Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stimulation of proteoglycan synthesis by triamcinolone acetonide and insulin-like growth factor 1 in normal and arthritic murine articular cartilage.

OBJECTIVE During experimentally induced arthritis, inhibition of proteoglycan synthesis is one of the mechanisms leading to cartilage destruction. Disturbed anabolic signalling might contribute to this impaired chondrocyte proteoglycan synthesis. We investigated the effects of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and the glucocorticoid, triamcinolone acetonide, on in vitro chondrocyte proteoglycan synthesis of articular cartilage obtained from normal and arthritic mouse knee joints. METHODS Proteoglycan synthesis was measured by 35S sulfate incorporation and the hydrodynamic volume of newly synthesized proteoglycans was analyzed with gel chromatography. RESULTS Culturing normal cartilage with IGF-1 resulted in significant enhancement of chondrocyte proteoglycan synthesis. Concerning the hydrodynamic volume of newly synthesized proteoglycans after culture with IGF-1, proteoglycan monomers with large hydrodynamic size, similar to those synthesized immediately after dissection were observed. In arthritic cartilage, IGF-1 failed to stimulate proteoglycan synthesis and only proteoglycans with relatively small dimensions were produced. However, in the presence of the steroid triamcinolone acetonide, synthesis of hydrodynamically large proteoglycans were found in arthritic as well as normal cartilage. CONCLUSION Our observations indicate that steroids may play a critical role in maintaining cartilage integrity in both normal and arthritic cartilage.
Severe Winter Freezes Enhance St. Louis Encephalitis Virus Amplification and Epidemic Transmission in Peninsular Florida

ABSTRACT Mosquito-borne arboviral epidemics tend to strike without warning. The driving force for these epidemics is a combination of biotic (vector, amplification host, and virus) and abiotic (meteorological conditions, especially rainfall and temperature) factors. Abiotic factors that facilitate the synchronization and interaction of vector and amplification host populations favor epidemic amplification and transmission. In Florida, epidemics of St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus, SLEV) have been preceded by major freezes one or two winters before the onset of human cases. Here, we analyze the relationship between severe winter freezes and epidemic SLEV transmission in peninsular Florida and show that there is a significant relationship between the transmission of SLEV and these severe freezes. We propose that by killing cold-sensitive understory vegetation in the mid-peninsular region of Florida, freezes enhance the reproductive success of ground-feeding avian amplification hosts, especially mourning doves and common grackles. In conjunction with other appropriate environmental signals, increased avian reproductive success may enhance SLEV and West Nile (WN) virus amplification and result in SLE and WN epidemics during years when all of the biological cycles are properly synchronized. The knowledge that winter freezes in Florida may enhance the amplification and epidemic transmission of SLE and WN viruses facilitates arboviral tracking and prediction of human risk of SLE and WN infection during the transmission season.
The Prognostic and Therapeutic Relevance of p27kip1 in Ewing’s Family Tumors

Purpose: Ewing’s family tumors (EFTs) display the characteristic fusion gene EWS-Fli1. We have reported EWS-Fli1 may promote the cell cycle progression accompanied by the suppression of the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1 in EFT cells. Here, we describe the prognostic and therapeutic relevance of p27 in EFTs. Experimental Design: We examined tumor samples taken from 21 patients with primary EFTs for the expression of p27 protein immunohistochemically and evaluated its correlation with clinical outcome. We also investigated the usefulness of p27 as a therapeutic strategy in vitro and in vivo using p27 expression adenovirus. Finally, we examined the process of EWS-Fli1-mediated reduction of p27 expression. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis showed that a low expression level of p27 protein was related to poor event-free survival in an univariate analysis and that the expression level of p27 correlated more significantly with patient survival than several clinical factors in a multivariate survival analysis. Overexpression of p27 with the adenoviral vector remarkably inhibited the cell growth in all EFT cells tested and further induced apoptosis in the wild-type p53 EFT cells. In vivo studies demonstrated a reduction in tumor growth of EFT xenograft in nude mice treated with the intratumoral injection of p27-expressing adenovirus. EWS-Fli1 did not significantly affect the p27 promoter activity and p27 mRNA levels. However, the challenge of the proteasome inhibitor caused accumulation of p27 protein in EFT cells. These data strongly suggest EWS-Fli1 might attenuate p27 protein level via activation of the proteasome-mediated degradation pathway. Conclusions: Our findings provide the first evidence of the prognostic relevance of p27 expression in EFTs. We propose p27 as a novel and powerful therapeutic factor for the molecular target therapy of EFTs.
Results of Hip Revision Using the Exeter Stem, Impacted Allograft Bone, and Cement

