment while government interference in economic activities could discourage foreign investment. In addition, more legal spending in a province is associated with a smaller FDI inflow while subsidies to loss-making SOEs could bring more foreign investment.
Nationality and Gender Diversity on Swiss Corporate Boards

For a sample of 210 Swiss publicly listed firms we analyse the characteristics of all 1678 directors in the year 2003 in order to investigate how board members' nationality and gender interact with directors' level of independence, number of other directorships and demographic characteristics. Our results suggest that whereas foreign directors tend to be more independent, women directors are more likely to be affiliated to firm management through family ties and that foreign directors hold significantly lower numbers of directorships at other Swiss boards. Female and foreign directors also differ in terms of educational background, educational level, age and board tenure. Some of our gender diversity findings are different from previous research. We conclude that in order to manage diversity on corporate boards it is imperative to understand the characteristics, qualifications and affiliations that these directors bring to the boardroom and that it is important to take national circumstances into account rather than relying on research results from other countries.
Interaction among the distinct effects of adenine and guanine depletion in mouse lymphoma cells.

Toxic guanine depletion was shown previously to result in a dramatic reduction of DNA synthesis, while toxic adenine depletion failed to affect DNA synthesis (M. B. Cohen and W. Sadée, Cancer Res., 43: 1587-1591, 1983). In this study, relative DNA synthesis rates were measured in mouse lymphoma S49 cells over 24 hr after drug exposure and were compared to cell growth curves. DNA synthesis inhibition by mycophenolic acid (guanine starvation) was achieved at lower drug concentrations than was the inhibition of cell growth. This result further supports the hypothesis (reference above) that guanine starvation specifically affects cells in S phase while it allows cells with full DNA complement to divide. In contrast, L-alanosine (adenine starvation) failed to affect DNA synthesis for at least 24 hr at a concentration that inhibits cell growth by 80%. The dramatically different effects of guanine and adenine starvation on DNA synthesis can thus be used to assess the magnitude of each when blocking early de novo purine biosynthesis by 6-methyl-mercaptopurine ribonucleoside (6- MMPR ). The results suggest that, although 6- MMPR effects primarily resemble those of guanine depletion, adenine starvation measurably contributes to the overall toxicity of 6- MMPR . Drug combination experiments with L-alanosine, mycophenolic acid, and 6- MMPR suggest that the basic mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of guanine and adenine starvation act synergistically.
Searching for Injustice and Finding Solidarity? A Contribution to the Mobilisation Theory Debate

This article, using empirical data from cases of mobilisation in 1996 in Argentina, offers new evidence to build on the theory of mobilisation as recently proposed by John Kelly. The use of injustice as the basis of mobilisation raises some doubts for both its intrinsic subjective nature and in the light of cases of spontaneous mobilisations. A reformulation of the theory is suggested, less attached to a mechanical sequence and more rooted in the contradictions of the capitalist labour process.
Principal and Agent Problems in Superannuation Funds

Anxieties about the performance of superannuation funds and concerns about the safety of superannuation entitlements poses the question of what individual contributors can do to ensure their entitlements are secure. One difficulty for contributors is that they have little control over decisions relating to their superannuation fund; as these decisions are made by their agents over whom they have little effective influence. Principal and agent problems abound in superannuation and, in this paper, we explore the nature and extent of these problems as well as possible solutions. The nature of the principal and agent problems are more severe in defined contribution or accumulation funds, ACFs, by far the most common type of superannuation scheme in Australia. In these funds decisions are made by trustees who are the legal owners of the assets of the fund, but are required to act in the interests of the beneficiaries. Major decisions about portfolio composition determine the gross returns to the fund while other decisions relating to costs affect the net return to the fund and ultimately to the members.
Exploring Electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM) in The Consumer Purchase Decision-Making Process: The Case of Online Holidays – Evidence from United Kingdom (UK) Consumers

