Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of antihypertensive treatment on circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with mild essential hypertension

Abstract It has been reported that the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) reflects the endogenous vascular repair ability, with the EPCs pool declining in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. However, their relationship with hypertension and the effects of anti-hypertensive treatment remain unclear. We randomized 29 patients with mild essential hypertension to receive barnidipine up to 20 mg or hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) up to 25 mg. Circulating EPCs were isolated from peripheral blood at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Mononuclear cells were cultured with endothelial basal medium supplemented with EGM SingleQuots. EPCs were identified by positive double staining for both FITC-labeled Ulex europaeus agglutinin I and Dil-labeled acethylated low-density lipoprotein. After 3 and 6 months of treatment, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were significantly reduced. No difference was observed between drugs. An increase in the number of EPCs was observed after 3 and 6 months of anti-hypertensive treatment (p < 0.05). Barnidipine significantly increased EPCs after 3 and 6 months of treatment, whereas no effect was observed with HCT. No statistically significant correlation was observed between EPCs and clinical BP values. Our data suggest that antihypertensive treatment may increase the number of EPCs. However, we observed a different effect of barnidipine and HCT on EPCs, suggesting that, beyond its BP lowering effect, barnidipine may elicit additional beneficial properties, related to a healthier vasculature.
The Impact of Screening for Asymptomatic Myocardial Ischemia in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes

Little is known about factors that contribute to either emotional or behavior outcomes following screening for coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this prospective study was to explore these outcomes, along with potentially contributing factors in individuals enrolled in a screening trial for asymptomatic CAD. Included were 47 subjects with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected at study baseline and 3 and 6 months following entry by self-administered questionnaires and telephone follow-up. Emotional outcomes (quality of life and anxiety) tended to improve in those who underwent more aggressive screening with myocardial perfusion imaging, as well as in those who discussed the results of laboratory tests with their providers. Lower levels of diabetes competence and higher levels of controlled motivation for diet were associated with poorer emotional outcomes. Improvements in CAD risk factor behaviors were not observed.
Biomarkers (Procalcitonin, C Reactive Protein, and Lactate) as Predictors of Mortality in Surgical Patients with Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infection.

BACKGROUND An accurate and readily available biomarker for identifying patients with complicated intra-abdominal infection needing special attention in critical care units because of their greater risk of dying would be of value for intensivists. METHODS A multi-center, observational, retrospective study explored blood lactate, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) concentrations, and also Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) as mortality predictors in all adult patients with complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI) admitted to Surgical Critical Care Units (SCCUs) for ≥48 h in four Spanish hospitals (June 2012-June 2013). Logistic regression models (step-wise procedure) were constructed using as dependent variables "intra-SCCU mortality" or "overall mortality," and variables showing differences (p≤0.1) in bivariate analyses as independent variables. RESULTS One hundred twenty-one cases were included. Mortality intra-SCCU (R(2)=0.189, p=0.001) was associated with SAPS II (categorized as high if ≥47) (OR=9.55; 95% CI, 1.09-83.85; p=0.042) and 24 h-lactate (≥5.87 categorized as high) (OR=6.90; 95% CI, 1.28-37.08). Overall mortality (R(2)=0.275, p=0.001) was associated with peak PCT (≥100 categorized as high) (OR=11.28; 95% CI, 1.80-70.20), peak lactate (≥1.8 categorized as high) (OR=8.86; 95% CI, 1.51-52.10) and SOFA at admission (≥7 categorized as high) (OR=8.14; 95% CI, 1.69-39.20), but was predicted better (R(2)=0.275, p=0.001) by a single dummy variable (high peak PCT-high peak lactate concentrations) (OR=99.11; 95% CI, 5.21-1885.97; p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS In the present study, SAPS II and 24 h-lactate concentrations predicted intra-SCCU mortality whereas overall mortality was predicted better by concurrent high PCT and lactate peak concentrations than by clinical scores or by each biomarker separately.
Stand-alone Cervical Cages Versus Anterior Cervical Plates in 2-Level Cervical Anterior Interbody Fusion Patients: Analysis of Adjacent Segment Degeneration

