Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The nexus of electricity consumption and economic growth in Gulf Cooperation Council economies: evidence from non-stationary panel data methods

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the electricity-growth nexus of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries from 1980 to 2014. To achieve the goal of this research, both panel cointegration and causality approaches are utilised to examine the long-term and causal relationships between variables. Empirical results confirm the presence of cointegration between variables. Moreover, this study finds that electricity consumption affects the long-term economic growth. Given that GCC member countries are energy-dependent economies, policies that aim to conserve energy consumption may jeopardise economic growth.
Hepatitis C Treatment Candidacy and Outcomes Among 4318 US Veterans With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Does a History of Injection Drug Use Matter?

Background/Goals Many patients with a history of injection drug use (IDU) are excluded from hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. This prospective multicenter study aimed to determine the impact of IDU history on HCV treatment candidacy and outcomes. Study Between 1999 and 2001, 4318 HCV-infected patients seen at 24 VA Medical Centers were evaluated for HCV treatment candidacy and followed prospectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether an IDU history was associated with HCV treatment candidacy, HCV treatment acceptance, early treatment discontinuation, and virologic response. Results Of 4318 participants, 2611 (61%) reported an IDU history. IDU history was not significantly associated with HCV treatment candidacy, acceptance, early discontinuation of therapy, or virologic response (all P values nonsignificant). Instead, reduced HCV treatment candidacy was independently associated with low-income [odds ratio (OR)=1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.22-1.74), education ≤12 years (OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.03-1.46), and alcohol consumption ≥3 drinks/d (OR=2.08, 95% CI=1.68-2.57), whereas early discontinuation of HCV therapy was independently associated with low-income and consuming ≥3 alcoholic drinks/d. Conclusions A history of IDU was not associated with HCV treatment candidacy or outcomes, supporting national guidelines to evaluate former IDUs on a case-by-case basis for HCV treatment.
Regulation of the Retinoblastoma-Dependent Mdm2 and E2F-1 Signaling Pathways during Neuronal Apoptosis

We have previously demonstrated that the apoptotic signaling pathway in K(+)-deprived cerebellar granule neurons involves a caspase-dependent cleavage of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb). Here, we have further investigated the functional consequences of this cleavage on two Rb-binding partners: the oncoprotein Mdm2 and the transcription factor E2F-1. A K(+) deprivation time course leads to a caspase inhibitor-sensitive degradation of Mdm2. Experimental blockade of Mdm2 expression with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) results in neuronal death, suggesting an active role of Mdm2 in neuroprotection. By contrast, the E2F-1 protein accumulates in a caspase-independent manner following K(+) withdrawal, a consequence of increased gene transcription. This is likely to result from the rapid cyclin-dependent kinase 4 activation observed in LK, that correlates with a transient Rb phosphorylation. Counteracting E2F-1 upregulation with antisense ODNs prevents neuronal loss. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Rb is a central player in regulating both caspase-dependent and -independent events leading to apoptosis.
Metal stents placement for refractory pancreatic duct stricture in children

AIM To evaluate the use of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) for pancreatic duct strictures in children with chronic pancreatitis. METHODS Eight patients with refractory benign dominant stricture of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) were enrolled through chart reviews between December 2014 and June 2017 in a single center. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with placement of a 6-mm FCSEMS with dual flaps was performed. Endoscopic removal of FCSEMSs was performed with a snare or rat-tooth forceps. All procedures were performed by a pediatric gastroenterologist. For the assessment of outcomes, technical and clinical success, adverse events, and stent patency were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS The placement and removal of the FCSEMSs were successful in all 8 patients. Five patients were boys and 3 were girls. The median age at initial FCSEMS placement was 12 years (range, 5-18 years). The diameters of all the inserted stents were 6 mm, and the lengths were 4-7 cm. The median indwelling time was 6 mo (range, 3-10 mo). No pancreatic sepsis, pancreatitis, cholestasis, or mortality occurred. There was no proximal and distal migration. All subjects showed a patent stent. On follow-up ERCP, the mean diameter of the stricture improved from 1.1 mm to 2.8 mm (P < 0.05), whereas that of upstream dilation improved from 8.4 mm to 6.3 mm (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION This initial experience showed that temporary FCSEMS placement is feasible and safe for the management of refractory benign MPD stricture in children.
An immunohistochemical analysis of angiogenesis in invasive breast cancer with correlations to clinicopathologic predictors.

