Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sublingual therapeutic immunization with a polyvalent bacterial preparation in patients with recurrent respiratory infections: immunomodulatory effect on antigen‐specific memory CD4+ T cells and impact on clinical outcome

Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) are common clinical conditions in individuals with alterations of the immune function. A prospective open pilot study in a cohort of patients with RRTIs has been performed to assess whether sublingual immunization with a polyvalent bacterial vaccine could exert an immunomodulatory effect on the antigen‐specific immunological responses and have an impact on the clinical outcome. Seventeen patients with RRTIs were recruited. An oral polyvalent bacterial preparation (Bactek®) was administered to all patients daily for 6 months. Immunological assessment was performed at baseline and at the end of immunization. Immunological measurements included: T cell‐specific proliferations of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ to Bactek® antigens, total immunoglobulin levels, antibodies to pneumococcal polysaccharide and tetanus toxoid and B, T and natural killer (NK) cell subsets. There was a significant increase in the proliferative capacity of CD3+CD4+ T cells specific to Bactek® antigens at month 6 in comparison to baseline (P < 0·0001). A significant increase in total CD3+ T cells was also observed (P < 0·05). No significant differences were observed between baseline and month 6 in levels of total immunoglobulins, specific antibodies and B, T or NK cell subsets. A significant reduction in the patient's rate of RRTIs was observed compared with 1 year prior to initiation of therapy (P < 0·0001). The results demonstrate that long‐term administration of a sublingual polyvalent bacterial preparation in patients with RRTIs exerts an immune stimulating effect on CD4+ T helper cell responses to bacterial antigens which could be associated with clinical benefit.
Stray bullet: An accidental killer during riot control

Background: The use of force to control public uprisings, riots, unruly mobs is an important tool in any administrative setup. Law enforcement agencies often resort to aerial firing, which can be responsible for unintended injuries due to stray bullets.This study was designed to study the pattern of stray bullet injuries and to generate awareness about the hazards related to the use of live ammunition during riot control. Methods: This study was conducted in our unit of the neurosurgery department over a period of 18 months, from June 2008 to December 2010. We enrolled all patients who had head or spine injuries caused by stray bullets from firing during riot control far away from the site of injury. Results: We had two patients with head injury and two with spinal injury sustained because of stray bullets. One of the patients with head injury was operated and the other one was managed conservatively; the latter died on the third day of injury, while the former is surviving with some residual neurological deficit. Amongst the patients with spinal injury, neurological deficits persist till date. None of the patients were aware that they had sustained a bullet injury, and it was only after inquiry that we came to know that the police had resorted to aerial firing for controlling public agitation in nearby areas. Conclusion: Aerial firing of live cartridges is generally considered an ‘innocuous’ method; however, in view of the potential for injury to innocent bystanders, we recommend that the use of live cartridges during aerial firing be banned.
Relaxin Receptor LGR7 (RXFP1) Is Regulated by Estrogen

Estrogen regulates LGR7 (RXFP1) mRNA expression in an in vitro model of human term pregnancy cervix that utilizes lower uterine segment fibroblasts. LGR7 mRNA levels were increased by estradiol to mean levels of 152%± 5.9% above those in untreated control cells. Therefore, estradiol may amplify relaxin's actions in the cervix.
Early measurement of pulsatility and resistive indexes: correlation with long-term renal transplant function.

PURPOSE To correlate pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) measured at early specific intervals after transplantation with 1-year estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and death-censored transplant survival to assess the long-term prognostic value of these Doppler indexes. MATERIALS AND METHODS The local ethics committee was consulted, and no formal approval was required. This retrospective review included 178 consecutive patients (111 male, 67 female; mean age, 43.9 years ± 13.4 [standard deviation]; age range, 16-72 years) undergoing first deceased-donor renal transplantation between 1997 and 2000. All patients were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Spectral Doppler analysis was performed within 1 week after transplantation in all patients and between 1 week and 3 months after transplantation in 124 patients. Average PI and RI were determined from measurements obtained in the upper, lower, and interpolar regions. For statistical analysis, the χ(2) test, analysis of variance, the Student t test, Kaplan-Meier survival plots, and Cox proportional hazards models were used. RESULTS Within 1 week after transplantation, there was a significant association between PI and 1-year eGFR when analyzed as tertiles (P = .02). Between 1 week and 3 months after transplantation, there was a significant relationship between 1-year eGFR and both PI and RI when comparing the lowest and highest tertiles (47.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2) for PI <1.26 vs 32.7 mL/min/1.73 m(2) for PI >1.49 [P = . 01], 42.8 mL/min/1.73 m(2) for RI <0.69 vs 32.3 mL/min/1.73 m(2) for RI >0.74 [P = . 03]). Both PI and RI were independent predictors of death-censored transplant survival (hazard ratio, 1.68 per unit [P < .001] and 260.4 per unit, respectively [P = .02]). CONCLUSION PI and RI in the early posttransplantation period correlate with long-term transplant function and can potentially be used as prognostic markers to aid risk stratification for future transplant dysfunction.
Sperm chromatin structure assay parameters measured after density gradient centrifugation are not predictive for the outcome of ART.

