Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Stimulation with TGF-β1 and TNF-α Induces Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Bronchial Epithelial Cells

Background: Airway remodeling is an important feature of chronic airway disease, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Recently, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) was reported to be associated with tissue fibrosis. TGF-β1, which is a potent inducer of EMT, is thought to be related to the pathogenesis of airway remodeling. We investigated whether TGF-β1 and/or TNF-α induce EMT in bronchial epithelial cells. Methods: Cultured BEAS-2B cells and primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) were treated with TGF-β1 and/or TNF-α. Morphological changes and the expression of EMT-related markers were evaluated by immunocytochemical staining. Expressions of EMT-related markers, extracellular matrix (ECM) components (collagen type I and versican), and TGF-β receptors I, II, and III were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. Migration was evaluated using the Boyden chamber technique. Results: The TGF-β1-induced EMT in BEAS-2B cells was demonstrated on the basis of morphological changes and the downregulation of E-cadherin. Costimulation with TNF-α enhanced the TGF-β1-induced morphological changes and increased vimentin expression. Treatment with TGF-β1 increased the expression of collagen type I and versican. EMT induced with TGF-β1 plus TNF-α promoted cell migration. Stimulation of NHBE with TGF-β1 led to EMT. Conclusion: TGF-β1 induced EMT in BEAS-2B cells, and costimulation with TNF-α enhanced the EMT. As a result of the EMT process, BEAS-2B cells acquired functions of mesenchymal cells. In addition, TGF-β1 treatment induced EMT in NHBE as shown by changes in EMT-related markers. Bronchial epithelial cells might contribute to airway remodeling through EMT.
The effects of sodium-2-mercaptoethanesulfonate application on the neural and neurovascular tissues: An experimental animal study

Background: Sodium-2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (MESNA) is a protective agent that is also used as “a chemical dissector” in various surgical fields. The aim of this study is to evaluate the toxic effects of MESNA on neural and neurovascular structures based on a morphological analysis and examine its safety in neurotological applications. Methods: Three groups of guinea pigs were used as subjects. MESNA solution (50 and 100%) and saline solution were applied to the subarachnoid space over the brain tissue via a middle fossa approach of study and control groups, respectively. Effects of MESNA were assessed by means of light microscope. McNemar Chi-square test was used to evaluate the histopathological findings. Statistical significance of P < 0.05 was taken as criterion. Results: No morphological changes were observed on vascular and neural structures in the study groups in both concentrations, compared to the control group. Conclusions: On a morphological basis, a single application of MESNA does not cause any morphological changes that indicate a toxicity in neural and neurovascular structures.
Deterministic influences exceed dispersal effects on hydrologically‐connected microbiomes

Subsurface groundwater-surface water mixing zones (hyporheic zones) have enhanced biogeochemical activity, but assembly processes governing subsurface microbiomes remain a critical uncertainty in understanding hyporheic biogeochemistry. To address this obstacle, we investigated (a) biogeographical patterns in attached and waterborne microbiomes across three hydrologically-connected, physicochemically-distinct zones (inland hyporheic, nearshore hyporheic and river); (b) assembly processes that generated these patterns; (c) groups of organisms that corresponded to deterministic changes in the environment; and (d) correlations between these groups and hyporheic metabolism. All microbiomes remained dissimilar through time, but consistent presence of similar taxa suggested dispersal and/or common selective pressures among zones. Further, we demonstrated a pronounced impact of deterministic assembly in all microbiomes as well as seasonal shifts from heterotrophic to autotrophic microorganisms associated with increases in groundwater discharge. The abundance of one statistical cluster of organisms increased with active biomass and respiration, revealing organisms that may strongly influence hyporheic biogeochemistry. Based on our results, we propose a conceptualization of hyporheic zone metabolism in which increased organic carbon concentrations during surface water intrusion support heterotrophy, which succumbs to autotrophy under groundwater discharge. These results provide new opportunities to enhance microbially-explicit ecosystem models describing hyporheic zone biogeochemistry and its influence over riverine ecosystem function.
Significance of Biogenic Amines in Cold-Smoked Fish and Their Relation to Microbiological Characteristics of Products Available in Portuguese Retail Markets

