Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral toxicity and repellency of borates to German cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae).

The oral toxicities of boric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DSOBTH) in dry-mixed, wet-mixed, and water-based solution baits were determined for German cockroaches, Blattella germanica L. , in choice and nonchoice experiments. In dry-mixed, nonchoice bait tests, all cockroaches died within 1 wk. Time to mortality decreased as the concentration of boric acid increased. The LT50s for DSOBTH were not significantly different for any concentrations tested. In choice tests, the order of LT50s of boric acid and DSOBTH were 6.25% = 12.5% > 25% = 50% and 25% > 12.5% > 50% > 25%, respectively. Consumption of treated and control baits and the differences between the LT50s of the nonchoice and choice tests indicate repellency of the toxicants. Most German cockroaches died in 3-6 d in wet-mixed nonchoice tests, but all cockroaches survived the wet-mixed choice tests except at the lowest concentration of boric acid. This result indicated repellency. In nonchoice tests with water-based solutions, all cockroaches died in 5 d. In choice tests with boric acid solutions, mortality did not increase at concentrations > 1%. Choice/nonchoice ratios indicate no repellency of water-based solutions. In addition, consumption of treated and blank solutions was not significantly different for any concentration except 4% DSOBTH.
WHAT EXPLAINS SPECIALTY COFFEE QUALITY SCORES AND PRICES: A CASE STUDY FROM THE CUP OF EXCELLENCE PROGRAM

Abstract This study investigates the effects of material and symbolic quality attributes on the Cup of Excellence specialty coffee quality scores and prices. The estimates from the quality score equations suggest that material attributes are important determinants, but symbolic attributes have a greater explanatory power. The hedonic price estimations show that specialty coffee prices are mainly determined by symbolic attributes and market conditions such as the number of coffees in the auction. Overall, the study reveals that fruity, floral, sweet, spice, and sour acid are cuppers' and buyers' most favorite coffee flavors and aromas.
Rapid titration versus conventional titration of quetiapine in the treatment of bipolar mania: a preliminary trial

The present trial was designed as a pilot study to re-examine how fast the dose of quetiapine in combination with mood stabilizers can be titrated upward in acutely ill patients with bipolar mania. Patients were assigned to either a rapid titration group (RTG) or a conventional titration group (CTG). Quetiapine was administered twice daily in a 3-day period in the RTG (200 mg/day on day 1; 400 mg/day on day 2; and 600 mg/day on day 3) and in a 5-day period in the CTG (50 mg/day on day 1; 100 mg/day on day 2; 200 mg/day on day 3; 300 mg/day on day 4; and 400 mg/day on day 5). The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scores were assessed at days 1 (baseline), 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21. The Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale and Simpson–Angus Rating Scale (SARS) were assessed at days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14 and 21. RTG and CTG showed significant improvement on the scores of YMRS and CGI-S during the study without group differences. Both treatments were well tolerated without clinically significant differences in tolerability measures. Treatment was not limited by adverse events in the two groups. This study demonstrates the potential benefit and tolerability of rapid titration of quetiapine in the treatment of acutely ill bipolar disorder. This preliminary study proposes that rapid titration of quetipaine in combination with a mood stabilizer for the treatment of bipolar mania is effective and tolerable in comparison with conventional titration. A controlled study with a larger cohort should be performed.
Biochemical and Clinical Profile in Type 2 Diabetics with Depression.

INTRODUCTION There were 72 million adults with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in 2013 in the South East Asian region of which India is a part. This figure is expected to rise to more than 123 million by 2035. Some studies have also shown that there is an increased risk of depression in subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The present study is an attempt to decipher whether there is any difference in the metabolic and clinical profile between patients having T2DM with depression and without depression. AIM To study the clinical and biochemical profile of subjects with T2DM and depression and compare a non-depressed diabetic cohort on the same parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in rural Andhra Pradesh. Patients with T2DM who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria and attending the outpatient clinic of the General Medicine department were the subjects of this study. The subjects with T2DM were categorized as depressed or non-depressed after administering the Patient Health Questionnare-9. Out of them 30 subjects with depression and 30 without depression were selected. Samples for blood were collected and analysed for glucose, urea, creatinine, lipid profile and glycated haemoglobin. Urine micro protein was estimated. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and chronic complications were recorded. RESULTS The two groups were similar on most of the socio-demographic parameters, biochemical and many of the clinical parameters like age, waist circumference, glycated haemoglobin, lipid profile and insulin use. The Chi-square test for association between the categorical variables like use of insulin, gender predilection, exercise and complications with depression were not significant. CONCLUSION The study did not show any significant difference between the two groups in terms of the biochemical and clinical profile.
Carbomer and Sodium Hyaluronate Eyedrops for Moderate Dry Eye Treatment

