Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery? Factors affecting the surgeons choice for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy.

PURPOSE In this study, we aim to compare the surgeons' choice on the ectopic pregnancy cases during the last four years. The differences between laparoscopy and laparotomy cases and the factors which directed the surgeon to choose either of the surgical methods were evaluated. METHODS Our study comprises 135 patients who were diagnosed as ectopic pregnancy and were hospitalized in the Gynecology Department of Istanbul Medical Faculty during 1996-1999. RESULTS During 1996-1999 a total of 118 cases had been diagnosed as tubal ectopic pregnancy and had been treated surgically. Seventy three patients (62%) had been treated with laparotomy while the rest 45(38%) had been treated laparoscopically. When compared, the amount of intraabdominal free blood volume was significantly higher in laparotomy group [270.45 +/- 466.72 mL laparoscopy group - 889.75 +/- 714 mL laparotomy group, (p = 0.0001)]. When we considered haemoperitoneum amount according to the patients' parity, intraabdominal blood volume was interestingly higher in multiparas [507 +/- 599.32 mL nulliparas vs. 768.68 +/- 749.15 mL mulltiparas, (p = 0.044)]. The percent of cases with ruptured tubes was 64% for the laparotomy and 38% the laparoscopic cases; and the difference between two groups was significant (p = 0.0013). CONCLUSION Our study implied that haemodynamic stability and less intraabdominal free blood affect the surgeons' decision between laparotomy and laparoscopy. Fewer multiparous patients are suitable for these criteria which leads to less laparoscopic surgery. These findings, which need to be clarified, lead to the idea of human factor affecting the surgeons' choice indirectly.
Context-dependent models (CRRM, MuRRM, PRRM, RAM) versus a context-free model (MNL) in transportation studies: a comprehensive comparisons for Swiss and German SP and RP data sets

ABSTRACT The random regret minimization (RRM) model considers the relative performance of the alternatives and is therefore context-dependent. In RRM, an individual, when choosing between alternatives, is assumed to minimize anticipated regret as opposed to maximize his/her utility. There are three variants of RRM, the classical CRRM, the µRRM, and the P-RRM. There is also a further approach called relative advantage maximization (RAM). We compare multinomial logit with the four mentioned alternatives. We use stated choice data sets which include mode choice, location choice, parking choice, carpooling, car-sharing. We compare the performance of those five models by their model fit, values of travel time savings (VTTS), and elasticities. Looking at the model fit, RAM outperforms the other models in five cases, whereas the PRRM does so in two cases and µRRM only for one case. The VTTS and elasticities vary substantially which is relevant for cost–benefit analysis or simplified modeling approaches.
The Impact of Monetary Policy on Economic Growth in Cambodia: Bayesian Approach

This research paper aims to study the significance of monetary policy in the contribution to the economic growth of Cambodia. This study employs the data in the period of 2000-2018 consisting in total 19 years. Once the GDP of Cambodia is characterized as the limited dependent variable, the Tobit model is an appropriate model to be used. However, due to the limited data which only consists of 19 observations, this study uses Bayesian inference. The combination between Tobit model and Bayesian inference is known as Bayesian Tobit Model. The Bayesian Tobit Model with Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation uses Gibbs sampling to sample all conditional posterior distributions. The empirical results illustrate that money supply which represents the monetary policy tool is statistically indicated a positive correlation with GDP in Cambodia. Moreover, the inflation rate and exchange also revealed a positive relationship with GDP. The interest rate, on the other hand, is confirmed negatively insignificant with GDP which represents economic growth in Cambodia. Based on statistical results, the National Bank of Cambodia plays a vital role in authorizing the monetary policy in Cambodia.
Epithelial Protein Lost In Neoplasm (EPLIN) Interacts with α-Catenin and Actin Filaments in Endothelial Cells and Stabilizes Vascular Capillary Network in Vitro

