Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A DOUBLE‐BLJND CROSS‐OVER STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF DOXYCYCLINE ON MYCOPLASMA INFECTION AND INFERTILITY

Forty‐two couples in an infertility clinic were examined for genital infection with Mycoplasma hominis or Ureaplasma urealyticum (T strains). In 21 couples one or other partner was found to be infected; no chlamydiae, trichomonads, or gonococci were isolated from any of these couples. All patients were then included in a double‐blind crossover doxycycline/placebo study lasting 8 months. Pregnancy was achieved in one of the 21 couples who were free of infection. Of the 21 couples who were infected, one achieved a pregnancy while still infected, and 19 lost their infection on doxycycline, of whom four achieved a pregnancy. These four pregnancies all occurred among the 10 couples who received doxycycline first. One further pregnancy occurred after the trial was over. Since 5 of the 7 pregnancies occurred in the first 4 months of the trial, they were probably due to the psychological effect of treatment rather than the effect of the drug on infection.
Is Central Banks’ Effectiveness Related to their Transparency? A Case of European Economies

Abstract This article presents a novel transparency measure and examines forward-looking transparency of six European central banks. It aims at evaluating whether the higher degree of transparency is related to better economic stabilization expressed in terms of output and inflation gap minimization. The methods used are based on data and a statistical analysis. To extract the cyclical component of time series, the Hodrick-Prescott filter is employed. The research covers the Czech National Bank, the National Bank of Hungary, the National Bank of Poland, the National Bank of Romania, the Bank of England, and the Sveriges Riksbank during 1997–2016. Firstly, we develop an index of forward-looking transparency that focuses on signalling intentions by the central banks. It is one of the main contributions of our article. Secondly, we compare transparency in the field of signaling intentions within our sample, which is another aspect of originality of this study. The results indicate that the Czech National Bank and the central banks of developed economies outperform the other central banks from our sample in terms of openness. Finally, under some caveats, we relate the degree of transparency to the levels and volatility of output and inflation gaps. We find the existence of the relationship between the central banks’ transparency and their effectiveness mainly for Czech Republic and the UK, but also, although to a lesser extent, for Poland and Romania.
Intrathecal sufentanil for labor analgesia--sensory changes, side effects, and fetal heart rate changes.

This study was designed to evaluate intrathecal (IT) sufentanil for labor analgesia with respect to sensory changes, side effects, and fetal heart rate (FHR) changes. In Phase I of the study, data regarding duration of analgesia and hemodynamic changes were obtained retrospectively from the labor and anesthetic records of 90 patients who had received IT sufentanil, 10 micrograms in 1 mL of saline, during active labor. In Phase II, an additional 18 parturients who received similar treatment were studied prospectively to document sensory, motor, and hemodynamic changes, as well as the incidence of side effects. In Phase I, analgesia occurred rapidly and lasted 124 +/- 68 min (SD); 19% of patients required no further analgesia before delivery. In Phase II, median time to onset of analgesia was 3 min (range 1-6 min) and mean duration of analgesia was 96 +/- 36 min. Decreased sensation to pinprick and cold occurred within 6 min extending from T4 to L4 (upper and lower median levels) in the majority of patients. All subjects requested additional analgesia within approximately 30 min of recession of sensory changes. Motor strength remained normal throughout. Hypotension (systolic blood pressure [BP] < or = 90 mm Hg or > 20% decrease in systolic BP) occurred in 14% and 11% of patients in Phase I and II, respectively. Perineal itching preceded analgesia in 95% of patients and all subjects experienced mild sedation. FHR changes occurred in 15% of cases but were not associated with adverse neonatal outcome. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Incentivizing Creativity: A Large-Scale Experiment with Performance Bonuses and Gifts

This paper reports the results from a large-scale laboratory experiment that compared the impacts of a performance bonus and a wage gift on output from a creative task and a simple task. We find that the performance bonus substantially increases output in both the creative task and the simple task. By comparison, the wage gift increases output only in the simple task. Additional experimental treatments suggest that reciprocity in the creative task is inhibited because agents are uncertain about how their efforts affect the payments that accrue to the principal as a result of the agents’ work.
Quantification of axonally transported material using cytofluorimetric scanning

This paper describes in detail a cytofluorimetric scanning technique used for studying amounts of material axonally transported in antero‐ and retrograde direction in peripheral nerves. Operating procedures, preparation of tissues and instrumental set‐up are described. The basis for quantification of material in a nerve section treated for immunofluorescence is discussed. The reliability of the method has been tested by comparing results with biochemical data. There are several advantages of the technique. (1) Many different substances can be studied in one single nerve segment, thus reducing biological variation and costs. (2) Both morphological data and quantitative figures can be obtained; following scanning the section can be photographed. (3) The method can also be used on studies in the central nervous system and on tissue cultures, since it is possible to scan on single axons or bundles of fibres.
Internalization of Pseudorabies Virus Glycoprotein B Is Mediated by an Interaction between the YQRL Motif in Its Cytoplasmic Domain and the Clathrin-Associated AP-2 Adaptor Complex

