Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aggregate Effects of Income and Consumption Tax Changes

Do consumption and income tax changes affect economic aggregates differently? We answer this question by estimating structural VARs, where we proxy the latent tax shocks with a newly constructed narrative account of income and consumption tax liability changes in the United Kingdom. We find that income tax shocks have large short run effects on GDP, private consumption and investment. The implied income tax present-value multiplier is around 2.7. Consumption tax cuts expand marginally private consumption but their effects are modest and not statistically different from zero on GDP and investment. These results indicate that i) it is crucial to distinguish between direct and indirect taxation when studying the transmission mechanism of fiscal policy, and ii) consistent with conventional public finance theories, consumption taxes are less distortive than income taxes.
The role of triage nurse ordering on mitigating overcrowding in emergency departments: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES The objective was to examine the effectiveness of triage nurse ordering (TNO) on mitigating the effect of emergency department (ED) overcrowding. METHODS Electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, HealthSTAR, Dissertation Abstracts, ABI/INFORM Global), controlled trial registry websites, conference proceedings, study references, experts in the field, and correspondence with authors were used to identify potentially relevant studies. Interventional studies in which TNO was used to influence ED overcrowding metrics (length of stay [LOS] and physician initial assessment [PIA]) were included in the review. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility and methodologic quality. Mean differences were calculated and reported with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS From more than 14,000 potentially relevant studies, 14 were included in the systematic review. Most were single-center ED studies; the overall quality was rated as weak, due to methodologic deficiencies and variable outcome reporting. TNO was associated with a 37-minute mean reduction (95% CI = -44.10 to -30.30 minutes) in the overall ED LOS in one randomized clinical trial (RCT); a 51-minute mean reduction (95% CI = -56.3 to -45.5 minutes) was observed in non-RCTs. When applied to injured subjects with suspected fractures, TNO interventions reduced ED LOS by 20 minutes (95% CI = -37.5 to -1.9 minutes) in three RCTs and by 18 minutes (95% CI = -23.2 to -13.2) in two non-RCTs. No significant reduction in PIA was observed in two RCTs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, TNO appears to be an effective intervention to reduce ED LOS, especially in injury and/or suspected fracture cases. The available evidence is limited by small numbers of studies, weak methodologic quality, and incomplete reporting. Future studies should focus on a better description of the contextual factors surrounding these interventions and exploring the impact of TNO on other indicators of productivity and satisfaction with health care delivery.
Addressing Occupational Factors in the Management of Low Back Pain: Implications for Physical Therapist Practice

There is mounting evidence that occupational factors influence the extent of sickness absence following an episode of low back pain, but there have been limited efforts to integrate the identification and management of occupational factors into the routine practice of physical therapists. Systematic reviews suggest that a client's report of heavy physical demands, inability to modify job tasks, work stress, lack of organizational support, job dissatisfaction, poor expectations for resuming usual work, and fear of reinjury are indications of significant barriers to returning to work. Recommended strategies for evaluating and addressing occupational factors are explored with respect to the physical therapist's role in client assessment, development of activity and lifestyle recommendations, therapeutic exercise, communication with other providers, and summary reports. Primary recommendations include: (1) administration of self-report questionnaires to assess a client's perspective of physical job demands, (2) client-centered interviewing to highlight individual return-to-work concerns, (3) early discussions with clients about possible job modifications, and (4) incorporation of clients' workplace concerns in progress reports and summaries. These strategies may improve low back pain outcomes by encouraging effective communication with key stakeholders and by developing clients' ability to resolve obstacles to returning to work.
Asset Prices, Real Exchange Rate and Current Account Fluctuations: Some Structural VAR Evidence for Thailand

This paper employs quarterly data during 2008Q1 and 2016Q2 to examine the impacts of shocks to asset prices and real exchange rate on the current balance in Thailand. The structural VAR model is used. The results show that the shocks to real effective exchange rate and housing prices can better explain fluctuations in the current account.
Relationship of prediagnostic body mass index with survival after colorectal cancer: Stage‐specific associations

Higher body mass index (BMI) is a well‐established risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), but is inconsistently associated with CRC survival. In 6 prospective studies participating in the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium (GECCO), 2,249 non‐Hispanic white CRC cases were followed for a median 4.5 years after diagnosis, during which 777 died, 554 from CRC‐related causes. Associations between prediagnosis BMI and survival (overall and CRC‐specific) were evaluated using Cox regression models adjusted for age at diagnosis, sex, study and smoking status (current/former/never). The association between BMI category and CRC survival varied by cancer stage at diagnosis (I‐IV) for both all‐cause (p‐interaction = 0.03) and CRC‐specific mortality (p‐interaction = 0.04). Compared to normal BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9) was associated with increased mortality among those with Stage I disease, and decreased mortality among those with Stages II–IV disease. Similarly, obesity (BMI ≥30) was associated with increased mortality among those with Stages I–II disease, and decreased mortality among those with Stages III–IV disease. These results suggest the relationship between BMI and survival after CRC diagnosis differs by stage at diagnosis, and may emphasize the importance of adequate metabolic reserves for colorectal cancer survival in patients with late‐stage disease.
Reference values for resistance and compliance based on the single occlusion technique in healthy infants from Southeast China.