BACKGROUND There is evidence that angiogenesis plays an important role in the biologic aggressiveness of breast carcinomas and might be used as a prognostic marker. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a series of 140 invasive mammary carcinomas, microvessels were highlighted immunohistochemically using two endothelial markers, factor VIII-related antigen (FVIIIRA) and CD31. Cases were divided into high and low microvessel density groups according to the highest number of microvessels found in each tumour's most vessel-dense part. The data was statistically analysed with regard to classic clinicopathologic prognosticators (i.e., histologic type and grade, nuclear grade, tumour size, stage, lymph node status and steroid receptor immunoexpression) by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS Both markers' counts displayed just a weak skewness. Interestingly, CD31 angiogenesis grade was not influenced by any of the prognostic indicators assessed. FVIIIRA immunoreactivity was significantly affected only by nuclear grade (p = 0.041) in logistic regression analysis. Infiltrating lobular carcinomas frequently demonstrated higher FVIIIRA-positive microvessel densities than ductal invasive carcinomas, at least in the subgroup of patients with absence of nodal metastases and in those patients with highly oestrogen-dependent tumours. CONCLUSIONS The lack of relation between angiogenesis and either disease stage or lymph node metastasis indicates that this process may be necessary, but not sufficient alone for breast cancer spread.
Serum bile acids in term and preterm neonates

AbstractSerum bile acids (BA) reference values are lacking for neonates. Therefore, this study aimed to determine serum BA reference values in term and preterm neonates. Furthermore, as serum BA concentrations are well-known to rise in septic adults, BA values were determined in early-onset neonatal sepsis (EOS), a common and serious disease in neonates.Using high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS), we profiled serum BA in 236 infants, including healthy term neonates (n = 84), premature infants (n = 101), and both term infants (n = 35) and preterm infants (n = 16) with EOS. We examined the impact of prematurity and EOS on BA concentrations.The median reference values of serum BA were 8.0 &mgr;mol/L, interquartile range (IQR): 4.6 to 12.9, in healthy term neonates and 10.1 &mgr;mol/L, IQR: 5.7 to 15.7, in preterm neonates. Neonates with EOS had significantly lower median BA values, term (4.7 &mgr;mol/L, IQR: 2.7–7.6; P < 0.01) as well as preterm (6.4 &mgr;mol/L, IQR: 3.5–8.4; P < 0.01). Furthermore, primary and conjugated BA were most abundant in all groups. Taurine-conjugated BA were predominant in all neonates; glycine-conjugated BA were significantly lower in term neonates with EOS than in controls (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis results obtained for BA and inflammatory parameters revealed that BA are an independent factor associated with EOS.This is the first study to determine standard value ranges of serum BA in neonates using HPLC-HRMS. In contrast to adults with sepsis, neonates suffering from EOS exhibit significantly lower BA values than do controls of the same gestational age. These data suggest BA as a supplementary parameter within a panel of biomarkers for EOS in the future.
Circulating LH Levels and the Response to Exogenous GnRH in the Common Mole-Rat: Implications for Reproductive Regulation in This Social, Seasonal Breeding Species

The effects of breeding season and reproductive status on male and female reproduction were investigated in the common mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus, a cooperatively breeding rodent which exhibits a unique combination of seasonal breeding and a reproductive division of labor. Pituitary function was examined by measuring the luteinizing hormone (LH) responses to single doses of 2 microg exogenous gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and physiological saline in 69 males and 58 females from 35 wild caught colonies. Neither males nor females exhibited any apparent manifestation of season on basal LH concentrations or on pituitary sensitivity to stimulation by exogenous GnRH. The continuance of reproductive function during the nonbreeding period is essential in common mole-rat males and females, as this period coincides with the period of maximal dispersal opportunity in the winter rainfall area they inhabit. Normal circulating levels of reproductive hormones in dispersing animals may aid intersexual recognition, assist pairbond formation, and thus prime animals for independent reproduction. Circulating basal concentrations of LH as well as LH levels measured in response to a single exogenous GnRH challenge were not significantly different between the reproductive and non-reproductive groups of either sex, suggest the absence of a physiologically well-defined suppression of reproduction in subordinate common mole-rats.
Insufficient Glycemic Control Increases Nuclear Factor-κB Binding Activity in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Isolated From Patients With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE The redox-sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) is believed to contribute to late diabetic complications. It is unknown whether NF-kB is influenced by glycemic control. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS To determine whether NF-kB is activated in patients with insufficient glycemic control (HbA1c > 10%), we developed a tissue culture-independent electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA)-based semiquantitative detection system that allowed us to determine NF-kB activation in ex vivo-isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We included 43 patients with type 1 diabetes in this cross-sectional study. 10 of those received the antioxidant thioctic acid (600 mg/day p.o.) for 2 weeks. RESULTS Monocytes of patients with HbA1c levels > 10% demonstrated significantly higher NF-kB binding activity in an EMSA and a stronger NF-kB staining in immunohistochemistry than monocytes of patients with HbA1c levels of 6–8%. The increase in NF-kB activation correlated with an increase in plasmatic markers of lipid peroxidation. Treatment with the antioxidant thioctic acid decreased NF-kB binding activity. CONCLUSIONS Hyperglycemia induces activation of the transcription factor NF-kB in ex vivo-isolated PBMCs of patients with type 1 diabetes. NF-kB activation is at least partially dependent on oxidative stress, since the antioxidant thioctic acid significantly lowered the extent of NF-kB binding activity.
Immunolabelling, histochemistry and in situ hybridisation in human skeletal muscle fibres to detect myosin heavy chain expression at the protein and mRNA level