ABSTRACT The cytoplasmic domain of pseudorabies virus (PRV) glycoprotein B (gB) contains three putative internalization motifs. Previously, we demonstrated that the tyrosine-based YQRL motif at positions 902 to 905, but not the YMSI motif at positions 864 to 867 or the LL doublet at positions 887 and 888, is required for correct functioning of gB during antibody-mediated internalization of PRV cell surface-bound glycoproteins. In the present study, we demonstrate that the YQRL motif is also crucial to allow spontaneous internalization of PRV gB, and thus, that spontaneous and antibody-mediated internalizations of PRV gB occur through closely related mechanisms. Furthermore, we found that PRV gB colocalizes with the cellular clathrin-associated AP-2 adaptor complex and that this colocalization depends on the YQRL motif. In addition, by coimmunoprecipitation assays, we found that during both spontaneous and antibody-dependent internalization, PRV gB physically interacts with AP-2, and that efficient interaction between gB and AP-2 required an intact YQRL motif. Collectively, these findings demonstrate for the first time that during internalization of an alphaherpesvirus envelope protein, i.e., PRV gB, a specific amino acid sequence in the cytoplasmic tail of the protein interacts with AP-2 and may constitute a common AP-2-mediated mechanism of internalization of alphaherpesvirus envelope proteins.
Erythropoietin-Associated PRCA: Still an Unsolved Mystery

The peak of erythropoietin-associated pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) incidents occurred over 4 years ago, but the debate on what triggered the autoimmune disorder continues today. The association with the recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin, rhEPO) alpha-branded Eprex (Johnson and Johnson), makes PRCA of interest to medical and scientific communities, as well as the biotechnology industry, as it opens a broader question of the potential immunogenicity of biopharmaceuticals in general. An overview of the background and a perspective on current thought in erythropoietin-associated PRCA may assist in avoiding a repeat of similar immunogenic cases with other biopharmaceuticals and their emerging follow-on products. At the same time, it is also important to clarify what are the relevant questions to ask in order to ensure appropriate testing in the regulation of biopharmaceuticals. The upsurge of PRCA is associated with a formulation change introduced in 1998 when human serum albumin (HSA) as protein stabilizer was exchanged with polysorbate 80. Several explanations have been offered to explain how this change led to Eprex-associated PRCA. Leachates from uncoated rubber stoppers acting as adjuvant are blamed by the manufacturer of Eprex, but the experimental data substantiating this claim are poor and the leachates theory has no biological rationale and is also inconsistent with epidemiological and clinical data. A more likely explanation that is consistent with all data is a higher tendency for aggregate formation during handling and storage due to the exchange of HSA by polysorbate 80 as stabilizer.
Falls in Parkinson's disease

Purpose of reviewTo summarize the latest insights into the clinical significance, assessment, pathophysiology and treatment of falls in Parkinson's disease. Recent findingsRecent studies have shown that falls are common in Parkinson's disease, even when compared with other fall-prone populations. The clinical impact of falls is considerable, often leading to an incapacitating fear of renewed falls. The associated costs for society are substantial. Clinical assessment often includes the retropulsion test, and recent studies have offered practical recommendations regarding the execution and scoring of this test. Insights into the pathophysiology underlying falls are growing and point to an important role for the loss of inter-segmental flexibility (‘stiffness’), which predisposes patients to falls in a backward or medial-lateral direction. New evidence has clarified why Parkinson's disease patients commonly fall during transfers and under ‘dual tasking’ circumstances. The absence of adequately directed arm movements may explain the relatively high proportion of hip fractures in Parkinson's disease. The importance of freezing of gait as a cause of falls is recognized, and we are beginning to understand the different manifestations of gait freezing. Recent work has defined the contributions of pharmacotherapy, stereotactic neurosurgery, physiotherapy and multidisciplinary interventions in the treatment of postural instability to prevent falls in Parkinson's disease. SummaryNo dramatic breakthroughs have occurred during the review period, but new information in various areas may be useful for practising clinicians. Interesting new questions have been raised that should fuel studies of pathophysiological mechanisms, which could help in the development of improved treatment strategies to reduce falls in Parkinson's disease.
Effect of adenylate cyclase stimulation on meiotic resumption and cyclic AMP content of zona-free and cumulus-enclosed bovine oocytes in vitro.