Studies on microbial characterization of cold-smoked salmon and salmon trout during cold storage were performed on samples available in the Portuguese market. Samples were also classified microbiologically according to guidelines for ready-to-eat (RTE) products. Further investigations on sample variability and microbial abilities to produce tyramine and histamine were also performed. The coefficient of variation for viable counts of different groups of microorganisms of samples collected at retail market point was high in the first 2 wk of storage, mainly in the Enterobacteriaceae group and aerobic plate count (APC), suggesting that microbiological characteristics of samples were different in numbers, even within the same batch from the same producer. This variation seemed to be decreased when storage and temperature were controlled under lab conditions. The numbers of Enterobacteriaceae were influenced by storage temperature, as indicated by low microbial numbers in samples from controlled refrigeration. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Enterobacteriaceae were predominant in commercial products, a significant percentage of which were tyramine and less histamine producers. These results might be influenced by (1) the technological processes in the early stages of production, (2) contamination during the smoking process, and (3) conditions and temperature fluctuations during cold storage at retail market point of sale.
TRADE OPENNESS, FDI AND ECONOMIC GROWTH A Panel Study

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of FDI and trade openness on per capita GDP growth. For this purpose we used the data from 1971-2000 for 23 developed countries. The method, we used in this paper, is fixed effect and control set of variable. Results in both types of estimation methods are robust. In both type of method, we found openness is significant and positively affecting GDP per capita growth, while FDI appeared to be insignificant. We also test the granger causality among these variables. Only openness does cause GDP and reverse causality does not hold.
Long-term outcome of obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE To study the long-term rate and predictors of remission in adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), using meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES The MEDLINE database was searched to May 2013 using the search terms obsessive-compulsive disorder, prospective, outcome study, clinical course, remission, prognosis, follow-up, and long-term and limits for language (English), species (humans), and age (adults). This was supplemented by manual bibliographic cross-referencing. STUDY SELECTION English-language studies from peer-reviewed journals on adults with DSM-III-R, DSM-IV, DSM-IV-TR, ICD-9, or ICD-10 diagnosis of OCD followed up for ≥ 1 year and treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors and/or cognitive-behavioral therapy that reported rate of remission (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale [YBOCS] score < 16 at longest follow-up) were included. DATA EXTRACTION Data were gathered as numbers/means/percentages/categories on sample size, study design, follow-up duration, age at assessment, illness duration, age at illness onset, gender, marital status, inpatient/outpatient status, family history, baseline YBOCS score, comorbidities, and remission. RESULTS Seventeen studies (pooled N = 1,265) fit the selection criteria and were used for the meta-analysis. The pooled sample had a mean follow-up duration 4.91 years and was predominantly male and outpatient and had onset of illness in the second decade, illness duration more than 10 years, and moderate-to-severe OCD. Pooled remission rate was 53% (95% CI, 42%-65%). Prospective studies showed higher pooled remission rate than retrospective studies (55% [95% CI, 45%-65%] vs 50% [95% CI, 27%-73%], P < .001). Indian studies showed higher pooled remission rate than others (71% [95% CI, 59%-83%] vs 48% [95% CI, 37%-59%], P < .001). Age at onset (t = -7.08, P = .019), illness duration (t = -8.13, P = .015), baseline YBOCS score (t = -6.81,P = .021), and male gender (t = -5.92, P = .027) had significant negative association with remission on meta-regression. CONCLUSION A high long-term remission rate found in this meta-analysis is contrary to generally held beliefs about poor outcome of individuals with OCD. Multicenter, prospective, long-term studies should systematically examine course and outcome in larger samples, emphasizing symptomatic and functional recovery.
Foreign Direct Investment and Agriculture Security Empirical Analysis Based on the Crowding-out Effect on Domestic Investment and Employment

