Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kupffer cells are responsible for liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride

Inhibition of Kupffer cells could disrupt the sequence of events leading to organ injury by damping down the ﬁbrogenic stimulus. To elucidate the role of Kupffer cells in liver ﬁbrosis and cirrhosis, rats were treated with gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) and cirrhosis was induced by subchronic carbon tetrachoride (CCl4) administration. Carbon tetrachloride was administered three times per week for 8 weeks to male Wistar rats treated simultaneously with GdCl3 (20 mg kg−1, i.p. daily); appropriate controls were performed. Serum enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (γ‐GTP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and bilirubin concentration increased signiﬁcantly by CCl4, whereas GdCl3 prevented completely the increase in γ‐GTP and partially prevented the increase in ALP, ALT and bilirubins (P < 0.05). Liver glycogen was depleted by CCl4, an effect that GdCl3 was not capable of preventing. Moreover, gadolinium by itself depleted it. Lipid peroxidation increased about 2.5‐fold by administration with CCl4, whereas GdCl3 preserved lipid peroxidation within normal values. Hepatic collagen increased threefold after subchronic intoxication with CCl4 (P < 0.05) whereas GdCl3 prevented partially (P < 0.05) the increase in collagen content, as evidenced by the liver hydroxyproline content and by the histopathological analysis. The present results suggest that Kupffer cells are needed for the production of CCl4‐induced cirrhosis, because their inactivation with GdCl3 prevents the disease. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression, Regulation, and Function of Atypical Chemerin Receptor CCRL2 on Endothelial Cells

Chemokine (CC motif) receptor-like 2 (CCRL2) binds leukocyte chemoattractant chemerin and can regulate local levels of the attractant, but does not itself support cell migration. In this study, we show that CCRL2 and VCAM-1 are upregulated on cultured human and mouse vascular endothelial cells (EC) and cell lines by proinflammatory stimuli. CCRL2 induction is dependent on NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, and activated endothelial cells specifically bind chemerin. In vivo, CCRL2 is constitutively expressed at high levels by lung endothelial cells and at lower levels by liver endothelium; and liver but not lung EC respond to systemic LPS injection by further upregulation of the receptor. Plasma levels of total chemerin are elevated in CCRL2−/− mice and are significantly enhanced after systemic LPS treatment in CCRL2−/− mice compared with wild-type mice. Following acute LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation in vivo, chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1)+ NK cell recruitment to the airways is significantly impaired in CCRL2−/− mice compared with wild-type mice. In vitro, chemerin binding to CCRL2 on endothelial cells triggers robust adhesion of CMKLR1+ lymphoid cells through an α4β1 integrin/VCAM-1–dependent mechanism. In conclusion, CCRL2 is expressed by EC in a tissue- and activation-dependent fashion, regulates circulating chemerin levels and its bioactivity, and enhances chemerin- and CMKLR1-dependent lymphocyte/EC adhesion in vitro and recruitment to inflamed airways in vivo. Its expression and/or induction on EC by proinflammatory stimuli provide a novel and specific mechanism for the local enrichment of chemerin at inflammatory sites, regulating the recruitment of CMKLR1+ cells.
Intraday liquidity needs in a modern interbank payment system: A simulation approach

In this study three topics in particular are analysed.First, the adequacy of intraday credit limits in the existing and planned Finnish interbank funds transfers systems are studied.Secondly, the efficiency of two actual and two hypothetical payment settlement systems is analysed and, thirdly, the effects of optimization features such as queuing, payment splitting and netting of queued transfers are examined. The data used in the study consist of four days of actual payment data provided by the major banks operating in Finland and 100 days of generated data, where the order and number of daily payments is varied.The study is based on results generated by a payment systems simulator that was developed at the Bank of Finland.The simulator is capable of simulating a wide variety of hypothetical settlement and banking structures as well as various optimization features. The results show that the existing intraday credit limits of the Finnish banks will be sufficient in the settlement system to be used in Stage Three of Economic and Monetary Union.However, some queuing of payments is expected to take place if liquidity is not increased.Systems employing more real-time gross settlement were found to be more efficient in terms of speed of settlement and usage of liquidity per value of payments settled.An RTGS system operating with the same liquidity as an end-of-day net settlement system results in substantially faster settlement of payments. Optimization features enhanced the operation of the system significantly.Splitting of payments enhanced the circulation of liquidity in the system and prevented the formation of gridlocks, thus reducing settlement delay substantially.The main effect of the netting of queued transfers was that it solved gridlock situations during the day and thereby reduced settlement delay. Keywords: payment systems, clearing/settlement, liquidity, simulation, optimization methods
Minority Students, Affirmative Action, and the Admission Process: A Literature Review, 1987-1998