Study Design: A retrospective study. Objective: To analyze adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) in 2-level anterior cervical discectomy, comparing fusion with stand-alone cages [anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)-CA] and fusion with cage and plate constructs (ACDF-CPC) with respect to clinical outcomes and radiologic changes. Summary of Background Data: ACDF using a stand-alone cage or a cage and plate construct is a popular procedure. However, there is lack of knowledge concerning ASD between the 2 procedures. Methods: A total of 42 consecutive patients who underwent 2-level ACDF-CA or ACDF-CPC for 2-level cervical disk disease and who completed 2 years of follow-up were included in this study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: ACDF-CA group (n=22) and ACDF-CPC group (n=20). The following parameters were assessed using radiographs: disk space narrowing, anterior osteophyte formation, calcification of the anterior longitudinal ligament, and fusion status. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Robinson criteria. Results: No difference in clinical outcomes was observed between the 2 groups. Moreover, the ACDF-CPC group showed a similar fusion rate compared with the ACDF-CA group (100% vs. 95%, P=0.335). There was also no statistical significance in anterior osteophyte formation and calcification of the anterior longitudinal ligament. However, mean intervertebral disk height change of an adjacent segment was significantly lower in the ACDF-CA group than the ACDF-CPC group (upper level: 0.08±0.24 vs. 0.49±0.35; lower level: 0.06±0.41 vs. 0.49±0.28; P<0.01). Conclusions: The use of a cage with or without plate constructs in 2-level ACDF provides similar clinical results and fusion rates. Notwithstanding, ACDF-CPC showed a higher incidence of ASD than ACDF-CA over the 2-year follow-up.
Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy: long-term complications.

Of 148 patients who had extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for renal lithiasis in 1984, 21 (14%) returned after 17-21 months for renal function tests (21 patients) and blood pressure determination (20 patients). Quantitative radionuclide renography showed a statistically significant (p = .048) decrease in the percentage of effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) to the treated kidney. Two of these patients had developed hypertension requiring treatment but became normotensive when given medication. In the other patients there was a statistically significant increase in both systolic (p = .0002) and diastolic (p = .015) blood pressures. Information about blood pressure was also obtained from an additional 71 (48%) of the 148 patients; of the total 91 patients (61%) in whom blood pressures were obtained, seven (8%) had developed sufficiently severe hypertension to require treatment beginning within 21 months after ESWL. Side effects of ESWL for renal lithiasis include hemorrhage, edema, and acute tubular necrosis of the kidney. This form of renal trauma is associated with an immediate decrease in renal function of the treated kidney, and this decrease may be permanent. ESWL is also associated with the onset of hypertension, which may occur immediately or be delayed by several weeks or months. Although the pathogenesis remains unknown, hypertension is an important complication of ESWL in about 8% of patients.
Connectivity of Ad Hoc Networks with Link Asymmetries Induced by Shadowing

The aim of this letter is to determine the minimum node density to achieve a connected large-scale ad hoc network, where every node has the same transmitting and receiving capabilities. Due to the log-normal shadowing, links are unidirectional in general. Contrary to the prevailing opinion, we argue that such asymmetries result into a "reduced" connectivity graph, which, from the point of view of MAC and routing protocols, is to be considered the true or effective connectivity graph. Accordingly, we derive a new formula for the connection probability between two nodes in order to compute global connectivity. Finally, theoretical findings, borrowed from random graphs theory, are compared to numerical simulation results in synthetic wireless network scenarios.
Comparisons of Financial Performance of Islamic Banks and Conventional Banks in Bangladesh

The study has been examined and compared the performance of Islamic and Conventional banks in Bangladesh during 2010 to 2014 by analyzing CAMEL tests standard factors such as capital adequacy, asset quality, management quality, earning ability and liquidity position. The financial data for this study have taken from the banks’ financial statements existing on the banks’ websites. A sample of 5 Islamic banks and 5 Conventional banks has been selected to measure and compare their performance. Each year the average ratios were considered. CAMEL tests which is a standard test to check the health of financial institutions was used to determine the performance of Islamic and Conventional banks. The researchers have used the t-tests to justify the data. The study has shown that statistically there is no significant difference between Islamic banks and Conventional banks based on their performance calculated by CAMEL except management quality. The management qualities and asset qualities of Conventional banks are better than that of Islamic banks. On the other hand, Capital adequacy and liquidity position of Islamic banks are better than that of Conventional banks.
A weighted total least squares estimator for multivariable systems with nearly maximum likelihood properties

The aim of the present paper is to develop a parametric estimator for linear time-invariant multivariable systems with nearly maximum likelihood properties. The estimator is based on the total least squares (TLS) method. It can be seen as an "optimally" weighted iterative generalized total least squares (GTLS) estimator, combining the nice asymptotic properties of the maximum likelihood (ML) method with the global minimization property of the GTLS estimator. The main difference with, for instance, the IQML method and the method of Sanathanan and Koerner is that it generates consistent estimates in each iteration step.
Food Policy Councils and Local Governments: Creating Effective Collaboration for Food Systems Change

