Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of diet and osmotic pressure on Na+ transport and tissue conductance of sheep isolated rumen epithelium

The intention of this study was to determine the effects of mucosal osmotic pressure on transport and barrier functions of the rumen epithelium of sheep, which were fed various diets: hay ad libitum, or 600, 1200 or 1800 g day−1 of a supplemented diet plus hay ad libitum. The experiments were conducted by using the conventional Ussing chamber technique. Mucosal osmolarity was adjusted to 300 (control), 375 or 450 mosmol l−1. Feeding of a supplemented diet led to a significant increase of mucosal to serosal Na+ transport and net Na+ transport, probably because of an increase of apical Na+–H+ exchange activity. An increase in mucosal osmotic pressure: (a) reduced net Na+ transport in all feeding groups, the remaining net Na+ transport being higher in tissues of sheep fed a supplemented diet; (b) increased transepithelial tissue conductance, this rise being smallest with a high intake of the supplemented diet; and (c) enhanced the serosal to mucosal Na+ transport in tissues of hay‐fed sheep and sheep fed with 600 g day−1 of the supplemented diet, while higher intakes of the supplemented diet (1200 and 1800 g) did not produce any effect. All these changes indicate a diet‐dependent adaptation to luminal hypertonicity.
Effect of the administration of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven®) in the management of severe uncontrolled bleeding in patients undergoing heart valve replacement surgery

&NA; Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven®, Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) is being increasingly used to secure haemostasis in difficult clinical situations. The role of rFVIIa in the treatment of patients undergoing open‐heart surgery for valvular heart disease was evaluated in an open pilot study. Study objectives included evaluation of blood loss, haemostatic effect and safety and laboratory parameters following rFVIIa administration. To date, we have treated five patients (one child aged 2.5 years and four adults) undergoing surgical procedures including arterial switch, closure of atrial septal defect and De Vega's procedure (mitral valve replacement with tricuspid valve repair). Four patients received rFVIIa intraoperatively, while the fifth received it postoperatively. Satisfactory haemostasis was achieved with a single dose (30 μg/kg) of rFVIIa. Four hours after treatment mean blood loss was 262.5 ml for adults (220‐334 ml) and 85 ml for the child. No significant adverse events were reported. Laboratory parameters indicated a mean 18.5‐fold (range 3.7‐42) increase in FVII levels at 30 min postinjection and a mean reduction of 12 s (range 3‐39 s) in prothrombin time. In conclusion, rFVIIa represents an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for serious bleeding episodes both during cardiac surgery and postoperatively.
Symptom Outcomes following Cranial Vault Expansion for Craniosynostosis in Children Older than 2 Years

Background: Most craniosynostosis cases are treated by cranial expansion before 1 year of age. Occasionally, patients present at a later age with nonspecific symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. The purpose of this study was to review the symptoms of patients undergoing late cranial vault expansion. In all cases, the indication for surgery was treatment of the cranial dysmorphology. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective review of all patients (n = 17) undergoing cranial vault expansion from 2000 to 2007 aged older than 2 years (median, 7.4 years) for abnormal head shape who also reported preoperative symptoms consistent with increased intracranial pressure, including headaches, nausea or vomiting, or vision changes. Median follow-up was 30 months; 11 patients had nonsyndromic and six had syndromic craniosynostosis. Results: Fourteen patients had headaches, nine had nausea and vomiting, and 11 had vision changes. Ten patients had signs of intracranial pressure elevation, such as a computed tomographic scan findings, papilledema, or both. Twelve of 14 patients had complete resolution of headaches following surgery and four had late mild recurrence. All patients with nausea and vomiting and nine of 11 patients with vision changes had resolution of symptoms. Conclusions: The diagnosis of increased intracranial pressure in older children with craniosynostosis is difficult in the absence of papilledema or computed tomographic findings. Clinical symptoms frequently associated with increased intracranial pressure are improved with late cranial vault expansion and demonstrate a possible benefit beyond improvement in head shape.
A Description and Retrieval Model for Web Services Including Extended Semantic and Commercial Attributes

