Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Hydration on Febrile Temperature Patterns in Rabbits

Patients with fever have a predisposition to experience dehydration, which may alter their thermoregulatory responses to elevated body temperature. In view of the recent discovery of the antipyretic activity of arginine vasopressin (AVP), it is possible that dehydration has a beneficial role during fever. Dehydration may enhance endogenous antipyresis by stimulating AVP release, making aggressive fluid replacement, which may inhibit AVP release, undesirable during fever. This study addressed the effects of manipulation of hydration status on temperature and cardiovascular responses in endotoxin-injected rabbits. Eight unanesthetized chronically instrumented rabbits were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) while in euhydrated state, after furosemide (5 mg/kg) and 24 hours of water deprivation (dehydrated), after infusion of saline (30 mL/kg) while in euhydrated state (hyperhydrated), and after saline (mL/per overnight body weight loss in grams) while in dehydrated state (rehydrated). Dehydrated rabbits display higher fevers that are biphasic in nature and are accompanied by increased vasoconstriction and duration of mean arterial pressure increases, indicating that activation of antipyretic mechanisms in dehydrated rabbits was not sufficient to reduce body core temperature. In addition, fluid supplementation in euhydrated rabbits did not alter the febrile response; however, a marked decrease in heart rate was noted. Furthermore, fluid supplementation in dehydrated rabbits significantly attenuates the rectal temperature and heart rate response to LPS injection, indicating the possibility that activation of antipyretic mechanisms of AVP in rehydrated rabbits was sufficient to reduce body core temperature. The results suggest that fluid supplementation has a beneficial role in keeping body temperature lower.
A Comparison of Alternating Polarity and Forward Masking Artifact-Reduction Methods to Resolve the Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential

Objective: Cochlear implant manufacturers utilize different artifact-reduction methods to measure electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) in the clinical software. Two commercially available artifact-reduction techniques include forward masking (FwdMsk) and alternating polarity (AltPol). AltPol assumes that responses to the opposing polarities are equal, which is likely problematic. On the other hand, FwdMsk can yield inaccurate waveforms if the masker does not effectively render all neurons into a refractory state. The goal of this study was to compare ECAP thresholds, amplitudes, and slopes of the amplitude growth functions (AGFs) using FwdMsk and AltPol to determine whether the two methods yield similar results. Design: ECAP AGFs were obtained from three electrode regions (basal, middle, and apical) across 24 ears in 20 Cochlear Ltd. recipients using both FwdMsk and AltPol methods. AltPol waveforms could not be resolved for recipients of devices with the older-generation chip (CI24R(CS); N = 6). Results: Results comparing FwdMsk and AltPol in the CI24RE- and CI512-generation devices showed significant differences in threshold, AGF slope, and amplitude between methods. FwdMsk resulted in lower visual-detection thresholds (p < 0.001), shallower slopes (p = 0.004), and larger amplitudes (p = 0.03) compared with AltPol. Conclusions: Results from this study are consistent with recent findings showing differences in ECAP amplitude and latency between polarities for human CI recipients. When averaged, these differences likely result in a reduced ECAP response with AltPol. The next step will be to separate the effects of artifact-reduction method and stimulus polarity to determine the relative effects of each.
STOCK MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM BOOTSTRAP PANEL GRANGER CAUSALITY TEST

The paper presents causality analysis between stock market development and economic growth for 25 advanced economies over the period 1975-2011. We apply bootstrap panel Granger causality method (Emirmahmutoglu and Kose, 2011) for this purpose, which incorporates heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence in a panel framework. Using alternative measures of stock market size and liquidity, we find evidence of uni-directional causality from stock market development to growth in case of individual countries as well as with panel statistics in the presence of cross-sectional dependence which support supply leading hypothesis (stock market led growth). However, we hardly find any evidence of demand-following hypothesis or feedback hypothesis. Findings also reveal that market size is relatively more important than liquidity measures in case of advanced economies despite favourable theoretical prediction that stock market liquidity might ease investments, improve allocation of capital and enhance prospects for economic growth. Probable policy implications that emerge from experiences of advanced economies is that despite several unfavourable features of stock market development, which put certain market dominated advanced economies in disadvantageous positions compared to certain bank-based economies, emerging economies should certainly focus on stock market development as alternative potential means of financial development and hence long-term economic growth.
Neonatal and early infantile cutaneous langerhans cell histiocytosis: comparison of self-regressive and non-self-regressive forms.

