Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyaluronic acid in the evaluation of liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C on haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the role of HA as a marker of liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C on haemodialysis. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study in which 52 patients were divided into two groups: Group 1: patients with hepatitis C and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing haemodialysis (n = 23); and Group 2: patients with hepatitis C without ESRD (n = 29). Plasma levels of HA were associated with histological data of the samples obtained by liver biopsy and classified by METAVIR group scoring system. RESULTS Higher plasma levels were significantly correlated to significant liver fibrosis (METAVIR > F2). In Group 1, the HA cutoff to discriminate significant fibrosis was 984.8 ng/mL, with accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 80.8%, 83.0%, and 70.0%, respectively. In Group 2, the HA cutoff was 222.3 ng/mL, with accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 74.5%, 70.0%, and 94.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION HA was an accurate noninvasive marker in predicting significant fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C on haemodialysis.
A Comparison of Facial Emotion Processing in Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions

Patients suffering from various neurological and psychiatric disorders show different levels of facial emotion recognition (FER) impairment, sometimes from the early phases of the disease. Investigating the relative severity of deficits in FER across different clinical and high-risk populations has potential implications for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, and could also allow us to understand the neurobiological mechanisms of emotion perception itself. To investigate the role of the dopaminergic system and of the frontotemporal network in FER, we reanalyzed and compared data from four of our previous studies investigating FER performance in patients with frontotemporal dysfunctions and/or dopaminergic system abnormalities at different stages. The performance of patients was compared to the performance obtained by a specific group of matched healthy controls using Cohen’s d effect size. We thus compared emotion and gender recognition in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at the mild dementia stage, major depressive disorder, Parkinson’s disease treated by l-DOPA (PD-ON) or not (PD-OFF), remitted schizophrenia (SCZ-rem), first-episode schizophrenia treated by antipsychotic medication (SCZ-ON), and drug-naïve first-episode schizophrenia (SCZ-OFF), as well as in unaffected siblings of patients with schizophrenia (SIB). The analyses revealed a pattern of differential impairment of emotion (but not gender) recognition across pathological conditions. On the one hand, dopaminergic medication seems not to modify the moderate deficits observed in SCZ and PD groups (ON vs. OFF), suggesting that the deficit is independent from the dopaminergic system. On the other hand, the observed increase in effect size of the deficit among the aMCI, AD, and FTD groups (and also among the SIB and SCZ-rem groups) suggests that the deficit is dependent on neurodegeneration of the frontotemporal neural networks. Our transnosographic approach combining clinical and high-risk populations with the impact of medication provides new information on the trajectory of impaired emotion perception in neuropsychiatric conditions, and on the role of the dopaminergic system and the frontotemporal network in emotion perception.
Management of fecal incontinence after treatment for rectal cancer

Purpose of reviewAnorectal dysfunction constitutes a major problem in patients surviving rectal cancer. In this review, the current options for management of fecal incontinence after treatment for rectal cancer are discussed. Recent findingsFirst line therapy should be conservative measures aimed at symptomatic control. Dietary regiments, fibers, constipating agents and enemas may be tried. Biofeedback is an option to strengthen the external anal sphincter, improve rectal sensitivity and coordinate pelvic floor muscles. Colonic irrigation has been successful to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Surgical interventions may be considered if conservative management fails. Sacral nerve stimulation is a successful minimal invasive procedure for the treatment of fecal incontinence; however, evidence of the method after treatment for rectal cancer is still limited. Complex surgical procedures should be limited to only highly selected patients. A stoma should be considered when other treatment modalities have failed. SummarySystematic evaluation of the postoperative anorectal function in patients treated for rectal cancer should be a standard practice at every follow-up. An individually tailored treatment should be offered to the severely affected patients to minimize their symptoms. The evidence on the most commonly used treatments is sparse, therefore, further randomized controlled studies are needed.
Emergence of Anaplasma marginaleAntigenic Variants during Persistent Rickettsemia