Commercially available web services pose certain challenges to the customer. Whereas the technical service description is usually well defined and published, the semantic and especially the commercial description does often not reach the necessary depth. Therefore, identifying the most suitable web service from a technical, semantic and commercial perspective is often a difficult quest. This research develops a holistic web service description language integrating the semantic and commercial perspective and based on XML. The newly defined description rules for web services enable a requestor to identify the most suitable web services according to a given set of parameters. The model is tested with a prototype and the proof-of-concept shows that it is a fully functional description. Applying this model on a broad scale would lead to better decisions in web service selection, especially if non-technical staff is involved.
The El Niño impact on maize yields is amplified in lower income teleconnected countries

We use a multiple-regime panel smooth transition regression to examine the economic and climatic sources of the nonuniform relationship between El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and maize yields around the globe. While the yield effect is predominantly observed in strongly teleconnected countries, it is amplified in lower income countries, which we attribute to possible lack of resilience to ENSO—induced weather shocks. Both El Niño-like and La Niña-like conditions result in maize yield reduction, but it is during El Niño events when maize yields drop by up to 20% in most affected countries. Because in many of these countries maize is an important agricultural crop, the presented results are of interest to researchers and policy makers in the areas of world nutrition and international aid. Moreover, because larger share of maize is produced by high income weakly teleconnected countries, the observed geographic heterogeneity of the El Niño impact offers possible benefits from global risk sharing. These findings also offer insights to climate change economics, as possible increased frequency of the ENSO cycle may negatively impact maize production in strongly teleconnected low income countries.
Location of inclusion cysts in mouse ovaries in relation to age, pregnancy, and total ovulation number: implications for ovarian cancer?

Benign ovarian cysts are thought to be precursor lesions that differentiate and transform into carcinoma. With the aim of testing the hypothesis that increased ovulation number increases the frequency or number of ovarian cysts, the development and appearance of ovarian cysts was investigated in mice of differing ages and total lifetime ovulation number. High total ovulation number was induced by keeping mice in cages divided by a screen, with a male on one side and two females on the other side. Significantly more cysts were observed in animals subjected to incessant ovulation for 8 months and in 12 month breeding mice than in 3‐month virgin mice or 1‐month prepubertal animals. These cysts had the appearance of benign serous inclusion cysts. When cystic ovaries were serial sectioned, 47% of cysts had a connection to the ovarian hilus and potentially to the tubules of the rete ovarii, 31% were adjacent to the hilus, and 22% had an intra‐ovarian location. A significant increase in intra‐ovarian cysts was observed in the 8‐month incessant ovulation group, implying that high ovulation number leads to ovarian surface invagination and inclusion cyst formation. In conclusion, ovarian inclusion cysts may be derived from more than one epithelial source, but incessant ovulation may increase the proportion derived from the ovarian surface epithelium. Because the cysts observed resembled human serous inclusion cysts these results have possible implications for epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MicroRNA expression profiling is a potential diagnostic tool for thyroid cancer

Approximately 30% of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of thyroid nodules are indeterminate or nondiagnostic. Recent studies suggest microRNA (miRNA, miR) is differentially expressed in malignant tumors and may have a role in carcinogenesis, including thyroid cancer. The authors therefore tested the hypothesis that miRNA expression analysis would identify putative markers that could distinguish benign from malignant thyroid neoplasms that are often indeterminate on FNA biopsy.
The association between use of antidepressants and bone quality using quantitative heel ultrasound