Background: Cohesion of interendothelial junctions is maintained by the connections existing between the VE-cadherin·catenin complex and the actin cytoskeleton. Results: By interacting with α-catenin, the actin-binding protein EPLIN (epithelial protein lost in neoplasm) facilitates the recruitment of vinculin. Conclusion: The EPLINα-catenin link provides a mechanosensory machinery by acting as a tension transmitter. Significance: By anchoring the VE-cadherin·catenin complex to F-actin, EPLIN strengthens interendothelial junctions. Adherens junctions are required for vascular endothelium integrity. These structures are formed by the clustering of the homophilic adhesive protein VE-cadherin, which recruits intracellular partners, such as β- and α-catenins, vinculin, and actin filaments. The dogma according to which α-catenin bridges cadherin·β-catenin complexes to the actin cytoskeleton has been challenged during the past few years, and the link between the VE-cadherin·catenin complex and the actin cytoskeleton remains unclear. Recently, epithelial protein lost in neoplasm (EPLIN) has been proposed as a possible bond between the E-cadherin·catenin complex and actin in epithelial cells. Herein, we show that EPLIN is expressed at similar levels in endothelial and epithelial cells and is located at interendothelial junctions in confluent cells. Co-immunoprecipitation and GST pulldown experiments provided evidence that EPLIN interacts directly with α-catenin and tethers the VE-cadherin·catenin complex to the actin cytoskeleton. In the absence of EPLIN, vinculin was delocalized from the junctions. Furthermore, suppression of actomyosin tension using blebbistatin triggered a similar vinculin delocalization from the junctions. In a Matrigel assay, EPLIN-depleted endothelial cells exhibited a reduced capacity to form pseudocapillary networks because of numerous breakage events. In conclusion, we propose a model in which EPLIN establishes a link between the cadherin·catenin complex and actin that is independent of actomyosin tension. This link acts as a mechanotransmitter, allowing vinculin binding to α-catenin and formation of a secondary molecular bond between the adherens complex and the cytoskeleton through vinculin. In addition, we provide evidence that the EPLIN clutch is necessary for stabilization of capillary structures in an angiogenesis model.
Pengaruh Rasio Solvabilitas, Aktivitas, Likuiditas dan Book Tax Differences terhadap Pertumbuhan Laba

Profit growth was important information for investors and company itself to make the right decisions. The objective of this research is to examine empirical evidence about solvability ratio, activity ratio, liquidity ratio, and book tax differences towards profit growth. The objects in this research are retail and manufacturing companies listed at Indonesian Stock Exchange for the period 2014-2015. The data used in this research was secondary data collected from financial statements at Indonesian Stock Exchange. The samples were selected using purposive sampling method. The data analysis technique used in this research is multiple regression. The results of this research showed that book tax differences proxied by permanent differences has significant effect towards profit growth. Then solvability ratio proxied by debt to total asset and debt to equity ratio have no significant effect towards profit gowth. Activity ratio proxied by inventory turnover, liquidity ratio proxied by current ratio, and book tax differences proxied by temporary differences have no significant effect towards profit growth.Keywords: Activity Ratio, Book Tax Differences, Liquidity Ratio, Profit Growth, Solvability Ratio
Rolling Revision of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality

Mineral nutrients in drinking water contribute to total dietary exposure. However, there has been little effort to quantify this contribution. An examination of dietary data from the United States, in combination with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) monitoring data on mineral contaminants in drinking water, provides an opportunity to evaluate the importance of drinking water as a source of mineral nutrients in the United States. Data for chromium, copper, fluoride, iron, manganese, selenium, sodium, and zinc have been evaluated for this study. Only copper and fluoride make major contributions to the diet for large segments of the population. In both cases, a substantial portion of the exposure is due to factors other than the presence of the mineral in source water. Copper is contributed by leaching from pipes, and fluoride is added to many systems in the United States because of fluoridation practices. As drinking water concentrations of minerals approach regulatory or guidance limitations, their contributions to total dietary exposure increase. However, only a small portion of the population is exposed to the higher drinking water mineral concentrations. The combination of the 95th percentile intake from foods with levels at or near the U.S. EPA regulatory or guidance limits for drinking water does not exceed the dietary tolerable upper intake levels. However, there are sensitive populations, such as individuals with Wilson’s disease (copper) or hemochromatosis (iron), who may need to manage
Transmission effects of the U.S. and China monetary policy shocks on the world

ABSTRACT This paper applies the Markov-switching model to analyse the transition probabilities and generalized method of moments (GMM) with Newey–West heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation consistent covariance estimators (HAC) to examine the continuity of monetary policies in different countries when the U.S. and China change their monetary policies. Our results indicate that the euro area’s monetary authority continues to increase/decrease their money supply to stimulate/depress the economy. In Japan, long-term economic recession motivated the Japanese government to maintain a loose money supply. The continuity of Korea’s monetary policy in expansionary states lasts up to 5.1 years. Besides, the outcomes show the implementation of U.S. quantitative easing (QE), overnight reverse repurchase agreement (RRP), and Chinese RRP policies have significant spillover effects on other nations. Particularly, the effects on the euro area are the largest. Furthermore, although the monetary policies of China and the euro area seem to move in opposite directions, they are interdependent.
Anxiety and depression in an older research population and their impact on clinical outcomes in a randomised controlled trial

