Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recurrence rate of positive margin basal cell carcinoma: Results of a five‐year prospective study

The few previous studies on recurrence of incompletely excised basal cell carcinoma are retrospective, and the reported recurrence rate ranges from 19% to 67%. In a prospective study design, we found a recurrence rate of 41% in 34 surgically excised positive‐margin basal cell carcinomas. The mean time until tumor recurrence was 24.6 months. The mean follow‐up time in those patients remaining free of tumor was 61.4 months.
Proteome analysis of aflatoxin B1‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis in tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinensis) and functional identification of candidate protein peroxiredoxin II

In order to explore the proteins responsible for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), aflatoxin B1‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis in tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinensis) was analyzed with 2‐DE and MS. By comparing HCC samples with their own precancerous biopsies and HCC‐surrounding tissues, a group of candidate proteins that differentially expressed in HCC were obtained. Peroxiredoxin (Prx) II, one of the candidates with distinct alteration, was further investigated and validated. Western blot and RT‐PCR assays confirmed the overexpression of Prx II in both tree shrew and human HCC tissues. RNA interference for silencing Prx II was employed subsequently to explore the function and underlying mechanism of Prx II on liver cancer cell line Hep3B. Results showed the cell proliferation and clone formation decreased obviously when Prx II expression was inhibited, while the flow cytometer analysis showed the percentage of cell apoptosis enhanced. Inhibition of Prx II expression also obviously increased the generation of ROS and malondialdehyde, both are the products from peroxidation. These results imply the important role of Prx II in hepatocarcinogenesis, possibly through its function in regulating peroxidation and hereby to provide a favorable microenvironment for cancer cell surviving and progressing.
Mutant Neuroserpin (S49P) That Causes Familial Encephalopathy with Neuroserpin Inclusion Bodies Is a Poor Proteinase Inhibitor and Readily Forms Polymers in Vitro *

Familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB) is an autosomal dominant dementia that is characterized by intraneuronal inclusions of mutant neuroserpin. We report here the expression, purification, and characterization of wild-type neuroserpin and neuroserpin containing the S49P mutation that causes FENIB. Wild-type neuroserpin formed SDS-stable complexes with tPA with an association rate constant and K i of 1.2 × 104 m −1 s−1 and 5.8 nm, respectively. In contrast, S49P neuroserpin formed unstable complexes with an association rate constant and K i of 0.3 × 104 m −1 s−1 and 533.3 nm, respectively. An assessment by circular dichroism showed that S49P neuroserpin had a lower melting temperature than wild-type protein (49.9 and 56.6 °C, respectively) and more readily formed loop-sheet polymers under physiological conditions. Neither the wild-type nor S49P neuroserpin accepted the P7-P2 α1-anti-trypsin or P14-P3 antithrombin-reactive loop peptides that have been shown to block polymer formation in other members of the serpin superfamily. Taken together, these data demonstrate that S49P neuroserpin is a poor proteinase inhibitor and readily forms loop-sheet polymers. These findings provide strong support for the role of neuroserpin polymerization in the formation of the intraneuronal inclusions that are characteristic of FENIB.
Impact of US Monetary Policy Rate Shock and Other External Shocks on the Hong Kong Economy: A Factor‐Augmented Vector Autoregression Approach

This paper uses the factor&#8208;augmented vector autoregression framework to study the impact on the Hong Kong economy of the diverging monetary policies by the Fed, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of Japan as well as the slowdown of the Mainland economy. The empirical results show that shocks in US monetary policy rate mainly affect interest rate&#8208;sensitive sectors in Hong Kong and that monetary easing from the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan somewhat offsets the impact of tightening of the Fed. The transmission of external shocks is through trade and capital markets. Real variables such as real GDP growth and the unemployment rate are more sensitive to the economic slowdown in Mainland China. It is estimated that the combined effect of the four external shocks will on average lower Hong Kong's quarterly GDP growth by 0.6 percentage points and quarterly inflation by 0.2 percentage points in the first four quarters. However, Hong Kong's financial stability, particularly with regard to loan quality, banks&#8217; capital and liquidity, is well maintained by macroprudential policies, suggesting that Hong Kong's financial system is resilient to external shocks.
Crime in Greater Los Angeles: Experiences and Perceptions of Local Urban Residents

The area making up greater Los Angeles is the most populated region in the United States. With over 10 million residents in this largely urban county, we can only expect there to be some ongoing problems with crime and victimization. The current study collected self-reported data from local resident in regard to their personal experiences with crime and victimization. Relevant demographic information was collected to help with our understanding of which types of social groups may be more prone to being targeted for certain types of criminal acts. Information was also gathered to help better understand how Los Angeles area residents felt about crime in the region and how they felt about their own personal safety. Women were found to be more likely to know the perpetrators of crimes against them than the men. Middle Eastern and Black residents generally felt the most unsafe, while Asian residents felt the safest overall. Most of the respondents stated that they have been the target of one or more criminal acts since they have lived in the Los Angeles area, with the most common single type of crime being robbery. Additional findings add further to our knowledge about this important social problem spanning across this major urban territory.
Cloning and characterization of Ginkgo biloba levopimaradiene synthase which catalyzes the first committed step in ginkgolide biosynthesis.