The Exeter stem and impacted, morselized allograft bone and cement were used in the revisions of 18 consecutive femoral components (17 patients). The primary arthroplasty had been done because of osteoarthritis. All of the femoral components were revised for the first time because of aseptic loosening. The migration pattern of the Exeter stem after revision was studied using roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis. At 2 years after surgery, all 18 femoral stems had migrated in the distal direction (average, 2.5 mm). In addition, seven of the stems had migrated in the medial direction (average, 1.3 mm), and two stems had migrated in the lateral direction (0.5 mm and 1 mm, respectively). Sixteen of the femoral stems also had migrated in the posterior direction (average, 2.9 mm), but none migrated in the anterior direction. The migration rate decreased gradually with time during the followup. Six femoral stems continued to migrate between 1.5 and 2 years after surgery. In patients with major femoral bone deficiency at the time of hip revision, the use of impacted morselized allograft bone and cement yielded an initial fixation similar to that obtained in conventionally cemented revisions. Pain had improved in all patients at the 2-year followup.
The Effects of Directors’ Exploratory, Transformative and Exploitative Learning on Boards’ Strategic Involvement: An Absorptive Capacity Perspective

While directors' knowledge represents a crucial resource for strategizing on boards, little is known how knowledge of individual directors becomes deployed behind the doors of the boardroom. Drawing on the concept of absorptive capacity, we develop a model that explores how directors' explorative, transformative and exploitative learning affects boards&#8217; strategic involvement. Using large&#8208;scale survey data, our findings indicate that learning helps to explain how directors' knowledge leads to higher levels of strategic involvement. Moreover, we find that learning processes mutually reinforce each other and have complementary effects on boards' strategic involvement. Our study contributes to the board and absorptive capacity literatures by demonstrating that learning processes are interconnected with each other and represent an intermediate way to put directors' knowledge into effective use.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Culture: The case of the largest Greek Commercial Bank.

Throughout the years, the banking sector has encountered many challenges and undergone numerous changes in an effort of keeping up with international expectations, regulatory initiatives and competitive pressures. On the one hand, banks have been diversifying their activities in pursuit of customising their services to industries’ needs to increase their risk resilience and secure their marginal returns. On the other hand, they have been engaging in investments within the wider field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The underlying value proposition of this mandate rests upon facilitating and further strengthening mutually beneficial relationships with the society while recognising the delicate balance and preservation of the natural environment. In this direction, many banks in the last decades tried to ensure their image through investments in the field of culture. The present research explicates the manifestation and operationalisation of CSR through investment realised for cultural objectives as part of the social aspect business responsibility. As such, we shift attention towards practices applied worldwide by the banking sector with respect to museums. Furthermore, we abide by a single case study approach and investigate the business model of the Cultural Foundation of Piraeus Bank (CFPB) as a CSR practice. Piraeus Bank is the largest commercial bank in Greece and CFPB constitutes a unique paradigm worldwide, since the bank not only contributes to the establishment of the museum in line with the majority of other banking initiatives that witness support through sponsorships but it is also actively engaged in its ongoing operations. The network of CFPB includes currently nine thematic museums in several locations throughout Greece. In light of these, we present how CFPB aligns and realises its activities in terms of financing, relationships between its network of museum with local communities as well as the promotional strategies deployed. Finally, we also discuss on potential future research avenues and implication derived for both academia and practice.
The Making of Social Policy in South Eastern Europe: theories, methods, politics

The paper 1. asks what is specific about SEE generally and in terms of the role of international social policy actors ; 2. focuses on the impact of international actors on the content and process of social policy advice ; and 3. sets out an emerging research agenda for the study of the making of social policy in SEE.
Gene Expression Profiles in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Chinese Nickel Refinery Workers with High Exposures to Nickel and Control Subjects

Background: Occupational exposure to nickel (Ni) is associated with an increased risk of lung and nasal cancers. Ni compounds exhibit weak mutagenic activity, alter the cell's epigenetic homeostasis, and activate signaling pathways. However, changes in gene expression associated with Ni exposure have only been investigated in vitro. This study was conducted in a Chinese population to determine whether occupational exposure to Ni was associated with differential gene expression profiles in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of Ni-refinery workers when compared with referents. Methods: Eight Ni-refinery workers and ten referents were selected. PBMC RNA was extracted and gene expression profiling was conducted using Affymetrix exon arrays. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) between both groups were identified in a global analysis. Results: There were a total of 2,756 DEGs in the Ni-refinery workers relative to the referents [false discovery rate (FDR) adjusted P < 0.05] with 770 upregulated genes and 1,986 downregulated genes. DNA repair and epigenetic genes were significantly overrepresented (P < 0.0002) among the DEGs. Of 31 DNA repair genes, 29 were repressed in the Ni-refinery workers and 2 were overexpressed. Of the 16 epigenetic genes, 12 were repressed in the Ni-refinery workers and 4 were overexpressed. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that occupational exposure to Ni is associated with alterations in gene expression profiles in PBMCs of subjects. Impact: Gene expression may be useful in identifying patterns of deregulation that precede clinical identification of Ni-induced cancers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(2); 261–9. ©2012 AACR.
How many different types of femora are there in primary hip osteoarthritis? An active shape modeling study

