Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Continuous Gastric Decompression for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Coronary Revascularization Surgery

Postoperative nausea and vomiting is common after cardiac surgery and may contribute to significant morbidity. Gastric decompression during anesthesia has been used for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis in shorter duration noncardiac surgery with conflicting results. We tested the hypothesis that gastric decompression during elective coronary revascularization surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and continued afterwards until tracheal extubation would reduce the incidence of vomiting or retching and nausea. In a prospective, randomized, cohort study, 104 patients with at least 2 Apfel’s risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting were allocated to receive a gastric tube on free gravity drainage after induction of anesthesia (n = 52) or to a control group (n = 52). The gastric tube was removed simultaneously with tracheal extubation postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of vomiting or retching. Secondary outcomes included the incidence and severity of nausea measured on a visual analog scale. The incidence of vomiting or retching was 13.4% in patients with gastric decompression, compared with 11.5% in the control group (P = 0.7). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of nausea (32.7% versus 25.0%, P = 0.6), median severity of nausea on a visual analog scale at 12 h (25; range, 0–55 mm versus 30; range, 0–60 mm, P = 0.4), or antiemetics administration (38.5% versus 28.8%, P = 0.3). Continuous gastric decompression during coronary revascularization surgery and afterwards until tracheal extubation did not reduce the incidence of vomiting or retching or the incidence and severity of nausea in these patients.
Blood genomic responses differ after stroke, seizures, hypoglycemia, and hypoxia: Blood genomic fingerprints of disease

Using microarray technology, we investigated whether the gene expression profile in white blood cells could be used as a fingerprint of different disease states. Adult rats were subjected to ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes, sham surgeries, kainate‐induced seizures, hypoxia, or insulin‐induced hypoglycemia, and compared with controls. The white blood cell RNA expression patterns were assessed 24 hours later using oligonucleotide microarrays. Results showed that many genes were upregulated or downregulated at least twofold in white blood cells after each experimental condition. Blood genomic response patterns were different for each condition. These results demonstrate the potential of blood gene expression profiling for diagnostic, mechanistic, and therapeutic assessment of a wide variety of disease states.
Capture and generation of adenovirus specific T cells for adoptive immunotherapy

Adenoviral infections represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Current anti‐viral agents are virostatic and it is evident that elimination of adenovirus (ADV) infection is only achieved by recovery of cellular immunity. Using an interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) secretion and capture assay to isolate ADV‐specific T cells, followed by a 2 week expansion and restimulation protocol, we generated ADV T cells that may be used for cellular immunotherapy. In contrast to virus‐specific T cells for cytomegalovirus or Epstein‐Barr virus, the ADV response was dominated by CD4+ T cells and the majority of captured cells exhibited an effector/memory immunophenotype. Highly specific antigen responses were demonstrated by intracellular IFN‐γ expression and cytotoxicity assays when the expanded cells underwent restimulation with ADV‐pulsed target cells. Although T cells were initially generated in response to ADV species C, the expanded populations also showed strong activity against ADV species B, suggesting cross‐reactivity across ADV species; a finding that has important clinical consequences in the paediatric setting, where the majority of infections are caused by ADV type B and C. The protocols can be readily translated to generate ADV‐specific T cells suitable for clinical use and offer an effective immunotherapeutic strategy to control ADV infection.
Incorporation of (3H)uridine and (3H)thymidine during the phase of nucleolar mutliplication in Xenopus laevis oögenesis: a high-resolution autoradiographic study.

The nucleoli of the premeiotic, pachytene and young diplotene (A, B, C, up to 100 μm diameter) oocytes are heavily labelled after 7 hr of [3H]uridine incorporation, which is in good agreement with the hypothesis that nucleolar multiplication occurs throughout all these early stages of oogenesis. The total labelling of the nucleolar, nuclear and cytoplasmic volumes has been calculated from the uridine high resolution autoradiograms and the estimated amounts are discussed. The chromatin of several premeiotic oocytes and the cap of all the pachytene oocytes are strongly labelled after 7 hr of [3H]thymidine incorporation. The authors did not find any thymidine incorporation in the young A, B or C diplotene oocytes.
Public sector wage gap and fiscal adjustments on the run-up to the euro area

