Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ferret Model for Acquired Subglottic Stenosis

Researchers continue to look for an improved animal model for the study of acquired subglottic stenosis. This report describes a ferret model that reliably produces 40% to 60% stenosis with a method analogous to the pathophysiology of prolonged endotracheal intubation. Unlike some previously developed animal models, this model has a low morbidity and a perioperative mortality of less than 5%. Ferrets are small, hardy animals that are inexpensive and easy to house, handle, and anesthetize. They are readily available from breeders in a uniform size, age, and sex. Their airway is disproportionately large for their body size, making them particularly well suited for the study of acquired subglottic stenosis and subsequent surgical therapy.
An Empirical Study on Stochastic Mortality Modelling under the Age-Period-Cohort Framework: The Case of Greece with Applications to Insurance Pricing

During the last decades, life expectancy has risen significantly in the most developed countries all over the world. Greece is a case in point; consequently, higher governmental financial responsibilities occur as well as serious concerns are raised owing to population ageing. To address this issue, an efficient forecasting method is required. Therefore, the most important stochastic models were comparatively applied to Greek data for the first time. An analysis of their fitting behaviour by gender was conducted and the corresponding forecasting results were evaluated. In particular, we incorporated the Greek population data into seven stochastic mortality models under a common age-period-cohort framework. The fitting performance of each model was thoroughly evaluated based on information criteria values as well as the likelihood ratio test and their robustness to period changes was investigated. In addition, parameter risk in forecasts was assessed by employing bootstrapping techniques. For completeness, projection results for both genders were also illustrated in pricing insurance-related products.
Ethics Considerations in Global Mobile Phone-Based Surveys of Noncommunicable Diseases: A Conceptual Exploration

Mobile phone coverage has grown, particularly within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), presenting an opportunity to augment routine health surveillance programs. Several LMICs and global health partners are seeking opportunities to launch basic mobile phone–based surveys of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The increasing use of such technology in LMICs brings forth a cluster of ethical challenges; however, much of the existing literature regarding the ethics of mobile or digital health focuses on the use of technologies in high-income countries and does not consider directly the specific ethical issues associated with the conduct of mobile phone surveys (MPS) for NCD risk factor surveillance in LMICs. In this paper, we explore conceptually several of the central ethics issues in this domain, which mainly track the three phases of the MPS process: predata collection, during data collection, and postdata collection. These include identifying the nature of the activity; stakeholder engagement; appropriate design; anticipating and managing potential harms and benefits; consent; reaching intended respondents; data ownership, access and use; and ensuring LMIC sustainability. We call for future work to develop an ethics framework and guidance for the use of mobile phones for disease surveillance globally.
Delay of hospital discharge secondary to postoperative fever--is it necessary?

Abstract Although postoperative fever is common after major gynecologic surgery, the majority of patients have no identifiable infectious or pathologic etiology. Traditional management has been to delay hospital discharge until the patient is afebrile. The authors evaluate the outcome of patients discharged with postoperative fever after major gynecologic surgery. In a retrospective review of 537 women undergoing major gynecologic surgery, 211 (39%) had postoperative fever. The authors identified all patients who were discharged despite having a temperature of 38 degrees C or higher (> or = 100.4 degrees F) in the preceding 12 hours. All outpatient and inpatient records for a period of 30 days were reviewed. Thirty-eight (18%) of 211 patients who were febrile postoperatively were discharged despite having a fever within the preceding 12 hours. One patient was lost to follow-up. Two (5%) of 37 patients had a documented infection (one urinary tract infection and one postoperative wound infection). Four (11%) were readmitted within 30 days for noninfectious causes. None of the patients discharged on oral antibiotics had an antibiotic-related complication. Eighty-four percent of patients discharged with a postoperative fever did not have a documented infectious or pathologic cause for the fever while at home.
Endocytic Internalization of Adenovirus, Nonspecific Phagocytosis, and Cytoskeletal Organization Are Coordinately Regulated in Alveolar Macrophages by GM-CSF and PU.11