As a developing country,China attracted most of the foreign direct investment(FDI) in the world.Although the percentage of agricultural FDI is not large,approximately 2%,we should not ignore the effect of agricultural FDI on domestic agriculture security.This paper chooses the time series data from 1997 to 2009 to conceive a simultaneous equation model,used Two Stage Least Square(2SLS) and Ordinary Least Square(OLS) to estimate the crowding-out effect of agricultural FDI on domestic investment and employment.The result shows that a 1% increase of agricultural FDI will crow out 0.2% domestic investment and 0.01% employment.Finally,based on the view of crowding-out effect on domestic investment and employment,this paper makes some suggestions about the effect of foreign direct investment on domestic agriculture security.
Application of multigene phylogenetics and site‐stripping to resolve intraordinal relationships in the Rhodymeniales (Rhodophyta)

Previous molecular assessments of the red algal order Rhodymeniales have confirmed its monophyly and distinguished the six currently recognized families (viz. Champiaceae, Faucheaceae, Fryeellaceae, Hymenocladiaceae, Lomentariaceae, and Rhodymeniaceae); however, relationships among most of these families have remained unresolved possibly as a result of substitution saturation at deeper phylogenetic nodes. The objective of the current study was to improve rhodymenialean systematics by increasing taxonomic representation and using a more robust multigene dataset of mitochondrial (COB, COI/COI‐5P), nuclear (LSU, EF2) and plastid markers (psbA, rbcL). Additionally, we aimed to prevent phylogenetic inference problems associated with substitution saturation (particularly at the interfamilial nodes) by removing fast‐evolving sites and analyzing a series of progressively more conservative alignments. The Rhodymeniales was resolved as two major lineages: (i) the Fryeellaceae as sister to the Faucheaceae and Lomentariaceae; and (ii) the Rhodymeniaceae allied to the Champiaceae and Hymenocladiaceae. Support at the interfamilial nodes was highest when 20% of variable sites were removed. Inclusion of Binghamiopsis, Chamaebotrys, and Minium, which were absent in previous phylogenetic investigations, established their phylogenetic affinities while assessment of two genera consistently polyphyletic in phylogenetic analyses, Erythrymenia and Lomentaria, resulted in the proposition of the novel genera Perbella and Fushitsunagia. The taxonomic position of Drouetia was reinvestigated with re‐examination of holotype material of D. coalescens to clarify tetrasporangial development in this genus. In addition, we added three novel Australian species to Drouetia as a result of ongoing DNA barcoding assessments—D. aggregata sp. nov., D. scutellata sp. nov., and D. viridescens sp. nov.
Occupational Exposure to Petroleum Products and Respiratory Health: A Cross-Sectional Study From Algeria

Objective: To investigate the possible impact of long-term occupational exposure to hydrocarbons on respiratory health. Methods: Respiratory health was assessed by questionnaires, spirometry, and exhaled nitric oxide in 250 male workers from a company handling and distributing refined petroleum products (exposed) and 250 electricians (controls). Exposure to hydrocarbons was assessed by personal air monitoring. Results: Aerial exposure to hydrocarbons was low. Respiratory and nasal symptoms were significantly more frequent among exposed subjects than among controls. Although forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second did not differ, ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity and maximal expiratory flows were significantly lower in exposed than in control subjects, adjusting for smoking. Exhaled nitric oxide was significantly higher among exposed subjects (30.1 ppb) than among controls (21.6 ppb), adjusting for age and smoking. Conclusions: Even low exposure to petroleum-derived hydrocarbons is associated with more respiratory and nasal symptoms, lower pulmonary function, and airway inflammation.
Identification and characterization of DAlk: a novel Drosophila melanogaster RTK which drives ERK activation in vivo

