Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Posterior fossa abnormalities in major depression: a controlled magnetic resonance imaging study

High‐field magnetic resonance (MR) images were used to study posterior fossa morphology in 27 patients with major depression and 36 normal control subjects. Depressed patients demonstrated smaller brain stem and cerebellar vermis than controls. These differences were highly significant for the anterior cerebellar vermis and medulla. There was also a striking age‐related decline in midbrain size in depressed patients as well as in controls. Our results are consistent with several lines of evidence implicating a role for the cerebellar vermis in affective disorders and, in addition, provide the first MR documentation of the differential effects of aging on posterior fossa morphology in normal subjects compared with patients with major depression.
CD4+ T-Cell Count Monitoring Does Not Accurately Identify HIV-Infected Adults With Virologic Failure Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy

Background:CD4+ T-lymphocyte (CD4) counts are widely used to monitor response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. However, the utility of such monitoring in terms of predicting virologic response to therapy has been little studied. Methods:We studied participants aged 18 years and older who initiated ART in Tororo, Uganda. CD4 counts, CD4 percentages, and viral load (VL) were examined at 6-monthly intervals. Various definitions of immunologic failure were examined to identify individuals with VLs ≥ 50, ≥500, ≥1000, or ≥5000 copies per milliliter at 6, 12, and 18 months after treatment initiation. Results:One thousand sixty-three ART-naive persons initiated ART. The proportion of individuals with virologic failure ranged between 1.5% and 16.4% for each time point. The proportion with no increase in CD4 count from baseline did not differ between those with suppressed or unsuppressed VLs at 6, 18, and 24 months after ART initiation. No increase in CD4 cell counts at 6 months had a sensitivity of 0.04 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00 to 0.10] and a positive predictive value of 0.03 (95% CI 0.00 to 0.09) for identifying individuals with VL ≥ 500 copies per milliliter at 6 months. The best measure identified was an absolute CD4 cell count <125 cells per microliter at 21 months for predicting VL ≥ 500 copies per milliliter at 18 months which had a sensitivity of 0.13 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.21) and a positive predictive value of 0.29 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.44). Conclusions:CD4 cell count monitoring does not accurately identify individuals with virologic failure among patients taking ART.
Immunohistochemical detection of retinoblastoma protein and E2 promoter-binding factor-1 in ameloblastomas.

BACKGROUND To clarify the roles of cell cycle regulation in oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of odontogenic tumors, expression of retinoblastoma protein (RB) and E2 promoter-binding factor-1 (E2F-1) was analyzed in ameloblastomas as well as in tooth germs. METHODS Tissue specimens of 10 tooth germs, 40 benign ameloblastomas, and five malignant ameloblastomas were examined immunohistochemically with the use of antibodies against RB, E2F-1, and phosphorylated RB. Ki-67 antigen immunostaining was made as a marker of cell proliferation. RESULTS Immunohistochemical reactivity for RB, E2F-1, phosphorylated RB, and Ki-67 was detected in the nuclei of odontogenic epithelial cells near the basement membrane in tooth germs and benign and malignant ameloblastomas. The number of cells positive for phosphorylated RB was nearly equal to or slightly less than the number of cells positive for RB or E2F-1. The number of Ki-67-positive cells was slightly more than the numbers of cell positive for RB, E2F-1, or phosphorylated RB. The levels of immunoreactivity for RB, E2F-1, phosphorylated RB, and Ki-67 were slightly higher in benign and malignant ameloblastomas than in tooth germs. Plexiform ameloblastomas showed significantly higher expression of RB than follicular ameloblastomas. Ki-67 immunoreactivity was significantly higher in ameloblastic carcinomas than in metastasizing ameloblastomas. CONCLUSION Similar immunoreactivity for RB, E2F-1, phosphorylated RB, and Ki-67 in tooth germs and ameloblastomas indicated cellular expression of phosphorylated RB and active-free E2F-1 in both normal and neoplastic odontogenic tissues. Expression of RB, E2F-1, and phosphorylated RB was considered to be involved in cell proliferation and differentiation of odontogenic epithelium via control of the cell cycle.
Renovascular Resistance of Machine‐Perfused DCD Kidneys Is Associated with Primary Nonfunction