GM-CSF gene-targeted (GM−/−) mice have impaired pulmonary clearance of bacterial and fungal pathogens by alveolar macrophages (AMs). Because AMs also clear adenovirus from the lung, the role of GM-CSF in endocytic internalization of adenovirus by AMs was evaluated. Pulmonary clearance of adenovirus was severely impaired in GM−/− mice compared to wild-type (GM+/+) mice as determined by Southern analysis of viral DNA. Internalization of adenovirus by AMs was deficient in GM−/− mice in vivo and in vitro as determined by uptake of fluorescently labeled adenovirus or by PCR quantification of adenoviral DNA internalized within AMs. An AM cell line previously established from GM−/− mice (mAM) had impaired internalization of adenovirus and transferrin-coated 100-nm latex beads compared to MH-S, a GM+/+ AM cell line. Phagocytosis of 4-μm latex beads was also impaired in mAM cells as determined by confocal and fluorescence microscopy. Retroviral vector-mediated reconstitution of PU.1 expression in cultured GM−/− AMs restored phagocytosis of 4-μm beads, endocytosis of adenovirus, and transferrin-coated 100-nm beads (independent of integrin αV and transferrin receptors, respectively), and restored normal cytoskeletal organization, filamentous actin distribution, and stimulated formation of filopodia. Interestingly, mRNA for the phosphoinositide 3 kinase p110γ isoform, important in macrophage phagocytic function, was absent in GM−/− AMs and was restored by PU.1 expression. These data show that GM-CSF, via PU.1, regulates endocytosis of small (∼100 nm) pathogens/inert particles and phagocytosis of very large inert particles and suggests regulation of cytoskeletal organization by GM-CSF/PU.1 as the molecular basis of this control.
The impact of Transformational and Transactional Leadership styles on Organizational learning in health care context

The aim of this research is to examine the impact of leadership styles on organizational learning in health care context at Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) in Al Ain region. The study uses a quantitative methodology to answer the research questions. The findings suggest that both transactional and transformational leadership styles are associated with organizational learning. The transformational leadership is linked with organizational learning through learning goal orientation and trust in leaders whereas transactional leadership style is linked with organizational learning through performance goal orientation. The research findings can help senior executives to put strategic plans for their organizational learning development. Also, the research is expected to provide a baseline for health care policy makers on how they can initiate and create a context of organizational learning through enhancements of the leadership role.
EVALUATION OF CAESALPINIA FERREA EXTRACT ON BONE MARROW HEMATOPOIESIS IN THE MURINE MODELS OF LISTERIOSIS AND EHRLICH ASCITES TUMOR

The capacity of hematopoietic tissues to produce and mobilize phagocytes to the site of infection and tumor growth is of central importance to mediate the early immunological response. In this perspective, studies from our laboratory have defined Listeria monocytogenes infection and the Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) as useful models to investigate the effects of natural compounds on the growth and differentiation of granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells (CFU-GM). As expected, a significant reduction in the number of bone marrow CFU-GM was observed in the initial stages of infection with a sublethal dose of Listeria. Similarly, the bone marrow CFU-GM decreased sharply 4 days after the EAT transplantation. Treatment of infected and tumor-bearing mice with 500 and 1000 mg/kg of Caesalpinia ferrea aqueous extract, given 3 times orally, significantly stimulated myelopoiesis, whereas no effects were observed with the 250 mg/kg dose. Similar results were obtained in normal mice. The administration of the two higher doses of the extract also protected 15–20% of mice from a lethal dose of Listeria and significantly prolonged survival of EAT-bearing mice. In summary, these results demonstrate that C. ferrea extract acts as a positive regulator of myelopoiesis, and suggest that the therapeutic effect of C. ferrea may be partially mediated by this action.
The effect of antitrust investigations and fines on the firm's valuation

We estimate, using event study techniques, the impact of various events in an EC antitrust investigation on the firm’s stockmarket value. The surprise inspection at the firm’s premises has a strong and statistically significant effect on the firm’s share price, with its cumulative average abnormal return being approximately -2.1%. Further and somehow surprising we find that a negative Commission Decision results in a cumulative average abnormal return of about -2.4%. Overall, the fine accounts for a relatively small fraction of this loss in value. Finally, if the Court annuls or reduces the fine, this has a positive (+2%) effect on the firm’s valuation.
Differential gene expression associated with inflammation and blood pressure regulation induced by concentrated ambient particle exposure