This study examines the fiscal adjustments that took place on the run-up to the euro area and how were they reflected on the functioning of the public sector labour markets in euro area countries. OECD data are used to identify and characterize episodes of fiscal consolidation in a broad set of countries and within the 1983-2001 time-frame, but focusing, in particular, on those corresponding to the euro area founding Member States and to the 1993-1997 period. To assess developments referring to compensation of employees and how the occurrence of these episodes affected public sector employment and wage growth in countries that in the 1990s were engaged in the fulfilment of the Maastricht criteria, microeconomic data drawn from the European Community Household Panel is used. Such data is also employed to estimate the public-private wage gap, using a novel approach that allows the estimation of quantile regressions accounting for individual-specific fixed effects. Results suggest that, on the run-up to the euro area, macroeconomic and interest rate conditions made it easier to comply with the Maastricht criteria without requiring particularly strong primary expenditure cuts. Regarding, more specifically, the expenditure with compensation of employees, there is evidence of a relative moderation in terms of the admission of civil servants, wage growth and the evolution of public-private wage gaps, but it is not striking and was reversed shortly after the assessment of the criteria. This may explain why none of the fiscal adjustments identified in euro area countries in 1993-1997 was successful in persistently reducing public debt ratios.
Improving the Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions in the Hospital Setting

Abstract The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is perceived by the public as having a substantial responsibility to ensure drug safety; however, the FDA has limited resources for active surveillance and relies on voluntary reporting of adverse events and potential adverse drug reactions. Studies have shown that underreporting of adverse events and adverse drug reactions is widespread. Furthermore, a review of several studies demonstrates that most adverse drug reactions are reported by pharmacists and nurses, with physicians reporting the fewest. The hospital setting, with its clearly defined patient population observed around the clock, is an ideal setting in which to identify potential adverse drug reaction signals and to report them to either the drug manufacturer or the FDA. In this article we describe the present system for addressing adverse events, obstacles to reporting them, and the important role any hospital physician could play in reporting adverse events and potential adverse drug reactions.
The Impact of Age Distribution on Household Consumption: Evidence from Saudi Arabia

This paper aims to analyze the impact of age distribution on household consumption at the aggregate level. For that, statistical and econometric techniques are used, such as Unit root test, Co-integration and Granger Engels causality through Vector Error Correction Model, for testing an eventual short and long run causal relationships. This study is important since it helps to develop efficient national strategies for the short and the long run according to the evolution of the demographic profile and structure. Empirical validation for the Saudi Arabian case shows that the causality’s effect differs significantly according to consider the size versus the proportion of each age group. In addition, the analysis and discussions of results for each age categories gave specific conclusions for the overtime causality effect on Saudi Arabian household final consumption.
The effects of weekly exercise time on VO2max and resting metabolic rate in normal adults

[Purpose] The present study examined the effect of individual weekly exercise time on resting metabolic rate and VO2max (maximal oxygen uptake), which are important components of individual health indexes. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty healthy adults participated in this study. Questionnaires were used to divide the participants into groups based on average weekly walking. Resting metabolic rate was measured using a respiratory gas analyzer. Graded exercise tests were conducted using a treadmill, and the modified Bruce protocol was used as an exercise test method. [Results] VO2max, anaerobic threshold, and resting metabolic rate were significantly different among the groups. [Conclusion] Average weekly exercise time affected VO2max, resting metabolic rate, and anaerobic threshold, all of which are indicators of individual physical ability and health. These values increased as the individual amount of exercise increased. In addition, VO2max, resting metabolic rate, and anaerobic threshold were found to be closely correlated. These findings were consistent with the results of similar previous studies.
Host Settling Behavior, Reproductive Performance, and Effects on Plant Growth of an Exotic Cereal Aphid, Metopolophium festucae subsp. cerealium (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

ABSTRACT The cereal aphid Metopolophium festucae subsp. cerealium (Stroyan) is a recent addition to North America, but little is known about this species in its exotic habitat. We surveyed aphid populations for 3 years (2011–2013) to investigate changes in aphid density in the Pacific Northwest United States. We tested aphid host settling preference and fecundity on eight grass species, four native grasses (bluebunch wheatgrass, blue wild rye, Idaho fescue, and rough fescue) and four cereal crops (corn, wheat, barley, and oat), and evaluated the effects of aphid feeding on plant biomass. Four important findings emerged: 1) aphid prevalence in sweep net samples increased from 2011 to 2012, but remained stable from 2012 to 2013; 2) aphids preferentially settled on wheat and avoided corn, but aphids did not discriminate between barley, oat, and native grasses; 3) aphid fecundity was high on wheat and barley, intermediate on oat and blue wild rye, low on Idaho fescue, rough fescue, and bluebunch wheatgrass, and aphids did not reproduce at all on corn; and 4) barley, corn, oats, Idaho fescue, and blue wild rye were not susceptible to aphid feeding damage, but wheat, rough fescue, and bluebunch wheatgrass were susceptible to aphid feeding damage. Our results suggest that wheat and barley are preferred by M. festucae cerealium, and that aphids reproduce most rapidly on these hosts and cause significant reductions in wheat but not barley growth. Also, M. festucae cerealium appears capable of surviving on native grasses, although only bluebunch wheatgrass and rough fescue were susceptible to aphid feeding damage.
Theoretical framework on the assessment of the tax burden on capital investment