Purpose. This randomized, double-masked study compared the effectiveness of two commercially available ocular lubricants containing either 0.3% Carbomer 934 or 0.18% sodium hyaluronate (SH) in treating moderate dry eye. Methods. Sixty-five subjects with dry eye were recruited and supplied with eyedrops containing either Carbomer or SH to use for a month. Principle outcome measures were the severity of symptoms of ocular irritation, tear break-up time without (NIBUT) and with (TBUT) fluorescein, and corneal and conjunctival staining with fluorescein and lissamine green, respectively. At the end of the experiment, subjects were also asked, on average, how many times a day they used the treatment and the duration of any postinstillation blur. Results. Both Carbomer and SH reduced the symptom severity and ocular surface staining, but neither had a lasting effect on NIBUT or TBUT. The treatment effects of Carbomer and SH were equivalent for symptoms, NIBUT and TBUT. However, for both corneal and conjunctival staining, SH outperformed Carbomer in improving the integrity of the ocular surface. There was no difference in the average instillation frequency of the two products. Visual disturbance after instillation of either formulation was generally short, but lengthy periods of blur were significantly more common after the use of Carbomer. Conclusions. Both of the eyedrops trialled are suitable for patients with moderate dry eye, but of the two, the SH-containing treatment has marginal benefits in therapeutic efficacy and has less propensity to cause visual disturbance.
A chromosomal SIR2 homologue with both histone NAD‐dependent ADP‐ribosyltransferase and deacetylase activities is involved in DNA repair in Trypanosoma brucei

SIR2‐like proteins have been implicated in a wide range of cellular events including chromosome silencing, chromosome segregation, DNA recombination and the determination of life span. We report here the molecular and functional characterization of a SIR2‐related protein from the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which we termed TbSIR2RP1. This protein is a chromosome‐associated NAD‐dependent enzyme which, in contrast to other known proteins of this family, catalyses both ADP‐ribosylation and deacetylation of histones, particulary H2A and H2B. Under‐ or overexpression of TbSIR2RP1 decreased or increased, respectively, cellular resistance to DNA damage. Treatment of trypanosomal nuclei with a DNA alkylating agent resulted in a significant increase in the level of histone ADP‐ribosylation and a concomitant increase in chromatin sensitivity to micrococcal nuclease. Both of these responses correlated with the level of TbSIR2RP1 expression. We propose that histone modification by TbSIR2RP1 is involved in DNA repair.
A Three-Dimensional Radiographic Comparison of Cotrel–Dubousset and Colorado Instrumentations for the Correction of Idiopathic Scoliosis

Study Design. A prospective clinical study comparing two instrumentation systems for the correction of idiopathic scoliosis. Objectives. To measure the short-term three-dimensional changes in the shape of the spine after corrective surgery and compare the Cotrel–Dubousset instrumentation to the more recent Colorado instrumentation to determine whether one system provides better three-dimensional correction. Summary of Background Data. Adequate three-dimensional correction of scoliotic deformities has been reported with the Cotrel–Dubousset instrumentation system. During the past decade, a new generation of more versatile and user-friendly spinal implants has appeared, but there are no reports available to indicate whether similar or better correction can be obtained with these newer systems. Methods. The three-dimensional geometry of the thoracic and lumbar spine was documented in the standing position using a three-dimensional reconstruction technique based on multiplanar radiography in 67 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing correction by a posterior approach. Changes in spinal shape were measured 3 days before and 1 month after the surgery in 31 patients with Cotrel–Dubousset instrumentation and 36 patients with Colorado instrumentation. Results. In both groups, adequate three-dimensional correction of the scoliotic deformities was documented for thoracic and lumbar curves, with significant changes in the frontal plane, in the plane of maximum curvature, and in its orientation. When comparing both groups, better correction was obtained in the frontal plane with the Colorado instrumentation (65%vs. 48% with Cotrel–Dubousset), a finding that may be explained by the significantly greater proportion of pedicle screws used in this group. Conclusion. Both instrumentation techniques achieve an effective and comparable three-dimensional correction of the scoliotic deformities.
The Clinical and Economic Impact of Inaccurate EGFR Mutation Tests in the Treatment of Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Advances in personalized medicine are supported by companion diagnostic molecular tests. Testing accuracy is critical for selecting patients for optimal therapy and reducing treatment-related toxicity. We assessed the clinical and economic impact of inaccurate test results between laboratory developed tests (LDTs) and a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved test for detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Using a hypothetical US cohort of newly diagnosed metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and EURTAC (erlotinib versus standard chemotherapy as first-line treatment for European patients with advanced EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer) clinical trial data, we developed a decision analytic model to estimate the probability of misclassification with LDTs compared to a FDA-approved test. We estimated the clinical and economic impact of inaccurate test results by quantifying progression-free and quality-adjusted progression-free life years (PFLYs, QAPFLYs) lost, and costs due to incorrect treatment. The base-case analysis estimated 2.3% (n = 1422) of 60,502 newly diagnosed metastatic NSCLC patients would be misclassified with LDTs compared to 1% (n = 577) with a FDA-approved test. An average of 477 and 194 PFLYs were lost among the misclassified patients tested with LDTs compared to the FDA-approved test, respectively. Aggregate treatment costs for patients tested with LDTs were approximately $7.3 million more than with the FDA-approved test, due to higher drug and adverse event costs among patients incorrectly treated with targeted therapy or chemotherapy, respectively. Invalid tests contributed to greater probability of patient misclassification and incorrect therapy. In conclusion, risks associated with inaccurate EGFR mutation tests pose marked clinical and economic consequences to society. Utilization of molecular diagnostic tests with demonstrated accuracy could help to maximize the potential of personalized medicine.
Unemployment Normalization in Different Economic Contexts