Objective: Osteoporosis and depression are major public health problems worldwide. Studies have reported an association between antidepressant use, mainly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and bone mineral density (BMD), but the issue remains unclear. Methods: This study examined data collected from 849 Australian men (aged 24–98 years) participating in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study (GOS). Bone quality was determined using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and included the following parameters: Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation (BUA), Speed of Sound (SOS) and Stiffness Index (SI). Anthropometry, socio-economic status (SES), medication use and lifestyle factors were determined. The cross-sectional associations between bone quality and use of antidepressants were studied using multivariate linear regression adjusted for potential confounders. Results: At the time of assessment, 61 (7.2%) men were using antidepressants, of which 44 (72.1%) used SSRIs. Antidepressant use was associated with lower SI (p = .002), SOS (p = .010) and BUA (p = .053). However, body weight was identified as an effect modifier; QUS values were lower for antidepressant users with lower weight (< 90 kg) only. Conclusions: Use of antidepressants was associated with lower QUS values for men with low body weights. Thus, the risk of osteoporosis should be taken into account when prescribing antidepressants, in particular among men who are in this weight category.
Comparison of primary gas tamponade and a vitrectomy for repair of macular holes with retinal detachment in highly myopic eyes.

BACKGROUND A preference for the primary use of standard gas tamponade or a vitrectomy combined with other adjuvant measures to treat myopic eyes with macular holes (MHs) and retinal detachment (RD) has not been established. This article evaluates postoperative outcomes of both surgeries, and recommends a surgical method based on the findings. METHODS We reviewed the records of 61 patients (62 eyes) with high myopia (> -6.0 diopter, > 26 mm of axial length, or visible posterior staphyloma) and MHs with secondary RD (no peripheral retinal break) who were treated between April 1986 and September 2002 in southern Taiwan. Descriptive statistics of baseline examinations and results of the operations were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS Baseline clinical data of the primary gas tamponade and vitrectomy groups did not significantly differ, except for the mean preoperative log (minimum angle of resolution) visual acuity (VA) (p = 0.016) and extent of RD (p = 0.001, located in the posterior staphyloma only). None of the results (including success rate, cause of failure, number of operations until stability was achieved, and mean duration of postoperative follow-up) of the operations in the 2 groups significantly differed, except for the improved VA at the final status (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION Among highly myopic eyes with MHs, we suggest a vitrectomy for those with poorer VA and a greater extent of RD. However, gas tamponade is strongly recommended for those with RD with posterior staphyloma (PS) only because this procedure is safer and requires no sophisticated instruments.
Trade Costs in the Developing World: 1996–2010

Abstract We use new data on trade and production in 167 countries to infer estimates of trade costs for manufactured goods and agriculture for 1996‒2010. Trade costs are strongly declining in country income level. Among developing countries, only the upper middle income group has been successful in reducing trade costs faster than elsewhere in the world. Sub-Saharan African countries and low income countries remain subject to very high trade costs. Regional trade agreements, maritime transport connectivity, and trade facilitation performance are important determinants of trade costs.
Determinants of internationalization: Earlystage entrepreneurs from Southeast Europe

Research area of this study includes determinants that have an influence on international ventures of early-stage entrepreneurs, nascent and new business owners. The research implies determinants such as: entrepreneurial motivation, innovation activity, use of new technology and demographic factors gender and age. Data for the research was provided by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor database; the sample covers data of early-stage entrepreneurs who settled their business in Southeast Europe. The methodology of empirical research provides a presentation of statistical research by using Probit regression and concept of marginal effects. According to the aim of this paper, the model was created by setting the determinants that influenced the internationalization activity. The research results show that increase-wealth opportunity motivated early-stage entrepreneurs, internationalize more than the necessity entrepreneurs or early-stage entrepreneurs driven by the motive of independence. Early-stage entrepreneurs, who use new technology and prefer radical innovations, are more oriented on foreign markets and customers. Also, there is a significant influence of demographic factors such as entrepreneurial gender and age on internationalization activity. Analysis of entrepreneur’s internationalization at the country level shows the differences between the countries of Southeast Europe.
The Return to Protectionism

