Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of carbon monoxide inhalation for cold-preserved small intestinal grafts.

BACKGROUND Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 system has been shown to provide protection against oxidative stress through the degradation of heme to biliverdin, free iron, and carbon monoxide (CO). This study investigated cytoprotective efficacy of CO at a low concentration on cold ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of transplanted intestine. METHODS Lewis rat recipients of syngenic orthotopic small intestinal transplantation with 6 hours UW cold preservation were either kept in room air (air-treated control) or exposed to CO (250 ppm) for 1 hour before and 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS In air-treated grafts, mRNA levels for interleukin-6, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase promptly increased. Sequential histopathologic analysis of untreated grafts revealed initial rapid epithelial loss, subsequent recruitment of inflammatory infiltrates, and local hemorrhage in the lamina propria, which extended downward to the epithelial crypt and muscle layer with time. CO effectively blocked proinflammatory cascade during I/R injury, inhibited upregulation of inflammatory molecules and ameliorated intestinal tissue injuries. Beneficial effects of CO were associated with improved graft blood flow without inhibiting endogenous HO-1 activity. Recipient animal survival was significantly improved with CO to 100% versus 58% in air-treated controls. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate a significant role for CO in protecting the intestine from cold I/R injury associating with small intestinal transplantation.
Huge Congenital Cholesteatoma Simulating an Intracranial Abscess

A 23-year-old woman came to our emergency department with retroauricular swelling and fever of 2 days’ duration. The patient had had a headache and progressive hearing loss for 4 months. She denied otorrhea, other otologic symptoms, or previous otologic surgery. Physical examination revealed lowgrade fever (38°C) and the presence of an area of right retroauricular swelling of about 5 cm2. Otolaryngologic examination showed an intact but opacified tympanic membrane. The swelling was drained, and approximately 100 mL of pus was drained. A CT scan revealed a large intracranial hypodense mass, resembling an abscess, occupying the middle and posterior fossae (Fig 1). The mastoid bone was almost totally destroyed. There was also a small abscess in the superior aspect of the neck. A craniotomy was done, and a huge (8 × 7 × 3 cm), infected, pearly tumor was found exposing the posterior fossa dura, with medial displacement of the lateral sinus and cerebral parenchyma. There was complete destruction of the temporal bone, including the inner ear structures. The facial nerve was found in the normal location, partly dehiscent in its descending portion. The abscess in the neck was also drained. After surgery the patient had a transitory facial palsy that recovered within 3 months. One month after surgery, she returned with a dehiscence of the surgical incision, which kept the cranial cavity open. An abdominis rectus microvascular free tissue transfer was used to close it. The pathologic examination confirmed that the mass was a cholesteatoma.
Provider Perceptions of Reproductive Health Service Quality in Jordanian Public Community Health Centers

Enhancing the quality of reproductive health care delivery in developing countries is a key prerequisite to increased utilization and sustainability of these services in the target population. Our objective was to assess the perception of quality of reproductive health (RH) care services provided by Jordanian Ministry of Health community-based centers from the perspective of service providers in these settings. A purposeful nationwide sample of 50 primary health care providers took part in five focus group discussions with the purpose of exploring their perceptions of the quality of care provided by their centers and perceived barriers to the provision of quality RH care. Health care providers felt that the quality of RH care provided by their centers was suboptimal. Focus group participants reported numerous barriers to the provision of high quality-care in the clinical setting. These included issues related to patient overload, patient and physician characteristics, as well as problems inherent to supervisory and administrative functions. Exploring and aligning goals and expectations of RH care providers and administrators may result in improvements in the quality of RH care service delivery and morale in public health settings in Jordan, which is a requirement for public sector reform.
Pharmacokinetic and Safety Evaluation of High-Dose Combinations of Fosamprenavir and Ritonavir

