Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New amino acid changes in drug resistance sites and HBsAg in hepatitis B virus genotype H

Long‐term treatment with retrotranscriptase (RT) inhibitors eventually leads to the development of drug resistance. Drug‐related mutations occur naturally and these can be found in hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers who have never received antiviral therapy. HBsAg are overlapped with RT domain, thus nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs) resistance mutations and naturally‐occurring mutations can cause amino acid changes in the HBsAg. Twenty‐two patients with chronic hepatitis B were enrolled; three of them were previously treated with NAs and 19 were NAs‐naïve treated. HBV reverse transcriptase region was sequenced; genotyping and analysis of missense mutations were performed in both RT domain and HBsAg. There was predominance of genotype H. Drug mutations were present in 18.2% of patients. Classical lamivudine resistance mutations (rtM204V/rtL180M) were present in one naïve‐treatment patient infected with genotype G. New amino acid changes were identified in drug resistance sites in HBV strains from patients infected with genotype H; rtQ215E was present in two naïve‐NAs treatment patients and rtI169M was identified in a patient previously treated with lamivudine. Mutations at sites rt169, rt204, and rt215 resulted in the Y161C, I195M, and C206W mutations at HBsAg. Also, new amino acid changes were identified in B‐cell and T‐cell epitopes and were more frequent in HBsAg compared to RT domain. In conclusion, new amino acid changes at antiviral resistance sites, B‐cell and T‐cell epitopes in HBV genotype H were identified in Mexican patients. J. Med. Virol. 87:985–992, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gastroschisis: a multi-centre comparison of management and outcome.

BACKGROUND Anecdotal evidence and a handful of literature reports suggest that the outcome for infants born with gastroschisis in many African countries is poor when compared to Western nations. We wished to evaluate current management strategies and outcomes in African and Western units that treat infants with gastroschisis. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of case-notes for infants with gastroschisis who presented to a hospital between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2007. There were five participating centres, divided for analysis into an African cohort (three centres) and a Western cohort (two centres). RESULTS Fewer infants presented to a hospital with gastroschisis in the African cohort when compared to the Western cohort, particularly when the size of catchment area of each hospital was taken into account. The physiological state of the infant on presentation and management strategy varied widely between centres. Primary closure, preformed silo and surgical silo with delayed closure were all utilised in the African cohort. Use of the preformed silo and delayed abdominal wall closure was the strategy of choice in the Western cohort. The 30-day mortality was 23% and 1% respectively. This primary outcome measure varied considerably in the African cohort but was the same in the two Western units. CONCLUSIONS Gastroschisis in the African cohort was characterised by fewer infants presenting to a hospital and a more variable outcome when compared to the Western cohort. A detailed epidemiological study to determine the incidence of gastroschisis in African countries may provide valuable information. In addition, interventions such as prompt resuscitation, safe neonatal transfer, the use of the preformed silo and parenteral nutrition could improve outcomes in infants with gastroschisis.
Do Cognitive Skills Impact Growth or Levels of GDP Per Capita?

Incredible policy attention has been given to the claim that an increase in the quality of education as measuredby international tests (e.g. PISA tests) has a significant impact on the GDP long-run growth rate (Hanushek and Woessmann, 2015). This study is based mostly on aggregate data from the second half of the century, and never addresses the question of the current paper, which is whether the impact of the quality of cognitive skills affects the level of GDP per capita or the long run growth rate. Focusing on this question, we construct a variant standard growth model in which cognitive skills have theoretically both a level and growth rate effects by assumption. Estimating this model using standard cross-country data and panel data, cognitive skills measured by the methodology of Hanushek and Woessmann (2015) have a significant level effect on GDP but not a growth effect. Therefore, the cognitive skills improvement impact economic growth is bounded.
Amphiregulin promotes the maturation of oocytes isolated from the small antral follicles of the rhesus macaque.

