Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential Influence of Blogs Across Different Stages of Decision Making: The Case of Venture Capitalists

In this paper, we study the differential influence of online user-generated content (UGC), specifically blogs, across the multiple stages of decision making of venture capitalists: screening stage, choice stage, and contract stage. We conjecture that, first, blogs are influential at the screening stage; second, after the screening stage, blogs are noninfluential since decision makers evaluate entities closely at later stages; third, blogs increase the interest from multiple decision makers which in turn increases the cost of the deal for a decision maker. This empirical investigation provides support for the hypotheses, which we tested for funding decisions by venture capitalists in information technology ventures. In particular, this study indicates that blogs can help managers in getting their products/services selected at the screening stage, but, beyond that, blogs do not help directly. However, since more decision makers screen products/services that receive blog coverage, the competition among decision makers helps managers in negotiating better contract terms. We advance the boundary of existing studies on the influence of UGC from single stage process to multiple stages.
The essential oil composition of aerial parts of Anthemis tricolor Boiss. from Cyprus

The water-distilled essential oil from the aerial parts of Anthemis tricolor Boiss. (Asteraceae), an endemic taxon from Cyprus, was analysed by GC and GC–MS. The analysis revealed 40 compounds accounting for 84.5% of the oil. Muurola-4,11-diene (20.2%), β-caryophyllene (9.1%) and germacrene-D (5.5%) were the main compounds of A. tricolor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed study of the essential oil composition of A. tricolor collected from Cyprus.
Intracellular uptake and toxicity of Ag and CuO nanoparticles: a comparison between nanoparticles and their corresponding metal ions.

UNLABELLED An increased understanding of nanoparticle toxicity and its impact on human health is essential to enable a safe use of nanoparticles in our society. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of a Trojan horse type mechanism for the toxicity of Ag-nano and CuO-nano particles and their corresponding metal ionic species (using CuCl2 and AgNO3 ), i.e., the importance of the solid particle to mediate cellular uptake and subsequent release of toxic species inside the cell. The human lung cell lines A549 and BEAS-2B are used and cell death/membrane integrity and DNA damage are investigated by means of trypan blue staining and the comet assay, respectively. Chemical analysis of the cellular dose of copper and silver is performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and confocal Raman microscopy are employed to study cellular uptake and particle-cell interactions. The results confirm a high uptake of CuO-nano and Ag-nano compared to no, or low, uptake of the soluble salts. CuO-nano induces both cell death and DNA damage whereas CuCl2 induces no toxicity. The opposite is observed for silver, where Ag-nano does not cause any toxicity, whereas AgNO3 induces a high level of cell death. IN CONCLUSION CuO-nano toxicity is predominantly mediated by intracellular uptake and subsequent release of copper ions, whereas no toxicity is observed for Ag-nano due to low release of silver ions within short time periods.
OFFSPRING SEX RATIO VARIATION IN THE EUROPEAN BADGER, MELES MELES

The sex ratio of post-emergence offspring of the European badger Meles meles in Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, UK did not differ significantly from 50% between 1987 and 2001. Insofar as male offspring are more costly to rear successfully, mothers optimized cub productivity with regard to the level of resources that they could invest. When females had a relatively high index of body condition, they implanted early; when implantation was early, the cub sex ratio was male biased. Additionally, years with a male-biased cub sex ratio coincided with a significantly larger cub cohort. These results do not support the local resource competition hypothesis, which proposes that in years when female body condition is poor, females should lower competition for local resources by producing the dispersing sex, i.e., males. The potential mechanisms by which offspring sex ratios may be skewed are discussed. Overall, it appears that bias in the cub sex ratio may result from a combination of adaptive parental strategies, differential infanticide by individuals other than the mother, and differential fetal mortality between the sexes.
Controlled Trial of Vasopressin and Balloon Tamponade in Bleeding Esophageal Varices

In a randomized controlled trial, the effect of continuous intravenous administration of vasopressin was compared with Sengstaken‐Blakemore balloon tamponade in 37 episodes of bleeding esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis. The majority were Group A and B of Child's classification. Bleeding was controlled in 11 of 17 (65%) patients on vasopressin and in 14 of 20 (70%) patients on tamponade. The patients who failed to respond initially (6 episodes on vasopressin and 5 on tamponade) were treated successfully with the alternative method. Overall mortality was similar in both groups: 3 patients in the vasopressin group and 4 in the tamponade group died. Only one patient died of uncontrolled bleeding; 4 patients probably died of complications of treatment, 2 of cardiac ischemia after vasopressin and 2 of pulmonary infection after tamponade.
Randomized Study of the Benefits of Preoperative Corticosteroid Administration on the Postoperative Morbidity and Cytokine Response in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Esophageal Cancer