ABSTRACT Anaplasma marginale is an ehrlichial pathogen of cattle, in the order Rickettsiales, that establishes persistent cyclic rickettsemia in the infected host. Within each rickettsemic cycle, A. marginale expressing antigenically variant major surface protein 2 (MSP2) emerge. By cloning 17 full-length msp2 transcripts expressed during cyclic rickettsemia, we determined that emergent variants have a single, central hypervariable region encoding variant B-cell epitopes. The N- and C-terminal regions are highly conserved among the expressedA. marginale variants, and similar sequences define the MSP2 homologues in the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE). This is in contrast to the MSP2 homologues in ehrlichial genogroup I pathogens, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia canis, and Cowdria ruminantium, that have multiple hypervariable regions. By defining the variable and conserved regions, we were able to show that the single hypervariable region of A. marginale MSP2 encodes epitopes that are immunogenic and induce variant-specific antibody responses during persistent infection. These findings demonstrate that the MSP2 structural variants that emerge during each cycle of persistent rickettsemia are true antigenic variants, consistent with MSP2 antigenic variation as a mechanism ofA. marginale persistence.
Severe undernutrition in growing and adult animals

In a previous paper (McCance & Mount, 1960) it was shown that piglets which had been undernourished for a year, and which weighed in consequence only some 6 kg, had subnormal skin and deep-body temperatures. Their oxygen consumption rates were of the order of 12 ml/kg min at I I' and 10 ml/kg min at 30'. The0,consumption rates of normal animals of the same size were of the order of 17 ml/kg min at I I' and 11.5 ml/kg min at 30'. The first effects of rehabilitation on a series of undernourished pigs and cockerels are reported in this paper.
RESPONSE OF BUTTER LETTUCE (LACTUCA SATIVA L.) TO DIFFERENT FORMS OF NITROGEN FERTILIZERS WITH CHLORINE AND SULPHATES

The objective of the experiment was to determine the effect of nutrients (different doses of chlorine, sulphates and calcium as well as different forms of nitrogen fertilizers: Ca(NO3)2 + NH4NO3, NH4NO3, NH4NO3 + CaCl2, NaNO3) on yield and content of N-NO 3 , N og. , P, K, Ca, Mg and Na in butter lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cv. Vilmorin. A pot experiment with four replications was repeated three times in 2007 (from 30 th January and from 30 th March) and in 2008 (from 31 st March). It was established in the ‘Plant House’ of the Chair of Agricultural Chemistry and Environmental Protection UWM in Olsztyn. Lettuce seedlings were planted into pots containing 2 dm 3 substratum. Nitrogen was applied three times, every 10 days, each dose consisting of 100 mg N.dm-3 of substratum applied to soil; identical doses of phosphorus, potassium and magnesium were introduced to the substratum before planting lettuce. Irradiation period was 12 hours every day. Lettuce was harvested after 6 weeks. Determinations of Nog (Kjedahl’s method), P (vanadium-molybdenum method), K, Ca, Na (flame photometry – ESA), Mg (atomic absorption spectrophometry – ASA) were performed having wet mineralised plant samples in H 2 SO 4 . Concentration of nitrates (V) was determined in fresh matter (potentiometrically, using a ion-selective electrode) in a 0.03 mol . dm -3 CH 3 COOH according to NOWOSIELSKI (1988). The smallest number of lettuce heads (statistically significant) was obtained after NaNO3 fertilization. The concentration of N-NO3 declined advantageously following an NaNO3 treatment. In contrast, the highest accumulation of nitrates(V) occurred after application of lime saltpetre in conjunction with ammonium nitrate. The composition of minerals in butter lettuce cv. Vilmorin, such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sodium, was more beneficially affected by fertilization with sulphate compounds (K2SO4 + MgSO4) rather than chlorine compounds (KCl + MgCl2). Soda nitre significantly depressed the content of magnesium and calcium in plants, had no effect on the concentration of phosphorus and increased accumulation of sodium and potassium.
A comparison of species growth rates from four moist tropical forest regions using increment- size ordination