Donation after cardiac death (DCD) has shown to be a valuable extension of the donor pool despite a higher percentage of primary nonfunction (PNF). Limiting the incidence of PNF is of vital importance. Renovascular resistance is believed to predict graft outcome; however the literature is inconsistent. Therefore, we studied whether renovascular resistance is associated with PNF and whether this parameter should be used to discard donor kidneys. All transplanted DCD kidneys preserved by machine perfusion at our center between 1993 and 2007 were analyzed (n = 440). The effects of renovascular resistance on PNF, delayed graft function (DGF), and graft and patient survival were examined using multivariable analyses; predictive quality by calculating the area under the curve (AUC). We showed that renovascular resistance at the start of machine perfusion was significantly and independently associated with PNF (OR 2.040, 95% CI 1.362–3.056; p = 0.001), and DGF (OR 2.345, 95% CI 1.110–4.955; p = 0.025). Predictive quality was moderate (0.609, 95% CI 0.538–0.681). Graft and patient survival were not associated with renovascular resistance. We conclude that renovascular resistance in DCD kidneys is an independent risk factor for PNF; however, the predictive value is relatively low.
Expression of Bone-related Protein Messenger RNA in Human Meningiomas: Possible Involvement of Osteopontin in Development of Psammoma Bodies

Meningiomas often contain concentric calcified foci, referred to as psammoma bodies. Since calcium phosphate deposits in both psammoma bodies and bone tissues, we examined whether messenger (m) RNA of bone-related extracellular matrix proteins and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) were expressed in human meningioma tissues. Northern blotting demonstrated the expression of osteopontin (OPN), matrix Gla protein (MGP), osteonectin (ON) and BMP-4 mRNA but not bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin and BMP-2 mRNA. In situ hybridization revealed that most OPN mRNA-expressing cells were located around the psammoma bodies in meningothelial whorls. Moreover, combination of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry on serial sections showed that the OPN mRNA-expressing cells were CD68-positive, suggesting they were macrophages. Immunohistochemistry with anti-OPN antibody and von Kossa staining on the adjacent section showed that the deposition site of OPN protein was consistent with that of calcium phosphate. Neither MGP nor ON mRNA expression appeared to correlate with the calcification. The present result suggests that OPN produced by CD68-positive macrophages may play a significant role for development of psammoma bodies in meningiomas.
Sensitive and Broadly Reactive Reverse Transcription-PCR Assays To Detect Novel Paramyxoviruses

ABSTRACT We have developed a set of reverse transcription-PCR assays for the detection and identification of known and novel paramyxoviruses in clinical specimens. Primers were designed from the conserved motifs of the polymerase pol gene sequences to detect members of the Paramyxovirinae or Pneumovirinae subfamily or groups of genera within the Paramyxovirinae subfamily. The consensus-degenerate hybrid oligonucleotide primer design and seminested or nested PCR assay design were used to enhance the breadth of reactivity and sensitivity of the respective assays. Using expressed RNA and 10-fold dilution series of virus-infected tissue culture isolates from different members of the family or genera, these assays were able to detect on average between 100 and 500 copies of template RNA. The assays were specific to the respective group of genera or subfamily viruses. This set of primers enhances our ability to look for novel viruses in outbreaks and diseases of unknown etiology.
Statins and Stroke Prevention

Four randomized trials with a statin and one trial with a fibrate showed a modest but significant absolute reduction in the incidence of stroke in patients with a previous myocardial infarction. The reasons for the positive effect of statins on stroke end-point are unclear since, paradoxically, the link between serum cholesterol level and stroke has never been fully established. Furthermore, the positive results of statins trials were mainly obtained in patients with an average or a low serum cholesterol level. This suggests nonhypolipidemic effects of these drugs, so-called pleiotropic effects, acting on the biologic promoters of plaque instability. Statins have a good overall safety profile with no increase of hemorrhagic stroke and no increase in cancer. They have positive effects in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-risk young as well as elderly populations. Statins reduced stroke incidence in high-risk (mainly CHD, diabetics and hypertensives) population even with a normal baseline blood cholesterol level, which argues for a global cardiovascular risk-based treatment strategy. In patients with prior strokes, statins likely reduce the incidence of cononary events, but it is not yet proven that statins actually reduce the incidence of recurrent strokes in secondary prevention. If current hypotheses are verified by ongoing trials, we may expect between 20 to 30 more stroke events avoided per 1,000 patients treated during 2 years with a lipid-lowering agent, which adds to the 28 stroke events prevented with an antiplatelet agent over the same time period. This would be one of the most significant advances in stroke and vascular dementia prevention since the era of aspirin therapy.
Molecular Demonstration of a Pneumocystis Outbreak in Stem Cell Transplant Patients: Evidence for Transmission in the Daycare Center