ObjectiveTo investigate whether preoperative corticosteroid administration plays a role in attenuating postoperative morbidity. Summary Background DataThere is as yet no consensus on the beneficial effects of steroids in alleviating surgical stress. MethodsA total of 66 patients undergoing surgery for thoracic esophageal cancer were randomly categorized preoperatively into two groups of 33 patients each. One group was administered an intravenous infusion of methylprednisolone (10 mg/kg body weight) 30 minutes before the surgery (MP group), while the other group received a placebo infusion (control group). The primary endpoint was organ system failure during the first 7 days after surgery. Comparisons of surgery-related complications, cytokine responses, and blood counts were also made between the two groups. ResultsThe percentage of patients in the MP group who had one or more organ system failures was 33%, significantly lower than the corresponding percentage of 61% in the control group. The surgery-related complication rate and long-term survival rate were similar in the two groups. The peak plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly lower in the MP group than in the control group. Changes in the plasma levels of IL-10 were significantly larger in the MP group. No significant differences in the circulating lymphocyte and neutrophil counts were observed between the groups. ConclusionsThe results suggest that prophylactic administration of corticosteroids is associated with a decrease in postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing invasive surgery. The laboratory data suggest that corticosteroids may attenuate surgical stress-induced inflammatory responses both directly by suppressing the release of proinflammatory cytokines and via inducing IL-10 synthesis.
Mycroscopy and egg morphology of Mayflies

The chorionic structures of mayfly eggs can be categorized into three main classes (micropyles, attachment structures and chorionic sculpturing), according to their physiological function. Each class of structure shows a great variability as regards morphology, arrangement and distribution on the eggshell, and the combination of these features is the result of very particular chorionic patterns. The study of chorionic variability in both patterns and structures is very interesting for systematic purposes, because these features may be specific at different taxonomic levels. In addition, eggshell morphology allows us to identify female imagoes at species level when they lack valid taxonomic features, since eggs are completely formed in mature female nymphs. Light microscopy has already showed the great variability of the chorion structures in mayfly eggs and even allowed their classification. At present, this classification continues to be used as the basic reference in the morphological description of mayfly eggs, although it can only be done with SEM. Our morphological study on mayfly eggs, with both microscopy techniques, has allowed us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the eggshell in this group of insects, as well as to describe new structures and to re-describe several aspects of chorion structures already known.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding

#### Summary points Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding, introduced into clinical practice in 1980,1 is now established as an effective way of providing enteral feeding to patients who have functionally normal gastrointestinal tracts but who cannot meet their nutritional needs because of inadequate oral intake.2 It is the preferred method of feeding when nutritional intake is likely to be inadequate for more than four to six weeks, and when enteral feeding is likely to prevent further weight loss, correct nutritional deficiencies, and stop the decline in quality of life in patients caused by insufficient nutritional intake.3 4 The beneficial effects of gastrostomy feeding on morbidity and mortality have been described only in certain subgroups of patients.5 6 Randomised studies in patients after stroke who received gastrostomy feeding have shown improved nutritional outcomes, higher likelihood of survival, and earlier discharge.6 7 However, gastrostomy tubes are increasingly being requested and inserted for indications where long term outcomes are uncertain.8 In this review we discuss the indications for, controversies surrounding, and complications of gastrostomy feeding and provide practical advice on the management of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies. #### Sources and selection criteria We searched the Cochrane database of systematic reviews and did a PubMed search (from January 1980 until January 2010) using the keywords “percutaneous endoscopic …
Back Muscle Injury After Posterior Lumbar Spine Surgery: Part 1 Histologic and Histochemical Analyses in Rats