ABSTRACT This study explores the role of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) in the consumer decision-making process when purchasing a holiday. Using an ethnographic approach, it explores the role of eWOM on consumers’ attitudes toward online reviews (eReviews) and their subsequent behavior. Across the consumer decision-making processes – information search, evaluation, and purchase – the study develops a conceptual framework with three eWOM dimensions: (1) motivation, (2) source, and (3) content. Findings explore the variations of eWOM’s influence across the decision-making stages with implications for theory and practice. The study further highlights implications for segmentation practices in the tourism industry.
Teak agroforestry systems for livelihood enhancement, industrial timber production, and environmental rehabilitation

Teak is produced in industrial plantations in more than 43 countries. National and international demand for teak timber exceeds the sustainable yield from natural forests and plantations. High demand creates opportunities for enterprising farmers. Teak is now grown in smallholder agroforestry systems in many tropical countries. These systems enable farmers to diversify production, reduce farm risk, contribute to food security, and generate much-needed income. They also meet commercial needs for timber and improve environmental conditions. This paper reports the contributions of teak systems to smallholders' livelihoods in Indonesia, where farmers have been producing teak for over 50 years. Indonesian farmers cultivate teak as one component in integrated multispecies agroforestry systems. Annual cropping is an important aspect of these systems, producing commodities for both household consumption and market sale. Besides supplying food for households, smallholder teak systems provide 40% of household income from agricultural and timber crops. Teak and other tree crops allow households to re-allocate labor to off-farm employment when those opportunities are lucrative. However, farmers suffer from limited resources, labor, and access to information, which constrain the productivity of their teak systems. Specific recommendations are provided regarding how smallholders can adopt improved silvicultural and marketing management. Roles for government, support agencies, and industry that would provide benefits to all parties are outlined. Policy changes that would motivate smallholders to improve the management of their teak systems are identified. Conclusions and recommendations are applicable to smallholder teak systems across the tropics.
Divergence from the germ-line sequence in unmutated chronic lymphocytic leukemia is due to somatic mutation rather than polymorphisms.

Division of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) into 2 subsets, with and without mutations of the IgVH genes, has important prognostic significance. The unmutated subset, with an inferior prognosis, was originally defined by 98% or more homology to the germ-line sequence based on the observation that
Lymph nodes tuberculosis: a retrospective study on clinical and therapeutic features

Lymph nodes tuberculosis represents 30 percent of extra pulmonary tuberculosis in Morocco. We report here the experience of the pulmonology unit of the Avicenne Military Hospital in Marrakech for a period of 4 years. Our study interested 30 patients (15 males and 15 females) with an average age of 29 years old (10 to 62 years old). Tuberculosis has interested a single site in 28 patients, the other two patients had multiple but unilateral involvement. For the single sites, locations were jugulo-carotidian (20 patients), supra-calvicular (2 patients), axillary (2 patients), sub-mandibular (2 patients), spinal (2 patients) and mediastinal (2 patients). For the multiple locations, the involvement was jugulo-carotidian, sub-mandibular, spinal and sub-clavicular for one patient; and jugulo-carotidian and sub-clavicular for the other. Diagnosis was made by surgical biopsy and histology for all the patients. A six-month anti-tuberculous treatment was given afterward, with relapses in two patients.
Two Models of the Auditor-Client Interaction: Tests with United Kingdom Data

Accounting research contains two distinct approaches to the interaction between accounting management and the independent auditor. Game theory suggests that the auditor's testing strategy will affect the manager's reporting strategy, and that the strategies form an equilibrium. The game-theoretic approach views the auditor as active, in that he acknowledges the effect that his testing strategy has on the manager's reporting. In contrast, in the decision-theoretic approach, the auditor tests reports, but ignores the effect that his testing might have on the manager's reporting behavior. Essentially, the decision theoretic approach views the auditor as passive, taking the reporting strategy as given when designing tests. We use United Kingdom data to estimate both models and test their validity using nested hypothesis tests. Our results demonstrate that the active, game-theoretic model better describes the auditor-manager interaction. This is the first empirical validation of the game-theoretic model using archival accounting data.
Financial Sector Reforms in Vietnam: Selected Issues and Problems