Introduction: Anxiety and depression are common in older people living in the community. The aim of the study was to investigate their impact on clinical outcomes during a randomised controlled trial investigating the cost benefits of influenza vaccination in fit and healthy, independent living 65–74 year olds. Subjects and methods: A total of 729 people were recruited. Participants completed the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and EuroQol EQ-5D quality of life questionnaire immediately before receiving vaccination and every two months for the next six months after this. Side effects three days after vaccination and Barthel score at baseline were also recorded. Results: At baseline the prevalence of “definite” anxiety in this sample (HADS score ≥11) was 4% and 1.2% of individuals had definite depression (HADS score ≥11). Individuals with anxiety or depression (HADS score ≥8) were more likely to complain of systemic side effects after vaccination and have a lower Barthel index score (p<0.001). Quality of life as measured by the EQ-5D visual analogue scale was reduced (p<0.001) at all time periods in those individuals with both anxiety and depression (HADS score ≥8 on both scales). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of anxiety and depression in this sample was low, people with anxiety or depression were more likely to suffer from perceived side effects after influenza vaccine and have a lower Barthel and EQ-5D visual analogue score. In future studies the effect of anxiety and depression on older participants should be remembered and care taken to ensure that they do not affect results more than the intervention under study.
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in African American Children in Primary Care

Objective: To determine the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in a primary care setting and to assess the usefulness of pediatric Rome criteria. Methods: The Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms (QPGS) assessing the pediatric Rome criteria was administered to 243 school-age children visiting a general pediatric clinic for annual school physicals. Pearson &khgr;2 statistics were used to determine the association of various demographic factors with FGIDs. Results: All children were African American, 47.7% were girls, and the mean ± standard deviation age of the group was 10.7 ± 3.9 years. QPGS detected 52 children (21.4%) with FGID. Diagnoses included aerophagia (6), abdominal migraine (1), cyclic vomiting syndrome (2), functional dyspepsia (2), functional abdominal pain syndrome (1), functional constipation (39) and functional fecal retention (1). Thorough clinical evaluation identified 47 (19.3%) children with FGIDs. Five of the children (2.1%) identified as having FGID on QPGS were felt not to have FGID by the examining physician. Children with FGIDs were not different from healthy children in age, insurance, parent's education, employment or number of children in the family. FGIDs were more common in girls (29/47 girls, P = 0.028). Children with FGIDs tended to live in single-parent households and miss school more often than children without FGIDs (P = 0.08). Conclusions: Functional gastrointestinal disorders are common among African American children and adolescents in a primary care setting and predominantly affect girls. Symptom-based criteria are useful in the diagnosis of pediatric FGIDs.
Relapse rates after short-course (6-month) treatment of tuberculosis in HIV-infected and uninfected persons.

OBJECTIVE To determine the rate of tuberculosis relapse among HIV-seropositive and -seronegative persons treated for active tuberculosis with short-course (6-month) therapy. DESIGN Consecutive cohort study. SETTING City of Baltimore tuberculosis clinic. PATIENTS Tuberculosis patients treated between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 1996. INTERVENTION Patients received 2 months of isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol followed by 4 months of isoniazid and rifampin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Passive follow-up for tuberculosis relapse was performed through September 30, 1998. RESULTS There were 423 cases of tuberculosis during the study period; 280 patients completed a 6-month course of therapy. Therapy was directly-observed for 94% of patients. Of those who completed therapy, 47 (17%) were HIV-seropositive, 127 (45%) were HIV-seronegative, and 106 (38%) had unknown HIV status. HIV-infected patients required more time to complete therapy (median 225 versus 205 days; P = 0.04) but converted sputum culture to negative within the same time period (median 77 versus 72 days; P = 0.43) as HIV-seronegative or unknown patients. Relapse occurred in three out of 47 (6.4%) HIV-infected patients compared to seven out of 127 (5.5%) HIV-seronegative patients (P = 1.0). Relapse rates also did not differ when HIV-seropositive patients were compared with HIV-seronegative and patients with unknown HIV status (6.4% versus 3.0%; P = 0.38). Of the 10 patients with tuberculosis relapse, restriction fragment length polymorphism data were available for five; all five relapse isolates matched the initial isolate. CONCLUSIONS These results support current recommendations to treat tuberculosis in HIV-infected patients with short-course (6-month) therapy.
Mesopic contrast sensitivity function after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE To evaluate contrast sensitivity under mesopic conditions in patients who had undergone uncomplicated excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia. METHODS Monocular contrast sensitivity function was measured with the Stereo Optical F.A. C.T. chart in 26 patients who had received PRK using the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser system. Mean preoperative refractive error was -6.23 +/- 1.69 D (range, -4.00 to -8.25 D); postoperatively, mean refractive error was -0.36 +/- 0.58 D (range, -0.75 to +0.50 D). Contrast sensitivity function was measured 6 months after surgery using four different chart luminances: 85, 5.0, 2.5, and 0.1 cd/m2, the first being a photopic level and the rest mesopic. A control group of eight emmetropic subjects was also studied to allow comparison of results for statistical purposes. RESULTS Logarithmic values of contrast sensitivity at each spatial frequency were used for statistical analysis and normalized values were used for graphical representation. The results showed a statistically significant reduction (P < .01) in contrast sensitivity for the PRK patients in comparison with the control group under mesopic conditions for each spatial frequency tested (1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 18 c/deg), although no significant contrast sensitivity differences were observed between PRK and control groups at the photopic (85 cd/m2) level (P > .01 for all frequencies). CONCLUSION Photorefractive keratectomy can induce significant reductions in contrast sensitivity under mesopic conditions, even though the photopic contrast sensitivity function is normal.
BARRIERS IN FINANCING MICROENTERPRISES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF CZECH AND SLOVAK MICROENTREPRENEURS