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a life-threatening infection in hematology. Although occasionally reported, the role of interhuman transmission of P. jirovecii in PCP, compared to that of reactivation, remains an unresolved question; the recommendation to isolate PCP patients in the hematology ward are not well evidence-based. Following an unexpected increase in the number of febrile pneumonia patients with P. jirovecii DNA detected in respiratory samples in our hematology ward, we explored 12 consecutive patients from November 2015 to May 2016. Genotyping of P jirovecii was performed using microsatellite markers. The frequency of simultaneous occupancy of these 12 patients in the same unit on the same day from 4 months prior to the first diagnosis was recorded. In three patients, the P. jirovecii genotype could not be determined because DNA was insufficient. One rare single genotype (Gt2) was found in four of the other nine, all allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients. The transmission map showed that these 4 patients had multiple opportunities to meet on the same day (median, 6.5; range, 4–10) at the daycare center. It was much less among the eight non-Gt2 patients (median, 1; range, 0–9; P = 0.048). This study, based on modern molecular technics, strongly suggests that interhuman transmission of P. jirovecii between allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients is possible. P. jirovecii DNA detected in respiratory specimens supports that isolation and respiratory precautions be recommended in such cases in the hematology ward.
Increased granzyme A expression in type II pneumocytes of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RATIONALE Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased numbers of CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in the lung, but the functional activity of CTLs remains unknown. Granzyme A (GrA) and B (GrB) are serine proteases considered to be important effector molecules of CTLs and natural killer cells. OBJECTIVE To investigate protein and mRNA expression of GrA and GrB in peripheral lung tissue from patients with COPD and control subjects with normal lung function. METHODS Paraffin-embedded sections of surgical lung specimens from 22 patients with COPD (FEV(1), 22% predicted; GOLD stage 4) and 15 control subjects (FEV(1), 108% predicted) were immunostained for GrA and GrB, and semiquantified on a 3-point scale. Messenger RNA expression in total lung, specific cell types enriched for by laser capture microdissection, and freshly isolated primary cells were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS GrA and GrB immunoreactivity was observed in CD8(+) CTLs and CD57(+) natural killer cells, but also in type II pneumocytes and alveolar macrophages in both groups. Bronchiolar epithelium stained positive for GrA, but negative for GrB. These observations were confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction on total lung, laser capture microdissection-enriched specific cell types and freshly isolated primary type II pneumocytes. The scores of GrA-expressing type II pneumocytes were significantly higher in patients with COPD versus control subjects. CONCLUSIONS GrA and GrB mRNA and protein are detectable in human lung tissue. GrA expression is increased in type II pneumocytes of patients with very severe COPD. These results indicate that GrA may be important in the development of COPD.
Earnings management by controlling shareholders who plan for stock gifts: Korean evidence*

Abstract We examine whether controlling shareholders who plan for stock gifts would manage earnings in an attempt to depress stock prices prior to gifting stocks to related parties. Gift taxes are levied based on the average market value of the stock transferred for a certain period known as the valuation period. This process enables controlling shareholders to be incentivized to depress stock prices during this period and thereby alleviate tax burden. We discover that the firms that have stock gift transactions in the sample significantly decrease their discretionary accruals in the quarters that precede and/or overlap with the valuation period. Earnings management that decreases income is statistically significant when stock gifts are made for individuals who are the related parties and family members of controlling shareholders. By contrast, we do not observe a similar earnings-management behavior in cases where stock gifts are donated to institutional donees who are not subject to gift taxes.
Comparison of extraamniotic Foley catheter and intracervical prostaglandin E2 gel for preinduction cervical ripening

Background. The success of induced labor depends on the degree of ripening of cervix. Pharmacological preparations are in widespread use for cervical ripening but are not free from side‐effects and complications. Mechanical methods, i.e. the use of Foley catheter balloon, though effective have not gained much popularity because of the fear of infection. Therefore, this study has been conducted to prove the efficacy and safety of extraamniotic Foley catheter balloon and to compare it with intracervical prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel.
Filipino College Students' Views on The Value of Phisical Appeal to Political Leadership

Musings of thirty-six college students from three higher educational institutions in the Manila, Philippines were used to look at the constructs of physical appeal and its power to influence leadership. By thematically analyzing the musings of the students, the research found physical appeal concepts that are associated to leadership. The study revealed that the students perceive leadership in two ways: from “within” the leader such as skills and knowledge, and from the “outside” where leadership is associated to goals, to influences, and to authority. In terms of physical appeal, leaders are expected to possess physical beauty (kagandahang anyo). Moreover, leaders are seen as individuals who have good manners (kagandahang asal). Interestingly, the college students claimed that leadership should also be based on capacity (kakayanan) and connection (koneksyon). These findings revealed that leadership has its physical and ethical forms that help the students visualize their idealized national political leader.
Do reproductive hormones modify insulin sensitivity and metabolism in older men? A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin.