Levopimaradiene synthase, which catalyzes the initial cyclization step in ginkgolide biosynthesis, was cloned and functionally characterized. A Ginkgo biloba cDNA library was prepared from seedling roots and a probe was amplified using primers corresponding to conserved gymnosperm terpene synthase sequences. Colony hybridization and rapid amplification of cDNA ends yielded a full-length clone encoding a predicted protein (873 amino acids, 100,289 Da) similar to known gymnosperm diterpene synthases. The sequence includes a putative N-terminal plastid transit peptide and three aspartate-rich regions. The full-length protein expressed in Escherichia coli cyclized geranylgeranyl diphosphate to levopimaradiene, which was identical to a synthetic standard by GC/MS analysis. Removing 60 or 79 N-terminal residues increased levopimaradiene production, but a 128-residue N-terminal deletion lacked detectable activity. This is the first cloned ginkgolide biosynthetic gene and the first in vitro observation of an isolated ginkgolide biosynthetic enzyme.
Does corporate governance spillover firm performance? A study of valuation of MENA companies

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to examine the association of corporate governance (CG), the firms’ characteristics and the financial performance of firms operating in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region after Arab Spring. The study focuses on CG, exemplified by boards’ composition and ownership structure. It also explores the possible moderating effects of environmental social and governance characteristics (ESG), leverage and size on the relationship between CG and the company’s performance.Design/methodology/approachUsing Thomson-Reuters database, a sample of 67 firms was extracted in the MENA region to measure CG and financial performance post Arab Spring from 2012 to 2016. Panel GLS regression random effects is used to quantify the relationship; robustness is checked by using several alternative regressions and specifications to the performance measure.FindingsThe results reveal that board independence (BI) is negatively correlated with firm profitability but ownership concentration and board gender diversification contribute to profits. When firms that voluntarily form a governance committee are examined, ownership is less concentrated. We obtain a stronger impact of good governance on performance in these firms: board composition, in general, and workers’ satisfaction generate more profits; and undertaking ESG activities become a more dispensable activity. The effect of board size (BS) and forming a governance committee are studied and ensuing recommendations are drawn. In addition, relevant internal control of firms’ characteristics that strongly predict firms’ market values are discussed in the context of agency and stewardship theories.Originality/valueDespite the fact that governance-performance nexus has been extensively discussed and examined, the focus of this volume of research is on western developed countries. The growing economies of the MENA countries, and the limited governance-performance literature in the MENA context have created a demand to understand the governance environment in these countries and its influence on firm’s performance. In this region where firms’ owners are mainly family members, governments and/or institutions, governance is typically weak; moreover, ownership concentration is expected to guarantee good performance, as the role of independent directors becomes ineffective. For firms where ownership is more diluted, a sound governance system should be established to replace ownership concentration, and to more efficiently monitor management, and consequently improve firm performance. Therefore, this study not only contributes a summary of the prevailing corporate structure in MENA. Moreover, it explains the settings where both the stewardship and agency theories apply in MENA firms. Some recommendation on the importance of changes to the existing governance rules are highlighted in terms of more rules requiring board independence, board gender diversity, limits on board size and establishing governance committees.
Endotoxin tolerance: A review

Endotoxin tolerance was initially described when it was observed that animals survived a lethal dose of bacterial endotoxin if they had been previously treated with a sublethal injection. In animal models, two phases of endotoxin tolerance are described, an early phase associated with altered cellular activation and a late phase associated with the development of specific antibodies against the polysaccharide side chain of Gram-negative organisms. Recently, there has been a tremendous resurgence of interest in the mechanisms responsible for altered responsiveness to bacterial endotoxin. Host immune cells, particularly macrophages and monocytes, that are exposed to endotoxin for 3 to 24 hrs are rendered “tolerant” and manifest a profoundly altered response when rechallenged with bacterial endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide. The “lipopolysaccharide-tolerant” phenotype is characterized by inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated tumor necrosis factor production, altered interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 release, enhanced cyclooxygenase-2 activation, inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, and impaired nuclear factor-&kgr;B translocation. Human monocytes and macrophages can be induced to become tolerant, and there is increasing evidence that monocytic cells from patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and sepsis have many characteristics of endotoxin tolerance.
Removal efficiency of calcium hydroxide dressing from the root canal without chemically active adjuvant.

