Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Financial development, institutions, and poverty alleviation: an empirical analysis

ABSTRACT The aim of this article is to analyse empirically whether the level of institutional quality influences how financial development affects poverty for a sample of developing countries covering the period from 1984 to 2012. Using an interaction term constructed as a product between financial development and institutional quality we find that the pro-poor impact of financial development decreases as the quality of institutions rises. Such a differential effect can be ascribed to the capacity of banks to provide functions that mimic those performed by an institutional framework that works well. The results of this article can be used for policy management.
Efficacy and Safety of Two-Dose Regimens of Peginterferon Alpha-2a Compared with Interferon Alpha-2a in Chronic Hepatitis C: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES:This study compared the efficacy and safety of peginterferon alpha-2a 135 μg/wk, peginterferon alpha-2a 180 μg/wk and interferon alpha-2a in patients with chronic hepatitis C.METHODS:A total of 639 patients received peginterferon alpha-2a 135 μg or 180 μg once weekly, or interferon alpha-2a 3 MIU thrice weekly for 48 wk.RESULTS:Sustained virological responses were significantly higher with peginterferon alpha-2a than with interferon alpha-2a 3 MIU (28% in the 135 μg and 180 μg peginterferon alpha-2a groups vs 11% with interferon alpha-2a, p = 0.001). The proportion of patients with clinically significant histological improvement was lower in the peginterferon alpha-2a 135 μg (48%) than the 180 μg group (58%, p = 0.035 vs peginterferon alpha-2a 135 μg), but similar to that in the interferon alpha-2a group (45%, p = 0.820 vs peginterferon alpha-2a 135 μg and p = 0.017 vs peginterferon alpha-2a 180 μg, respectively). The overall safety profiles were similar for the three treatments.CONCLUSIONS:In patients with chronic hepatitis C, peginterferon alpha-2a 135 μg/wk and 180 μg/wk produced similar sustained virological response rates, both of which were significantly higher than that achieved with interferon alpha-2a thrice weekly. A significantly higher proportion of patients treated with the 180 μg dose of peginterferon alpha-2a had clinically significant histological improvement.
Circadian fluctuations of melatonin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and its soluble receptors in the circulation of patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer.

The objective of the study was to investigate the dynamic changes of melatonin (MLT), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), soluble TNFalpha receptors ( type I and type II) in serum of advanced cancer patients during 24 hours. The examined group consisted of 42 patients suffering from advanced gastrointestinal neoplasms (colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cancer). Blood samples were collected 6 times a day (8 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m., 10 p.m., 2 a.m., and again 8 a.m.) as well as in healthy controls. Serum levels of TNFalpha and both its receptors were measured using ELISA type and the radioimmunoassay method was used to assess MLT levels. The circadian rhythm of MLT was altered because MLT reached its peak level at 8.50 a.m. with 5 hours delay in respect to average peak time in healthy humans. The presence of circadian rhythm of TNFalpha was proved (acrophase-1.40 a.m.), and no diurnal rhythm of soluble TNF receptors was observed. The concentration of soluble type I (p-55) receptor was distinctly lower than soluble type II (p-75). The peak of soluble type I receptor value appeared at 10.00 p.m. while the type II receptor reached its minimum level at the same time. Although there was no statistical correlation between the receptor concentrations, the shapes of both curves remained inversely proportional. The present results may suggest the presence of complex self-regulation mechanisms between the neuroendocrine system and the cytokine network in advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients.
Substrate-mediated Stabilization of a Tetrameric Drug Target Reveals Achilles Heel in Anthrax*