We assessed the variation in proximal femoral canal shape and its association with geometric and demographic parameters in primary hip OA. In a retrospective cohort study, the joint geometry of the proximal femur was evaluated on radiographs and corresponding CT scans of 345 consecutive patients with end‐stage hip OA. Active shape modeling (ASM) was performed to assess the variation in endosteal shape of the proximal femur. To identify natural groupings of patients, hierarchical cluster analysis of the shape modes was used. ASM identified 10 independent shape modes accounting for >96% of the variation in proximal femoral canal shape within the dataset. Cluster analysis revealed 10 specific shape clusters. Significant differences in geometric and demographic parameters between the clusters were observed. ASM and subsequent cluster analysis have the potential to identify specific morphological patterns of the proximal femur despite the variability in proximal femoral anatomy. The study identified patterns of proximal femoral canal shape in hip OA that allow a comprehensive classification of variation in shape and its association with joint geometry. Our data may improve future stem designs that will optimize stem fit and simultaneously allow individual restoration of hip biomechanics. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:413–422, 2014.
A scoping review of digital health innovation ecosystems in developed and developing countries

Digital health innovation ecosystems describe the need to incorporate the components of digital health, innovation and digital ecosystems in administering healthcare services. Reviewing the evidence of digital health, innovation and digital ecosystems in both developed and developing countries is therefore crucial in determining the feasibility of implementing a digital health innovation ecosystem. The purpose of this paper was to present the results of a scoping review aimed at identifying the scope and range of digital health, innovation and digital ecosystems literature in developed and developing countries and propose guidelines for implementing digital health innovation ecosystems. The findings of the scoping review reveal that studies on digital health, innovation and digital ecosystems have been conducted in developed and developing countries, providing useful insights on the feasibility of implementing a digital health innovation ecosystem in both developed and developing countries. Guidelines for implementing a digital health innovation ecosystem were also proposed. The findings of the scoping review as well as the guidelines proposed in this study will inform healthcare policy makers in developed and developing countries.
Pediatric vasculitis

Purpose of reviewThe aim of this review is to define childhood vasculitis and to highlight new causative factors and treatment modalities under the guidance of recently published studies. Recent findingsChildhood vasculitis is difficult to diagnose because of the wide variation in the symptoms and signs. New nomenclature and classification criteria were proposed for the diagnosis of pediatric vasculitis. Recently, progress has been made toward understanding the genetic susceptibility to pediatric vasculitis as it was in other diseases. Various radiological techniques provide great opportunities in establishing the diagnosis of pediatric vasculitis. Mild central nervous system disease can accompany Henoch–Schonlein purpura and can go unnoticed. Antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis is rare in children. Increased severity of the disease, subglottic stenosis, and renal disease are described more frequently among children. Biological therapies are used with success in children as in adults. Future studies, whose aims are to evaluate treatment responses, prognosis and to design guidelines for activity, and damage index of vasculitis for children are required. SummaryHenoch–Schonlein purpura and Kawasaki disease are the most frequent vasculitides of children. Experience from adult studies for treatment and prognosis are usually used because of low incidence of other vasculitides in children. Multicenter studies of pediatric vasculitis should be conducted to detail treatment responses and prognosis in children.
Galanin receptor expression in cultured human keratinocytes and in normal human skin

Abstract Galanin (GAL) is a biologically active neuropeptide that is widely distributed in the nervous system. GAL exerts diverse action via the GAL receptors (GALR1, GALR2, and GALR3), which belong in the superfamily of G‐protein‐coupled transmembrane receptors. In human skin, GAL‐like immunoreactivity has been reported in free nerve endings and fibers of the dermis. The extraneuronal expression of GAL has also been demonstrated. Although the GALRs are essential for biological functions, the expressions of different GALR subtypes in cultured human keratinocytes have not yet been investigated. The aim of our study was to investigate the mRNA and protein expressions of the different GALRs in the HaCaT immortalized keratinocyte cell line and in cultured human keratinocytes. When reverse transcription (RT)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used with different GALR‐specific primers, only GALR2 mRNA was identified in cultured HaCaT cells and keratinocytes. Sequencing of the PCR products proved the presence of GALR2 mRNA in the keratinocytes. The presence of GALR2 protein was next investigated, using a polyclonal antibody against human GALR2. Both the HaCaT cells and the cultured keratinocytes displayed specific immunohistochemical staining, with higher intensity on the surface of the keratinocytes. Immunohistochemical investigations of normal human skin specimens revealed that GALR2 was expressed with high intensity in the basal layer of the epidermis and also around the hair follicles in the dermis. GAL treatment of the keratinocytes resulted in an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, suggesting that GALR2 is a functional receptor. Further studies are necessary to clarify the biological effects of GAL in the skin.
Evaluation of the Food Store Environment on and near the Campus of 15 Postsecondary Institutions