Epidemiological studies have indicated that exposure to particle matter (PM) increased the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is suggested that PM smaller than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) may contribute to these responses. However, the molecular mechanism is still unknown. To elucidate the changes in molecular level, we investigated the gene expression profile of concentrated ambient particles (CAPs)-exposed rats. Aged F344 rats were exposed with CAPs (594 μg/m3) or clean air 4 h per day for 3 days, and lung and heart tissues were then excised for DNA microarray analysis. Expression profiles related to inflammation and blood pressure regulation revealed differential expression of 7 genes in the lung and that of 3 genes in the heart ventricle. According to the complement activation-associated genes, complement factor B (Bf), complement component 2 and 4a (C4a), and C1 inhibitor genes were up-regulated in CAPs-exposed rat lung. Bf and C4a genes were also up-regulated in the heart. These suggest the treated animal ready for production of these proteins when activation of complement cascade is required. Pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β, was also up-regulated in CAPs-exposed rat lung. Gene related with blood pressure regulation (angiotensin I converting enzyme) was also up-regulated in CAPs-exposed rat lung. Negative regulator of blood pressure (neuropeptide Y) was down-regulated in CAPs-exposed rat heart. These results indicate that CAPs may affect respiratory and cardiovascular organs by activation of inflammatory responses and disintegration of blood pressure regulation in early stage of CAPs exposure.
Mid-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Isolated Mild Ventriculomegaly Diagnosed in Fetal Life

Objective: To analyze mid-term neurodevelopment outcome in children with isolated mild ventriculomegaly (VM) ≤12 mm diagnosed in fetal life, using the Battelle Developmental Inventory Screening Test (BDIST). Methods: 86 cases of mild VM were identified. 68 were excluded due to: other cerebral anomalies (n = 40), extra-cerebral anomalies (n = 3), chromosomal defects (n = 4), dysmorphic syndromes (n = 4), congenital infections (n = 2), termination of pregnancy (n = 9), stillbirth (n = 2) and incomplete follow-up (n = 4). 18 cases (range 1-8 years) of isolated mild VM were included for analysis. Seven neurodevelopment domains were assessed by BDIST. Results: Routine neuropediatrical evaluation detected neurological disorders in five children (28%; 3 with language impairment, one left hemiparesis and one intellectual retardation). BDIST showed some degree of neurodevelopmental delay in higher proportions: 66% in social-personal skills, 56% in gross motor skills, 39% in adaptive behavior and 28% in fine motor skills. Communicative and cognitive areas were the least affected (11 and 22% had moderate-to-severe involvement, respectively). A general trend towards worse outcomes was observed in the group of ≧4 years, although significant differences were only found for gross motor skills. Conclusion: Subtle neurological delays may appear during the infant period in fetuses prenatally diagnosed of isolated mild VM. In consequence, adequate measures should be established for early detection and treatment.
Accuracy Assessment of Multi-Source Gridded Population Distribution Datasets in China

Population is one of the core elements of sustainable development. Quantifying the estimation accuracy of population spatial distribution has been recognized as a critical and challenging task. This study aims to evaluate the data accuracy of four population datasets in China, including three global gridded population datasets, the Gridded Population of the World (GPW), Global Rural and Urban Mapping Project (GRUMP), and WorldPop project (WorldPop), and a Chinese regional gridded population dataset, the China 1 km Gridded Population (CnPop) dataset. These datasets are assessed using a specific method based on a GIS-linked 2000 census dataset at the township level in China. The results indicate that WorldPop had the highest estimation accuracy, estimating about 60% of the total population. CnPop accurately estimated about half of the total population, showing a good mapping performance. The GPW had an acceptable estimation accuracy in a few plain and basin areas, accounting for about 30% of the total population. Compared to the GPW, GRUMP accurately estimated about 40% of the total population. The relative estimation error analysis discovered the disadvantages of the generation strategies of these datasets. The conclusions are expected to serve as a quality reference for potential dataset users and producers, and promote accuracy assessment for population datasets in other regions and globally.
Investigating family social capital and child health: a case study of South Africa