OBJECTIVE In order to assess the hormonal determinants of insulin sensitivity and related components of the metabolic syndrome, we evaluated the effect of subcutaneous recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (r-hCG; Ovidrel) on insulin sensitivity, vascular reactivity, leptin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and lipids in ambulant, community dwelling men >60 Years of age with serum testosterone <or= 15 nmol/l on two occasions. DESIGN Forty eligible men were randomized to receive 250 microg (5000 IU) r-hCG subcutaneously twice each week (n=20) or placebo (n=20) injections for 3 Months, and all subjects (mean age 67 (range 60-85) Years) completed the study. METHODS AND RESULTS Groups were well matched for height, weight, anthropometry and insulin sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by homeostasis model (HOMA) and euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp at baseline and at the end of the treatment period in the first 30 men who did not have diabetes mellitus. Insulin sensitivity (HOMA and euglycemic clamp) or beta cell function (HOMA) were not significantly changed by r-hCG despite a significant increase in lean body mass (approximately 2 kg, P<0.001) and reduced fat mass (approximately 1 kg, P<0.05). Subcutaneous fat (skinfold measurements), abdominal girth and serum leptin all decreased and IGF-I tended to increase, but these changes were not significant. Recombinant hCG significantly reduced total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, but did not significantly alter high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Endothelial function (vascular reactivity) was not significantly worsened. We conclude that three-Months of treatment with r-hCG demonstrates expected hormonal effects, improved lipids and did not worsen vascular endothelial function. Insulin sensitivity was not altered despite suggestive changes in body composition. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest short-term metabolic and cardiovascular safety and argue against an important role for androgens in the hormonal control of insulin sensitivity in older men.
Equity Factor Predictability

This article comprehensively reviews the predictability of six equity factors. These factors are the market excess return, size, value, momentum, low beta and quality. I find predictability for the low beta factor and moderate predictability for the size factor. The results for other factors are mixed. Moreover, predicted returns for the market, size, value and momentum factors are to a large extent driven by a common component. This common component is partly related to the business cycle: the market, size and value factors are anti-cyclical, while the momentum factor is pro-cyclical. However, business cycles can only explain a small part of this common component.
Ending the draft in America: the coevolution of military manpower and the capitalist state, 1948–1973

ABSTRACT This paper explores the abandonment of the military draft in the United States and the ideological forces that brought about its end in 1973. It argues that the system of raising military labour is deeply embedded in the prevailing political economy of a society. To develop this point, the paper analyses the United States from 1948 to 1973, a period corresponding with the lifespan of the Selective Service regime and the approximate duration of the post-war welfare state. In this time, the draft was about much more than staffing a military for national defence. It was engineered by presidents and policymakers to support the objectives of the welfare state. Taking Bob Jessop’s conceptualization, the American draft reflects the statist and welfarist orientation of American capitalism during this period. It was a deeply statist enterprise hinging upon the coercive power of the state to compel men into military service. This state-directed, centralized act of compulsion was also used to achieve goals like alleviating poverty, remediating social inequality, and building better citizens. Neoliberal critics assailed this logic with many of the same arguments that were levelled against the welfare state more broadly. Their solution – the all-volunteer force (AVF) – represented a viable alternative to a system in crisis by the late 1960s. The final transition to the AVF signalled a change in military policy but was also symptomatic of a shift in the broader American political economy from post-war welfare statism to neoliberalism.
In Vitro Functional and Immunomodulatory Properties of the Lactobacillus helveticus MIMLh5-Streptococcus salivarius ST3 Association That Are Relevant to the Development of a Pharyngeal Probiotic Product

ABSTRACT The use of proper bacterial strains as probiotics for the pharyngeal mucosa is a potential prophylactic strategy for upper respiratory tract infections. In this context, we characterized in vitro the functional and immunomodulatory properties of the strains Lactobacillus helveticus MIMLh5 and Streptococcus salivarius ST3 that were selected during previous investigations as promising pharyngeal probiotics. In this study, we demonstrated in vitro that strains MIMLh5 and ST3, alone and in combination, can efficiently adhere to pharyngeal epithelial cells, antagonize Streptococcus pyogenes, and modulate host innate immunity by inducing potentially protective effects. In particular, we found that the strains MIMLh5 and ST3 activate U937 human macrophages by significantly inducing the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Nonetheless, the induction of the anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) by MIMLh5 or ST3 was never lower than that of TNF-α, suggesting that these bacteria can potentially exert a regulatory rather than a proinflammatory effect. We also found that the strains MIMLh5 and ST3 induce cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression and demonstrated that toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) participates in the recognition of the strains MIMLh5 and ST3 by U937 cells. Finally, we observed that these microorganisms grow efficiently when cocultured in milk, suggesting that the preparation of a milk-based fermented product containing both MIMLh5 and ST3 can be a practical solution for the administration of these bacteria. In conclusion, we propose the combined use of L. helveticus MIMLh5 and S. salivarius ST3 for the preparation of novel products that display probiotic properties for the pharyngeal mucosa.