BACKGROUND In non-primates, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF-related ligands such as amphiregulin (AREG) serve as critical intermediates between the theca/mural cells and the cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC) following the mid-cycle LH surge. Studies were designed in primates (1) to analyze AREG levels in follicular fluid (follicular fluid) obtained from pre-ovulatory follicles, as well as (2) to assess dose-dependent effects of AREG on oocytes from small antral follicles (SAFs) during culture, including meiotic and cytoplasmic maturation. METHODS Controlled ovulation protocols were performed on rhesus monkeys (n=12) to determine AREG content within the single, naturally selected dominant follicle after an ovulatory stimulus. Using healthy COCs (n=271) obtained from SAFs during spontaneous cycles (n=27), in vitro maturation (IVM) was performed in the absence or presence of physiological concentrations of AREG (10 or 100 ng/ml) with or without gonadotrophins (FSH, 75 mIU/ml; LH, 75 mIU/ml). At the end of the culture period, oocyte meiotic maturation was evaluated and ICSI was performed (n=111), from which fertilization and early embryo development was followed in vitro. RESULTS AREG levels in follicular fluid from pre-ovulatory follicles increased (P<0.05) following an ovulatory bolus of hCG at 12, 24 and 36 h post-treatment. At 12 h post-hCG, AREG levels in follicular fluid ranged from 4.8 to 121.4 ng/ml. Rhesus macaque COCs incubated with 10 ng/ml AREG in the presence of gonadotrophins displayed an increased percentage of oocytes that progressed to the metaphase II (MII) stage of meiosis (82 versus 56%, P<0.05) and a decreased percentage of metaphase I (MI) oocytes (2 versus 23%, P<0.05) relative to controls, respectively. The percentage of either MI or MII oocytes at the end of the culture period was not different between oocytes cultured with 100 ng/ml AREG or in media alone. Fertilization and first cleavage rates obtained by ICSI of all IVM MII oocytes were 93 and 98%, respectively, and did not vary among treatment groups. Of the MII oocytes that fertilized (n=103), 37 were randomly selected and maintained in culture to assess developmental potential. A total of 13 early blastocysts were obtained, with four embryos developing to expanded blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that AREG levels increase in rhesus macaque pre-ovulatory follicles after an ovulatory stimulus, and a specific concentration of AREG (10 ng/ml) enhances rhesus macaque oocyte nuclear maturation but not cytoplasmic maturation from SAFs obtained during the natural menstrual cycle. However, owing to the small number of samples in some treatment groups, further studies are now required.
Small RNAs and transposon silencing in plants

Transposons are highly conserved in plants and have created a symbiotic relationship with the host genome. An important factor of the successful communication between transposons and host plants is epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation and the modifications of the histone tail. In plants, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are responsible for RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM) that suppresses transposon activities. Although most transposons are silent in their host plants, certain genomic shocks, such as an environmental stress or a hybridization event, might trigger transposon activation. Further, since transposons can affect the regulation mechanisms of host genes, it is possible that transposons have co‐evolved as an important mechanism for plant development and adaptation. Recent new findings reveal that siRNAs control not only transcriptional activation, but also suppress transgenerational transposition of mobile elements making siRNAs critically important towards maintaining genome stability. Together these data suggest host‐mediated siRNA regulation of transposons appears to have been adapted for controlling essential systems of plant development, morphogenesis, and reproduction.
Community agency and sustainable tourism development: the case of La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Previous sustainable tourism research has called for the promotion of community-based tourism as a means of achieving sustainable development goals. Such community-based development has been noted as essential for sustainable practices because of its capacity to benefit local populations while reducing tourism's negative consequences. Nonetheless, some researchers have warned that community-based tourism, by itself, does not necessarily lead to sustainable practices. This study examines local social interactional elements necessary for the achievement of sustainable tourism practices. Such practices are attainable when certain attitudinal, organizational and/or behavioral conditions are present within a community. Using a case study methodology, this article examines the interactional elements by which residents of La Fortuna, Costa Rica, engaged in sustainable tourism practices. The study was based on the theoretical notion of the community field. It used key informant interviews and participant observation. The study shows how economic, social and environmentally sustainable practices were made possible through community agency, the construction of local relationships that increase the adaptive capacity of people within a common locality. Key factors found to enable community agency are strong intra- and extra-community interactions, open communication, participation, distributive justice and tolerance.
Fractional retention of technetium-99m-sestamibi as an index of P-glycoprotein expression in untreated breast cancer patients.