104 1.0 BACKGROUND . 105 2.0 METHODS . 107 2.1 DATA SOURCE . 107 2.2 MEASUREMENT OF OUTCOME VARIABLE: CHILD HEALTH . 109 2.3 MEASUREMENT OF EXPOSURE VARIABLE: FAMILY SOCIAL CAPITAL . 110 2.4 COVARIATES. 112 2.5 MEASUREMENT OF SES RELATED INEQUALITIES . 112 2.6 DATA ANALYSIS . 114 3.0 RESULTS . 114 3.1 DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS . 114 3.2 RESULTS FOR STUDY OBJECTIVE 1: SES INEQUALITIES IN CHILD HEALTH . 115 3.3 RESULTS FOR STUDY AIM 2: SES INEQUALITIES IN FAMILY SOCIAL CAPITAL . 116 3.4 RESULTS FOR STUDY AIM 3: FAMILY SOCIAL CAPITAL & CHILD HEALTH . 117 4.0 DISCUSSION. 119 5.0 CONCLUSION . 124 6.0 REFERENCES . 125 7.0 TABLES . 128 8.0 FIGURES . 130 PART D: POLICY BRIEF . 133 APPENDICES . 138 APPENDIX 1: GUIDE FOR AUTHORS: JOURNAL OF FAMILY ISSUES . 139 APPENDIX 2: HUMAN RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE APPROVAL . 142 APPENDIX 3: PLAGIARISM DECLARATION . 143
Evolution of virulence in epidemic community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has recently emerged worldwide. The United States, in particular, is experiencing a serious epidemic of CA-MRSA that is almost entirely caused by an extraordinarily infectious strain named USA300. However, the molecular determinants underlying the pathogenic success of CA-MRSA are mostly unknown. To gain insight into the evolution of the exceptional potential of USA300 to cause disease, we compared the phylogeny and virulence of USA300 with that of closely related MRSA clones. We discovered that the sublineage from which USA300 evolved is characterized by a phenotype of high virulence that is clearly distinct from other MRSA strains. Namely, USA300 and its progenitor, USA500, had high virulence in animal infection models and the capacity to evade innate host defense mechanisms. Furthermore, our results indicate that increased virulence in the USA300/USA500 sublineage is attributable to differential expression of core genome-encoded virulence determinants, such as phenol-soluble modulins and α-toxin. Notably, the fact that the virulence phenotype of USA300 was already established in its progenitor indicates that acquisition of mobile genetic elements has played a limited role in the evolution of USA300 virulence and points to a possibly different role of those elements. Thus, our results highlight the importance of differential gene expression in the evolution of USA300 virulence. This finding calls for a profound revision of our notion about CA-MRSA pathogenesis at the molecular level and has important implications for design of therapeutics directed against CA-MRSA.
Pro-cyclical effect of sovereign rating changes on stock returns: a fact or factoid?

ABSTRACT This article examines the effect of changes in sovereign credit ratings and their outlook on the stock market returns of European countries at different phases of business cycle. Using standard four-factor model, it records a significant average marginal effect of credit rating announcements on stock market returns. Both magnitude and significance of the effect vary with business cycle and across announcement types. However, we do not find evidence of pro-cyclical effect of sovereign rating and outlook changes on stock returns. Our results show that stock markets react more negatively to rating downgrades in recovery phases and more positively to rating upgrades in contractionary period. Both results are statistically significant and robust to various sensitivity tests.
Suppression of Growth by All-trans Retinoic Acid Requires Prolonged Induction of Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 in Cervical Squamous Carcinoma (SiHa) Cells