OBJECTIVES To describe clinical and immunohistochemical findings in patients with cutaneous Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) beginning in the first 3 months of life and to define predictors of disease evolution. DESIGN Observational retrospective survey from July 15, 1989, to April 30, 2007. SETTING Referral center in pediatric dermatology. PATIENTS Thirty-one patients with a diagnosis of cutaneous LCH in the first 3 months of life and no previous visceral LCH. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cutaneous lesion characteristics, regulatory T-lymphocyte density, and E-cadherin expression were assessed. Data were compared between the patient groups with self-regressive vs non-self-regressive forms of cutaneous LCH. Pathologic analysis was performed blinded to patient group. RESULTS Self-regressive cutaneous LCH was found in 21 patients and non-self-regressive cutaneous LCH in 10 patients. Monolesional forms, necrotic lesions, hypopigmented macules at presentation, and distal topography of limb lesions were seen only in patients with self-regressive cutaneous LCH. Regulatory T-lymphocyte density correlated with interleukin 10 expression in lesions (r = 0.77, P = .003) but was not predictive of disease evolution. E-cadherin expression by Langerhans cells was found in 7 patients with disease limited to the skin whether self-regressive or not. One patient with secondary disseminated disease showed loss of E-cadherin expression in Langerhans cells. CONCLUSIONS Some morphologic traits of skin lesions can orient the diagnosis to a self-regressive form of cutaneous LCH. Regulatory T-lymphocyte density does not seem to be predictive of disease evolution. E-cadherin expression seems to be an indicator of limited skin disease but not of disease regression. Additional immunohistochemical study is required to confirm these data.
The Quality of Corporate Governance and the Length it Takes to Remove aPoor Performing CEO. Does performance of the former firm affect a CEO's ability to find an identical with a subsequent firm?

In this paper, we investigate the effects of internal corporate governance on the length it takes to remove a CEO after the initial sign of poor firm performance. We find that firms that have a better quality of internal corporate governance are quicker to remove poor-performing CEOs. This result persists after controlling for other factors that might influence the CEO removal decision.
Leptin and Neutrophil‐Activating Peptide 2 Promote Mesenchymal Stem Cell Senescence Through Activation of the Phosphatidylinositol 3‐Kinase/Akt Pathway in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exhibit enhanced senescence. Cellular senescence has been reported to be induced by several inflammatory cytokines, including interferon‐α (IFNα) and IFNγ, that are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. We undertook this study to investigate whether the inflammatory environment in SLE could affect MSC senescence.
Understanding and mitigating HIV-related resource-based stigma in the era of antiretroviral therapy

The perception in low-resource settings that investment of resources in people living with HIV (PLHIV) is wasted because AIDS is both an incurable and deadly disease is known as resource-based stigma. In this paper, we draw on in-depth interviews (IDI), focus group discussions (FGD), and key informant interviews (KII) with 77 HIV-positive microfinance participants and nongovernmental organization leaders to examine resource-based stigma in the context of increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) at an individual, household, and community level in Côte d'Ivoire. The purpose of this exploratory paper is to examine: (1) resource-based stigmatization in the era of ART and (2) the relationship among microfinance, a poverty-reduction intervention, and HIV stigmatization. The frequency with which resource-based stigma was discussed by respondents suggests that it is an important component of HIV-related stigma in this setting. It affected PLHIV's access to material as well as social resources, leading to economic discrimination and social devaluation. Participation in village savings and loans groups, however, mitigated resource-based HIV stigma, suggesting that in the era of increased access to antiretroviral therapy, economic programs should be considered as one possible HIV stigma-reduction intervention.
Does ride-hailing increase or decrease vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT)? A simulation approach for Santiago de Chile

Abstract Many authors have pointed out the importance of determining the impact of ride-hailing (ridesourcing) on vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT), and thus on transport externalities like congestion. However, to date there is scant evidence on this subject. In this paper we use survey results on Uber use by residents of Santiago, Chile, and information from other studies to parameterize a model to determine whether the advent of ride-hailing applications increases or decreases the number of VKT. Given the intrinsic uncertainty on the value of some model parameters, we use a Monte Carlo simulation for a range of possible parameter values. Our results indicate that unless ride-hailing applications substantially increase average occupancy rate of trips and become shared or pooled ride-hailing, the impact is an increase in VKT. We discuss these results in light of current empirical research in this area.
Antagonism of Cisatracurium and Rocuronium Block at a Tactile Train-of-Four Count of 2: Should Quantitative Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Be Mandatory?