SUMMARY Growth rates and typical size are compared for 204 species from permanent sample plots in Brazil, Costa Rica, Guyana and Papua New Guinea. Growth rates were expressed as mean dbh increment, and typical size as 95% point of cumulative diameter distribution (D95). An ordination of species was analysed by a weighted cluster analysis method to form 16 species groups for the data from the 4 regions. Only trees 20 cm and above were included, and species with 50 or more sample trees. Results are tabulated for mean group increments, mortality rates and D95. Common species in each group and PSP locality are listed and their ecology discussed. Ecology and wood density are consistent between localities in their position on the increment-size graph. Mortality estimated by formula from the increment-size graph correlates with observed mortalities (R2 69.9%), although there is systematic overestimation. The methodology presented may be useful for estimating probable growth rates from forest inventory data where PSP data is lacking, for purposes of simple stand projection. A website (www.myrlin.org) provides worksheets, software and further documentation.
Bitcoin: Where Two Worlds Collide

There are over 275 virtual currencies in existence today One of these currencies is Bitcoin, the largest and most recognised virtual currency in the world. With its exponential growth over recent years, Bitcoin is bringing a degree of permanence for, and dependability on virtual currencies that can no longer be ignored by regulators. While an increase in international regulatory activity over the past 12 months suggests that some governments understand this, Australian regulators appear reluctant to act. In addition to examining Bitcoin operational system in detail, this article examines the affect that Bitcoin is having on two key features of the financial system: (1) the money laundering and illicit finance supply system; and (2) the payment system. By comparing the effectiveness of the response measures enacted by Australian and international regulators in Canada, Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom, this article demonstrates that even though Australia's current payment system policy is capable of addressing the threats posed by virtual currencies, the current money laundering and terrorist financing regulations fail to satisfy Australia 's international obligations, and stifle the legitimate use and development of virtual currencies in Australia.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF Aspergillus awamori AS PROBIOTIC ON THE PRODUCTION AND EGG QUALITY OF LAYING JAPANESE QUAIL UNDER SUMMER CONDITIONS

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of probiotic supplement (contains Aspergillus awamori) on performance, egg production, egg quality and serum blood characteristics of quails. A total of 135 laying Japanese quails were randomly assigned to one of five treatments with three replicates (n = 9 quails per replicate). The experimental treatments were: the 1 group received a layer basal diet without supplement and served as control. The 2, 3, 4 and 5 groups were fed the control diet supplemented with 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg Tomoko (contains Aspergillus awamori)/Kg diet for 12 weeks through summer season. Results indicated that the supplementation of 750 and 1000 mg Aspergillus awamori/kg diet recorded a significant (P≤0.05) improvement in egg production by 8.4 and 14.9 % and eggs mass/hen/day (P≤0.05) by 5.0 and 10.7 %, respectively, as compared to the control. However, aforementioned groups improved feed conversion ratio, but differences were not significant compared to the control. No significant differences were observed in feed consumption and most of studied egg quality (egg, yolk and albumen weights, shell percentage, egg specific gravity, albumen index, and yolk index) among treatments. Laying quails fed with 1000 mg of Aspergillus awamori improved albumen height. Inclusion of Aspergillus awamori led to a greater egg shell weight, whereas egg shell thickness was improved in supplemented groups with 250, 500 and 750 mg Aspergillus awamori/kg diet as compared to the control. Yolk total lipids and total cholesterol was decreased significantly and the lowest value was observed in group given 1000 mg Aspergillus awamori/kg diet. Also, birds fed different levels of Aspergillus awamori in diet had serum low density lipoprotein values significantly (P≤0.05) lower than the control. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level of Aspergillus awamori supplemented groups was significantly lower than the control. However results showed insignificant increase in total antioxidant capacity and significant (P≤0.05) increase in glutathione peroxidase in the Aspergillus awamori groups. In conclusion, the results showed that supplementation of probiotic contains Aspergillus awamori improves performance, egg production, and antioxidant status as a feed additive in the diet of laying quails under summer conditions.
IMPACT OF INFLATION AND GDP ON STOCK MARKET RETURNS IN INDIA