Background The mammalian receptor protein tyrosine kinase (RTK), Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK), was first described as the product of the t(2;5) chromosomal translocation found in non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. While the mechanism of ALK activation in non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma has been examined, to date, no in vivo role for this orphan insulin receptor family RTK has been described.
Cephalic phycomycosis: A report of eight cases

Phycomycosis is the preferred terminology to define a fungal disease which may be devastating and fatal. It is caused by a nonseptate hyphae, class phycomycetes and genus (Rhizopus, Mucor, Absidia). Phycomycosis in man is usually associated with debilitating diseases such as: diabetes mellitus, leukemia and immunosuppressive conditions. The cephalic phycomycosis has two forms: 1. rhinoorbital cerebral which may be fatal, and 2. rhino‐parnnasal sinuses form which usually has a benign clinical course.
Early onset of medullary thyroid carcinoma in a kindred with multiple endocrine neoplasia type iia associated with cutaneous lichen amyloidosis.

OBJECTIVE To describe the molecular characterization of a kindred affected by the rare variant of multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIA (MEN IIA) associated with cutaneous lichen amyloidosis and to discuss the clinical implications in the management of this syndrome. METHODS A kindred with four affected family members was identified, and DNA analysis was performed by sequencing exon 11 of the RET proto-oncogene. Presymptomatic genetic screening was offered to all first-degree relatives. RESULTS Sequencing analysis of the RET proto-oncogene revealed a Cys634Trp (TGC->TGG) mutation in all clinically affected family members and in an asymptomatic 5-year-old child who, after thyroidectomy, was found to have multicentric medullary thyroid carcinoma and C-cell hyperplasia. A Gly691Ser (GGT->AGT) polymorphism was also detected in this family but did not segregate with the disease. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the earliest detection of medullary thyroid carcinoma reported thus far in a kindred with MEN IIA associated with cutaneous lichen amyloidosis, and this finding suggests that prophylactic thyroidectomy, in kindreds with this variant, should be performed before the age of 5 years.
Fatigue in pilots of remotely piloted aircraft before and after shift work adjustment.

BACKGROUND Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) with long endurance allow near-continuous operations, necessitating the implementation of shift work for crewmembers to provide the necessary manning of ground control stations. Shift work has a well-known association with fatigue, degraded work performance, and an increased risk for errors and accidents. This study presents the results of a follow-up survey of a particular population of shift-working RPA crewmembers 1 yr after modification of their shift work schedule. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 66 RPA crewmembers was conducted using a collection of validated fatigue scales. This data was compared to survey data collected a year prior from the same population and from a reference group of non-shift-working aircrew. Shift system features and individual and situational differences associated with fatigue were explored. Additionally, several alternative types of shift schedules were assessed through modeling and simulation. RESULTS The study found no significant reduction in reported fatigue despite prior modifications to the shift work schedule to increase opportunities for recovery. Months shift working, sleep quality, and disturbances in family and social activities were associated with overall fatigue scores. Approximately half of those surveyed met criteria for occupationally significant fatigue. Months shift working, use of on-duty napping, and fatigue scores were predictive of those with occupationally significant fatigue. Modeling of feasible variants of the current shift work schedule failed to reveal a significantly improved alternative schedule. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the results demonstrate a persistent problem with chronic fatigue in this study population, likely reflective of continued inadequate opportunities for recovery and restorative sleep.
Renal transplant outcome in high‐cardiovascular risk recipients