The distribution of muscle fibres classified on the basis of their content of different myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms was analysed in vastus lateralis muscle biopsies of 15 young men (with an average age of 22 y) by correlating immunohistochemistry with specific anti‐MHC monoclonal antibodies, myofibrillar ATPase (mATPase) histochemistry and in situ hybridisation with probes specific for MHC β‐slow, MHC‐IIA and MHC‐IIX. The characterisation of a large number of individual fibres was compared and correlated on a fibre‐to‐fibre basis. The panel of monoclonal antibodies used in the study allowed classification of human skeletal muscle fibres into 5 categories according to the MHC isoform they express at the protein level, types I, I+IIA, IIA, IIAX and IIX. Hybrid fibres coexpressing two isoforms represented a considerable proportion of the fibre composition (about 14%) and were clearly underestimated by mATPase histochemistry. For a very high percentage of fibres there was a precise correspondence between the MHC protein isoforms and mRNA transcripts. The integrated methods used demonstrate a high degree of precision of the immunohistochemical procedure used for the identification and quantification of human skeletal muscle fibre types. The monoclonal antibody S5‐8H2 is particularly useful for identifying hybrid IIAX fibres. This protocol offers new prospects for muscle fibre classification in human experimental studies.
The Dynamic Migration Game: A Structural Econometric Model and Application to Rural Mexico

The migration decisions of households in a village can be thought of as a dynamic game in which each household optimally decides how to allocate its members across distinct activities, taking into account dynamic considerations about the future and strategic considerations about what neighbors in the village are doing. We develop and estimate a structural econometric model of this dynamic migration game. The structural econometric model enables us to examine how natural factors, economic factors, institutions, government policies, and strategic interactions affect the migration decisions of households in rural Mexico. We use this model to simulate the effects of counterfactual policy scenarios, including those regarding wages, schooling, crime rates at the border, precipitation, and government policy, on migration decisions and welfare. JEL Codes: O15, O54
Effects of Gender and Age on Paediatric Headache

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of gender and age on headache characteristics and disability. Headache characteristics were assessed at an initial visit to a paediatric specialty care centre and five follow-up visits. A total number of 4121 patients were evaluated. Fifty-eight per cent of the sample was female. Boys were younger at their first headache and initial visit. They more frequently described headache pain as squeezing and location as top of the head. Girls reported more frequent and longer headaches. Girls more often described headache pain as sharp and location as back of the head. Age accounted for more variance than gender in headache severity, duration, frequency and disability. Gender differences exist in headache characteristics. Age is also an important factor in the variability in characteristics and disability. Longitudinal studies are needed to describe further the natural history of headaches in childhood and compare outcome between genders.
Potential role of hypoxia in early stages of Hodgkin lymphoma pathogenesis

A unique feature of the germinal center B cell-derived Hodgkin and Reed/Sternberg cells of classical Hodgkin lymphoma is their lost B cell phenotype and the aberrant expression of factors of other hematopoietic cell types, including ID2 and NOTCH1. As cellular dedifferentiation and upregulation of ID2 and NOTCH1 are typical consequences of a hypoxic response, we wondered whether hypoxia may impose an HRS cell-like phenotype in B cells. Culturing normal B cells or cell lines of germinal center-type diffuse large B-cell lymphoma under hypoxic conditions caused partial downregulation of several B cell markers, ID2 upregulation, and increased NOTCH1 activity. The hypoxic cells acquired further features of Hodgkin and Reed/Sternberg cells, including increased JUN expression, and enhanced NFκB activity. The Hodgkin and Reed/Sternberg cell-expressed epigenetic regulators KDM4C and PCGF2, as well as the phosphatase DUSP1 were partially induced in hypoxic B cells. Inhibition of DUSP1 was toxic for classical Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines. Thus, hypoxia induces key Hodgkin and Reed/Sternberg cell characteristics in mature B cells. We speculate that hypoxic conditions in the germinal center may impose phenotypic changes in germinal center B cells, promoting their survival and initiating their differentiation towards a Hodgkin and Reed/Sternberg cell-like phenotype. These may then be stabilized by transforming events in the Hodgkin and Reed/Sternberg precursor cells.
Strategic planning in nonprofit organizations: continuous quality performance improvement - a case study