The market reacts differently to various factors ranging from economic political, and socio-cultural. The stock prices of quoted companies are affected either positively or negatively by a number of factors occurring within or without the economic system. The impact of Real Gross Domestic Product (RGDP), Interest Rate (INT) and Inflation Rate (INF) on stock prices of quoted companies from 1997 - 2009. Stock prices were represented by Stock Market Value Index in the model. A regression analysis showed that the explanatory variables accounted for 95.6% of the variation in stock prices. While a reduction in interest and inflation rate resulted in increased stock prices, increased RDGP has a positive impact. Government should therefore implement policies that will reduce inflation rate and improve the standard of living of its citizens. The interest rate should be made moderate so as to encourage investment and transactions in stock.
Fibroblast growth factor‐1 transcriptionally induces membrane type‐1 matrix metalloproteinase expression in prostate carcinoma cell line

We and others have shown that the matrix metalloproteinases, MT1‐MMP is overexpressed in human prostate PIN lesions and invasive cancers compared to normal prostate epithelium. However, the mechanism for this overexpression is not understood. Evidence from our laboratory and others has indicated that fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) can regulate the expression of certain matrix metalloproteinase. In addition, human prostate fibroblasts are known to express certain FGFs, including FGF‐1. The purpose of the work in this paper was to determine the mechanism involved in FGF‐1 induced MT1‐MMP expression in prostate carcinoma cells.
Expression of Keratinocyte Growth Factor and Its Receptor in Noncholesteatomatous and Cholesteatomatous Chronic Otitis Media

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to test a hypothesis that the keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is a key factor in the pathologic difference between cholesteatomatous (C-COM) and noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media (NC-COM). We compared the expression levels of KGF and its receptor (KGFR) and the proliferation activity of epithelial cells between NC-COM and C-COM. Methods: The epithelial lesion was surgically excised with subepithelial tissue from 18 patients with NC-COM and 70 patients with C-COM, and was processed for immunohistochemistry for KGF and KGFR. We also examined the proportion of proliferating epithelial cells using Ki-67 and the extent of infiltrating B and T cells. Results: Keratinocyte growth factor was positive in 5 of 18 (28%) NC-COM specimens and in 61 of 69 (88%) C-COM specimens (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, 37 (60%) C-COM specimens were positive for KGFR, but none of NC-COM were positive (0%; p < 0.01). The Ki-67 labeling index (LI) was significantly smaller in NC-COM than in C-COM (p < 0.001). B-Cell LI was almost similar in the 2 groups. T-Cell LI was significantly higher in C-COM than in NC-COM (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, T-cell LI in NC-COM was higher in KGF-positive tissues than in KGF-negative tissues (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that coexpression of KGF and KGFR seems to explain the pathologic difference between C-COM and NC-COM, and that KGF may play an important role in the development of cholesteatoma.
Effect of eddy currents on the current interruption performance of axial magnetic field type of vacuum interrupters

In the axial magnetic field (AMF) type of vacuum interrupters (VI), the design of their contact system is such that the magnetic field is oriented parallel to the arc. AMF keeps the arc diffused, and the value of the current-up to which the arc stays diffused depends on the contact diameter and the magnitude of the axial field. A certain minimum AMF is required to keep the arc diffused. AMF also induces eddy currents in the contact discs. This paper analyses the effect of eddy currents induced in the discs on AMF between the contacts, especially near the current zero region. This analysis incorporates the opening motion of the contacts along with the variation of the coil currentwith time. Initially, a 2-D axis symmetric model of the AMF contact is simulated to determine the radial variation ofthe magnetic field along a plane mid-way between the two separating contacts. A 3-D model of the AMF contact is then analyzed to include the effect of radial slots in the contact plate. The change in the magnetic field profile with the number of slots is studied.
Developing a New Measure of Work Alienation