BACKGROUND The sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) parameter DNA fragmentation index (DFI) has been shown to predict in vivo and in vitro fertility. So far most SCSA studies have been based on SCSA analysis performed on neat semen. The aim of this study is to assess whether SCSA analysis of sperm prepared by density gradient centrifugation (DGC) could add more information in regard to the prediction of treatment outcome. METHODS The study included 510 assisted reproductive technique (ART) cycles. SCSA was performed in neat semen and post DGC. SCSA results were expressed in terms of DFI and high DNA stainability (HDS) cell fractions. The outcome parameter was clinical pregnancy (CP). RESULTS Scatter-plot diagrams demonstrated that for DGC samples, no DFI cut-off values could be set for in vivo or in vitro fertility. In intrauterine insemination, IVF and ICSI groups the mean difference (95% CI) in DFI post DGC between those who achieved CP and those who did not was 0.2% (-1.7 to 2.0%), 0.4% (-1.9 to 2.8%) and 1.3% (-3.1 to 5.9%), respectively, none of these being statistically significant. The corresponding differences for HDS were 0.1% (-1.3 to 1.5%), 0.1% (-0.7 to 0.9%) and 0.6% (-1.6 to 2.7%), respectively (all P-values >0.6). CONCLUSIONS SCSA performed in semen prepared by DGC cannot predict the outcome of ART.
A Structural Analysis of the Turkish Hospital Industry Using Porter’s Diamond Framework: A Case from an Emerging Market

Bu calisma, Porter’in elmas modelini Turk Hastane endustrisine uygulayarak, endustrinin uluslararasi rekabet avantaji kaynaklarini aciklamaktadir. Calismanin amaci, Turk Hastane Sektorunun rekabetci yapisini anlamak ve elmas modelinin gelismekte olan ulkelere uygulanabilir olup olmadigini degerlendirmektir. Bu calismada yapilan Turk hastane endustrisine iliskin ayrintili vaka incelemesi, saygin danismanlik firmalarinin yayinlarindan ve ulusal ve uluslararasi raporlardan elde edilen ikincil verilerin ve sektor temsilcileriyle yapilan mulakatlarin analizi ile gerceklestirilmistir. Sonuclar genellikle Porter’in modelini desteklemektedir. Şoyle ki, Turk hastane endustrisi, yatirim-odakli seviyede bulunan bir ulkenin elmas modeline ait karakteristikleri gostermektedir. Kisacasi, Turkiye; yuksek teknoloji, modern tesisler, iyi egitim almis nispeten dusuk ucretli saglik personeli, uygun hava tasimaciligi ve guclu hukumet desteginden yararlanirken tatmin edici derecede sofistike ulusal talepten ve gelismis destek endustrilerinden yoksundur.
Data in Society

Statistical data and evidence-based claims are increasingly central to our everyday lives. Critically examining ‘Big Data’, this book charts the recent explosion in sources of data, including those precipitated by global developments and technological change. It sets out changes and controversies related to data harvesting and construction, dissemination and data analytics by a range of private, governmental and social organisations in multiple settings. Analysing the power of data to shape political debate, the presentation of ideas to us by the media, and issues surrounding data ownership and access, the authors suggest how data can be used to uncover injustices and to advance social progress
The East London Study of Maternal Chronic Periodontal Disease and Preterm Low Birth Weight Infants: study design and prevalence data.

The influence of subject-based and environmental factors on the balance between the subgingival microbial challenge and the host response in periodontal diseases illustrates the intimate link between oral and systemic health. From this stems the hypothesis that the persistent Gram-negative challenge and associated inflammatory sequelae in periodontal disease may have consequences extending beyond the periodontal tissues themselves. This paper addresses the design of a case-control study to examine the relationship between preterm low birth weight (PLBW) and maternal periodontal disease. We present preliminary data on the prevalence of these 2 conditions in a group of mothers at the Royal Hospitals Trust, London, U.K. Cases are defined as mothers delivering an infant weighing less than 2,500g before 37 weeks gestation and controls as mothers delivering an infant of more than 2,500g after 38 weeks. We estimated that a study involving 800 mothers (1:3 case:control) should have sufficient power to detect an association with a minimum odds ration of 3 at the 5% significance level. Demographic details of 177 subjects demonstrated that they were representative of the local population, and the prevalence of PLBW was within the expected range. However, the extent and severity of periodontal disease were higher than predicted and may have reflected elevations in gingival inflammation associated with pregnancy. The final outcome of the study should help determine the need for further interventionist studies to demonstrate a causal relationship between periodontal disease and PLBW, as well as provide information on the prevalence of periodontal diseases in this study population.
Aeromonas hydrophila Cytotoxic Enterotoxin Activates Mitogen-activated Protein Kinases and Induces Apoptosis in Murine Macrophages and Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells*