AIM Compare the efficiency in removing two calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] preparations from root canal and apical third using single use syringe, ultrasonics and RinsEndo((®)) with saline solution. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and eighty human singlerooted teeth were instrumented using ProTaper((®)) rotary system, divided into two groups according to Ca(OH)2 filling. A: Powder mixed with water, B: Pulpdent((®)). Each group was divided into three subgroups for the irrigation: A1, B1: Single use syringe; A2, B2: Ultrasonics; A3, B3: RinsEndo((®)). Teeth were split longitudinally, photographed and imported into Adobe Photoshop. The percentage ratios of Ca(OH)2 remaining in the canal and in the apical third were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using 'ANOVA two-way' and 'univariate tests'. RESULTS (a) Remnants of medicament were found in all teeth, (b) no statistically significant difference in the elimination of both Ca(OH)2 from the entire canal (p = 0.436), however, mixed powder was better eliminated from the apical third (p = 0.005), (c) no statistically significant difference among the irrigation techniques in the whole canal (p = 0.608), though, RinsEndo((®)) and ultrasonics were the most effective in cleaning the apical third (p = 0.032) when mixed powder was used. CONCLUSION None of the techniques removed completely Ca(OH)2 from the canal. In the apical third, RinsEndo((®)) and ultrasonics were the most effective when mixed powder was used. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Ca(OH)2, the most commonly used intracanal dressing, should be completely eliminated before the obturation to assure a good endodontic sealing. Based on the results of this study, RinsEndo((®)) and ultrasonics were the most effective in removal of Ca(OH)2 especially the powder mixed with water presentation.
High Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Normal Plasma Aminotransferase Levels.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE NAFLD, and its more severe form with steatohepatitis (NASH), are common in patients with T2DM. However, they are usually believed to affect largely those with elevated aminotransferases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of NAFLD (by the gold-standard liver magnetic resonance and spectroscopy or (1)H-MRS) in patients with T2DM and normal aminotransferases, and to characterize their metabolic profile. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS We recruited 103 patients with T2DM and normal plasma aminotransferases (age: 60±8 years, BMI: 33±5 kg/m(2), A1c: 7.6±1.3%). We measured: i) liver triglyceride content by (1)H-MRS; ii) systemic insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR), and iii) adipose tissue insulin resistance (IR), both fasting (as the adipose tissue IR index: fasting plasma FFA x insulin) and during an OGTT (as the suppression of FFA). RESULTS The prevalence of NAFLD and NASH were much higher than expected (76% and 56%, respectively). The prevalence of NAFLD was higher in obese compared to non-obese patients, as well as with increasing BMI (p=0.03 for trend). Higher plasma A1c was associated with a greater prevalence of NAFLD and worse liver triglyceride accumulation (p<0.01). Compared to non-obese patients without NAFLD, patients with NAFLD had severe systemic (liver/muscle), and particularly, adipose tissue (fasting/postprandial) insulin resistance (all p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of NAFLD is much higher than previously believed in overweight/obese patients with T2DM and normal aminotransferases. Moreover, many are at increased risk of severe liver disease (NASH). Physicians should have a lower threshold for screening patients with T2DM for NAFLD/NASH.
The mobilisation of gig economy couriers in Italy

In October 2016, in Turin, northern Italy, cycle couriers working for the German food delivery company Foodora staged a series of public protests which quickly attracted considerable media attention and became known as the first case of workers’ mobilisation in the Italian ‘gig economy’. The protests sparked a lively debate in Italian public opinion about working conditions in the so-called ‘gig’ or ‘on-demand’ economy. However, the debate remains confused by the ambiguous meaning of these terms, often conflated with unrelated concepts such as that of the ‘sharing economy’ (Blanchard, 2015; Drahokoupil and Fabo, 2016); and by the as yet limited understanding of what these ‘new’ work organisation forms entail for the evolution of employment practices (Eurofound, 2015; Valenduc and Vendramin, 2016) and for the possibilities of workers’ collective organisation. Analysing the case of the Foodora riders’ mobilisation in Italy thus offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the current challenges facing the labour movement, in Italy and in Europe, in the brave new world of the ‘gig economy’.
Market Transition, Social Stratification, and Health Disparities in China: Longitudinal Analysis 1991 to 2006

ABSTRACT Although a large body of literature has documented that China’s market transition from state socialism led to substantial changes in the social stratification order, little is known about the transition’s implications for health disparities. Integrating the fundamental cause perspective with market transition theory, this article examines the changing association of education and cadre status with self-rated health during the market transition, 1991 through 2006. Analyzing multiple waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey data (N = 28,227), ordinal logistic mixed effects regression reveals the emerging and increasing role of education in shaping health disparities, while the role of cadre status stayed constant over time. Bringing a health outcome into market transition theory and institutional contexts to fundamental cause theory expands both theories and provides insights into the implication of market transition for health disparities.
Progression of and Risk Factors for Dental Erosion and Wedge–Shaped Defects over a 6–Year Period