There is limited research on work alienation in contemporary management studies. One of the possible reasons is the lack of a parsimonious and validated measure of work alienation. The present study reports the construction and evaluation of a new scale for measuring work alienation, in the interest of facilitating further research in this area and aiding the detection and assessment of worker alienation, providing cues to which management should pay attention for any consequent correction, if needed. In Study 1, we developed an initial scale in order to assess the construct and administered it to 99 management executives in India. Exploratory factor analysis led to a revised unidimensional scale, which was then administered to a second sample. In Study 2 (N = 371), confirmatory factor analysis was conducted and the reliability and validity of the scale was assessed. The results indicate good psychometric properties for the newly developed measure of work alienation, providing a robust measure for its use in testing worker alienation and facilitating any required correction to ensure enhanced employee well-being. The concept of alienation has a rich history in the social sciences and is discussed across a broad range of subjects such as theology, philosophy, sociology, psychology, and psychiatry (see Johnson, 1973, for a review of the usage of the
QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF ENZYMES IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE VILLI AND CRYPTS OF RAT SMALL INTESTINE COMPARISON OF ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE, DISACCHARIDASES AND DIPEPTIDASES

By horizontal sectioning of a fresh frozen piece of rat intestinal wall different parts of the villi and the crypts were isolated. Every third serial section was taken for histologic examination and the intermediate sections were combined in pairs, homogenized and used for enzyme analysis. A quantitative comparison of the distribution of alkaline phosphatase, EC 3.1. 3.1, disaccharidase, EC 3.2. 1 (maltase, invertase, isomaltase, trehalase, lactase and cellobiase), and dipeptidase, EC 3.4. 3 (L-alanyl-L-proline dipeptidase, L-alanyl-L-glutamic acid dipeptidase and glycyl-L-leucine dipeptidase), activities was performed. All of the enzymes were present in the villi and absent from the crypts. The disaccharidase and dipeptidase activities showed a rather similar distribution. The highest activities were found in the apical halves of the villi. The alkaline phosphatase activity was more distinctly located in the tips of the villi.
Clinical Features and Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Children With Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type 3 Related to ABCB4 Mutations

Objectives: The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency of ABCB4 mutations among children with chronic intrahepatic cholestasis with elevated gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (γ-GT) activity and to characterize the genotypes with respect to severity of symptoms, response to ursodeoxycholic acid therapy, and outcome. Patients and Methods: Molecular analysis of ABCB4 in 133 Italian children was performed, and ABCB4 mutations were classified as disease-causing mutations or benign substitutions according to the prediction algorithm PolyPhen. Results: Twenty-eight patients were identified carrying 31 mutations (20 disease causing). Twenty patients carried 2 mutated alleles and 8 only 1. At presentation (1–204 months), 20 children were symptomatic with jaundice and/or pruritus, whereas in 8 biochemical cholestasis was a fortuitous finding. Cirrhosis developed in 15 and 6 progressed to terminal liver failure. Disease-causing mutations on both alleles were found to be associated with reduced liver expression of ABCB4 protein, lack of response to ursodeoxycholic acid therapy, and progression to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, whereas mild genotypes, including single heterozygous mutations, were generally associated with less severe disease and, often, absence of symptoms. Conclusions: ABCB4 mutations are responsible for a chronic liver disease in more than one-third of patients with chronic intrahepatic cholestasis and elevated γ-GT activity. In patients with severe ABCB4 genotype, the disease is often progressive with risk of developing cirrhosis and liver failure during the first 2 decades of life. Patients with mild genotypes, including single heterozygous mutations, have variable expressions of liver disease that may be influenced by comorbidity factors and modulated by still unknown genetic modifiers.
The Influence of Tracking Error on Volatility Premium Estimation

I investigate whether the volatility risk premium is negative in energy and equity markets by examining the statistical properties of delta-gamma hedged option portfolios (selling the option, hedging with the underlying contract, and correcting for tracking error with an additional option). By correcting for gamma, these hedged portfolios are not subject to the same discretization and model misspecification problems as traditional delta-hedged portfolios. Within a stochastic volatility framework, I demonstrate that ignoring an option's gamma can lead to incorrect inference on the magnitude of the volatility risk premium. Using a sample of S&P 100 Index and natural gas contracts, empirical tests reveal that the delta-gamma hedged strategy outperforms zero and the degree of over-performance is proportional to the level of volatility.