ABSTRACT All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) suppresses growth of cervical dysplasias in vivo, although the sensitivity to retinoids is frequently lost during cervical carcinogenesis. It has been suggested that prolonged treatment or use of higher doses of retinoids might offer favorable response rates. We found SiHa cervical squamous carcinoma cells that were virtually resistant to ATRA-induced growth-inhibitory effects at physiological doses (10−7 to 10−6 M) to be more responsive at pharmacological doses (10−5 to 10−4 M). The growth inhibition by high-dose (10−4 M) ATRA was associated with a sustained activation of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1), while a low dose (10−6 M) of ATRA activated IRF-1 only transiently. Antisense IRF-1 inhibited the high-dose (10−4 M), ATRA-mediated growth arrest; forced expression of IRF-1 caused a significant reduction in cell growth. High-dose (10−4 M) ATRA increased binding of NF-κB and STAT1 proteins to sequences that originated from the IRF-1 promoter region, while low-dose (10−6 M) ATRA induced only NF-κB binding. A delayed tyrosine phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1) was observed after high-dose (10−4 M) but not low-dose (10−6 M) ATRA treatment. In agreement with this, induction of IRF-1 mRNA by ATRA was only modest and transient in a STAT1 knockout cell line, suggesting the importance of STAT1 in sustained IRF-1 expression. Our data showed that ATRA is capable of inducing dose-dependent cellular changes, which might be appropriate to overcome resistance to retinoids that frequently develops during cervical carcinogenesis.
Inhibition of growth of human tumor cell lines in nude mice by an antisense of oligonucleotide inhibitor of protein kinase C-alpha expression.

A 20-mer phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide (ISIS 3521) designed to hybridize sequences in the 3'-untranslated region of human protein kinase C-alpha (PKC-alpha) mRNA has been shown to inhibit the expression of PKC-alpha in multiple human cell lines. In human bladder carcinoma (T-24) cells, inhibition of PKC-alpha was both concentration dependent and oligonucleotide sequence specific. ISIS 3521 had a IC50 of 50-100 nM for PKC-alpha mRNA reduction and was without effect on the expression of other members of the PKC family of genes (PKC-eta and zeta). Toxicity studies in mice revealed that the oligodeoxynucleotide was well tolerated at repeat doses of 100 mg/kg i.v. for up to 14 days, with no acute toxicity apparent. The oligodeoxynucleotide was found to also inhibit the growth of three different human tumor cell lines, the T-24 bladder, human lung carcinoma (A549), and Colo 205 colon carcinoma grown in nude mice. The inhibition was dose dependent with ID50 values for the growth inhibition between 0.06 and 0.6 mg/kg daily when given i.v. , depending on the cell line examined. Three control phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides not targeting human PKC-alpha were without effect on the growth of the tumors at doses as high as 6 mg/kg. Recovery of ISIS 3521 from tumor tissue and resolution by capillary gel electrophoresis revealed that 24 It after the final dose of oligodeoxynucleotide, intact, full-length 20-mer material was present as well as some apparent exonuclease degradation products (e.g., n-1 and n-2 mers). These studies demonstrate the in vivo antitumor effects of an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide targeting PKC-alpha and suggest that this compound may be of value as a chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of human cancers.
Incidence of HIV-related anal cancer remains increased despite long-term combined antiretroviral treatment: results from the french hospital database on HIV.

PURPOSE To study recent trends in the incidence of anal cancer in HIV-infected patients receiving long-term combined antiretroviral treatment (cART) compared with the general population. PATIENTS AND METHODS From the French Hospital Database on HIV, we identified 263 cases of invasive anal squamous cell carcinoma confirmed histologically between 1992 and 2008. We compared incidence rates of anal cancer across four calendar periods: 1992-1996 (pre-cART period), 1997-2000 (early cART period), and 2001-2004 and 2005-2008 (recent cART periods). Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated by using general population incidence data from the French Network of Cancer Registries. RESULTS In HIV-infected patients, the hazard ratio (HR) in the cART periods versus the pre-cART period was 2.5 (95% CI, 1.28 to 4.98). No difference was observed across the cART calendar periods (HR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.6 to 1.3). In 2005-2008, HIV-infected patients compared with the general population had an excess risk of anal cancer, with SIRs of 109.8 (95% CI, 84.6 to 140.3), 49.2 (95% CI, 33.2 to 70.3), and 13.1 (95% CI, 6.8 to 22.8) for men who have sex with men (MSM), other men, and women, respectively. Among patients with CD4 cell counts above 500/μL for at least 2 years, SIRs were 67.5 (95% CI, 41.2 to 104.3) when the CD4 nadir was less than 200/μL for more than 2 years and 24.5 (95% CI, 17.1 to 34.1) when the CD4 nadir was more than 200/μL. CONCLUSION Relative to that in the general population, the risk of anal cancer in HIV-infected patients is still extremely high, even in patients with high current CD4 cell counts. cART appears to have no preventive effect on anal cancer, particularly in MSM.