BACKGROUND Respiratory disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in infants and has a large impact on health care. The aim of this study was to present the reference values of resistance and compliance by using a single occlusion technique (SOT) in healthy infants in Southeast China. METHODS Respiratory compliance (Crs) and respiratory resistance (Rrs) were measured in healthy infants, aged 1-96 weeks, by using SOT in the Children's Hospital of FuDan University (Shanghai, China). For comparison, the infants were grouped by age as follows: 1-24, 25-48, 49-72 and 73-96 weeks. Multiple regression analysis was performed using age, length, weight, and body mass index (BMI) as the independent variables to obtain predictive equations, separated according to sex. RESULTS We measured 205 healthy infants from birth up to 96 weeks of age (112 boys, 93 girls). Height and weight increased significantly with age. The Rrs declined with length, whereas the Crs increased. The median Rrs was 5.04 kPa/L/sec (range, 3.73-6.82 kPa/L/sec), and the mean Crs was 119.52±60.47 mL/kPa. Regression equations for Rrs and Crs were obtained. CONCLUSIONS We obtained reference values for passive respiratory mechanics by using SOT in healthy infants from Southeast China. These data provide references for assessing the normality of SOT measurements in infants.
Calcium‐binding protein S100P is a novel diagnostic marker of cholangiocarcinoma

The incidence and mortality of cholangiocarcinoma are increasing despite improvements in the diagnostic method. Since the sensitivity of brushing cytology for cholangiocarcinoma is not satisfactory, a novel diagnostic marker needs to be established. A recent report has suggested upregulation of the calcium‐binding protein S100P in cholangiocarcinoma. The expression status of S100P in normal bile duct and cholangiocarcinoma tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of S100P mRNA in the brushing cytology samples during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from benign biliary strictures and cholangiocarcinoma were assessed by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic strategy was compared. S100P was frequently expressed in the cholangiocarcinoma tissues, but not in the normal bile duct. The brushing cytology samples from the cholangiocarcinoma cases revealed higher expression levels of S100P compared with the benign biliary strictures. The relative expression level of S100P could determine the cholangiocarcinoma at higher sensitivity than classical cytology, and the combination of the S100P expression level and cytology yielded a sensitivity of 90.0%, with a specificity of 92.0%. Calcium‐binding protein S100P is a novel marker of cholangiocarcinoma. Detecting the S100P expression levels in brushing cytology samples has a diagnostic value, which will be helpful for better diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 150–156)
Coordinate Regulation of Transcription and Splicing by Steroid Receptor Coregulators

Recent observations indicating that promoter identity influences alternative RNA-processing decisions have created interest in the regulatory interactions between RNA polymerase II transcription and precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) processing. We examined the impact of steroid receptor–mediated transcription on RNA processing with reporter genes subject to alternative splicing driven by steroid-sensitive promoters. Steroid hormones affected the processing of pre-mRNA synthesized from steroid-sensitive promoters, but not from steroid-unresponsive promoters, in a steroid receptor–dependent and receptor-selective manner. Several nuclear receptor coregulators showed differential splicing effects, suggesting that steroid hormone receptors may simultaneously control gene transcription activity and exon content of the product mRNA by recruiting coregulators involved in both processes.
Improved emotional stability in experienced meditators with concentrative meditation based on electroencephalography and heart rate variability.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether emotional stability distinguishes how experienced and novice meditators react to visual stimuli. DESIGN PARTICIPANTS practiced concentrative meditation and then responded to visual stimuli while continuing to meditate. PARTICIPANTS Ten experienced and 10 novice meditators responded to sequences of visual stimuli after concentrative meditation. RESULTS As predicted, both groups had increased parasympathetic activities during concentrative meditation. Experienced meditators had increased low-frequency electroencephalography (EEG) rhythms in response to visual stimulation, whereas novices had increased high-frequency EEG rhythms. Correlational analyses revealed that novice meditators changed from a meditative state to a nonrelaxed state when the visual stimuli were presented, whereas experienced meditators maintained the meditative state. CONCLUSION The study provides evidence that regular concentrative meditation can improve emotional stability and that recording physiologic responses to visual stimuli can be a good method for identifying the effects of long-term concentrative meditation practice.
Most rapid cognitive decline in APOE ε4 negative Alzheimer's disease with early onset