A recent strand of research has raised the question of whether a change is underway in the relationships that people have with work and nonwork. This body of work suggests that the manner in which people view unemployment and not working is changing. This chapter pursues and clarifies the first results of this research. The authors hypothesize a process of unemployment normalization, defined as the view that unemployment is a normal or even inevitable phase of life in a person’s career path and is the result of exter‐ nal circumstances rather than personal ones. This was tested with 600 unemployed people in two different economic contexts—France and Luxembourg—using a scale that revealed two latent factors: Justification for current unemployment situation and Perceived normality of unemployment. The findings reveal differences in the degree of normalization according to socioeconomic variables as well as an impact on the perceived health of the unemployed.
In vivo insulin action in genetic models of hypertension.

Insulin resistance has been described in nonobese subjects with essential hypertension. At present it is unknown whether hypertension per se may lead to the onset of insulin resistance. To examine this question we studied in vivo insulin action in two rat models of genetic hypertension. Four groups of conscious rats were studied: Milan hypertensive (MHS), Milan normotensive (MNS), spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY). Mean arterial pressure was increased in SHR vs. WKY in both the fed (184 +/- 5 vs. 126 +/- 6 mmHg; P less than 0.001) and fasting (160 +/- 5 vs. 129 +/- 5; P less than 0.001) states. During high-dose insulin clamps, total body glucose uptake (mg.kg-1.min-1) was similar in MNS (28.7 +/- 1.4) vs. MHS (33.6 +/- 3.0) and in WKY (34.6 +/- 1.8) vs. SHR (35.7 +/- 2.4). During low-dose insulin clamps, suppression of hepatic glucose production (3.5 +/- 0.6 vs. 3.0 +/- 0.5 mg.kg-1.min-1) and stimulation of glycolysis (12.9 +/- 0.8 vs. 14.4 +/- 1.5 mg.kg-1.min-1) were similar in WKY vs. SHR, whereas glucose uptake (24.6 +/- 1.9 vs. 18.3 +/- 1.2 mg.kg-1.min-1; P less than 0.01) and muscle glycogenic rate (10.2 +/- 1.1 vs. 6.5 +/- 1.1 mg.kg-1.min-1; P less than 0.05) were increased in SHR vs. WKY. In conclusion, 1) feeding markedly augments blood pressure in hypertensive but not in normotensive rats, and 2) hepatic and muscle insulin sensitivity are normal or increased in two different rat models of genetic hypertension. These results provide evidence that high blood pressure per se does not invariably lead to the development of insulin resistance.
Testing for Structural Change in Regression Models of Meat Consumption in Sweden

This thesis examines the meat consumption in Sweden for the last few decades. The meat industry contributes to greenhouse gas emissions causing global warming, which is one of today’s most alarming issues. With a regression and time series approach, this thesis analyzes which factors have influenced the consumption of meat, with a focus on beef. Predictor variables included are consumer price index, production and price. A regression model, a price elasticity model, an autoregressive model and an error correction model will be set up to test for constant parameters and structural change. This thesis found that price is the most influential predictor to the consumption of beef. There has been a stable development of beef consumption, constantly increasing. The consumption of beef has doubled during the last 35 years, while the price has decreased. For every one percent increase in the price of beef there is a 1.23 percent decrease in the consumption. There was evidence for structural change in the price elasticity of beef around year 2008. The structural change could be explained by an acute increase in consumption, while no distinct change in price at the same time. The results from the tests of structural change in the price elasticity model imply that it is out of the ordinary that the consumption of beef increases for some other reason than a decrease in the price of beef. Investigating meat consumption separately, there has not been structural change part from the breaks in the price elasticity. According to the results in this thesis the demand for meat had not reached a peak yet before 2014, but there is no evidence that it still has not.
YouTube-based programming and the Saudi youth: exploring the economic, political and cultural context of YouTube in Saudi Arabia