A cytotoxic enterotoxin (Act) of Aeromonas hydrophila possesses several biological activities, induces an inflammatory response in the host, and causes apoptosis of murine macrophages. In this study, we utilized five target cell types (a murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7), bone marrow-derived transformed macrophages, murine peritoneal macrophages, and two human intestinal epithelial cell lines (T84 and HT-29)) to investigate the effect of Act on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways and mechanisms leading to apoptosis. As demonstrated by immunoprecipitation/kinase assays or Western blot analysis, Act activated stress-associated p38, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in these cells. Act also induced phosphorylation of upstream MAPK factors (MAPK kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6), MKK4, and MAP/ERK kinase 1 (MEK1)) and downstream effectors (MAPK-activated protein kinase-2, activating transcription factor-2, and c-Jun). Act evoked cell membrane blebbing, caspase 3-cleavage, and activation of caspases 8 and 9 in these cells. In macrophages that do not express functional tumor necrosis factor receptors, apoptosis and caspase activities were significantly decreased. Immunoblotting of host whole cell lysates revealed Act-induced up-regulation of apoptosis-related proteins, including the mitochondrial proteins cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor. However, mitochondrial membrane depolarization was not detected in response to Act. Taken together, the data demonstrated for the first time Act-induced activation of MAPK signaling and classical caspase-associated apoptosis in macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells. Given the importance of MAPK pathways and apoptosis in inflammation-associated diseases, this study provided new insights into the mechanism of action of Act on host cells.
Shunt implantation in a special sub-group of post-traumatic hydrocephalus—patients have normal intracranial pressure without clinical representations of hydrocephalus

Background: Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is a frequent complication secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and controversy remains over whether to perform a shunt placement for patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus when the patient is too injured to display symptoms or has atypical symptoms. Method: A hospital-based retrospective study was performed in patients who developed normal pressure hydrocephalus, without atypical symptoms, from January 2004 to June 2007. Information regarding patients’ demographics, TBI, hydrocephalus and outcome was collected. Results: A total of 31 patients were involved in this study. At the 12-month follow-up, 20 patients (64.5%) showed clear improvement. Among the 10 patients who developed PTH after decompressive craniectomy, cranioplasty was performed after shunt implantation and clinical improvement was observed in nine patients. Additionally, in this series, the patients’ age and the severity of hydrocephalus, assessed by CT imaging before shunt placement, significantly correlated with improvement. Conclusion: Although the effect was not definitively established, many patients in the sub-group of PTH patients described here would benefit from shunt placement, especially when they simultaneously have large cranial defects after surgical decompression and underwent cranioplasties after shunt placement. Additionally, younger patients and those with less severe hydrocephalus before shunt placement may expect a better outcome after shunt placement.
Effects of smoking on inflammatory mediators and their relationship to pulmonary dysfunction.

Study populations of 170 male smokers and 170 age- and sex-matched nonsmokers were used to determine the effects of cigarette smoking on pulmonary function, peripheral blood leukocytes and phase reactive proteins. Further, the interrelationships between these parameters were sought. Consistent with their young age (mean 37 years) and relatively brief smoking history (mean 24 pack-years), the smokers had a significant, yet modest, impairment of pulmonary function as measured by both forced expiratory spirometry and the single breath nitrogen/closing volume test. Smokers exhibited a significant elevation in total peripheral blood leukocytes which was attributable to increases in neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils. Similarly, significant increases in the "phase reactive" proteins [i.e., the ninth component of complement (C9), ceruloplasmin and alpha 1-protease inhibitor (alpha 1-PI)] were also observed in smokers. Increases in total leukocytes, neutrophils, C9 and alpha 1-PI were significantly associated with present and cumulative cigarette consumption, blood levels of smoke constituents/metabolites (i.e., carboxyhemoglobin, nicotine and cotinine) and impaired pulmonary function (i.e., FEV1 and FVC). However, duration of smoking (years smoked) and pack-years smoking history were the best predictors of elevations in inflammatory mediators and pulmonary dysfunction. These data support the hypotheses that: a low grade inflammatory reaction is induced in smokers and is dependent upon a dose-related exposure to smoke; and the smoking-induced changes in inflammatory mediators are associated with the observed pulmonary dysfunction.
Does the Phillips Curve exist in Indonesia? A Panel Granger Causality Model