This article addresses the nature of strategic planning in nonprofit organizations through a discussion of relevant literature and the use of a case study of an organization created by a recent merger. Within the framework of a strategic plan, the concepts of continuous quality performance improvement (CQPI) and accountability for achieving nonprofit organizationsʼ goals are discussed. In todayʼs world, nonprofit organizations need to develop a strategic plan to respond to their dynamic and changing internal and external environments. A CQPI system is a useful tool for nonprofit leaders and their staff, to help them adapt the organization to its current environment; clarify needs of its clients; and set priorities to better meet its mission.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced gastric carcinoma

In a previous study the authors demonstrated, using immunohistochemical methods for epithelial antigens, that the regional lymph nodes of gastric adenocarcinoma contained individual tumor cells or small clusters of these cells (tumor cell microinvolvement [TCM]) in over 90% of cases. In the current study the authors used the same method to investigate a series of gastric adenocarcinoma cases treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to tumor resection; their aim was to determine the effect of chemotherapy on TCM in regional lymph nodes.
The Relationship between Structural Aspects of Self-Concept and Psychosocial Adjustment in Adolescents from Alcoholic Families

Sixty adolescents from alcoholic families living in two large cities in Poland were examined in 2008 and 2009. Richness, stability, and certainty of their self-concepts, as well as levels of school adjustment, anxiety, and depression, were evaluated using a set of questionnaires. In a series of bivariate analyses, the strongest associations found were between richness of the self-concept and the social withdrawal syndrome, and between stability of the self-concept and depression. Both relationships remained significant, using multiple regression models, after controlling for possible confounding factors. Possible explanations and implications for the findings, as well as the study's limitations, are noted and discussed.
Evaluating commercial weight loss programmes: an evolution in outcomes research

The increasing prevalence of obesity has been mirrored by a parallel increase in the number of commercial weight loss programmes. Research evaluating these programmes is meagre, however, compared to the numbers treated. Reluctance of commercial weight loss programmes to meaningfully evaluate their weight loss efficacy may arise from fear that competitors will use the results against them. Evaluation of commercial weight loss programmes usually progresses from testimonials, often by famous people who were successful, to uncontrolled studies of past participants evaluated either by the programme itself or by an outside entity. The gold standard, however, is a scientifically rigorous, controlled study of the programme conducted by an independent entity. Such a study, published in a peer‐reviewed journal, can gain credibility for a programme, as it did with Slim Fast, if the results are positive, or herald the end of the programme, as it was with Simeons human chorionic gonadotropin injection clinics. This review of the evolution of the evaluation process of commercial weight loss programmes leads us to conclude that consumers are likely to demand greater scientific rigour in the future, a change that will favour informed choice and discourage the practice of unrealistic advertising that raises false hopes.
POWASSAN VIRUS INFECTION IN SNOWSHOE HARES (Lepus americanus)

Sera from snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) trapped near Rochester, Alberta, Canada were tested for Powassan virus antibody by the constant virus/serum dilution neutralization test. Of 1264 serum samples tested, 137 had an antibody titer of at least 1:4 for Powassan virus. Ten hares were inoculated with Powassan virus in the laboratory. Viremia lasted 4-5 days and ceased with the appearance of Powassan antibody in the serum. Neutralizing antibody reached a peak titer of 1:119 on day 15 post-inoculation and was still detectable 13 months post-inoculation.
Current status and prospects for in-feed antibiotics in the different stages of pork production — A review

Antibiotics have long been of great benefit for people, both in the medical treatment of human disease and in animal food where they improve the growth performance and feed utilization during animal production. Antibiotics as in-feed supplements affect all stages of pork production, including the gestation, nursing, growing, and finishing stages, although the effects show stage-dependent differences. However, the use of antibiotics in animal feed has become a worldwide concern. This review describes why sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotic additives in animal feed have become an integral part of animal feeding programs for more than 70 years, particularly in pork production. It also discusses the threat of the long-term use of sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics in pork production. In recent years, the effectiveness of in-feed antibiotics has tended to decrease. This review analyzes this change from various perspectives. First, the equipment used at pig farms has improved dramatically and is more sanitary. Worldwide, more pig farms use pig farrowing crates, gestation crates, piglet nursery crates, flooring devices, piggery ventilation and cooler systems, automatic pig feeders, piggery heating equipment, and artificial insemination systems. In addition, scientists have replaced the use of antibiotics with organic acids, fermented mash, probiotics, prebiotics, minerals, oligosaccharides, enzymes, herbs/flavors, and protein/amino acids, and have improved management and husbandry techniques. In addition, animal welfare legislation has been aimed at improving the quality of the floors and living space, ensuring that animals have permanent access to fresh water, and setting a minimum weaning age. Finally, the prospects and the possibility of replacing antibiotics in pork production are described, in line with recent research results.