Study Design Back muscle injury caused by retractor application during posterior spine surgery in rats was examined histologically and histochemically according to the postoperative time with reference to the retraction time-pressure relationship. Objectives The results were correlated to provide the risk factors for back muscle injury during posterior spine surgery. Summary of Background Data Back muscles were examined histologically and histochemically after application of quantitative pressure and retraction time. No previous study has assessed this relationship. Methods Five groups were studied: Group 1, 1-hour low-pressure load group: Group 2, 1-hour high-pressure load group; Group 3, 3-hour low-pressure load group; Group 4, 3-hour high-pressure load group: and sham group. In each group, the multifidus muscle was evaluated 3 hours, 48 hours, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks after surgery. Results In all groups except the sham group, degeneration of the muscle and neuromuscular junction was found at a very early postoperative time, but regeneration began at 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks after surgery. Results In all groups except the sham group, degeneration of the muscle and neuromuscular junction was found at a very early postoperative time, but regeneration began at 1 week, and recovery was attained by 6 weeks. The extent of muscle fiber necrosis and the severity of degeneration of the neuromuscular junctions showed a parallelism with the magnitude of the pressure load and retraction time. As the duration and pressure load increased, the time required for regeneration also increased. The fiber type grouping in group 3 and 4 was consistent with the severity of degeneration of neuromuscular junctions. Conclusions The muscular degeneration and the regeneration was largely dependent on the retraction pressure-time product. These results suggest that denervation muscle injuries are likely secondary responses to muscle retraction injury in any case of posterior spine surgery.
Human herpesvirus 8 is not associated with sarcoidosis in Japanese patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVES The etiology of sarcoidosis remains unknown, but recently it was reported that human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) may be detected in sarcoid tissue in a high proportion of patients. This study was performed to determine whether HHV-8 is implicated in sarcoidosis in Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from 100 patients with sarcoidosis and 100 healthy donors living in central Japan. Additionally, 19 samples of sarcoid tissue, 10 of tuberculous tissue, and 10 of lung cancers were examined. DNA was extracted from PBMC or tissue samples, and a hemi-nested polymerase chain reaction assay was performed for HHV-8 detection. RESULTS In the PBMC study, the detection rates for HHV-8 in patients with sarcoidosis and in normal donors were 2% and 1%, respectively, the difference not being significant (p>0.99). In the tissue study, HHV-8 was detected in 10.5% of sarcoid and in 15% of nonsarcoid tissues, again not a significant difference (p>0.99). CONCLUSIONS From these results, we conclude that HHV-8 is not implicated in sarcoidosis in Japanese patients.
[Chemonucleolysis using chymopapain and collagenase. 3-year results of a prospective randomized study].

100 patients were prospectively and randomized treated by chemonucleolysis either by collagenase (n = 50/400 ABC-U/disc) or by chymopapain (n = 50/4000 I.U.). The success rate after 1 year was 70% for collagenase and 78% after chymopapain, and 72%/80% after 3 years, respectively. Successful results increased significantly during the first year after treatment and remained stable after that point. After chymopapain, one case of successfully treated anaphylaxis (2%) occurred. After collagenase, 3 cases of secondary sequestrations were observed in cases with primarily closed discograms with intact dorsal longitudinal ligament.
Is the Uterus a Sexual Organ? Sexual Function Following Hysterectomy.

INTRODUCTION Hysterectomy has been a mainstay of gynecologic therapy for 100 years. It can be postulated that hysterectomy could affect female sexual function due to psychological factors, and also due to disruption of the local nerve and blood supply and the intimate anatomical relationships of the pelvic organs. AIM To evaluate the effects of hysterectomy performed for benign conditions on female sexual function. METHODS Peer-reviewed publications were identified through a PubMed search using the search terms "hysterectomy," "benign," "sexual function," "dyspareunia," "orgasm," "libido," and "dysfunction. " The search was completed through to February 2015 and was limited to articles published in English. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The main outcome measure was sexual function after hysterectomy for benign conditions. As hysterectomy is performed via various routes, abdominal (open and laparoscopic) and vaginal, sexual function in each group was evaluated. RESULTS Studies were of varying methodology. Majority of women demonstrated either unchanged or improved sexual function after hysterectomy performed by any route in the short term. A significant minority of women reported sexual dysfunction following hysterectomy. Deterioration in sexual function was found on long-term follow-up, which is probably an effect of aging and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. There were no proven benefits supracervical compared with total hysterectomy either in the short term (up to 2 years postsurgery) or long term (up to 15 years after hysterectomy). CONCLUSIONS Women can be positively reassured that hysterectomy does not negatively affect sexuality. Health professions should be aware that a minority of women may develop adverse effects after the operation. Preoperative education about the potential negative sexual outcomes after surgery may enhance satisfaction with hysterectomy, independent of whether negative sexual outcomes are experienced. Thakar R. Is the uterus a sexual organ? Sexual function following hysterectomy.
Further investigation of the biodegradability of imidazolium ionic liquids

