Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electoral budget cycles in the EMU: An empirical challenge to context conditionality

Shi and Svensson (2006) and Brender and Drazen (2005) have argued that advanced industrialized countries are immune to fiscal electioneering. I challenge this conclusion with an empirical study of electoral cyclicality in 15 member countries of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) from 1980 to 2007. The analysis reveals strong and robust electoral effects on deficits and expenditures that have regained intensity following a short-lived suppression in the run-up to monetary union during the 1990s. However, fiscal electioneering is contained by transparent budgeting practices and fiscal rules that constrain annual budgets. I conclude that a focus on the conditioning role of budget institutions should be central to further research, and that empirical work with highly heterogeneous samples should pay more attention to identifying which countries drive the results. In terms of policy, the analysis endorses the renewed efforts by international organizations to strengthen budgetary procedures.
Trunk and Hip Muscle Activation Patterns Are Different During Walking in Young Children With and Without Cerebral Palsy

Background Poor control of postural muscles is a primary impairment in people with cerebral palsy (CP). Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the timing characteristics of trunk and hip muscle activity during walking in young children with CP compared with children with typical development (TD). Methods Thirty-one children (16 with TD, 15 with CP) with an average of 28.5 months of walking experience participated in this observational study. Electromyographic data were collected from 16 trunk and hip muscles as participants walked at a self-selected pace. A custom-written computer program determined onset and offset of activity. Activation and coactivation data were analyzed for group differences. Results The children with CP had greater total activation and coactivation for all muscles except the external oblique muscle and differences in the timing of activation for all muscles compared with the TD group. The implications of the observed muscle activation patterns are discussed in reference to existing postural control literature. Limitations The potential influence of recording activity from adjacent deep trunk muscles is discussed, as well as the influence of the use of an assistive device by some children with CP. Conclusions Young children with CP demonstrate excessive, nonreciprocal trunk and hip muscle activation during walking compared with children with TD. Future studies should investigate the efficacy of treatments to reduce excessive muscle activity and improve coordination of postural muscles in CP.
Infectious keratitis in Baltimore.

One hundred thirty cases of ulcerative keratitis occurring from 1985 to 1989 at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore were reviewed. Positive corneal cultures were obtained from 40% of cases. The most common isolates were Staphylococcus epidermidis (28%), S. aureus (16%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa was the most common in contact lens wearers. Antibiotic pretreatment did not affect the rate of positive cultures significantly. Bilateral conjunctival and eyelid margin cultures also were examined. An association was found between corneal and ipsilateral conjunctival isolates (P = .05). Gram stains were consistently negative. Most patients were treated successfully as outpatients. The value of simultaneous conjunctival and eyelid margin cultures and Gram stains was questioned.
The effect of dietary salt on insulin sensitivity

Abstract. Acute reduction of salt intake causes an increase in serum lipid and insulin levels in healthy volunteers and patients with essential hypertension, suggesting induction of insulin resistance by salt restriction. Direct measurements of insulin sensitivity using the euglycaemic clamp showed no significant change after 7 days of salt restriction. Our previous study showed a time dependent course of dyslipidae‐mia after institution of a low salt diet. We therefore assessed insulin sensitivity (M‐value) under euglycaemic conditions (clamp technique) at discrete time points using a parallel group design. Two groups of healthy males were examined on high (200 mmold‐1) and low (20 mmold‐1) salt intake. One group (n— 7, 25 ± 3 years, BMI 22.4 ±2.1 kg m‐2) received high and low salt diet in random order each for 7 days. The other group (n= 7, 26 ± 3 years, 22.1 ± 1.9 kg m‐2) received the respective diet in random order for 3 days. A significantly (P < 0.01) different mean M‐value was noted in the group receiving the diets for 3 days, i.e. after low salt intake it was 7.4 ± 1.2mg kg‐1 min‐1 and after high salt intake 8.6± 1.1 mg kg‐1 min‐1. In contrast, the mean M‐value was similar after low and high salt periods in the group of individuals who had been studied after 7 days on either salt take (7.8 ± 1.8 on low salt vs. 7.6 ± 1.3 mg kg‐1 min‐1 on high salt). There were no differences in baseline mean serum glucose and potassium levels on either salt intake, whereas baseline mean serum insulin concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) higher on low salt intake as compared with high salt intake in the group on diets for 3 days and for 7 days, respectively. Mean plasma renin activity, angiotensin II and nor‐adrenaline levels were higher after low salt than after high salt intake in both groups of volunteers. The data suggest that modulation of dietary salt intake can influence insulin sensitivity in healthy volunteers. The change in insulin sensitivity is, however, an evanescent phenomenon as previously also shown for dyslipidaemia. Extrapolations from acute effects of severe salt restriction on glucose and lipid metabolism to long‐term consequences of moderate low salt diet in the therapy of hypertension are therefore not warranted.
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Improve Collagenase-Induced Tendinopathy in a Rat Model