ABSTRACT High-dose combinations of fosamprenavir (FPV) and ritonavir (RTV) were evaluated in healthy adult subjects in order to select doses for further study in multiple protease inhibitor (PI)-experienced patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Two high-dose regimens, FPV 1,400 mg twice a day (BID) plus RTV 100 mg BID and FPV 1,400 mg BID plus RTV 200 mg BID, were planned to be compared to the approved regimen, FPV 700 mg BID plus RTV 100 mg BID, in a randomized three-period crossover study. Forty-two healthy adult subjects were enrolled, and 39 subjects completed period 1. Due to marked hepatic transaminase elevations, predominantly with FPV 1,400 mg BID plus RTV 200 mg BID, the study was terminated prematurely. For FPV 1,400 mg BID plus RTV 100 mg BID, the values for plasma amprenavir (APV) area under the concentration-time profile over the dosing interval (τ) at steady state [AUC(0-τ)], maximum concentration of drug in plasma (Cmax), and plasma concentration at the end of τ at steady state (Cτ) were 54, 81, and 26% higher, respectively, and the values for plasma RTV AUC(0-τ), Cmax, and Cτ were 49% higher, 71% higher, and 11% lower, respectively, than those for FPV 700 mg BID plus RTV 100 mg BID. For FPV 1,400 mg BID plus RTV 200 mg BID, the values for plasma APV AUC(0-τ), Cmax, and Cτ were 26, 48, and 32% higher, respectively, and the values for plasma RTV AUC(0-τ), Cmax, and Cτ increased 4.15-fold, 4.17-fold, and 3.99-fold, respectively, compared to those for FPV 700 mg BID plus RTV 100 mg BID. FPV 1,400 mg BID plus RTV 200 mg BID is not recommended due to an increased rate of marked hepatic transaminase elevations and lack of pharmacokinetic advantage. FPV 1,400 mg BID plus RTV 100 mg BID is currently under clinical evaluation in multiple PI-experienced patients.
Use of Genetically Marked Minicells as a Probe in Measurement of Predation on Bacteria in Aquatic Environments

Minicells produced by Escherichia coli M2141 were used as probes to measure predation on pelagic bacteria in situ. The minicells, labeled with [35S]methionine in one specific protein, were shown to disappear in the presence of a microflagellate (Ochromonas sp.), as seen by a decrease in the amount of labeled marker protein with time. Incubation in filtered (pore size, 0.2 μm) and autoclaved seawater did not affect the amount of labeled marker protein in the minicell. The generation time of flagellates feeding on minicells was determined to be similar to that found for flagellates grown on seawater bacteria or living E. coli NC3. Data indicate that minicells are seen as true food particles by the flagellates. The minicell probe was used in recapture experiments, in which predation in situ on pelagic bacteria was demonstrated. The rate of bacterial production showed a clear covariation with the rate of predation, both in different sea areas and in depth profiles. The obtained results (11 field experiments) showed that the rate of predation, on average, accounts for the consumption of 62% of the bacteria produced.
Public support for the euro and trust in the ECB

This chapter examines the evolution of public support for the euro and public trust in the European Central Bank (ECB) during the new currency’s first two decades. Using a unique set of opinion poll data that is not available for any other currency, we find that a majority of citizens in every member country of the euro area (EA) support the euro. The economic crisis in the EA following the Great Recession and the euro crisis led to a slight decline in public support for the euro but a sharp fall in trust in the ECB. The recent economic recovery has strengthened support for the euro as well as trust in the ECB. We suggest that support for the euro as a medium of exchange was not strongly affected by the crisis, while trust in the ECB, as the framer of monetary policy, was measurably weakened by the crisis. Our econometric work demonstrates that unemployment is a key driver of support for the euro and its governance. Given these developments, we discuss whether the present levels of support for the euro equip the currency to weather populist challenges in the coming decade.
A synthetic review of notoedres species mites and mange

SUMMARY Notoedric mange, caused by obligately parasitic sarcoptiform Notoedres mites, is associated with potentially fatal dermatitis with secondary systemic disease in small mammals, felids and procyonids among others, as well as an occasional zoonosis. We describe clinical spectra in non-chiropteran hosts, review risk factors and summarize ecological and epidemiological studies. The genus is disproportionately represented on rodents. Disease in felids and procyonids ranges from very mild to death. Knowledge of the geographical distribution of the mites is highly inadequate, with focal hot spots known for Notoedres cati in domestic cats and bobcats. Predisposing genetic and immunological factors are not known, except that co-infection with other parasites and anticoagulant rodenticide toxicoses may contribute to severe disease. Treatment of individual animals is typically successful with macrocytic lactones such as selamectin, but herd or wildlife population treatment has not been undertaken. Transmission requires close contact and typically is within a host species. Notoedric mange can kill half all individuals in a population and regulate host population below non-diseased density for decades, consistent with frequency-dependent transmission or spillover from other hosts. Epidemics are increasingly identified in various hosts, suggesting global change in suitable environmental conditions or increased reporting bias.
Photosynthetic Responses to Dynamic Light Environments by Hawaiian Trees : Time Course of CO(2) Uptake and Carbon Gain during Sunflecks.