Drawing data from comparative case studies of 10 California food policy councils (FPCs), this paper describes the nature of the relationships between local governments and FPCs and examines how these relationships support policy-related activities and food systems change. We focus our comparisons on distinct organizational structures, resource flows, and policy activities. All but one of the 10 councils is organized as a multisector community collaborative, rather than as an independent nonprofit organization or a government advisory body. Each includes local government personnel as members and most depend on government resources for their operations, including meeting a Clare Gupta, Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis; 1 Shields Avenue; Davis, CA 95616 USA; +1-650-766-7610; cgupta@ucdavis.edu b * Corresponding author: Dave Campbell, Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis; 1 Shields Avenue; Davis, CA 95616 USA; +1-530-752-5451; dave.c. campbell@ucdavis.edu c Kate Munden-Dixon, Geography Graduate Group, University of California, Davis; 1 Shields Avenue; Davis, CA 95616 USA; +1-912-713-5217; kmundendixon@ucdavis.edu d Jennifer Sowerwine, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley; 130 Mulford Hall #3114; Berkeley, CA 94720-3114 USA; +1-510-664-7042, jsowerwi@berkeley.edu e Shosha Capps, UC Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, University of California, Davis, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA; +1-530-752-5085;
The impact of family involvement in business on capital structure decisions: a literature review

Family-controlled firms are a unique form of business because of the special nature of its ownership structure, management style, and financing needs. Moreover, these firms face difficulty in achieving a balanced mix of available financing alternatives (i.e., debt and equity), and this mix has a direct impact on the firms’ profitability, risk, and value. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to review the literature on how family involvement in business via ownership, management, and control affects capital structure decisions. The review showed that in a comparison with nonfamily businesses, family-controlled firms on average have higher debt levels. Additionally, family ownership is positively associated with debt financing, and the participation of family members in a firm’s top management leads to an increase in the firm’s overall debt level. Insights generated from the current study highlight the critical influence of family involvement in business on key financial policies such as capital structure decisions.
Can Country‐of‐Origin Labeling Succeed as a Marketing Tool for Produce? Lessons from Three Case Studies

"This paper draws on the theory of product differentiation in a trade context and uses three case studies to highlight the conditions necessary for a successful geographical-origin branding strategy for farm produce in the United States. In so doing, the U.S. country-of-origin labeling (COOL) scheme as a branding strategy for produce is assessed. The paper argues that the use of geographic identifiers to achieve product differentiation is viable, but any claim that such differentiation will prove useful at the country level for farm produce seems likely to be misplaced. In order to raise prices, a key complement to branding is some restriction on the volume of product going out under the brand name. These restrictions may be accomplished by supply controls, quality controls, or entry barriers, but will not be available to all U.S. products currently hoping to gain from mandatory COOL. " Copyright 2006 Canadian Agricultural Economics Society.
Influence of credit information sharing on the performance of commercial banks operating in kisii county, Kenya

Kenyan banking sector has been riddled with many cases of loan defaults and collapse of some banks. As a result, Credit reference bureaus were established in 2010, to facilitate credit information sharing among commercial banks in Kenya. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of credit information sharing on the performance of commercial banks. The research used the primary data collected using questionnaires and secondary data obtained from bank records and CBK reports. The findings revealed that the overall volume of lending in the banks has increased due to information sharing. The study also established that the influence of customer credit reports on performance measured by ROA and ROE is also statistically not significant meaning that the influence may be by chance or other factors and not customer credit reports only. The rate of defaulting by customers has been minimized with the use of credit reports and Customer Credit reports from CRBs help in pricing of loans in the institutions which has improved our overall profitability.
Anastrepha species (Diptera: Tephritidae), their host plants and parasitoids (Hymenoptera) in the state of Roraima, Brazil: state of the art

The aim of this review was to update the available information on Anastrepha species in the state of Roraima, Brazil, with emphasis on distribution, host plants and parasitoids. In total, 25 species of Anastrepha and 27 host plant species have been recorded to date in Roraima. Anastrepha striata and A. obliqua are widely distributed in the state. Anastrepha obliqua is the most polyphagous species, where it is associated with 13 hosts. Six species of parasitoids of Anastrepha have been reported in Roraima. Of these, Doryctobracon areolatus is the most abundant and has been associated with the largest number of Anastrepha species.
Participation of Women in Fisheries: A Study on Gender Issues in Manipur, India

Conscious efforts to address the gender issues in fisheries sector and the involvement of more women through explicit support to their participation are yet to be undertaken intensively in North Eastern region of India. Therefore, the study was conducted to know the level of participation of women in fisheries activities in Manipur and to identify the different constraints perceived by them while participating in fisheries activities. One hundred and twenty women who were involved in different fisheries activities formed the sample of the study. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect the information through personal interview. The data was analyzed by using frequency, percentage, ‘Z’ test. Empowerment index was also developed for the study to know the level of empowerment after participation in fisheries activities. The participation of women was found maximum in aspects of capture fisheries, followed by post harvesting, marketing of fishes and stocking of fish seeds. Most significant participation under the post harvesting practices was value addition (3.40), cleaning and grading (3.40) and transporting (2.93). The ‘Z’ values revealed that, there was significant difference in index values of empowerment of rural women before and after taking up fisheries activity, which clearly revealed the fact that participation in fisheries activity significantly contributed for enhancement in empowerment. Lack of access and control over resources (1.80), low access to credit (1.74), lack of confident in technical issues (1.60), lack of women friendly aquaculture technology (1.50) were the major constraints identified in empowerment of women through participation in fisheries activities. Art ic le History
Outcomes of patients using a tiered trauma response protocol.