Background: Despite numerous initiatives, medical educators have failed to effect a sustainable increase in the number of underrepresented minority students at medical colleges in the United States. This study reviewed the recent literature regarding the admission process to specifically examine and determine if current policies are helping facilitate the proper representation of minority students. Papers were selected on the basis of their relevance to the topic of underrepresented minority students and medical school admission policies and were limited to the years between 1987 and 1998. Each paper was individually evaluated on the basis of its study design and soundness of its contribution to the field. Summary: The articles are organized under 4 major themes: Cognitive factors (mostly Medical College Admission Test scores and grade point average), noncognitive factors (e.g., leadership ability, interpersonal skills, motivation), the admission interview, and enrichment programs. Table 1 briefly summarizes these constituent articles. Conclusion: It was found that the body of literature is inadequately small and heterogeneous with regard to study design and results. A concerted effort must be made across medical education to correct the deficiencies in this particular area.
Consumer Perceptions and Preferences for Organic Aquatic Products: Results from the Telephone Survey

The long-term goal of this project is to develop a better understanding of potential market opportunities for organically grown fish and shellfish products in the United States. Organic production offers tremendous potential for small farmers who would like to differentiate their products and develop viable markets for premium products. Segmented premium price markets are especially vital to the survival of the small farmer since cost of production is generally higher and the output is lower for this producer segment. The methodology employed was a compilation of qualitative and quantitative data collection in four target markets that were identified as representative of specific consumer purchase patterns. review of on-line supermarket weekly circulars were used to help create questions for a telephonic survey, which was conducted by a professional survey company with a target of 200 completed surveys from randomly selected respondents in each target market. To better examine consumer perceptions and attitudes toward seafood as a food category and specific purchase patterns, the survey sample used was limited to individuals who buy seafood for home consumption. Sixty-nine percent of those in the original sample indicated that they purchased seafood for home consumption while thirty-one percent did not. If the respondent indicated that he or she did not purchase seafood for home consumption the survey was terminated. The final returned sample of 800 respondents consisted of only those respondents who regularly purchase seafood for home consumption. The most important reason given by respondents for consuming seafood was taste followed closely by the belief that it is a healthy food. Only 2 percent felt that it was easy to prepare and 2 percent thought that it had gourmet appeal. Most of the respondents (62 percent) purchased organic products in general from time to time. Twenty-three percent never purchased them. Thirteen percent described themselves as committed to the purchase of organic items whenever possible. Seventy percent of those surveyed indicated an interest in purchasing organic seafood. Fifty-nine percent believed that organic seafood would be pesticide and antibiotic free. Throughout the survey, approximately 25 percent saw no advantage to organic products and were not interested in purchasing them. ix Figure 3 Seventy-four percent of those surveyed indicated that they were aware of health/safety concerns about seafood. When asked what those concerns were forty-seven percent mentioned mercury, 11 percent contaminants, 7 percent bacteria, 7 percent red tide and 5 percent food poisoning. Red tide was prominent …
Survival of Hypercapnic Patients with COPD and Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome Treated with High Intensity Non Invasive Ventilation in the Daily Routine Care