After decades of supporting free trade, in 2018 the U.S. raised import tariffs and major trade partners retaliated. We analyze the short-run impact of this return to protectionism on the U.S. economy. Import and retaliatory tariffs caused large declines in imports and exports. Prices of imports targeted by tariffs did not fall, implying complete pass-through of tariffs to duty-inclusive prices. The resulting losses to U.S. consumers and firms who buy imports was $51 billion, or 0.27% of GDP. We embed the estimated trade elasticities in a general-equilibrium model of the U.S. economy. After accounting for tariff revenue and gains to domestic producers, the aggregate real income loss was $7.2 billion, or 0.04% of GDP. Import tariffs favored sectors concentrated in politically competitive counties, and the model implies that tradeable-sector workers in heavily Republican counties were the most negatively affected due to the retaliatory tariffs.
The Effects of Intravenous Lidocaine Administration on the Minimum Alveolar Concentration of Isoflurane in Cats

Lidocaine decreases the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of inhaled anesthetics and has been used clinically to reduce the requirements for other anesthetic drugs. In this study we examined the effects of lidocaine on isoflurane MAC in cats. Six cats were studied. In Experiment 1, the MAC of isoflurane was determined. An IV bolus of lidocaine 2 mg/kg was then administrated and venous plasma lidocaine concentrations were measured to determine pharmacokinetic values. In Experiment 2, lidocaine was administered to achieve target plasma concentrations between 1 and 11 &mgr;g/mL and the MAC of isoflurane was determined at each lidocaine plasma concentration. Actual lidocaine plasma concentrations were 1.06 ± 0.12, 2.83 ± 0.39, 4.93 ± 0.64, 6.86 ± 0.97, 8.86 ± 2.10, and 9.84 ± 1.34 &mgr;g/mL for the target concentrations of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 &mgr;g/mL, respectively. The MAC of isoflurane in this study was 2.21% ± 0.17%, 2.14% ± 0.14%, 1.88% ± 0.18%, 1.66% ± 0.16%, 1.47% ± 0.13%, 1.33% ± 0.23%, and 1.06% ± 0.19% at lidocaine target plasma concentrations of 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 &mgr;g/mL, respectively. Lidocaine, at target plasma concentrations of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 &mgr;g/mL, linearly decreased isoflurane MAC by −6% to 6%, 7% to 28%, 19% to 35%, 28% to 45%, 29% to 53%, and 44% to 59%, respectively. We conclude that lidocaine decreases the MAC of isoflurane.
A novel laminin‐induced lysophosphatidic acid autocrine loop in the migration of ovarian cancer cells

We have reported previously that levels of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) are elevated in the blood and ascites from patients with ovarian cancer. LPA stimulates proliferation of ovarian cancer cells and has been proposed as an autocrine growth factor. Here, we show that a novel autocrine loop of LPA promotes the migration of ovarian cancer cells, which is a critical step of tumor metastasis. We report that laminin, but not other extracellular matrix proteins, induces LPA production in ovarian cancer cells. A neutralizing antibody against β1 integrin and a calcium‐independent phospholipase A2‐specific inhibitor, HELSS, block both LPA production and the haptotactic activity of laminin. Exogenously added LPA restores the migratory ability of HEY ovarian cancer cells to laminin. These data suggest that laminin‐induced cell migration is mediated by LPA. We further show that a specific receptor for LPA, LPA3, is required for mediating the chemotactic activity of LPA. In addition, we show that cytosolic PLA2 is required for cell migration and its activation is phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase‐dependent. These findings have revealed a new mechanism of crosstalk between a β1 integrin receptor and a G protein‐coupled receptor.
Conservative Therapy in Microinvasive Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Cervix is Justified: An Analysis of 59 Cases and a Review of the Literature