This paper compares how Czech and Slovak microentrepreneurs perceive the volume and ease of access to finance that they face. Having an adequate number of sources of finance and easier access to them can help improve both enterprise and country performance. Chi-square and Z score tests for population proportions were used to test hypotheses. 740 microenterprises from Czech Republic and 287 microenterprises from Slovakia were included for the analyses that were performed by this study. The results show that Czech microentrepreneurs feel they have more sources of finance and have easier access to them than their Slovak counterparts. These differences may in part be linked to other factors such as the experience and age of microentrepreneurs and micro-firms, amount of business loans and microfinancing organizations, credit interest rates and credit rejection rates, the relative degree of economic freedom, the volume of government guarantees, relative GDP levels, the quality of business environment and ease of doing business. Additionally, The Moran’s I spatial autocorrelation index was performed to evaluate influence of location on the perception of Czech and Slovak microenterprises that were located in different regions of both countries. The paper also discusses the results’ policy implications for governments and financial institutions.
TIPS versus paracentesis for cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites.

BACKGROUND Refractory ascites (ie, ascites that cannot be mobilized despite sodium restriction and diuretic treatment) occurs in 10 per cent of patients with cirrhosis. It is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality with a one-year survival rate of less than 50 per cent. Few therapeutic options currently exist for the management of refractory ascites. OBJECTIVES To compare transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunts (TIPS) versus paracentesis for the treatment of refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register (January 2006), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2005), MEDLINE (1950 to January 2006), EMBASE (1980 to January 2006), CINAHL (1982 to August 2004), and Science Citation Index Expanded (1945 to January 2006). SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials comparing TIPS and paracentesis with or without volume expanders for cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We evaluated the methodological quality of the randomised clinical trials by the generation of the allocation section, allocation concealment, and follow-up. Two authors independently extracted data from each trial. We contacted trial authors for additional information. Dichotomous outcomes were reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). MAIN RESULTS Five randomised clinical trials, including 330 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The majority of trials had adequate allocation concealment, but only one employed blinded outcome assessment. Mortality at 30-days (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.10 to 10.06, P = 1.0) and 24-months (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.56, P = 0.5) did not differ significantly between TIPS and paracentesis. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunts significantly reduced the re-accumulation of ascites at 3-months (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.18, P < 0.01) and 12-months (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.28, P < 0.01). Hepatic encephalopathy occurred significantly more often in the TIPS group (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.39 to 3.6, P < 0.01), but gastrointestinal bleeding, infection, and acute renal failure did not differ significantly between the two groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The meta-analysis supports that TIPS was more effective at removing ascites as compared with paracentesis without a significant difference in mortality, gastrointestinal bleeding, infection, and acute renal failure. However, TIPS patients develop hepatic encephalopathy significantly more often.
Antagonism of the proinflammatory and pronociceptive actions of canonical and biased agonists of protease‐activated receptor‐2

Diverse proteases cleave protease‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR2) on primary sensory neurons and epithelial cells to evoke pain and inflammation. Trypsin and tryptase activate PAR2 by a canonical mechanism that entails cleavage within the extracellular N‐terminus revealing a tethered ligand that activates the cleaved receptor. Cathepsin‐S and elastase are biased agonists that cleave PAR2 at different sites to activate distinct signalling pathways. Although PAR2 is a therapeutic target for inflammatory and painful diseases, the divergent mechanisms of proteolytic activation complicate the development of therapeutically useful antagonists.