Background: Home ventilation is an effective treatment option for obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). This therapy is still controversial for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A recent study showed reduced mortality for COPD patients receiving home ventilation with high inflation pressures and back-up respiratory rates [so called High Intensity non-invasive ventilation (NIV)]. Objective: The purpose of this study is whether High Intensity NIV applied in the routine care of COPD and OHS patients can lead to CO2 reduction and survival data comparable to data from controlled studies. Method: In this prospective non interventional study fifty-one patients with COPD (FEV1 0.95l, corr. 32.8%) and 34 patients with OHS (VC 1.74l, corr. 50.7%) with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, who were treated with NIV were followed up for four years. Results: Elevated CO2 values before NIV in COPD patients (8.6kPa), and in OHS patients (8.3kPa), could be lowered significantly to the upper normal range (COPD: 5.9kPa; OHS: 5.85kPa). The one-, two-, and three-year survival rates for COPD patients were 83%, 73%, and 55%, respectively. The one-, two-, and three-year survival rates for OHS patients were 85%, 72%, and 68%, respectively. Conclusion: High intensity NIV within routine care is effective in reducing blood CO2 levels in COPD- and in OHS- related chronic respiratory insufficiency. The survival rates obtained here are comparable to data from controlled clinical trials on COPD.
Do Scandals Affect YOU as an Athletic Sportswear Consumer

Athletic sportswear brands endorse celebrity-athletes to promote the brand’s image and gain credibility by having these ‘experts’ associated with their brand. This marketing technique is often advantageous for sportswear companies. However, there may be liabilities and complications for the brand if the endorsed athlete becomes involved in a scandal. The two main purposes of this thesis are to assess how and if consumer-purchasing behaviour is affected by endorsed celebrity-athletes involved in a scandal, and at what point should these athletes' contracts be terminated by the brand, from a consumer’s perspective. This may offer companies with insightful information to make informed decisions in such circumstances. A mix-method approach is used to examine consumers’ purchasing behaviour and opinion. The main method of data collection was an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was supplemented by interviews. The general findings of the overall study regarding consumer-purchasing behaviour after a scandal show that consumers perceived the criminal, non-sports related scandals to have the most effect on their purchasing behaviour. The sports related scandals are the next set of scandals seen to have a significant effect on consumers. Lastly, the less criminal, non-sports related scandals are considered to have the lowest effect on consumer purchasing behaviour. In terms of the termination of the athlete’s contract, the general findings correlate with the opinions on the severity of the scandal. When the sample consumers believe they would continue to purchase, they also believe the brand should not terminate the contract, and vice versa. Therefore, these findings may hopefully guide sportswear companies to make informed decisions and avoid unwanted repercussions.
Meta-synthesis and evidence-based health care--a method for systematic review.

BACKGROUND Even the systematic reviews of qualitative studies are discussed health literature, the significance of their results is not fully recognised in evidence-based practice. AIM The aim of this article is to describe the systematic reviews of qualitative studies, metasynthesis and its process and consider the meaning of meta-synthesis in evidence-based practice. CONCLUSIONS Meta-synthesis is a method for synthesising knowledge, for example, relating to service users' healthcare-related experiences and the factors that facilitate their involvement in their own care and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. This type of knowledge is needed in evidence-based practice. Meta-synthesis is a concept that includes several methodologies in synthesising qualitative research findings. This article focuses on meta-synthesis with meta-aggregation as a method for combining data from original studies. Following the principles of scientific rigour, systematic reviews synthesise the best available and critically appraised knowledge. The article describes the process and the role of systematic review of qualitative studies and discusses its significance for evidence-based practice when making clinical and administrative decisions, as well as more widely in social and political decision-making.
The Impact of Air Quality Regulation on Industrial Location

This paper examines the effect of local air quality regulation on location of polluting industries in the USA. USA counties are designated annually as being in attainment or non-attainment of national air quality standards. Regulations on new and existing plants governing equipment and operating specifications are much tougher in non-attainment counties. A switch from non-attainment to attainment status greatly raises the probability of a county having a particular polluting industry.
Visual Inspection of Cervix With Acetic Acid as a Screening Modality for Cervical Cancer