With a train-of-four (TOF) ratio >0.70 as the standard of acceptable recovery, postoperative residual paralysis is a frequent occurrence in postanesthesia care units (PACUs). However, detailed information regarding prior anesthetic management is rarely provided. We examined the incidence of postoperative weakness after the administration of cisatracurium and rocuronium when using a rigid protocol for muscle relaxant and subsequent neostigmine administration. Under desflurane, N2O, and opioid anesthesia, tracheal intubation was accomplished after either cisatracurium 0.15 mg/kg or rocuronium 0.60 mg/kg. The response of the thumb to ulnar nerve stimulation was estimated by palpation. Additional increments of muscle relaxant were given as needed to maintain the TOF count at 1 or 2. At the conclusion of surgery, at a TOF count of 2, neostigmine 0.05 mg/kg plus glycopyrrolate 10 &mgr;g/kg was administered. The mechanical TOF response was then measured with a force transducer starting 5 min postreversal. Patients were observed until a TOF ratio of 0.90 was achieved. There were no significant differences in the recovery profiles of cisatracurium versus rocuronium. TOF ratios at 10 min postreversal were 0.72 ± 0.10 and 0.76 ± 0.11, respectively. At 15 min postreversal, only one subject in each group had a TOF ratio of <0.70. No patient in either group arrived in the PACU with a TOF ratio <0.70. Our results suggest that if cisatracurium or rocuronium is administered by using the TOF count as a guide, critical episodes of postoperative weakness in the PACU should be an infrequent occurrence.
Changes in systolic left ventricular function in isolated mitral regurgitation. A strain rate imaging study.

AIMS The aim of the present study is to understand the changes in left ventricular (LV) regional systolic deformation based on strain rate (SR) imaging in patients with isolated mitral regurgitation (MR). Progressive LV dilatation and irreversible myocardial damage as a result of chronic isolated MR are important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients following valve surgery. To date, there is no specific diagnostic method to detect subclinical changes in systolic function before irreversible dysfunction occurs. METHODS AND RESULTS Seventy-seven individuals were studied: 54 asymptomatic patients (age 56 +/- 12) with isolated non-ischaemic MR divided into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe and 23 healthy subjects. All underwent a standard echo examination and a tissue Doppler study. A mathematical study was carried out to predict how SR should alter with increasing dimensions and due to irreversible myocardial damage. Radial as well as longitudinal peak systolic SR was significantly decreased in patients with severe MR compared to the other groups (LV posterior wall: P = 0.0006, septum: P = 0.0004, LV lateral wall: P = 0.0003). From both modelling and in our patients, deformation correlated inversely with LV end-diastolic diameter and end-systolic diameter (ESD). Deformation measurements (corrected for increased geometry) enabled the identification of patients classically referred to as at risk of irreversible myocardial damage (ESD > or = 4.5 cm). CONCLUSION In patients with a wide range of MR, deformation remains unchanged due to a balance of increased dimensions and increased stroke volume. Only when contractility is expected to change, deformation will significantly decrease. SR imaging indices, corrected for geometry, might potentially be useful in detecting subclinical deterioration in LV function in asymptomatic patients with severe MR.
Surgical Procedures in Patients Aged 90 Years and Older

During the past five years 75 patients aged 90 years or more had 85 major surgical procedures at the Metropolitan Nashville General and Vanderbilt University, hospitals. The most common operation was exploratory laparotomy. The second was lower extremity amputation for peripheral vascular disease and/or gangrene. Fifty-seven percent had general endotracheal anesthesia. Associated medical problems were common, and included congestive heart failure (24%), hypertension (21%), diabetes mellitus (13%), chronic arrhythmias (9%), history of myocardial infarction (8%), and history of cerebrovascular accident (5%), Eleven patients (13.4%), six of whom had general anesthesia, died after operation. Of these, two had postoperative pneumonia, two did not recover from bowel perforation and peritonitis, one had a postoperative myocardial infarction, another had a cerebrovascular accident, and one had sepsis. One patient's sudden death was likely due to myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolus. The other three deaths occurred in patients with extensive carcinomas (gallbladder carcinoma in one and widely metastatic carcinoma of unknown origin in two). These three patients died of the disease for which they were operated upon when the operation failed to alter its course. When surgical procedures are necessary to prolong and/ or improve the quality of life in elderly patients, these procedures may be done in most cases with acceptable results.
Association between quality of end-of-life care and possible complicated grief among bereaved family members.

BACKGROUND Little is known about the association between quality of end-of-life care of a patient and complicated grief among bereaved family members. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the impact of quality of end-of-life care on complicated grief among bereaved family members in a Japanese general population sample. METHODS A mail-based cross-sectional questionnaire survey was used. A total of 641 individuals aged 40 to 79 years in the general population who lost their loved one within the period between 6 months and 10 years were enrolled. Complicated grief was assessed using the Brief Grief Questionnaire, and the bereaved family members' perceptions on quality of end-of-life care were assessed using the Care Evaluation Scale and the Good Death Inventory. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the variables that associated with possible complicated grief. RESULTS Possible complicated grief was observed in 24.5% of the participants. Three components of quality of end-of-life care, namely, dissatisfaction with the explanation to the family about the patient's expected outcome, unreasonable cost of care, and family's perception that the deceased person had not achieved a sense of completion about his or her life, were significantly associated with possible complicated grief. Spousal relationship, primary caregiver, and high psychological distress also had significant association. CONCLUSIONS Perceptions on quality of end-of-life care were significantly associated with complicated grief. Providing sufficient information to patients' family about expected outcome and enhancing patients' sense of completion about their life may prevent bereaved family members from developing complicated grief.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome not related to alcohol use: a systematic review