The purpose of this report is to concentrate on performing in-depth analyses of selected issues of prominence and importance for the future success of the reform process rather than describing the current day-to-day operations and procedures in the financial sector. This eclectic approach implies that other important issues such as the development of a payment system, the state and prospects for the inter-bank markets, and the human capital and organisational issues in the state-owned banks are neglected and/or not analysed in depth. They are, however, omissions due to constraints imposed by funds and time available rather than a failure to comprehend their importance. In this context, the present report should thus be viewed as a first step towards establishing an open dialogue about the nature and speed of the financial sector reforms in Vietnam based on recurrent independent assessments of financial sector issues and problems.
Examining workplace deviance in public sector organizations of Pakistan

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to pin point the root causes for the deviant workplace behaviour in the government sector of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach - Data collection for the research was carried out by interviewing and distributing questionnaires to 100 employees belonging to different Government organizations of Pakistan. The extent of researcher interference was minimal and research was conducted in a non-contrived environment. This is a cross-sectional study. Findings - After a comprehensive study, it is concluded that there can be multiple factors responsible for creating workplace deviance, e.g. financial pressures, lower job satisfaction, organizational injustice, organization environment, employee perception, etc. but the most important factors out of these are organizational injustice and job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications - An important limitation of this research is that it was conducted with a limited sample and a small sample size. Future researchers should use a larger sample size for the research in order to explore new dimensions regarding workplace deviance in public sector organizations of Pakistan. Practical implications - Managers can benefit from this research and can devise more appropriate strategies to make the employees productive. In order to overcome the deviant workplace behaviour, the managers should try to develop good employee relations, a congenial work environment and promote a culture of quality control circles. Originality/value - The exact reasons for deviant behaviour in public sector organizations in Pakistan were not identified, thus solutions could not be formulated. This research pin points two major factors due to which deviation at work takes place. This paper is of paramount significance for managers experiencing employee deviance at work in government organizations of Pakistan.
Encapsulated vascular endothelial growth factor-secreting cell grafts have neuroprotective and angiogenic effects on focal cerebral ischemia.

OBJECT The authors evaluated the neuroprotective and angiogenic effects of a continuous and low-dose infusion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-165 on cerebral ischemia in rats. METHODS The authors introduced VEGF complementary (c)DNA into baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells and established a cell line that produces human VEGF165 (BHK-VEGF). The BHK-VEGF cells and BHK cells that had been transfected with an expression vector that did not contain human VEGF165 cDNA (BHK-control) were encapsulated. Both capsules were implanted into rat striata. Six days after capsule implantation, the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) was occluded. Some animals were killed 24 hours after occlusion to measure the volume of the resulting infarct and to perform immunohistochemical studies. Other animals were used for subsequent behavioral studies 1, 7, and 14 days after MCA occlusion. The encapsulated BHK-VEGF cell grafts significantly reduced the volume of the infarct and the number of apoptotic cells in the penumbral area when compared with the effect of the BHK-control cell capsule. In addition, angiogenesis and gliogenesis significantly increased in the region around the capsule in animals that received BHK-VEGF cell capsules without an increase in focal cerebral blood flow; this did not occur in animals that received the BHK-control cell capsule. In behavioral studies rats that received the BHK-VEGF cell capsule displayed significant recovery while participating in the accelerating rotarod test after stroke. CONCLUSIONS Continuous intracerebral administration of low-dose VEGF165 through encapsulated grafts of VEGF-producing cells produces neuroprotective and angiogenic effects. These effects improve subsequent motor function.
Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic findings in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome

Obesity is a risk factor for both sleep‐related breathing disorders (SRBD), including obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The development of CVD in patients with SRBD is usually attributed to the fact that most patients are obese in addition to conventional cardiovascular risk factors.