UNLABELLED The multidrug-resistant phenotype is characterized by the reduced intracellular retention of several structurally and functionally unrelated cytotoxic compounds due to the energy-dependent pump activity of P-glycoprotein (Pgp). Because 99mTc-sestamibi is a suitable transport substrate of Pgp, we tested whether the time-dependent fractional retention of this tracer could be used as an index of Pgp expression in untreated breast carcinomas. METHODS Twenty-seven patients with histologically confirmed breast carcinoma were intravenously injected with 740 MBq (20 mCi) of 99mTc-sestamibi, and static planar images of the breast were obtained at 10, 60 and 240 min. The fractional retention of 99mTc-sestamibi was then calculated as the ratios between 60 and 10 min (R60/10) and between 240 and 10 min (R240/10) of decay-corrected counts/pixel registered in the region of interest drawn around the tumor. Surgically excised tumors were then obtained from each patient, and Pgp levels were determined using 125I-labeled MRK16 monoclonal antibody and in vitro quantitative autoradiography. RESULTS The fractional retention of 99mTc-sestamibi at 60 and 240 min was significantly higher in tumors with low Pgp levels (Group I, n = 18) as compared to that measured in tumors with high Pgp expression (Group II, n = 9) (p < 0.001). In particular, R60/10 values were 0.86 and 0.59 in breast carcinomas of Groups I and II, respectively, whereas the values of R240/10 were 0.56 and 0.25 in low- and high-Pgp-expressing tumors, respectively. CONCLUSION The determination of fractional retention of 99mTc-sestamibi may be used as a simple functional test for Pgp expression in untreated breast cancer. A preliminary estimate of the sensitivity and the specificity of the test indicates its potential use in clinical practice to identify patients with a high probability of developing multidrug resistance.
Measuring service quality in a hospital colposcopy clinic.

PURPOSE The issues surrounding the measurement and provision of service quality in a health care setting are becoming increasingly important to nursing. This research study aims to apply the SERVQUAL measurement instrument in a Scottish colposcopy clinic. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The study involved adapting the SERVQUAL instrument to the colposcopy setting and asking a sample of patients to complete the questionnaire. Patient expectations of service were obtained on first attendance at the clinic. Patient perceptions of service received were obtained on completion of treatment. Perceptions and expectations are then compared to identify where the largest service gaps exist. FINDINGS Although patient satisfaction with the overall service provided was generally high, the instrument provided evidence of where specific service improvements were needed. The largest service quality gap was for the reliability of service. The research also revealed the need for improved premises. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS Although the study has a limited sample size, it does appear that the SERVQUAL instrument has a useful diagnostic role to play in assessing and monitoring service quality in nursing, enabling nursing staff to identify where improvements are needed from the patients' perspective. The study has raised a number of issues which would form the basis for useful further research. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Service quality from the patients' perspective should be routinely monitored and assessed. ORIGINALITY/VALUE The findings should be useful to nursing staff seeking to assess, and improve, service quality.
What Factors Predict the Values of an Organization and How

The objective of the present paper is to outline the regularities in the formation of organizational values. New organizational values measurement tool – Organizational Values Questionnaire was developed by author of the paper. A study of organizational values in Estonian organizations took place in the period 2004–2008. Values were analyzed in terms of the Competing Values Framework, according to which organizational values could be qualified into four broad categories (Open System, Rational Goal, Internal Processes and Human Relations). A binary logit regression analysis was applied in order to test the impact of industry, organizational size and age on organizational values. The findings of the study demonstrate that both contextual and organizational determinants are significant predictors of organizational values; however, different factors do not have equal power in explaining organizational values. It became evident that the impact that industry had on organizational values was the greatest, but size of organization is also a significant predictor of values. Although arguments about organizational age as a determinant of organizational values have been given in the literature, our study showed that organizational age does not predict organizational values in Estonia. This finding may be explained by the path dependency of the country because the processes that have taken place in a society certainly have an influence on organizations. The findings of the present study reveal some regularities about the influence of contextual and organizational factors on organizational values, but they also encourage organizations to discover the potential for shaping their values in order to ensure the survival of the organization in complicated times and its development in that particular environment.
Financial stability and central bank power : a comparative perspective

This thesis provides a comparative analysis of how the power of the United States Federal Reserve, the Bank of England and the European Central Bank has changed as a consequence of the reorientation of central banking towards financial stability since the global financial crisis. Drawing on a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including more than 30 interviews with central bankers and other public officials, the thesis demonstrates that to different extents, each of these organisations has exhibited a more authoritative relationship with its key interlocutors in recent years. The thesis attributes this variegated transformation to the policy entrepreneurship of transgovernmentally networked central bankers, who acted in concert with sympathetic executive politicians to operationalise new ‘macroprudential’ policy frameworks after the financial crisis. Central bankers’ collective policy entrepreneurship was guided by shared normative beliefs about their appropriate role in respect of financial stability, but their embrace of macroprudential ideas was far from uniform. Central bankers in each jurisdiction pursued subtly different policy objectives within idiosyncratic political, cultural and institutional terrains, leading to distinctive local varieties of reform. The thesis argues that central banks’ heightened authority since the financial crisis has been underpinned by an increase in their structural power, which owed to the heightened reliance of politicians and financial market actors on central banks’ unique ability to create new base money. It also demonstrates how transformations in central banks’ authority and structural power feed into their overall capacity to achieve their financial stability objectives. The thesis argues that in the post-crisis regulatory framework, central banks are at risk of underdelivering on their mandates. A bias towards inaction in the face of uncertainty and insufficient willingness to break with pre-crisis economic tropes threaten to undermine central banks’ efforts to maintain financial stability over the medium term.
The effect of three different antioxidants on the dentinal tubular penetration of Resilon and Real Seal SE on sodium hypochlorite-treated root canal dentin: An in vitro study