Objective To assess feasibility and suitability of visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid (VIA) in detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and compare it with Papanicolaou test. Methods This was a diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study conducted at an Egyptian teaching hospital, where 784 women were offered Papanicolaou test, VIA, colposcopy, and cervical biopsy. Results Histopathologically confirmed CIN 2/3 was noted in 26 cases (3.3%) and cervical cancer in 3 cases (0.4%). Twenty-seven (93.1%) of these 29 cases of CIN 2+, including one invasive cancer, were suggested by VIA. The test sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) to detect CIN 2+ were 93.1%, 90.6%, 26.6%, and 99.7%, respectively. Positive likelihood ratio (LR +) and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) for VIA were 9.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.77–12.62) and 0.08 (95% CI, 0.02–0.29), respectively. Twenty-six cases (89.7%) of CIN 2+ were suggested by Papanicolaou test, whereas all 3 cancers were missed by this test. Papanicolaou test sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV to detect CIN 2+ were 89.7%, 99.1%, 78.8%, and 99.6%, respectively. Positive likelihood ratio and LR− for the Papanicolaou test were 96.7 (95% CI, 45.78–204.23) and 0.10 (95% CI, 0.04–0.3), respectively. Colposcopy suggested 28 cases (96.6%) of CIN 2+, including 2 cancers. Colposcopy sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV to detect CIN 2+ were 96.6%, 99.2%, 82.4%, and 99.9%, respectively. Conclusion Visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid is a feasible and suitable screening test for cervical cancer in under-resourced settings in developing countries. Its performance is comparable to the Papanicolaou test.
Curative Result with Primary Medical Therapy in an Elderly Acromegaly Patient

Abstract In acromegaly, transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is the primary treatment of choice. Medical treatment is performed on patients uncontrollable with surgery. Indications for primary medical treatment or medical treatment prior to surgery are limited to patients with macroadenoma with high risk for surgery due to cardiac and respiratory problems. Medical treatment is not applied on patients with microadenoma due to the high chance of cure with surgical option. Seventy-five years-old female patient was admitted in our clinic with complaints of drowsiness, fatigue and growth in hands and feet. Patient’s IGF1level was measured 516 ng/ml (64-188 ng/ml normal range for age and gender) and in the magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary; an adenoma, 2x2 mm in size, was detected. Octreotide LAR therapy was begun 10 mg per month considering the age of the patient. IGF1 level was measured as 129ng/ml and growth hormone (GH) as 0.65ng/ml (0.06-5 ng/ml normal range) at the end of the third month of treatment. On the MRI carried out in the 9th month of treatment, it was observed that the pituitary was compatible with partial empty sella and no adenoma was determined. In our case of acromegaly with microadenoma, taking into account the age and medical condition of the patient, primary medical therapy was required. Although a low dose of octreotide LAR was implemented, primary medical therapy has been effective in controlling biochemical parameters. Moreover, it was observed that the tumor completely disappeared and is considered a curative result. Therefore, primary medical treatment of acromegaly should be among the options in selected patients with microadenomas. Key words: Acromegaly, primary medical treatment, octreotide, elderly patient
Comparative chromosome painting in Aotus reveals a highly derived evolution

The genus Aotus represents a highly diverse group with an especially intricate taxonomy. No standard cytogenetic nomenclature for the genus has yet been established. So far, cytogenetic studies have characterized 18 different karyotypes with diploid numbers ranging from 46 to 58 chromosomes. By combining G‐banding comparisons and molecular cytogenetic techniques, we were able to describe the most likely pattern of chromosome evolution and phylogenetic position of two Aotus karyomorphs (KMs) from Venezuela: Aotus nancymai (KM3, 2n=54) and Aotus sp. (KM9, 2n=50). All of the proposed Platyrrhini ancestral associations (2/16, 3/21, 5/7, 8/18, 10/16, 14/15) were found in the Aotus KMs studied, except 2/16 and 10/16. In addition, some derived chromosomal associations were also detected in both KMs (1/3, 1/16, 2/12, 2/20, 3/14, 4/15, 5/15, 7/11, 9/15, 9/17, 10/11, and 10/22). Although some of these associations have been found in other New World monkeys, our results suggest that Aotus species have undergone a highly derived chromosomal evolution. The homologies between these two Aotus KMs and human chromosomes were established, indicating that KM3 has a more derived karyotype than KM9 with respect to the ancestral Platyrrhini karyotype. Am. J. Primatol. 65:73–85, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tonotopic organization of auditory cortical fields delineated by parvalbumin immunoreactivity in macaque monkeys