Abstract: Background: Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the foremost cause of mortality and an important cause of morbidity in renal transplant recipients. The disease burden is likely to increase as older patients are accepted for transplantation. The outcome of these high‐CV risk patients after renal transplantation, especially with known pre‐transplant coronary artery disease (CAD), has not been studied. Hence, we looked at the CV outcome in patients with known pre‐transplant CAD. Methods: All renal transplants performed between 1998 and 2002 at our center, followed up to 2005, were divided into high‐ and low‐risk groups, based on the presence of one or more of the following: pre‐transplant angina, myocardial infarction, and positive coronary angiogram. The two groups were compared for post‐transplant cardiac events and patient and graft survival. The factors predictive of post‐transplant cardiac events were also determined by Cox‐regression multivariate analysis. Results: Forty‐five patients (10.5%), out of 429, had post‐transplant cardiac events; 31.3% in the high risk, and 6.5% in the low‐risk group (p = 0.001). Five‐yr patient survival was lower in the high‐risk group (82.8% vs. 93.1%, p = 0.004), while five‐yr overall graft survival and death censored graft survival were statistically not different (74.8% vs. 84.1%, p = 0.08 and 87.3% vs. 90%, p = 0.25). Forty‐one percent of patients who were treated with angioplasty plus stenting or bypass graft prior to transplantation had post‐transplant cardiac events, as compared with 28% of those without intervention in the high‐risk group and 6.5% of patients in the low‐risk group (p = 0.001). Age, pre‐transplant cardiac disease, arrhythmias, and low‐ejection fraction (≤40%) were significant independent predictors of post‐transplant cardiac events. Conclusion: Post‐transplant survival of high‐CV risk patients (with known CAD) is lower than that of low‐risk recipients but remains acceptable. Cardiac interventions may reduce perioperative risk but do not reduce the probability of post‐transplant cardiac events to that of low‐risk group.
Relative Contribution of Odour Intensity and Valence to Moral Decisions

Meta-analytic evidence showed that the chemical senses affect moral decisions. However, how odours impact on morality is currently unclear. Through a set of three studies, we assess whether and how odour intensity biases moral choices (Study 1a), its psychophysiological responses (Study 1b), as well as the behavioural and psychophysiological effects of odour valence on moral choices (Study 2). Study 1a suggests that the presence of an odour plays a role in shaping moral choice. Study 1b reveals that of two iso-pleasant versions of the same neutral odour, only the one presented sub-threshold (vs. supra-threshold) favours deontological moral choices, those based on the principle of not harming others even when such harm provides benefits. As expected, this odour intensity effect is tracked by skin conductance responses, whereas no difference in cardiac activity – proxy for the valence dimension – is revealed. Study 2 suggests that the same neutral odour presented sub-threshold increases deontological choices even when compared to iso-intense ambiguous odour, perceived as pleasant or unpleasant by half of the participants, respectively. Skin conductance responses, as expected, track odour pleasantness, but cardiac activity fails to do so. Results are discussed in the context of mechanisms alternative to disgust induction underlying moral choices.
Does corporate governance beget firm performance in Fortune Global 500 companies

Purpose This paper aims to determine the impact of corporate governance practices on the financial outcomes of Fortune Global 500 Companies, thus covering impact of geographical differences (USA and non-USA) as well. Design/methodology/approach The study is a quantitative research based on a positivist paradigm using deductive reasoning and secondary data collection. Data collection has been done from secondary sources (annual reports, Edgar submissions and financial statistics from renowned financial databases such as yahoo.finance, Bloomberg, Ycharts statistics and Morningstar. Data were collected for 8 years (2005-2012). Findings The study found a strong positive relationship between corporate governance and firm performance. Smaller board sizes are found to generate better firm performance in Fortune Global 500 Companies. Frequency of board meetings have also been found to have inverse relationship with firm performance. The study supports board independence to improve transparency in board decision-making process. CEO compensation has been found to have inverse relationship with firm performance. The robustness of our results has been measured with the usage of three dependent variables, and we have found same results with varying significance level. Research limitations/implications Due to selection of globally broad sample set qualitative aspects of corporate governance could not be covered. Nevertheless, there is a need to go beyond the quantitative techniques (secondary data) of measuring corporate governance mechanisms. Practical implications The population set is unique combination of big players and global diversification. Hence, the corporate governance practices of these firms as understood from the results of this study can be bench-marked for emerging corporates of varying global context. Originality/value The research is original and unique as it significant and globally diverse population of Fortune Global 500 Companies over a period of 8 years for 11 variables of interest. Results are helpful in bench marking for the rest of market players.