OBJECTIVES This study evaluated processes of care and outcome for injured patients at a Level I trauma center who had been either treated as a full trauma team activation (FULL) or managed with a modified trauma team activation (MOD). METHODS A retrospective methodology was used to evaluate all patients entered into the regional trauma system and transported from the scene to a Level I trauma center. Patients treated during a 2-year period of exclusively FULL trauma team protocols were compared with patients managed during a subsequent 2-year period after implementation of a two-tiered response. In the later era, trauma system patients were designated before hospital arrival as either FULL or MOD trauma team responses. An additional case-control analysis was conducted on a subset of MOD trauma team response patients who were undertriaged; that is, in retrospect, they met criteria for a FULL response. The outcomes in the case-control group were compared by chi2 tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. Statistical significance was assumed for p < 0.05. RESULTS During the presystem period, 1,740 patients were transported as trauma system entries to Oregon Health Sciences University. During the postsystem period, 2,333 patients were transported to Oregon Health Sciences University as either MOD trauma system entries (1,272 [55%]) or as FULL trauma system entries (1,061 [45%]). Postsystem patients had longer time intervals in the emergency department compared with presystem patients. Death rates for patients who died in the emergency department or before hospital discharge were similar. Among patients who were designated as MOD trauma system entries and were subsequently categorized as meeting FULL trauma team criteria, mortality rate was low. CONCLUSION Implementation of the tiered response protocol led to a substantial change in the operational response in the emergency department. Although processes of care were nominally prolonged, adverse consequences were not identified. We concluded from this quality improvement review that implementation of a tiered response protocol was satisfactory and improved efficiency. Further work is required to improve accuracy of the categorization of trauma system patients as either MOD or FULL trauma codes.
A New Method for Computational Private Information Retrieval

Lipmaa's Computational Private Information Retrieval (CPIR) protocol is probably the most bandwidth efficient method in the literature, although its computational complexity is a limiting factor for practical applications as it is based on expensive public key operations. Utilizing binary decision diagrams (Bdd) and the Damgard–Jurik cryptosystem, Lipmaa's CPIR performs three modular exponentiation operations per internal node in Bdd. In this paper, we present a new CPIR protocol, which reduces the number of exponentiation operations to 1 per first-level internal nodes and 2 per other internal nodes of the Bdd. For 1024-bit exponents (i.e. 80-bit security level) and 32 768 items, when compared with the fastest parallel implementation in the literature on four cores, reducing the number of exponentiations yields a 1.22× speedup and the multi-exponentiation technique adds 2.23× more on top of that. Overall, when combined, reducing the number of exponentiations, multi-exponentiation, parallelization on four cores and the hybrid approach can provide more than 300× speedup compared to the sequential implementation of the original method.
A Study of Investors’ Preference towards Mutual Funds in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal

A Mutual Fund is an investment vehicle that pools funds from various investors and invests the funds in stocks, bonds, short-term money-market instruments, other securities or assets or some combination of these investments. The primary goal behind investment in mutual fund is to earn goods return with comparatively low risk. The main objective of this research is to identify investors’ preference towards mutual fund in Kathmandu metropolitan city. By using in structured questionnaire, Description statistical tools like chi-square test have been used for analyzing the data. The findings from this research are that the most of the investors are doubtful to invest the new age investment like mutual funds.
Induction of Tolerance to Focal Ischemia in Rat Brain: Dissociation between Cortical Lesioning and Spreading Depression

Cortical application of KCl has previously been shown to induce tolerance to a subsequent episode of cerebral ischemia. KCl triggers recurrent episodes of cortical spreading depression and produces a small lesion at the cortical application site. To determine whether a cortical lesion alone is sufficient to induce tolerance to ischemia, the authors used 5-mol/L NaCl to precondition rat brain 3 days before permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. NaCl produced a small lesion at the application site without evoking cortical spreading depression. Preconditioning with 5-mol/L NaCl significantly attenuated the decrease in CBF after middle cerebral artery occlusion and reduced the volume of cortical infarction by 35%. The results show that a small cortical lesion, by itself, is sufficient to induce tolerance to ischemia.