Background We aimed to compare the rate of cognitive decline in patients with early and late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to investigate the potentially modifying influence of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Method We included 99 patients with early onset AD (age ⩽65 years) and 192 patients with late onset AD (age >65 years) who had at least two scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (range 2–14) obtained at least 1 year apart. Linear mixed models were performed to investigate the rate of cognitive decline dependent on age at onset (AAO) and APOE genotype. Results The mean (s.d.) age for patients with early onset AD was 57.7 (4.5) years, and 74.5 (5.1) years for patients with late onset AD. AAO was not associated with baseline MMSE [β (s.e.)=0.8 (0.5), p=0.14]. However, patients with early onset showed a faster decline on the MMSE [β (s.e.)=2.4 (0.1) points/year] than those with late onset [β (s.e.)=1.7 (0.1) points/year, p=0.00]. After stratification according to APOE genotype, APOE ε4 non-carriers with early onset showed faster cognitive decline than non-carriers with late onset [2.4 (0.3) v. 1.3 (0.3) points/year, p=0.01]. In APOE ε4 carriers, no difference in rate of cognitive decline was found between patients with early and late onset [β (s.e.)=0.2 (0.2), p=0.47]. Conclusion Patients with early onset AD show more rapid cognitive decline than patients with late onset, suggesting that early onset AD follows a more aggressive course. Furthermore, this effect seems to be most prominent in patients with early onset who do not carry the genetic APOE ε4 risk factor for AD.
Oral Morphine Versus Injected Meperidine (Demerol) for Pain Relief in Children After Orthopedic Surgery

This study provides a comparison of two clinical regimens for controlling pain in children for the first 48 h alter orthopedic surgery: oral morphine, every 4 h, and injected meperidine (Demerol), every 3–4 h pro re nata. Using a Visual Analogue Scale, 25 children between the ages of 7 and 17 years of age, who were randomly divided into two groups, rated the severity of their pain every 1–3 h from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Each child's parents and attending nurse also rated the child's pain. The morphine group had a significantly higher number of pain-free children on both day 1 and day 2.
Facing the challenges of multiscale modelling of bacterial and fungal pathogen–host interactions

Abstract Recent and rapidly evolving progress on high-throughput measurement techniques and computational performance has led to the emergence of new disciplines, such as systems medicine and translational systems biology. At the core of these disciplines lies the desire to produce multiscale models: mathematical models that integrate multiple scales of biological organization, ranging from molecular, cellular and tissue models to organ, whole-organism and population scale models. Using such models, hypotheses can systematically be tested. In this review, we present state-of-the-art multiscale modelling of bacterial and fungal infections, considering both the pathogen and host as well as their interaction. Multiscale modelling of the interactions of bacteria, especially Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with the human host is quite advanced. In contrast, models for fungal infections are still in their infancy, in particular regarding infections with the most important human pathogenic fungi, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. We reflect on the current availability of computational approaches for multiscale modelling of host–pathogen interactions and point out current challenges. Finally, we provide an outlook for future requirements of multiscale modelling.
A urinary biomarker‐based risk score correlates with multiparametric MRI for prostate cancer detection

Prostate cancer (PCa) diagnostics would greatly benefit from more accurate, non‐invasive techniques for the detection of clinically significant disease, leading to a reduction of over‐diagnosis and over‐treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the association between a novel urinary biomarker‐based risk score (SelectMDx), multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) outcomes, and biopsy results for PCa detection.
Characterization of Strains of Mycoplasma mycoidessubsp. mycoides Small Colony Type Isolated from Recent Outbreaks of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Botswana and Tanzania: Evidence for a New Biotype

ABSTRACT Four strains of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp.mycoides small colony type (MmmSC) isolated from recent outbreaks of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Africa have been investigated. One Botswanan strain, M375, displayed numerous and significant phenotypic differences from both contemporary field isolates and older field and vaccine strains (African, Australian, and European strains dating back to 1936). Differences include altered morphology, reduced capsular polysaccharide production, high sensitivity to MmmSC rabbit hyperimmune antisera in vitro, and unique polymorphisms following immunoblotting. While insertion sequence analysis using IS1634 clearly indicates a close evolutionary relationship to west African strains, hybridization with IS1296 shows the absence of a band present in all other strains of MmmSC examined. The data suggest that a deletion has occurred in strain M375, which may explain its altered phenotype, including poor growth in vitro and a relative inability to cause septicemia in mice. These characteristics are also exhibited byMycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae(causal agent of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia [CCPP]), against which M375 antiserum exhibited some activity in vitro (unique among the various MmmSC antisera tested). These findings may have evolutionary implications, since CCPP is believed to be lung specific and without a septicemic phase (unlike CBPP). Since M375 was isolated from a clinical case of CBPP, this novel biotype may be fairly widespread but not normally isolated due to difficulty of culture and/or a potentially altered disease syndrome. Bovine convalescent antisera (obtained from contemporary naturally infected cattle in Botswana) were active against strain M375 in an in vitro growth inhibition test but not against any other strains of MmmSC tested. There exists the possibility therefore, that strain M375 may possess a set of protective antigens different from those of other strains of MmmSC (including vaccine strains). These findings have implications for the control of the current CBPP epidemic in Africa.
Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus DNA in Genital and Dermal Specimens by LightCycler PCR after Extraction using the IsoQuick, MagNA Pure, and BioRobot 9604 Methods