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the treatment and follow-up in a large series of women with early cervical adenocarcinoma (AC), stages IA1 and IA2, and to perform an extensive review of the literature in an effort to ascertain whether conservative therapy is justified. Methods Records of 59 cases of microinvasive AC diagnosed between 1987 and 2006 in the Rotterdam district, the Netherlands, were retrieved. Clinical and pathological data were reviewed and analyzed. A mesh review of all relevant literature concerning stage IA1 and IA2 was performed. Results Of all patients, 33 had stage IA1 and 26 stage IA2 cervical AC. Also, 42 patients were treated conservatively (ie, conization or simple hysterectomy) and 17 patients were treated radically (ie, radical hysterectomy/trachelectomy with lymph node dissection). Recurrence occurred in 1 patient (1.7%) with stage IA1 disease (grade 1 adenocarcinoma, depth 1.4 mm, and width 3.8 mm, with lymph vascular space involvement [LVSI]) treated by vaginal hysterectomy. The mean follow-up was 79.9 months. From the literature, pooling all data from patients with stage IA1 and IA2 AC, the risk of recurrent disease was 1.5% after conservative therapy and 2.0% after radical therapy. Conclusions Extensive treatment such as radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection or trachelectomy does not prevent recurrent disease. Patients with microinvasive AC should be treated identically to patients with SCC. In stage IA1 and IA2 AC, we recommend conservative therapy (by conization). In cases with LVSI, an additional lymphadenectomy is advised. For patients with stage IA2 AC with LVSI, a trachelectomy/radical hysterectomy with lymph node dissection should be considered.
The mediating effects of professional and organizational commitment on the relationship between HRM practices and professional employees’ intention to stay

Abstract Previous literature on professional employees argues that the quality of their work depends on both their organizational and professional commitment. Combining a target similarity and a cognitive approach to HRM, this study examines the mediating effects of these two variables on the relationship between HRM practices and intention to stay. Using a sample of 265 professional auditors working for certified public accountancy firms, we find that organizational commitment mediates the relationship between information-sharing, fair rewards and intention to stay, while the effect of autonomy and recognition is successively mediated by professional commitment and organizational commitment. Training has a direct effect on intention to stay. The implications of these results for the development of an HRM model linking professional employees’ organizational and professional commitment, thereby providing the possibility of reconciling organizational efficiency and traditional professional ethics, are discussed.
SealBio: A novel, non-obturation endodontic treatment based on concept of regeneration

Introduction: “SealBio”, an innovative, non-surgical endodontic treatment protocol, based on “regenerative concept” has been developed to manage pulp and periapically involved teeth. Materials and Methods: Subsequent to Institute's ethical clearance, 18 patients presenting with signs and symptoms of pulp and periapical disease were included in the study. (11/M, 7/F; Mean age - 44.7 years; range 15-76 years). The protocol included a modified cleaning and shaping technique involving apical clearing and foramen widening, combined with inducing bleeding and clot formation in the apical region. Calcium-sulphate based cement was condensed with hand pluggers into the canal orifices. An appropriate permanent restoration was given. The patients were followed-up clinically and radiographically at regular interval of 6 months. Six teeth in 3 patients were also evaluated pre and post treatment CBCT at 6-months. Results: The novel treatment protocol was found to be favourable in resolving periapical infection, both clinically and radiographically. Conclusions: This innovative endodontic treatment protocol highlights and reiterates the importance of cleaning and shaping and puts forth the possible role of stem cells and growth factors in healing after non-surgical endodontic therapy.
Examination of Performance Validity Test Failure in Relation to Number of Tests Administered

This study examined the relationship among performance validity test (PVT) failure, number of PVTs administered, and participant characteristics including demographic, diagnostic, functional, and contextual factors in a clinical sample (N = 158) of outpatient physiatry referrals. The number of PVTs failed and the number administered showed a small non-significant correlation (rs = .13, p = .10). Participant characteristics showed associations with PVT failure consistent with prior research. A negative binomial regression model was fitted using number of PVTs failed as outcome and age, education, number of PVTs administered, clinical versus medico-legal context, and functional status as predictors. Although education and functional status were significant predictors of number of PVTs failed, the number of PVTs administered was not. A second analytic approach focused on observed false positive rates in a neurologic no-incentive (NNI) sample subset (n = 87). In contrast to a recent proposal based on statistical simulation, observed false positive rates were lower than predicted rates in NNI participants administered six, seven, or eight PVTs using a two-PVT failure cutoff. These results are interpreted as mitigating concerns that increased PVT failure is necessarily the outcome of increased PVT administration.