Background: Tendinopathy is a common and highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder characterized by repetitive activity-related pain and focal tendon tenderness. Histopathologically, tendinopathic tissue mainly shows degenerative changes. Therefore, tendinopathy is not affected by anti-inflammatory therapies. A novel approach, including a stem cell–based therapy, may be beneficial for its treatment. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) on tendon healing in a rat tendinopathy model. The hypothesis was that ASC transplantation would improve degeneration in collagenase-induced tendinopathy. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Sixteen F344/NSlc rats underwent collagenase injection into the Achilles tendon to induce tendinopathy. At 1 week after collagenase injection, 8 rats received ASCs (ASC group) and 8 received phosphate-buffered saline alone (PBS group). Animals were sacrificed at 4 or 12 weeks after ASC administration, and the degree of degeneration in each tendon was histologically evaluated according to the Bonar scale. The microstructure of healing tendons was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to measure the ratio of type III collagen messenger RNA (mRNA) to type I collagen mRNA in tendons. Results: The median Bonar scale score in the ASC and PBS groups was 2.5 and 5.33 at 4 weeks after treatment and 1.0 and 4.0 at 12 weeks after treatment, respectively. Histologically, the ASC group showed a significantly lower degree of tendon degeneration than the PBS group at both time points. In the RT-PCR analysis, the ratio of type III collagen to type I collagen was significantly lower in the ASC group than in the PBS group at 12 weeks after treatment. Moreover, this ratio decreased over time in the ASC group, whereas it increased over time in the PBS group. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrate that the application of ASCs results in significant improvement in the pathological findings associated with tendinopathy and the normalization of collagen ratios within the affected tendon. Clinical Relevance: Subcutaneous adipose tissue can be harvested easily, and ASC administration might have the potential to rapidly treat tendinopathy.
Characterisation of the first Australian isolate of Neospora caninum from cattle.

OBJECTIVE To isolate Neospora caninum from a congenitally infected calf. PROCEDURE A calf was obtained from a N. caninum infected dam maintained in a dairy herd of Holstein-Friesian cattle located on the south coast of NSW near Nowra. The calf was euthanased and samples collected for serology and pathology. Samples of brain and spinal cord of the calf were homogenised and injected into immunocompromised mice in an attempt to recover protozoa by in vivo culture. Sequential passage of brain homogenate through IFNgammaPKO mice was performed and tissue culture flasks were inoculated with brain homogenate. Parasites were identified by electron microscopy and DNA sequencing. The antigen profile of the isolate was analysed using Western blotting. Pathogenicity was examined in BALB/c mice and transmission of the parasite during pregnancy was examined in Qs mice. RESULTS The calf was seropositive for N. caninum and histopathological examination of sections of cerebrum identified lesions consistent with a very mild infection with N. caninum. The parasites isolated using tissue culture were identified as N. caninum, based on the sequence of the ribosomal DNA and electron microscopy. The antigen profile of the new isolate was similar to that of the NC-Liverpool isolate, but quite different from that of Toxoplasma gondii. In BALB/c mice inoculated with the new isolate, severe clinical signs developed in only three of ten infected mice, compared with six of ten mice infected with NC-Liverpool. Mild to moderate nonsuppurative encephalitis was observed in BALB/c mice infected with the new isolate, compared with mice infected with NC-Liverpool, that developed severe nonsuppurative encephalitis. Transplacental transmission of the isolate arising from an acute infection during pregnancy occurred in about 87% of pups. CONCLUSION This is the first isolation of bovine Neospora caninum in Australia. This isolate, called NC-Nowra, appears to be a less virulent form and may prove to be a suitable candidate for vaccine development.
HIGHLIGHTED TOPIC Regulation of Protein Metabolism in Exercise and Recovery Human muscle protein synthesis and breakdown during and after exercise