Objective Although Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a common condition, diagnosis remains difficult. WKS not associated with alcohol is rare and thought to present differently to alcohol-related WKS. We conducted a systematic review of WKS not related to alcohol to enhance understanding of WKS not related to alcohol and WKS in general. Methods A systematic review was conducted of case reports, published in English, of Wernicke's encephalopathy and WKS in patients without a history of alcohol-use disorder. Main data sources: MEDLINE, Index Medicus. Eligible cases totaled 623. Publication dates ranged from 1867 to 2014. Comparisons of clinical presentation were made with published data on samples comprising, almost exclusively, alcohol-related WKS. Results A wide array of illnesses precipitated WKS. When diagnosis of WKS was performed postmortem, non-alcohol-related cases presented a similar number of signs of the classic triad as alcohol-related cases (p=0.662, Cohen's w=0.12) but more signs when diagnosed antemortem (p<0.001, Cohen's w=0.46). The most common sign was altered mental state. Korsakoff syndrome or ongoing memory impairment was reported in 25% of non-alcohol-related WKS, although cognitive status was not explicitly reported in many cases. When duration of memory impairment was reported, 56% had clinically obvious memory impairment lasting beyond the period of acute presentation. Non-alcohol-related WKS was more often associated with female gender, younger age, shorter duration of precipitating illness and better survival rate compared to alcohol-related WKS. Conclusions Thiamine deficiency in the absence of an alcohol-use disorder can cause the full clinical spectrum of WKS, including chronic cognitive impairment and Korsakoff syndrome.
S and G2 Phase Roles for Cdk2 Revealed by Inducible Expression of a Dominant-Negative Mutant in Human Cells

ABSTRACT Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) is essential for initiation of DNA synthesis in higher eukaryotes. Biochemical studies inXenopus egg extracts and microinjection studies in human cells have suggested an additional function for Cdk2 in activation of Cdk1 and entry into mitosis. To further examine the role of Cdk2 in human cells, we generated stable clones with inducible expression of wild-type and dominant-negative forms of the enzyme (Cdk2-wt and Cdk2-dn, respectively). Both exogenous proteins associated efficiently with endogenous cyclins. Cdk2-wt had no apparent effect on the cell division cycle, whereas Cdk2-dn inhibited progression through several distinct stages. Cdk2-dn induction could arrest cells at the G1/S transition, as previously observed in transient expression studies. However, under normal culture conditions, Cdk2-dn induction primarily arrested cells with S and G2/M DNA contents. Several observations suggested that the latter cells were in G2 phase, prior to the onset of mitosis: these cells contained uncondensed chromosomes, low levels of cyclin B-associated kinase activity, and high levels of tyrosine-phosphorylated Cdk1. Furthermore, Cdk2-dn did not delay progression through mitosis upon release of cells from a nocodazole block. Although the G2arrest imposed by Cdk2-dn was similar to that imposed by the DNA damage checkpoint, the former was distinguished by its resistance to caffeine. These findings provide evidence for essential functions of Cdk2 during S and G2 phases of the mammalian cell cycle.
Research on the Intergenerational Transmission of 
Poverty in Rural China Based on Sustainable 
Livelihood Analysis Framework: A Case Study of Six 
Poverty‐Stricken Counties

China’s complicated and diverse poverty problems gradually emerged as poverty alleviation efforts deepened and rural urbanization progressed. Among these problems, the intergenerational transmission of poverty (ITP) is the most prominent and is an entrenched issue in rural China. This study selects six typical poverty-stricken counties in the eastern, central, and western regions of China on the basis of geography and uses the transformation matrix method and a regression model to analyze the regional differentiation characteristics of ITP. We further explore its impact mechanisms based on a sustainable livelihood analysis framework with the following results: (1) ITP in rural China exhibits the phenomenon of income-stratified transmission, and the groups at both ends of the low-income spectrum are more prone to having ITP; (2) ITP and the intergenerational mobility of income for different income levels have different spatial distribution characteristics, with these intergenerational relationships exhibiting a reverse variation trend in the eastern region, while exhibiting a codirectional variation trend in the central and western regions; (3) there are differences in the subsistence livelihood capital, which affect ITP in different regions. Financial capital has a significant impact on ITP across all of China. Natural capital has a significant impact on the eastern region, and physical capital plays a significant role in the central region, while the western region is greatly affected by both human and physical capital. In view of the differences in the influence of livelihood capital on ITP in different regions, China should formulate policies to accurately address ITP in order to narrow regional differences and accelerate the comprehensive construction of a financially affluent society.