Gas exchange responses to rapid changes in light were studied in a C(3) tree, Claoxylon sandwicense Muell-Arg and a C(4) tree, Euphorbia forbesii Sherff that are native to the understory of a mesic Hawaiian forest. When light was increased to 500 micromoles per meter per second following a 2 hour preexposure at 22 micromoles per meter per second, net CO(2) uptake rates and stomatal conductance gradually increased for over 1 hour in C. sandwicense but reached maximum values within 30 minutes in E. forbesii. Calculation of the intercellular CO(2) pressures indicated that the primary limitation to CO(2) uptake during this induction was nonstomatal in both species. The photosynthetic response to simulated sunflecks (lightflecks) was strongly dependent on the induction state of the leaf. Total CO(2) uptake during a lightfleck was greater and the response was faster after exposure of the leaf to high light than when the leaf had been exposed only to low light for the previous 2 hours. During a series of lightflecks, induction resulted in increased CO(2) uptake in successive lightflecks. Significant postillumination CO(2) fixation was evident and contributed substantially to the total carbon gain, especially for lightflecks of 5 to 20 seconds' duration.
Impact of intrapeptide epitope location on CD8 T cell recognition: implications for design of overlapping peptide panels

Background: Antigen-specific CD8 T cells following infection or immunization are typically assessed by measuring interferon-gamma production after stimulation with overlapping peptides spanning the region of interest. The effect of epitope location within such peptides is not known but may influence recognition. Objective: To examine if peptides containing the appropriate C-terminal anchor amino acid residue would provide more sensitive detection of T cell responses. The impact was examined of epitope location within overlapping peptides on recognition of epitope-specific CD8 T cell responses. Methods: C-terminal amino acid residues were analyzed in well-defined optimal epitopes for HIV, Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and influenza and in peptide-binding motifs. Recognition of known epitopes within longer synthesized peptides by peripheral blood mononuclear cells or CD8 T cell lines was tested using interferon-gamma Elispot at various peptide concentrations. Results: Only 9 of 20 amino acids served as the C-terminal anchor position in 96% of described optimal epitopes and in 95% of peptide-binding motifs. A CD8 T cell response to an epitope within a longer peptide is best detected when the epitope is situated at the C-terminal end of the longer peptide, both when using peptides designed to include the optimal epitope at every possible position and when comparing responses towards optimal epitopes and corresponding overlapping peptides in a larger group of subjects. Conclusion: When using overlapping peptides to screen for CD8 T cell responses, more sensitive detection will be achieved using known C-terminal anchor amino acid residues at the C-terminus.
Long-term quality of life assessment among patients undergoing uterine fibroid embolization.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was assessment of the long-term outcome of fibroid-associated quality of life among patients treated with uterine fibroid embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective follow-up cohort study included all patients described in a 2006 publication. Analysis was performed with a questionnaire consisting of 49 questions about six topics. Assessment was focused on comparing symptoms and quality of life in long-term follow-up. RESULTS The analysis was based on questionnaires completed by 39 patients. The median follow-up period was 7 years (interquartile range, 1.5 years). Uterine fibroid embolization led to a reduction of bleeding symptoms in 89.7% of the patients, pain in 78.9%, bulk-related symptoms in 89.5%, fatigue in 76.9%, limitations of social life in 92.9%, and depression in 78.6%. The median impairment scores for bleeding and pain decreased significantly from 7 to 0 and from 5 to 0 (both p < 0.001). The general quality-of-life index increased significantly from 4.5 to 9 (p < 0.001). In the long term, there was no significant difference in parameters assessed compared with the midterm follow-up findings. Six patients (15.4%) underwent hysterectomy an average of 32.1 months after intervention. Thirty-two patients (82.1%) continued to be satisfied with the intervention, and 30 patients (76.9%) answered that they would recommend uterine fibroid embolization to other patients. CONCLUSION Uterine fibroid embolization seems to lead to notable long-term relief of fibroid-associated symptoms. In comparison with the midterm results, long-term outcome shows a clear continuance of improvement in general quality of life.
Customer-to-customer value co-creation and co-destruction in sporting events

ABSTRACT Previous scholars have examined value co-creation and co-destruction processes that take place between customers and service organizations or employees. Despite most service consumption situations occurring in the presence of other customers, few studies have examined customer-to-customer value co-creation and co-destruction. This lack of attention is particularly prevalent in sport service research. The purpose of the current study is to examine how other customers’ value creation (i.e. passion) and destruction (i.e. dysfunctional behavior) factors influence focal customers’ perceived value (i.e. economic, social, emotional, and epistemic), which in turn leads to customer citizenship behaviors (i.e. helping behavior and word-of-mouth). By using a convenience sampling method, data were collected from 318 spectators of professional golf tournaments. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that other customers’ passion had a positive influence on focal customers’ economic, social, emotional, and epistemic values (i.e. customer-to-customer value co-creation). Other customers’ dysfunctional behavior was negatively associated with customers’ emotional value (i.e. customer-to-customer value co-destruction). Emotional and epistemic values positively predicted helping behavior. Social, emotional, and epistemic values had positive effects on word-of-mouth. Overall, the present study contributes to value co-creation and co-destruction literature by highlighting other customers as potential value integrators. Further, the current work indicates that customer behaviors can serve as a double-edged sword, and it offers golf event practitioners novel insights regarding the necessity of strategic management aimed at facilitating customers’ passionate behaviors while protecting against the deleterious effects of dysfunctional behaviors.
The Use of Evoked EMG in Detecting Misplaced Thoracolumbar Pedicle Screws