The short-term economic problems such as inflation and unemployment are among the most important macroeconomic problems at all times. Emprirical study was conducted with a purpose to analyze the causality of the inflation rate and the open unemployment rate of 33 provinces in Indonesia from 2013 to 2017. Indonesia's geographic condition which consists of thousands of islands is a note that macro policies at the time of implementation require a long process, even need to be adjusted to pay attention to aspects of regional variation. Therefore, the Panel Data Model and Panel Granger Causality becomes an alternative to capture the possibility of variations between regions in the short term. The study showed that there was a one-way causality relationship from the inflation rate to the open unemployment rate. The trade-off between the inflation rate and the open unemployment rate was a short-term economic phenomenon, so the Sticky Price condition still applied. We foud that in provinces of Indonesia the inflation rate was conditioned mainly by Demand-Pull Inflation. Thus, an effective inflation management could reduce the open unemployment. Thus, the role of government in managing the economy cannot be underestimated, both through fiscal and monetary policies. This role isemphasized more on the government's efforts to stimulate the Demand Side Economics.
Exploring the Association of Communication Satisfaction with the Oil and Natural Gas Industry and Risk Perceptions of Shale Energy Development

Abstract Despite the vast literature on shale energy development, surprisingly little empirical research has been conducted on the shale energy communicators, communication practices, and community outreach programs. Using data drawn from a random sample of individuals in two counties in the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, we present a newly-constructed unidimensional scale that can be used to measure stakeholders’ level of satisfaction with the oil and natural gas industry’s communication performance. We then examine the relationship between individuals’ level of communication satisfaction with the oil and gas industry and their perceptions of risk in regard to shale energy development in the Eagle Ford Shale. We find substantial support for the hypothesis that communication satisfaction with the oil and natural gas industry is negatively associated with risk perception. We conclude the paper with several suggestions for future research.
Update on talar fracture patterns: a large level I trauma center study.

OBJECTIVE Prior studies of talar fracture patterns are dated and based on radiography only. The purpose of our study was to describe talar fracture patterns and associated injuries in a modern large level 1 trauma center setting using both radiography and CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS The radiolog and clinical data of patients with acute talar fractures diagnosed over an 18-month period were retrospectively reviewed. Data analysis included descriptive statistics for injury mechanisms and associated injuries. RESULTS Over the study period, a total of 132 talar fractures were detected in 122 patients. The most common talar fracture location was the body (61%). The most common body fractures were dome compression (26%), lateral process (24%), and posterior tubercle (21%). Of the 132 fractures, 62% were comminuted and 21 (16%) were vertical neck fractures compatible with the Hawkins-Canale classification. Both radiography and CT were used in 91% of cases, with CT providing additional information in 112 (93%) cases. By use of CT as the reference standard, the sensitivity of radiography for detecting talar fractures was 74%. The most common fracture missed by radiography was talar dome compression (31% not seen on radiography) Talar fractures were associated with adjacent joint subluxation or dislocation in more than 66% of the cases and adjacent fracture in more than 72% of the cases. CONCLUSION In our study, the most common site of talar fracture was the body. Current classification systems do not apply to most talar fractures. Talar fracture patterns cannot be characterized with radiography alone. CT is a critical tool for the detection and characterization of talar fractures. There is a high incidence of adjacent fracture and dislocation with acute traumatic talar fractures.
Toward a model of destination resident–environment relationship: the case of Gulangyu, China

ABSTRACT This study tested an integrative model to better understand residents’ environmentally responsible behaviour (RERB) and willingness to sacrifice for the environment (WTS) using a sample of 430 residents on Gulangyu Island in China. Results show that destination environmental quality and eco-friendly reputation directly affected resident environmental identification and environmental commitment. Destination eco-friendly reputation directly influenced RERB and WTS. Both resident environmental identification and commitment directly affected RERB and WTS. Furthermore, environmental identification and environmental commitment fully mediate the effects of environmental quality on RERB and WTS, and partially mediate the effects of destination eco-friendly reputation on RERB and WTS.
Snakes and Ladders and Loaded Dice: Poverty dynamics and inequality in South Africa between 2008-2017

Poverty is experienced in two dimensions: over time and in space. In the developing country context, poverty analysis is most often undertaken using cross-sectional survey data. As long as this data is representative at a certain geographical level (local, regional or national), it can meaningfully illuminate something of the extent, depth severity and correlates of poverty in space, at a single point in time. However, poverty is not experienced as a static and stable state – it is experienced as a dynamic phenomenon. That is, households move into and out of poverty over time, remain trapped in poverty, or are able to keep their heads above water. Reflecting this dynamic nature of poverty, much of the economic behaviour of households is determined by this dynamism: Even poor households shape their economic decision making around not merely meeting basic needs in the present, but also attempting to plan ahead to move up and out of poverty while at the same time trying to prevent descents into deeper poverty. In this sense, a cross-sectional and static perspective on poverty, by missing this dynamic element, is fundamentally limited in understanding the nature and determinants of poverty.