ABSTRACT We evaluated two automated systems, MagNA Pure (Roche Molecular Biochemicals, Indianapolis, Ind.) and BioRobot 9604 (Qiagen, Inc., Chatsworth, Calif.) as effective replacements for the manual IsoQuick method (Orca Research, Inc., Bothell, Wash.) for extraction of herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA from dermal and genital tract specimens prior to analysis by LightCycler PCR. Of 198 specimens (152 genital, 46 dermal), 92 (46.2%) were positive for HSV DNA by LightCycler PCR after automated extraction of specimens with either the MagNA Pure or BioRobot 9604 instrument. The manual IsoQuick method yielded HSV DNA (total n = 95) from three additional specimens that were negative by the automated method (P = 0.25, sign test). Although the mean numbers of LightCycler PCR cycles required to reach positivity differed statistically significantly among all three of the methods of extraction, the estimated means differed by no more than 1.5 cycles (P < 0.05). Seventy (76%) of the 92 specimens that were LightCycler PCR positive by all three extraction methods were also positive by shell vial cell culture assay. HSV DNA was detected by a lower LightCycler PCR cycle number (26.1 cycles) in specimens culture positive for the virus than in culture-negative samples (33.3 cycles) (P < 0.0001). The manual IsoQuick and automated MagNA Pure and BioRobot 9604 methods provide standardized, reproducible extraction of HSV DNA for LightCycler PCR. The decision to implement a manual versus an automated procedure depends on factors such as costs related to the number of specimens processed rather than on the minimal differences in the technical efficiency of extraction of nucleic acids among these methods.
A Model for Educational Simulation of Neonatal Cardiovascular Pathophysiology

Full-body patient simulators provide a technological basis for clinical education without risk to real patients. In a previous study, we described a model for educational simulation of infant cardiovascular physiology. Using essentially the same methodology, we derive a mathematical model for the cardiovascular system of a healthy 1-week-old neonate. Computer simulations of this model result in vital signs that are close to target hemodynamic variables. Simulated systemic arterial pressure waveform and left ventricular pressure-volume loop are realistic, and the system reacts appropriately to blood loss. We also adapt the model structure and change its parameters to reflect the congenital heart defects: patent ductus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot, complex coarctation of the aorta with patent foramen ovale, and transposition of the great arteries. Simulated vital signs are again close to target hemodynamic variables. The resulting model for neonatal cardiovascular pathophysiology is an essential step in attaining a full-body, model-driven neonatal acute care simulator.
Three-dimensional changes of the hyoid bone and airway volumes related to its relationship with horizontal anatomic planes after bimaxillary surgery in skeletal Class III patients.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate longitudinal changes of the hyoid bone position and pharyngeal airway space after bimaxillary surgery in mandibular prognathism patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken for 25 mandibular prognathism patients before surgery (T0), 2 months after surgery (T1), and 6 months after surgery (T2). The positional displacement of the hyoid bone was assessed using the coordinates at T0, T1, and T2. Additionally, the volume of each subject's pharyngeal airway was measured. RESULTS The mean amount of posterior maxilla impaction was 3.76 ± 1.33 mm as the palatal plane rotated 2.04° ± 2.28° in a clockwise direction as a result of bimaxillary surgery. The hyoid bone moved backward (P < .05, P < .001) and downward (P > .05, P < .05) at 2 months and 6 months after surgery, while the total volume of the pharyngeal airway significantly decreased at the same time points (P < .001, P < .001). There was significant relationship between the changes of the hyoid bone position and airway volume at 2 months after surgery (P < .05). The change of the palatal plane angle was positively correlated to the decrease in the total airway volume (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The null hypothesis was rejected. The hyoid bone moved inferoposteriorly, and the pharyngeal airway volume decreased for up to 6 months after bimaxillary surgery. The decrease in the pharyngeal airway volume was correlated to the changes in the palatal plane inclination and the positional change of the hyoid bone.