muscle demonstrates extraordinary mutability in its responses to exercise of different modes, intensity, and duration, which must involve alterations of muscle protein turnover, both acutely and chronically. Here, we bring together information on the alterations in the rates of synthesis and degradation of human muscle protein by different types of exercise and the inﬂuences of nutrition, age, and sexual dimorphism. Where possible, we summarize the likely changes in activity of signaling proteins associated with control of protein turnover. Exercise of both the resistance and nonresistance types appears to depress muscle protein synthesis (MPS), whereas muscle protein breakdown (MPB) probably remains unchanged during exercise. However, both MPS and MPB are elevated after exercise in the fasted state, when net muscle protein balance remains negative. Positive net balance is achieved only when amino acid availability is increased, thereby raising MPS markedly. However, postexercise-increased amino acid availability is less important for inhibiting MPB than insulin, the secretion of which is stimulated most by glucose availability, without itself stimulating MPS. Exercise training appears to increase basal muscle protein turnover, with differential responses of the myoﬁ- brillar and mitochondrial protein fractions to acute exercise in the trained state. Aging reduces the responses of myoﬁbrillar protein and anabolic signaling to resistance exercise. There appear to be few, if any, differences in the response of young women and young men to acute exercise, although there are indications that, in older women, the responses may be blunted more than in older men.
Leading-Effect, Risk-Taking and Sabotage in Two-Stage Tournaments: Evidence from a Natural Experiment

Abstract Existing theory suggests that three “order effects” may emerge in multi-stage tournaments with information feedback. First, participants adjust effort across stages, which could advantage the leading participant who faces a larger “effective prize” after an initial victory (leading-effect). Second, leading participants might engage in sabotage activities to protect their lead thereby decreasing the rivals’ output. Finally, participants lagging behind may increase risk at the final stage as they have “nothing to lose” (risk-taking). The expected order effects based on existing theory cannot be supported empirically in a natural experiment setting, where professional teams compete in a two-stage tournament with asymmetric initial conditions and clear incentives.
Expression pattern of the water channel aquaporin‐4 in human gliomas is associated with blood–brain barrier disturbance but not with patient survival

Aquaporin‐4 (AQP4), the most prominent CNS water channel, is restricted to the glia limitans and astrocytic endfeet. We previously showed the loss of spatial AQP4 expression in glioblastomas and a redistribution across the cell surface. However, opposing AQP4 functions have been described: protective in vasogenic but detrimental in cytotoxic brain edema. Thus, specific AQP4 induction to prevent or reduce vasogenic edema is suggested. To elucidate the AQP4 role in brain tumors, we investigated 189 WHO grade I–IV gliomas by immunohistochemistry and the prognostic significance for patients' survival. In gliomas, a remarkable de novo AQP4 redistribution was observed in comparison with normal CNS tissue. Surprisingly, the highest membraneous staining levels were seen in pilocytic astrocytomas WHO grade I and grade IV glioblastomas, both significantly higher than in WHO grade II astrocytomas. AQP4 up‐regulation was associated with brain edema formation; however, no association between survival and WHO grade‐dependent AQP4 expression was seen. Hence, AQP4 redistribution may go along with other tumor properties, such as vascular proliferation and resulting blood–brain barrier disturbance, features usually prominent in pilocytic astrocytomas WHO I and glioblastomas WHO grade IV. In summary, our findings question the protective role of AQP4 in vasogenic brain edema. Although AQP4 was associated with brain edema formation, one has to question the suitability of AQP4 induction as a promising approach in vasogenic brain edema prevention and treatment. In addition, our results provide unexpectedly high AQP4 levels in pilocytic astrocytomas and present AQP4 as tumor progression marker in WHO grade II–IV astrocytomas. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Individuals With Eating Disorders and the Use of Online Support Groups as a Form of Social Support

The increase in Internet use in recent years has fostered the development of online support groups to help individuals cope with a number of conditions. Individuals with eating disorders may particularly benefit from such groups as they provide a means of sharing experiences, knowledge, and support with like-minded individuals without the anxiety and worry of others negatively evaluating their appearance. The aim of this study was to examine the nature and types of social support that took place on an anorexia discussion forum. The deductive thematic analysis of 325 messages indicates that the primary function of the group was the communication of encouragement and esteem and information support notably in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and interaction with healthcare specialists. Considering the high rate of relapse among individuals with eating disorders, it is imperative that some form of support is available when they leave treatment centers. Regulated computer-mediated support groups provide a low-cost, easily accessible self-help service to individuals with eating disorders.
Severe lymphocytopenia and interstitial pneumonia in patients treated with paclitaxel and simultaneous radiotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE In a phase II trial with paclitaxel and simultaneous radiotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, an unexpected high incidence of interstitial pneumonias was observed. The type of immunodeficiency associated with this treatment approach is characterized. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifteen patients with inoperable stage IIIA/B NSCLC were treated with paclitaxel as a 3-hour infusion on day 1 in weeks 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 at dose levels between 50 mg/m2 and 86 mg/m2 and with simultaneous radiotherapy in daily doses of 2 Gy, 5 days per week, in weeks 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 up to a total dose of 56 Gy. Hematologic parameters and lymphocyte subsets were monitored. RESULTS Fourteen patients are assessable for response. The overall response rate was 78%, with four major responses, six partial remissions, and four minor responses. The major toxic effect observed was a moderate to severe protracted lymphocytopenia (380 +/- 310/microL) in all patients. Seven patients developed moderate to severe interstitial pneumonia; one had an additional herpes zoster infection, while an eighth patient had a cytomegalovirus infection. During treatment, all lymphocyte subsets were reduced, as follows (n = 9, mean +/- SD): CD4+ T cells (100 +/- 90/microL), CD8+ T cells (130 +/- 160/microL), natural killer (NK) cells (70 +/- 80/microL), and B cells (20 +/- 10/microL). Thus, the most pronounced toxicity was seen in CD4+ T and B cells. There was no recovery of lymphocyte subsets during a 3-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION Paclitaxel with simultaneous radiation induces lymphocytopenia and promotes opportunistic infections. Long-term antibiotic and antimycotic prophylaxis is recommended. Whether the lymphocytopenia is an additive effect of paclitaxel and radiation or whether it can be induced by low-dose weekly paclitaxel alone remains to be determined.
Public Credibility: A study of the preferred personal qualities of cabinet ministers in the Netherlands