The article dwells upon one of the prevailing methods of determining the tax burden on fixed asset investments - the effective tax rates. Despite the relevance of studying the impact of taxation on investment, only some empirical research has been accumulated currently, due to the complexities of measuring the effective tax rates. Therefore, this article is dedicated to the algorithm for calculating effective marginal tax rates based on the existing methodologies. The author's calculations are based on the specified methodology, which allows estimating the actual tax burden on business investment. The calculation has important practical significance as it allows determining the profitability of investments financed by different sources.
Molecular characterization and expression analysis of a gene encoding mannose-binding lectin from bulb of Zephyranthes grandiflora

In this paper we report on the molecular cloning, sequencing and partially characterisation of a lectin from bulb of the Chinese medicinal plant Zephyranthes grandiflora. The full-length cDNA of Z. grandiflora bulb lectin (ZGBL) consisted of 986 bp and contained a 576 bp ORF encoding a 191 amino acid protein. Bioinformatics analysis results clearly indicate that ZGBL belongs to the monocot mannose-binding lectin family, which contains 3 putative mannose-binding sites per subunit. RT-PCR analysis results indicate that ZGBL is constitutively expressed in all the tested tissue types including root, bulb, leaf and flower. Interestingly, ZGBL is more closely related to the Orchidaceae rather than the Amaryllidaceae family on molecular evolution.
Reduced Cytokine Release in Ex Vivo Response to Cilengitide and Cetuximab Is a Marker for Improved Survival of Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Targeting of αVβ3 and αVβ5 integrins by cilengitide may reduce growth of solid tumors including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Preclinical investigations suggest increased activity of cilengitide in combination with other treatment modalities. The only published trial in HNSCC (ADVANTAGE) investigated cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and cetuximab (PFE) without or with once (PFE+CIL1W) or twice weekly cilengitide (PFE+CIL2W) in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC. ADVANTAGE showed good tolerability of the cilengitide arms and even lower adverse events (AEs) compared to PFE but not the benefit in overall survival expected based on preclinical data. As we found in the FLAVINO assay, a short-time ex vivo assay for prediction of chemosensitivity, only a subgroup of HNSCC had an increased suppressive effect of cilengitide containing combination therapies on colony formation of epithelial cells (CFec) and release of pro-angiogenetic and pro-inflammatory cytokines, whereas other HNSCC failed to respond. Response to αVβ3 and αVβ5 integrin targeting by cilengitide classifies HNSCC regarding outcome. We present FLAVINO data arguing for further development of cilengitide plus cetuximab in treatment of a subgroup of HNSCC potentially identified by the FLAVINO assay using a set of biomarkers for response evaluation.
Bear Market and Corporate Takeovers

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are among the most popular research topics in finance. The synergistic benefits of and the market reaction to mergers have been studied extensively. However, the impact of financial/economic crises on M&A activities has not been studied sufficiently. In this empirical study, we make a contribution on this subject by studying the financial characteristics of acquisition targets in the U.S. before, during, and after the October 9, 2007-March 9, 2009 bear market. The MANOVA (multivariate analysis of variance) test statistics indicate that the overall financial characteristics of the acquired firms were not significantly different from the financial characteristics of the non-acquired control group firms during the bear market and immediately before and after the bear market. However, we find that the acquiring firms preferred targets with significantly higher total assets turnover ratios before the bear market, with significantly higher inventory turnover ratios during the bear market, and with significantly lower capital expenditure ratios after the bear market.
Learning upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor messenger ribonucleic acid: a mechanism to facilitate encoding and circuit maintenance?

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes neuron survival, enhances sprouting, protects neurons against insult, and may be involved in several aspects of learning and memory. In this study, rats trained to locate a submerged platform in a water maze had elevated levels of BDNF messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in the hippocampus (p < .05), a structure associated with spatial memory. BDNF mRNA expression increased after 3 and 6 days but not after 1 day of training in the water maze. A yoked control group that swam without the platform present, to control for physical activity, showed a trend for elevated BDNF mRNA at an intermediate level between the learning and sedentary groups. Other cortical and subcortical areas did not show a significant increase in BDNF mRNA after learning or activity (p > .05). These findings suggest that learning can impact BDNF mRNA expression localized to the brain areas involved in the processing of spatial information. Furthermore, behaviors such as physical activity and learning may help maintain and protect neurons at risk in aging and neurodegenerative disease via increased BDNF expression.
Genes required for mycobacterial growth defined by high density mutagenesis