This thesis addresses YouTube-based programming in Saudi Arabia. It focuses on the bottom-up, professionally generated content (PGC) produced by the Saudi youth exclusively for YouTube between 2010 and 2016. It explores the economic, political and cultural context of YouTube-based programming and is aimed at understanding how the programme makers operate within such a restrictive political and media environment, and the interaction between the content creators, the audiences and the Saudi government. The thesis examines the perspective of the content creators by utilizing ten semi-structured online interviews, and the view of the Saudi audience by employing seven semi-structured offline focus group interviews with twenty-nine participants in Glasgow, Scotland. The interviews were conducted and transcribed in Arabic, then translated into English. This analysis leads to the emergence of four primary themes: limited political and cultural empowerment for young Saudis offline; strong financial empowerment for the content creators; the government as the most powerful actor in the Saudi media scene; and the relevance of the content to the Saudi audience as the main driver for the popularity of YouTube-based programming. The analysis provides insights and implications for policy and practices, arguing that the concept and practices of cultural policy are humble in Saudi Arabia and that there is an urgent need for a political decision to establish a nationwide cultural policy to promote and govern the arts and culture. This policy needs to incorporate both online and offline creativity, including YouTube-based programming.
Diet and irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recent papers highlight the role of the diet in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but very few population-based studies have evaluated this. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of IBS in the general urban population and to evaluate the type of diet associated with IBS symptoms. METHODS A randomized sample of subjects (n=300) from a general urban population in Romania selected from family doctors' patient lists was invited for interview in the doctor's office. Selected subjects were evaluated for the diagnosis of IBS using Rome III criteria and for their eating habits and diet using a food frequency questionnaire. Socio-demographic factors and general medical history were also included in the interview together with standard weight measurements. Results from logistic regression were presented as odd ratios and 95 % confidence intervals. RESULTS From the selected sample, 193 subjects (80 males, 113 women, mean age 50.8 +/- 16.2) agreed to participate (rate 64.3%). Prevalence of IBS was 19.1 % (19.4% for females and 18.7 % for males). IBS was associated with older age (1.05, 1.02-1.08, p <0.001) and past history of digestive diseases (5.0, 2.0-12.7, p<0.01). IBS subjects eat significantly more frequently canned food (23.74, 3.17-177.7, p<0.01), processed meat (4.7, 1.6-14.1, p<0.01), pulses (legumes) (4.0, 1.3-16.3, p<0.01), whole cereals (8.7, 2.0-37.8, p<0.01), confectionary (5.7, 1.8-23.2, p<0.01), fruit compotes (canned or not) (7.4, 2.5-23.1, p<0.001) and herb teas (4.0, 1.3-16.3, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study updates prevalence data and reveals a possible association between diet and irritable bowel syndrome.
An exploration of governance arrangements and the succession process within family businesses

This thesis explores how governance arrangements relate to the succession process in family businesses. This is achieved through considering how governance ‘works’ in family businesses and the challenges that family businesses face with the succession process. Academic literature has suggested research into governance of family firms is underdeveloped (Lubatkin, Schulze, Ling, & Dino, 2005; Steier, Chrisman, & Chua, 2004). Similarly, codes of governance for non-listed firms have only been present in the professional literature for the past seven years (ecoDa, 2010; IoD, 2010). The codes emphasise the importance of the succession process which remains the most difficult period for family firms (Cabrera-Suarez, Saa-Perez, & Garcia-Almeida, 2001; Dunn, 1999; Handler, 1994; Lansberg, 1988; Morris, Williams, Allen, & Avila, 1997; Yan & Sorenson, 2006). In more recent times, the media has begun to discuss the need for improvements in the management and governance of family firms (Bloom, 2017). For these reasons a study that explores governance arrangements in family firms and how they relate to the succession processes is important. The research is underpinned by a constructionist ontology and a social constructionist epistemology. The data were collected through 16 individual face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, with seven family businesses, from a range of industry backgrounds across the United Kingdom. An inductive, thematic approach was taken enabling themes to emerge from the data analysis. The emergent focus of the findings was an overarching concern for control, both in terms of governance arrangements and the succession process. A theoretical model is presented that shows how ‘moderate’ levels of control lead to ‘optimal’ circumstances for the succession process in family firms. The Family Fundamental Interpersonal Relationship Orientation (FIRO) model (Danes, Rueter, Kwon and Dohery, 2002; Haberman and Danes, 2007) is used as an explanatory framework to propose that ‘optimal’ circumstances are characterised by ‘collaborative’ interpersonal relationships within the family firm. The research findings and the subsequent theoretical model that has been developed are important because they expand knowledge regarding the relationship between governance and the succession process in family firms. It provides family business members, family business consultants and researchers with a fresh perspective on how to approach governance arrangements and potentially control the challenges that arise during the succession process.