In continuation of our earlier investigations, this report presents a rationale behind the design of a series of imidazolium based ionic liquids and their biodegradation using the CO2 headspace test (ISO 14593 method, OECD 310). The effect on biodegradability of these salts through variation of the N-substituted side chains of imidazolium ions was examined further through incorporation of various functional groups and increased alkyl chain lengths. A series of anions containing moieties known to be biodegradable were also incorporated into a number of imidazolium based salts and examined in a similar fashion.
Influence of Exposure to Single versus Multiple Toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis on Development of Resistance in the Mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

The impending widespread use of transgenic crop plants encoding a single insecticidal toxin protein of Bacillus thuringiensis has focused attention on the perceived risk of rapid selection of resistance in target insects. We have used Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis toxins as a model system and determined the speed and magnitude of evolution of resistance in colonies of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus during selection for 28 consecutive generations with single or multiple toxins. The parental strain was synthesized by combining approximately 500 larvae from each of 19 field collections obtained from the states of California, Oregon, Louisiana, and Tennessee. At least 10,000 larvae were selected in each generation of each line at an average mortality level of 84%. The susceptibilities of the parental and selected lines were compared in parallel tests in every third generation by using fresh suspensions of toxin powders. The normal toxin complement of B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis consists of four toxins, CryIVA, CryIVB, CryIVD, and CytA. Resistance became evident first in the line that was selected with a single toxin (CryIVD), attaining the highest level (resistance ratio [RR], >913 at 95% lethal concentration) by generation F(inf28) when the study was completed. Resistance evolved more slowly and to a lower level (RR, >122 by F(inf25)) in the line selected with two toxins (CryIVA+CryIVB) and lower still (RR, 91 by F(inf28)) in the line selected with three toxins (CryIVA+CryIVB+ CryIVD). Resistance was remarkably low (RR, 3.2) in the line selected with all four toxins. The results reveal the importance of the full complement of toxins found in natural populations of B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis as an effective approach to resistance management.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease in renal transplant recipients: new insights

Abstract Long-term survival of renal transplant recipients appears to be influenced by the occurrence of thromboembolic complications and cardiovascular disease. In order to investigate the prevalence of new hemostasis-related risk factors for venous and arterial thrombosis, we investigated 63 renal transplant recipients and 66 age- and sex-matched control subjects. We assayed antiphospholipid antibodies [lupus anticoagulant (LA) and anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL)], lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and total homocysteine (tHcy) levels. We found a significantly higher prevalence of positivity for LA (P < 0.001); no difference was detected in the prevalence of aCL between patients and controls. PAI-1 levels were significantly higher in renal transplant recipients than in controls [12.3 IU/ml (2–45.5) vs 7.9 IU/ml (4–18.0); P < 0.0001] with an odd ratio (OR) of 11.8 (4.9–28.5) in univariate analysis and of 5.8 (2.1–15.4) in multivariate analysis. Lp(a) levels were higher in patients then in controls [159 mg/l (1–992) vs 100.5 mg/l (10–412); P < 0.005] with an OR of 5.9 (1.9–18.4) in univariate analysis and of 3.5 (0.9–13.4) in multivariate analysis. Fasting levels of tHcy were significantly higher in renal transplant recipients [7.0 μmol/l (4.0–68) vs 8.1 μmol/l (2.0–24.0); P < 0.00001] with an OR of 40.4 (14.7–111) in univariate analysis and of 33.1 (11.1–115.5) in multivariate analysis. After methionine loading test, we documented levels of tHcy above the 90th percentile of controls in 60/63 patients (95 %). Finally, we found a significant correlation between tHcy and PAI-1 plasma levels (r = 0.76; P < 0.000 001). Our results show a high prevalence of hemostasis-related risk factors for arterial and venous thrombosis in renal transplant recipients, suggesting the need for the investigation of these patients for the presence of these risk factors in order to improve their long-term survival and to tailor therapy.