Purpose. This study evaluated the food stores on and near postsecondary campuses varying in institutional size. Design. The design of the study is an environmental audit survey. Setting. Fifteen U.S. postsecondary education institutions participated in this study between 2009–2011. Subjects. Eighty-one stores (44% grocery, 17% campus, and 39% convenience/drug) were evaluated. Measures. The Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for Stores was modified to evaluate food stores. Analysis. Analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey B and t-tests assessed differences between store types and by institutional size. Results. Grocery stores had significantly higher scores than campus/convenience stores for healthy foods (19.5 ± 3.8 vs. 2.4 ± 1.7), and for the availability (19.5 ± 3.8 vs. 2.4 ± 1.7) and quality (5.9 ± 0.5 vs. 1.8 ± 2.2) of fruits/vegetables (p < .001). Healthy foods and beverages were significantly more expensive (–0.6 ± 3.4 vs. 0.9 ± 2.0; p < .031) than their less healthful alternatives in grocery stores, but not in convenience stores. There were no differences by institutional size for grocery stores; however, smaller institutions' convenience stores had significantly lower availability and quality of fruits/vegetables and total food store environment scores. Conclusion. A college campus provides a food environment with an array of shopping venues, most of which are not consistent with dietary recommendations for obesity prevention. The limited quality of healthy food in on-campus and convenience stores and the exacerbated deficiencies for small postsecondary institutions provide evidence to support environmental and policy initiatives to improve the quality of campus food store environments.
News Sentiment: A New Yield Curve Factor

ABSTRACT The authors show that sentiments from newspaper articles can explain and predict movements in the term structure of U.S. government bonds. This effect is stronger at the short end of the curve, coinciding with greater volatility and investors' need to continually reassess the Fed's reaction function. Facing such uncertainty, market participants rely on news and sentiment as a central element in their decision-making process. Considering this dependence, the authors propose a new yield curve factor—news sentiment—that is distinct from the 3 established yield curve factors (level, slope, and curvature) as well as from fundamental macroeconomic variables.
Identi ¢ cationof seroreactiveproteins in the culture ¢ ltrateantigen ofMycobacteriumaviumssp . paratuberculosis human isolates to sera fromCrohn ’ s diseasepatients

Identi¢cationof seroreactiveproteins in the culture¢ltrateantigen ofMycobacteriumaviumssp.paratuberculosis human isolates to sera fromCrohn’s diseasepatients A-Rum Shin, Hwa-Jung Kim, Sang Nae Cho, Michael T. Collins, Elizabeth J.B. Manning, Saleh A. Naser & Sung Jae Shin Department of Microbiology, Research Institute for Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea; Department of Microbiology and Institute of Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; and Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, FL, USA
Synergistic effect of heat and sodium lactate on the thermal resistance of Yersinia enterocolitica and Listeria monocytogenes in minced beef

The effect of sodium lactate (NaL) (0, 2·4 or 4·8%), in heating and recovery media, on Yersinia enterocolitica and Listeria monocytogenes numbers recovered from minced beef heated at 55 °C, was examined. Survivors were enumerated on selective media at pH 5·7/7·4 (Y. enterocolitica) or pH 5·7/7·2 (L. monocytogenes). Recovery of the organisms depended on the pH and NaL levels in the recovery medium. The heat resistance of Y. enterocolitica (P < 0·001) and L. monocytogenes (P < 0·01) decreased as the concentration of NaL in the minced beef increased from 0 to 2·4% or 4·8%. The thermal destruction of pathogens in foods processed using mild temperatures may be enhanced by the addition of 2·4% NaL.
Investment and Exit Under Uncertainty with Utility from Anticipation

This paper explores investment and exit decisions under uncertainty when the entrepreneur has anticipatory utility, which leads to the time-inconsistency problem. Our model predicts that anticipatory utility has ambiguous effects on the investment strategy, which depends on the form of the project’s payoff. Under a lump-sum payoff, an entrepreneur with anticipatory utility will under-invest. However, she prefers over-investing if the project delivers a flow payoff. Moreover, the model predicts that an entrepreneur with anticipatory utility is more reluctant to abandon an existing project. Finally, our model provides theoretical support and alternative explanation for the empirical evidence that people procrastinate to terminate projects from the perspective of time-inconsistent preferences.