Study Design. Experimental study performed using an animal model. Objectives. To determine if EMG responses generated by the electrical stimulation of thoracolumbar pedicle screws could be used to predict the screw position. Summary of Background Data. Evoked EMG has been used successfully to predict pedicle screw position in the lumbar spine. No data have been published on its effectiveness in the thoracic spine. Methods. A total of 91 screws were inserted into the pedicles from T8 to L2 in six sheep. Monitoring electrodes were placed into transversus abdominus at three levels, the lower two intercostal spaces, and into psoas. A constant voltage stimulus was applied to a probe inserted into each pedicle, and then to each pedicle screw after it had replaced the probe. The threshold voltage required to evoke EMG activity in the relevant myotome was noted. After monitoring the position of each screw was determined by gross dissection. Results. EMG responses in abdominal and intercostal muscles were successfully evoked by thoracic pedicle screw stimulation. Of the 91 screws, 50 were within the pedicle and required an average voltage of 15.12 V to stimulate an EMG response, compared with the 41 misplaced screws that had an average voltage of 7.63 V (P < 0.0001). Using a threshold of 10 V the technique has a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 90%. Conclusion. Electrical stimulation of pedicle screws and EMG recording in abdominal and leg muscles in sheep provide a reliable indication of pedicle screw position. This technique can be directly applied to human thoracolumbar surgery, but differences in pedicle size would mean that new threshold voltage criteria would need to be established.
Income Convergence in the EU: Within-country regional patterns. CEPS Commentary, 5 February 2018

ince 2000 the level of income across EU regions and member states has been converging towards the EU average, and overall, differences in GDP per capita have been reduced (see the first Commentary of this series here). This result is mostly driven by the fact that poorer regions and member states, mostly in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), initially experienced higher income growth rates. Conversely, richer countries and regions, both in Southern and North-Western Europe, initially grew at a slower pace. While the cumulative result of these developments is convergence, some interesting dynamics emerge within member states.
How Responsive are Wages to Demand within the Firm? Evidence from Idiosyncratic Export Demand Shocks

How much do employees’ wages directly reflect their employer’s labor demand, rather than competition from other employers in the labor market? We test the wage incidence of product demand shocks by studying a quasi-experiment that idiosyncratically shocked individual firms’ export demand without systematically affecting similar firms’ product or labor demand. Our shocks measure how much Portuguese exporters’ sales were impacted by where—but not what—they had been selling before the recession of 2008. These shocks predict changes in output, payroll, and hiring at affected firms, but not at rival employers in the same labor market segment. An idiosyncratic shock that changes output by 10 percent in the medium-run causes wages of pre-2008 employees to change proportionally by 1.5 percent, relative to trend. Consistent with a simple framework, we find that these pass-through effects are larger in industries with lower employee turnover rates and in firms with higher pay premiums. These findings offer evidence that heterogeneous firm dynamics can plausibly generate substantial cross-sectional wage dispersion, but only in less-fluid labor markets.
Pediatric onset multiple sclerosis: McDonald criteria 2010 and the contribution of spinal cord MRI

Background: Diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria have not been sufficiently validated in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) despite differences in epidemiologic data and clinical disease courses between pediatric and adult MS. Objective: The objective of this paper is to evaluate the diagnostic applicability and validity of the revised McDonald diagnostic criteria 2010 in a large cohort of pediatric-onset MS patients (POMS) and compare them to previously recommended MRI-based classifications. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the contribution of spinal cord lesions to the revised McDonald criteria 2010. Methods: A cohort of 85 patients with definite MS, age at onset 2.8–18 years, was analyzed in a retrospective multicenter study. Number and regional distribution of T2w and contrast-enhancing T1w lesions at initial and follow-up MRIs were main outcome measures. Results: In 62% of POMS the initial MRI within four weeks after symptom onset was sufficient to diagnose MS according to the revised McDonald criteria 2010. In a subcohort of patients with spinal MRI at first presentation, 10% reached the dissemination in space (DIS) and dissemination in time (DIT) criteria only by the inclusion of contrast-enhancing spinal lesions. Conclusions: The revised McDonald criteria 2010 facilitate the diagnosis of POMS already at first presentation. The addition of a spinal cord MRI was helpful only in selected cases.