Objective: The effect of 10% ascorbic acid, 10% tannic acid, and 10% gallic acid on the dentinal tubular penetration of Resilon and Real Seal SE on sodium hypochlorite-treated root canal dentin was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Fifty human premolars were decoronated to attain 14-mm root length and divided into five groups of 10 teeth each. Biomechanical preparation was done with rotary instruments. Group I specimens were irrigated with saline and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Specimens from groups II, III, IV, and V were irrigated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA. Specimens from groups III, IV, and V underwent additional irrigation with antioxidants-10% ascorbic acid, 10% tannic acid, and 10% gallic acid, respectively. Following obturation with Resilon and Real Seal SE, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was done to note the maximum dentinal tubular penetration at the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of each specimen. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Post hoc and Dunnett′s test. Results: Maximum dentinal tubular penetration of Resilon and Real Seal SE was obtained following irrigation with 10% gallic acid. Conclusion: 10% gallic acid was superior among the antioxidant irrigants that enabled the increased dentinal tubular penetration of Resilon and Real Seal SE.
Effects of premorbid physical activity on stroke severity and post-stroke functioning.

OBJECTIVE To explore the impact of premorbid physical activity on stroke severity and functioning, measured by activities of daily living, gait and balance during the acute period of first-ever stroke and at one-year follow-up. METHODS Acute phase and one-year follow-up registrations of 183 patients with first-ever stroke or transient ischaemic attack were included in the study. Gender, age, education, living arrangements, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, stroke classification and use of walking aids were recorded. Premorbid physical activity was recorded with the Walking Habits questionnaire. The outcomes post-stroke were the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, the Modified Ranking Scale, Barthel ADL Index, Maximal Walking Speed and Berg Balance Scale. RESULTS Significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between the participants` pre-stroke "duration of regular walks" and functioning on all outcomes in the acute phase of stroke. Participants who walked for more than 30 min each time achieved significantly better results. The measures of gait and balance showed similar associations (p < 0.05) at one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION There are significant associations between premorbid walking habits and functional status after first-ever stroke. Weekly light-intensity activity, such as walking for more than 30 min, may have a sustained impact on functioning after stroke.
Long-term decoding stability of local field potentials from silicon arrays in primate motor cortex during a 2D center out task

Objective. Many serious concerns exist in the long-term stability of brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) based on spike signals (single unit activity, SUA; multi unit activity, MUA). Some studies showed local field potentials (LFPs) could offer a stable decoding performance. However, the decoding stability of LFPs was examined only when high quality spike signals were recorded. Here we aim to examine the long-term decoding stability of LFPs over a larger time scale when the quality of spike signals was from good to poor or even no spike was recorded. Approach. Neural signals were collected from motor cortex of three monkeys via silicon arrays over 230, 290 and 690 days post-implantation when they performed 2D center out task. To compare long-term stability between LFPs and spike signals, we examined them in neural signals characteristics, directional tuning properties and offline decoding performance, respectively. Main results. We observed slow decreasing trends in the number of LFP channels recorded and mean LFP power in different frequency bands when spike signals quality decayed over time. The number of significantly directional tuning LFP channels decreased more slowly than that of tuning SUA and MUA. The variable preferred directions for the same signal features across sessions indicated non-stationarity of neural activity. We also found that LFPs achieved better decoding performance than SUA and MUA in retrained decoder when the quality of spike signals seriously decayed. Especially, when no spike was recorded in one monkey after 671 days post-implantation, LFPs still provided some kinematic information. In addition, LFPs outperformed MUA in long-term decoding stability in a static decoder. Significance. Our results suggested that LFPs were more durable and could provide better decoding performance when spike signals quality seriously decayed. It might be due to their resistance to recording degradation and their high redundancy among channels.