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N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Shows Diagnostic Accuracy for Detecting Atrial Fibrillation in Cryptogenic Stroke Patients

Background Diagnosing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with stroke can be difficult. We aimed to determine if N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide can help identify paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke. Methods and results Among 264 ischemic stroke patients, serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide were measured within 72 h of stroke onset. In cryptogenic stroke patients, 24-h Holter monitoring was used to look for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation within the first week and also three-and six-months after admission. First, patients with a defined etiology were used to construct a receiver operating characteristic curve for the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. From this curve, the sensitivity and specificity of preestablished cutoff points for the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation were calculated. A logistic regression was performed to assess the independent relationship of the logarithm of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels with atrial fibrillation. The cutoff points were then evaluated in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Results One hundred eighty-four patients had a specific stroke etiology. Fifty-five patients had atrial fibrillation. Using multivariate analysis, the logarithm of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels was independently associated with atrial fibrillation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide for the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation was 0·91 (95% confidence interval 0·87–0·95). The cutoff point of 265·5 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 70·5% for the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. The cutoff point of 912 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 81·8% and a specificity of 87·5%. Eighty patients had a cryptogenic stroke. In 17, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was found during follow-up. In these patients, the area under the curve for the diagnosis of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was 0·83. The cutoff point of 265·5 had a sensitivity of 88·2% and a specificity of 61·9%. The cutoff point of 912 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 47·1% and a specificity of 88·9%. Conclusion N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide has good accuracy in predicting the presence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke and can help to identify these patients.
Development of Contrast Mechanisms in Humans: A VEP Study

Purpose. The visual system undergoes major developmental changes in infancy and continues to mature throughout childhood. This study was designed to investigate the developmental change in the contrast response function and the neural mechanisms that contribute to this change. Methods. Participants were 29 infants from 15 to 28 weeks of age, two children, one adolescent, and nine adults. Visual evoked potentials were elicited by horizontal square-wave gratings contrast-reversed at 7.5 Hz. Spatial frequencies of 0.75 and 1.5 cpd were used, and contrast was swept in seven octave steps from 1 to 64% with an initial step at 0%. There were 10 runs of each condition (8.5 s each). Fourier analysis was used to derive amplitude and phase of the dominant (second harmonic) frequency component in the response, which were then plotted vs. contrast. The empirical contrast response functions were fitted using a nonlinear model, which generates estimates of shunting inhibition, conductance, and the integrative time constant in the system. Results. Typically, in comparison to older observers, contrast response functions in infants are relatively linear with increases in contrast, and they exhibit little if any contrast gain control (amplitude compression and phase advance with increasing contrast). Time constants in infants are longer than in adults, and infants demonstrate less decrease in time constant values with increasing contrast than do adults. Conclusions. These results are consistent with greater shunting inhibition in the visual cortex of older observers.
Microelectrode recordings in the pallidum

The internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) is being targeted in neurosurgical procedures to treat Parkinson's disease and dystonia. Precise targeting of the pallidal complex is important in determining the efficacy of the surgical intervention and for the avoidance of adverse effects. Intraoperative microelectrode recording can be used to characterize the patterns of activity and receptive field properties of single pallidal neurons and to identify important bordering structures, including the optic tract and internal capsule. Because the clinical features of movement disorders can be differentially affected as a function of location within the pallidal complex, further refinements in intraoperative targeting may become important. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society