It has been shown that dental erosion is not a very rare condition. Careful observation and clinical experience led us to hypothesize a progression of these lesions with time despite dietary counselling and oral hygiene instruction. The purpose of this study was to determine the progression rate and risk factors of dental erosion and wedge–shaped defects over a 6–year period. In the year 1987, 204 randomly selected persons living in Bern from two age groups (26–30 and 46–50 years) were examined for frequency and severity of dental erosion and wedge–shaped defects. In the year 1993, 55 persons could be re–examined by the same dentist using the same indices. Further, detailed case histories of the patients were recorded and the flow rate and buffering capacity of the saliva were determined. The results indicated a distinct progression of erosion on facial and occlusal surfaces and wedge–shaped defects over the 6–year period. The increase in the defects was more marked in the older age group. Surprisingly, nutritional habits did not change despite thorough informative discussion about erosive foodstuff with every patient during the first session. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed consumption of nutritional acids and age as significant risk factors explaining 28% of the variability of the progression of erosions. The significant factors for the progression of wedge–shaped defects were identified to be frequency of tooth brushing and age, explaining 21% of the variability of the progression of wedge–shaped defects. In summary, there was a definite statistically significant progression of non–carious dental hard tissue defects in our sample. This progression was correlated with age (erosion and wedge–shaped defects), consumption of dietary acids (erosion) and frequency of toothbrushing (wedge–shaped defects).
Measuring interval cancers in population‐based screening using different assays of fecal occult blood testing: The district of Florence experience

The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC). The guaiac‐based FOBT has been criticized for its low sensitivity. In this study, two different assays for FOBT (guaiac or an immunochemical test based on reversed passive hemagglutination [RPHA]) were tested for comparison within a population‐based screening program for colorectal cancer in the province of Florence (Italy). The proportional incidence method was used to calculate sensitivity for both FOBTs, according to rank of screening (first or repeat), age at entry (two groups of 50 to 59 and 60 to 70 years old) and lesion site (colon or rectum). When comparing FOBTs, the sensitivity multivariate Poisson regression was used to adjust for other variables. The sensitivity after the first 2 years was 50% (95% confidence interval [CI] 34% to 63%) for the guaiac test versus 82% (95% CI 67% to 92%) for RPHA. At multivariate analysis the risk of developing an interval cancer after a guaiac test is almost 3 times that after RPHA (rate ratio = 2.64; 95% CI 1.3 to 5.4). Our study confirms that RPHA is more sensitive than the guaiac test. The assumption that FOBT screening for CRC has to be based on a guaiac test should be reconsidered, and RPHA should be recommended as the standard FOBT for screening purposes. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preoperative Cerebral Oxygen Saturation and Clinical Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery

Background: The current study was designed to determine the relation between preoperative cerebral oxygen saturation (Sco2), variables of cardiopulmonary function, mortality, and morbidity in a heterogeneous cohort of cardiac surgery patients. Methods: In this study, 1,178 consecutive patients scheduled for on-pump surgery were prospectively studied. Preoperative Sco2, demographics, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitive troponin T, clinical outcomes, and 30-day and 1-yr mortality were recorded. Results: Median additive EuroSCORE was 5 (range: 0–19). Thirty-day and 1-yr mortality and major morbidity (at least two major complications and/or a high-dependency unit stay of at least 10 days) were 3.5%, 7.7%, and 13.3%, respectively. Median minimal preoperative oxygen supplemented Sco2 (Sco2min-ox) was 64% (range: 15–92%). Sco2min-ox was correlated (all: P value <0.0001) with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (&rgr;: −0.35), high-sensitive troponin T (&rgr;: −0.28), hematocrit (&rgr;: 0.34), glomerular filtration rate (&rgr;: 0.19), EuroSCORE (&tgr;: 0.20), and left ventricular ejection fraction class (&tgr;: 0.12). Thirty-day nonsurvivors had a lower Sco2min-ox than survivors (median 58% [95% CI, 50.7–62%] vs. 64% [95% CI, 64–65%]; P < 0.0001). Receiver-operating curve analysis of Sco2min-ox and 30-day mortality revealed an area-under-the-curve of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.68–0.73%; P < 0.0001) in the total cohort and an area-under-the-curve of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.69–0.86%; P < 0.0001) in patients with a EuroSCORE more than 10. Logistic regression based on different EuroSCORE categories (0–2; 3–5, 6–10, >10), Sco2min-ox, and duration of cardiopulmonary bypass showed that a Sco2min-ox equal or less than 50% is an independent risk factor for 30-day and 1-yr mortality. Conclusions: Preoperative Sco2 levels are reflective of the severity of cardiopulmonary dysfunction, associated with short- and long-term mortality and morbidity, and may add to preoperative risk stratification in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.