The effect of adenylate cyclase stimulation via the components of the enzyme on nuclear maturation in bovine cumulus-enclosed and zona-free oocytes was examined. The stimulating agents were cholera toxin, pertussis toxin, forskolin, sodium fluoride and prostaglandin E2. Cyclic AMP contents were measured in cumulus-oocyte complexes, cumulus-enclosed oocytes and in zona-free oocytes after stimulation, to establish the relationship between cumulus cell and oocyte cAMP concentrations and the meiotic status of the oocyte. In cumulus-enclosed oocytes, forskolin alone and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), at 0.5 mmol l-1, inhibited the resumption of meiosis after 8 h of culture; the other agents were without effect. After 24 h of culture, IBMX at 0.5 mmol l-1 was without effect, but at 2 mmol l-1 reduced the percentage of oocytes at the mature stage (51 versus 82% in control medium). Forskolin alone reduced the proportion of oocytes at the mature stage from 82 to 58%. Forskolin plus IBMX at 2 mmol l-1 and sodium fluoride plus IBMX at 2 mmol l-1 significantly diminished the maturation rate (6 and 17% mature oocytes, respectively). Cholera toxin (with IBMX) and forskolin (alone or with IBMX) stimulated the synthesis of high amounts of cAMP in complexes, but only forskolin had a significant effect on the cAMP contents of oocytes derived from complexes. Forskolin was more effective in zona-free oocytes than in cumulus-enclosed oocytes in inhibiting nuclear maturation (24% mature oocytes versus 73% in control medium) even after 24 h of culture; its effect was potentiated by IBMX; forskolin also stimulated cAMP synthesis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Quantitative Assessment of Variation in CT Parameters on Texture Features: Pilot Study Using a Nonanatomic Phantom

SUMMARY: Our aim was to evaluate changes in texture features based on variations in CT parameters on a phantom. Scans were performed with varying milliampere, kilovolt, section thickness, pitch, and acquisition mode. Forty-two texture features were extracted by using an in-house-developed Matlab program. Two-tailed t tests and false-detection analyses were performed with significant differences in texture features based on detector array configurations (Q values = 0.001–0.006), section thickness (Q values = 0.0002–0.001), and acquisition mode (Q values = 0.003–0.006). Variations in milliampere and kilovolt had no significant effect.
Serum Leptin Concentrations in Young Insulin-Sensitive and Insulin-Resistant Volunteers

The aim of this study was to compare metabolic profiles and serum leptin concentrations between young insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant subjects. A cross-sectional study was performed in 32 healthy, non-obese, young volunteers. Assessing of insulin sensitivity, serum leptin concentration, serum uric acid, creatinine levels and lipid profile were done on all subjects. An insulin suppression test modified with octreotide was performed to assess insulin sensitivity. Steady state glucose (SSG) and steady state insulin concentrations were calculated. Based on the SSG data, the volunteers were divided into four quartiles, considering as insulin-sensitive individuals those from quartile 1 to quartile 3, and insulin-resistant subjects those in quartile 4. Characteristics of both groups were compared, including metabolic profile and leptin levels. After dividing SSG into quartiles, 24 subjects were considered as insulin-sensitive individuals, and 8 were assessed as insulin-resistant subjects. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were significantly higher in the insulin-resistant group than in the insulin-sensitive group. Serum leptin concentration was significantly higher (p=0.05) in insulin-resistant women (6.1 +/- 3.1 ng/ml) than those considered as insulin-sensitive (3.7 +/- 2.3 ng/ml). In conclusion, insulin-resistant subjects had higher concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol compared to insulin-sensitive individuals. Serum leptin level was higher in insulin-resistant women than those considered as insulin-sensitive.
Chronic cortisol exposure promotes the development of a GABAergic phenotype in the primate hippocampus

Glucocorticoids regulate plasticity and survival of hippocampal neurons. Aberrant exposure to this steroid hormone can result in neurodegeneration, perhaps secondary to disruption of calcium homeostasis. Calbindin, a calcium‐binding protein that buffers excess calcium, may protect against neurodegeneration resulting from overabundance of intracellular calcium. In this study, we examined whether chronic treatment (1 year) with cortisol enhances hippocampal calbindin expression in primates. Calbindin is a marker for inhibitory neurons and the dentate gyrus is known to adopt an inhibitory phenotype in response to extreme conditions such as seizures. Thus, we hypothesized that chronic cortisol exposure may also promote a GABAergic phenotype. Therefore, we examined the expression of the GABA‐synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase. The expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, which is responsive to glucocorticoids, was also examined. Our results demonstrate significant increases in calbindin, glutamic acid decarboxylase and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in several regions of the primate hippocampus, including the dentate gyrus and CA3, in response to chronic cortisol exposure. These results suggest that chronic cortisol exposure may shift the balance towards a GABAergic phenotype, perhaps as part of a compensatory feedback mechanism to dampen the initial excitatory effects of glucocorticoids in the hippocampus.
Extended High Frequency Hearing Sensitivity a Normative Threshold Study in Musicians