Tonotopic maps, obtained from single and multi‐unit recordings in the primary and surrounding areas of the auditory cortex, were related to chemoarchitecture of the supratemporal plane, as delineated by immunoreactivity for parvalbumin. Neurons in the central core were sharply tuned and formed two complete tonotopic representations corresponding to the primary auditory area (AI) and the rostral (R) area. High frequencies were represented posteriorly in AI and anteriorly in R, the representation reversing in the anterior part of the core. Neurons in regions of less dense immunostaining previously described as lateral (L) and posteromedial (P‐m) fields, showed broader frequency tuning. Two tonotopic representations were found in L: in an anterolateral (AL) field, corresponding to a field previously reported by others, high frequencies were represented anteriorly and low frequencies posteriorly; in a posterolateral field (PL) the trend reversed. There was a further reversal on entering P‐m from the high frequency representation in PL and progressively lower frequencies tended to be represented more medially in P‐m, but P‐m may contain two representations reported by others.
Does the Ownership Structure of Government Debt Matter? Evidence from Munis

The U.S. municipal bond market provides a natural laboratory, free of impediments to capital flows across states or currency considerations, to assess how the composition of ownership of government debt affects government bond prices and real economic outcomes. We exploit quasi-exogenous variation in local (in-state) bond ownership arising from variation in state tax privileges for state-resident bondholders. A high in-state holding of local government debt is associated with higher susceptibility of government bond prices to demand and supply shocks, heightened sensitivity of bond prices to local political uncertainty, and difficulty raising capital for public projects during crises.
EXTENDED ULTRAVIOLET DISKS AND ULTRAVIOLET-BRIGHT DISKS IN LOW-MASS E/S0 GALAXIES

We have identified 15 extended ultraviolet (XUV) disks in a largely field sample of 38 E/S0 galaxies that have stellar masses primarily below ∼4 × 1010 M☉ and comparable numbers on the red and blue sequences. We use a new purely quantitative XUV-disk definition designed with reference to the “Type 1” XUV-disk definition found in the literature, requiring UV extension relative to a UV-defined star formation threshold radius. The 39% ± 9% XUV-disk frequency for these E/S0s is roughly twice the ∼20% reported for late-type galaxies (although differences in XUV-disk criteria complicate the comparison), possibly indicating that XUV disks are preferentially associated with galaxies experiencing weak or inefficient star formation. Consistent with this interpretation, we find that the XUV disks in our sample do not correlate with enhanced outer-disk star formation as traced by blue optical outer-disk colors. However, UV-Bright (UV-B) disk galaxies with blue UV colors outside their optical 50% light radii do display enhanced optical outer-disk star formation as well as enhanced atomic gas content. UV-B disks occur in our E/S0s with a 42+9−8% frequency and need not coincide with XUV disks; thus their combined frequency is 61% ± 9%. For both XUV and UV-B disks, UV colors typically imply <1 Gyr ages, and most such disks extend beyond the optical R25 radius. XUV disks occur over the full sample mass range and on both the red and blue sequences, suggesting an association with galaxy interactions or another similarly general evolutionary process. In contrast, UV-B disks favor the blue sequence and may also prefer low masses, perhaps reflecting the onset of cold-mode gas accretion or another mass-dependent evolutionary process. Virtually all blue E/S0s in the gas-rich regime below stellar mass Mt ∼ 5 × 109 M☉ (the “gas-richness threshold mass”) display UV-B disks, supporting the previously suggested association of this population with active disk growth.