Despite over a century of research, tuberculosis remains a leading cause of infectious death worldwide. Faced with increasing rates of drug resistance, the identification of genes that are required for the growth of this organism should provide new targets for the design of antimycobacterial agents. Here, we describe the use of transposon site hybridization (TraSH) to comprehensively identify the genes required by the causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, for optimal growth. These genes include those that can be assigned to essential pathways as well as many of unknown function. The genes important for the growth of M. tuberculosis are largely conserved in the degenerate genome of the leprosy bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae, indicating that non‐essential functions have been selectively lost since this bacterium diverged from other mycobacteria. In contrast, a surprisingly high proportion of these genes lack identifiable orthologues in other bacteria, suggesting that the minimal gene set required for survival varies greatly between organisms with different evolutionary histories.
Recognizing Daily Life Context Using Web-Collected Audio Data

This work presents an approach to model daily life contexts from web-collected audio data. Being available in vast quantities from many different sources, audio data from the web provides heterogeneous training data to construct recognition systems. Crowd-sourced textual descriptions (tags) related to individual sound samples were used in a configurable recognition system to model 23 sound context categories. We analysed our approach using different outlier filtering techniques with dedicated recordings of all 23 categories and in a study with 230 hours of full-day recordings of 10 participants using smart phones. Depending on the outlier technique, our system achieved recognition accuracies between 51% and 80%.
Evaluating the performance of digital micromirror devices for use as programmable slit masks in multi-object spectrometers

Multi-object spectrometers are extremely useful astronomical instruments that allow simultaneous spectral observations of large numbers of objects. Studies performed with ground-based multi-object spectrometers (MOSs) in the last four decades helped to place unique constraints on cosmology, large scale structure, galaxy evolution, Galactic structure, and contributed to countless other scientific advances. However, terrestrial MOSs use large discrete components for object selection, which, aside from not transferable to space-based applications, are limited in both minimal slit width and minimal time required accommodate a change of the locations of objects of interest in the field of view. There is a pressing need in remotely addressable and fast-re-configurable slit masks, which would allow for a new class of instruments spacebased MOS. There are Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) based technologies under development for use in space-based instrumentation, but currently they are still unreliable, even on the ground. A digital micromirror device (DMD) is a highly capable, extremely reliable, and remotely re-configurable spatial light modulator (SLM) that was originally developed by Texas Instruments Incorporated for projection systems. It is a viable and very promising candidate to serve as slit mask for both terrestrial and space-based MOSs. This work focused on assessing the suitability of DMDs for use as slit masks in space-based astronomical MOSs and developing the necessary calibration procedures and algorithms. Radiation testing to the levels of orbit around the second Lagrangian point (L2) was performed using the accelerated heavy-ion irradiation approach. The DMDs were found to be extremely reliable in such radiation environment, the devices did not experience hard failures and there was no permanent damage. Expected single-event upset (SEU) rate was determined to be about 5.6 micro-mirrors per 24 hours on-orbit for 1-megapixel device. Results of vibration and mechanical shock testing performed according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) General Environmental Verification Standard (GEVS) at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) suggest that commercially available DMDs are mechanically suitable for space-deployment with a very significant safety margin. Series of tests to assess the performance and the behaviour of DMDs in cryogenic temperatures (down to 78 K) were also carried out. There were no failures or malfunctions detected in commercially-available devices. An earlier prototype of a terrestrial DMD-based MOS (Rochester Institute of Technology Multi-Object Spectrometer (RITMOS)) was updated with a newer DMD model, and the performance of the instrument was evaluated. All the experiments performed strongly suggest that
Gender as a moderator in the association of body weight to smoking and mental health.

OBJECTIVES I sought to examine gender's role as a moderator in the association of relative body weight to smoking and mental health. METHODS Data came from the 2004-2005 Minnesota Survey on Adult Substance Use, a statewide telephone survey (N=16,289). Current smoking and mental health problems were examined in relation to relative body weight across genders, with control for covariates. RESULTS Relative to their healthy-weight counterparts, overweight or obese men were less likely to smoke, whereas overweight women were more likely to smoke. Mental health problems were not related to relative body weight among men. However, overweight or obese women were more likely than were their healthy-weight counterparts to have a negative self-assessment of mental health, and obese women were more likely to have a mental health problem. In addition, underweight women had increased odds of being a smoker and having mental health problems. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that gender has a moderating role in the association between body weight and both smoking and mental health. Gender-specific analysis rather than adjustment for the impact of gender in analyses is a promising avenue for future research.