Sixty members of the Minnesota Orchestra (aged 24 to 64 years) and 30 nonmusicians (aged 20 to 69 years) were evaluated for hearing sensitivity within the conventional audiometric range (0.25 to 8 kHz) and within the extended high frequency audiometric range (9 to 20 kHz). Threshold data were evaluated by age, sex, and musician-nonmusician categories for the respective frequencies, and data were compared to other studies. Musician hearing appeared no poorer than nonmusician hearing, suggesting no major hearing loss from musicians' exposure to orchestral noise. Hearing acuity of the two groups was similar to some normal groups reported in the world literature but appeared poorer in comparison to some normal groups defined by a very restrictive definition of normal hearing. Issues relating to the definition of normal hearing are explored. A mathematical model descriptive of extended high tone hearing sensitivity for musicians and nonmusicians evaluated was calculated. The formula is presented from which typical age-specific extended high frequency thresholds may be calculated for the 90 subjects evaluated.
The long‐term effect of high‐frequency chest compression therapy on pulmonary complications of cystic fibrosis

A high‐frequency chest compression (HFCC) device for clearance of mucous secretions from airways was tested in 16 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with significant improvement in pulmonary function for the HFCC period, which averaged 22 months per patient. The device consists of a variable air pulse delivery system and a non‐stretch inflatable vest worn by the patient to cover the entire torso. The patients perform 30 minute therapy sessions divided into 5 minute periods at each of six frequencies. Individual patient therapy time per day ranged from 30 to 240 minutes. Frequencies used by each patient were determined by measuring air flow at the mouth and calculated volume expired per chest compression during tidal breathing while receiving HFCC at frequencies between 5 and 22 Hz at 1 Hz increments. The frequencies that produced the three highest flows and the three largest volumes were selected for each patient's therapy.
Dental anomalies in different cleft groups related to neural crest developmental fields contributes to the understanding of cleft aetiology

Abstract Objective : To analyze dental deviations in three cleft groups and relate findings to embryological neural crest fields (frontonasal, maxillary, and palatal). The overall purpose was to evaluate how fields are involved in different cleft types. Design: Retrospective audit of clinical photographs, radiographs, dental casts, and medical records. Patients: Ninety individuals (30 cleft lip, 30 cleft palate, and 30 combined cleft lip and palate), aged 5–27 years. Main outcome measures: Visual evaluation of tooth number and tooth morphology. Results : Cleft lip: Dental deviations were predominantly observed in the frontonasal field. Supernumerary lateral incisors occurred significantly more often in cleft lip compared to other cleft types. Cleft palate: Dental deviations were observed in the maxillary and palatal fields indicating that both fields are involved in the development of cleft palate. Malformed roots were seen significantly more often in cleft palate. Combined cleft lip and palate: Number and type of dental deviations differed significantly from deviations in other cleft types, e.g. significantly more ageneses. Conclusions: Cleft lip seems to be caused by a disorder in neural crest migration to the frontonasal field and cleft palate by a disorder in neural crest migration to the maxillary and palatal fields. Combined cleft lip and palate seems to be caused by a primary early defect in the cranial course and function of the notochord. The dentition was significantly different in the different cleft types supporting the view of different aetiology/genetics.
Nowcasting and the Use of Big Data in Short-Term Macroeconomic Forecasting: A Critical Review

[eng] This paper provides a discussion of the use of Big Data for economic forecasting and a critical review of recent empirical studies drawing on Big Data sources, including those using internet search, social media and financial transactions related data. A broad conclusion is that whilst Big Data sources may provide new and unique insights into high frequency macroe¬conomic activities, their uses for macroeconomic forecasting are relatively limited and have met with varying degrees of success. Specific issues arise from the limitations of these data sets, the qualitative nature of the information they incorporate and the empirical testing frameworks used. The most successful applications appear to be those which seek to embed this class of information within a coherent economic framework, as opposed to a naive black box statistical approach. This suggests that future work using Big Data should focus on improving the quality and accessibility of the relevant data sets and in developing more appropriate economic model-ling frameworks for their future use.
Disentangling Sources of High Frequency Market Microstructure Noise

Abstract Employing tick-by-tick maximum likelihood estimation on several leading models from the financial economics literature, we find that the market microstructure noise is mostly explained by a linear model where the trade direction, that is, whether the trade is buyer or seller initiated, is multiplied by the dynamic quoted bid-ask spread. Although reasonably stable intraday, this model manifests variability across days and stocks. Among different observable high frequency financial characteristics of the underlying stocks, this variability is best explained by the tick-to-spread ratio, implying that discreteness is the first residual source of noise. We determine the bid-ask bounce effect as the next source of noise.