Bacillus anthracis is a Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium that causes anthrax. With the increased threat of anthrax in biowarfare, there is an urgent need to characterize new antimicrobial targets from B. anthracis. One such target is dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS), which catalyzes the committed step in the pathway yielding meso-diaminopimelate and lysine. In this study, we employed CD spectroscopy to demonstrate that the thermostability of DHDPS from B. anthracis (Ba-DHDPS) is significantly enhanced in the presence of the substrate, pyruvate. Analytical ultracentrifugation studies show that the tetramer-dimer dissociation constant of the enzyme is 3-fold tighter in the presence of pyruvate compared with the apo form. To examine the significance of this substrate-mediated stabilization phenomenon, a dimeric mutant of Ba-DHDPS (L170E/G191E) was generated and shown to have markedly reduced activity compared with the wild-type tetramer. This demonstrates that the substrate, pyruvate, stabilizes the active form of the enzyme. We next determined the high resolution (2.15 Å) crystal structure of Ba-DHDPS in complex with pyruvate (3HIJ) and compared this to the apo structure (1XL9). Structural analyses show that there is a significant (91 Å2) increase in buried surface area at the tetramerization interface of the pyruvate-bound structure. This study describes a new mechanism for stabilization of the active oligomeric form of an antibiotic target from B. anthracis and reveals an “Achilles heel” that can be exploited in structure-based drug design.
Oncostress: Evaluation of Burnout in Lombardy

Aims This study was carried out to evaluate how working with oncologic patients (from various points of view) can cause personal discomfort for the operator. Methods Questionnaires (n=406) consisting of many requisites concerning personal and professional factors, organizational and work aspects were evaluated. They were given to oncologic doctors, radiotherapists, various specialists, nurses and radiotherapy technicians in Lombardy. Results The study revealed a state of anxiety in 52.7% of subjects and depression in 16%, mainly in the professional nursing categories and in particular in women and the young. The most singular aspects observed were not related to work organization. Conclusions Working in an oncologic environment is, in different ways, the cause of “oncostress” and distinctly induces burnout. However, it appears to be less significant in Italy than indicated in the literature.
Structure of the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 (TSC2) N Terminus Provides Insight into Complex Assembly and Tuberous Sclerosis Pathogenesis*

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is caused by mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 tumor suppressor genes. The gene products hamartin and tuberin form the TSC complex that acts as GTPase-activating protein for Rheb and negatively regulates the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Tuberin contains a RapGAP homology domain responsible for inactivation of Rheb, but functions of other protein domains remain elusive. Here we show that the TSC2 N terminus interacts with the TSC1 C terminus to mediate complex formation. The structure of the TSC2 N-terminal domain from Chaetomium thermophilum and a homology model of the human tuberin N terminus are presented. We characterize the molecular requirements for TSC1-TSC2 interactions and analyze pathological point mutations in tuberin. Many mutations are structural and produce improperly folded protein, explaining their effect in pathology, but we identify one point mutant that abrogates complex formation without affecting protein structure. We provide the first structural information on TSC2/tuberin with novel insight into the molecular function.
The neuroepithelial cells of the fish gill filament: Indolamine‐immunocytochemistry and innervation

The neuroepithelial cells (NECs) of the fish gill filament share several morphofunctional features with the cells of the neuroepithelial bodies in the lungs of air‐breathing vertebrates. In the present study, a detailed indolamineimmunocytochemical analysis of the branchial neuroepithelial cells and nerves was undertaken in non‐teleost and teleost species, with particular emphasis on the latter. In the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, the chemical degeneration of either catecholaminergic (by 5‐ and 6‐hydroxydopamines) or indolaminergic (by 5,6‐dihydroxy‐tryptamine) innervations associated with the NECs was studied using electron microscopy.
Visualization techniques supporting performance measurement system development

Purpose This paper aims to understand how performance measurement system development process can be supported by visualization techniques. It analyses the suitability of different visualization techniques in the tasks needed in designing, implementing and using performance measurement. Design/methodology/approach The research builds upon literature review and analysis. The empirical access to five recent performance measurement system development projects is also used to evaluate the applicability of visualization techniques. The emphasis is in information visualization, and the following techniques are examined: maps, diagrams, networks, visualized models, graphs, charts and dashboards. Findings The study provides a concise overview on visualization techniques highlighting the managerial tasks related to performance measurement system development process. It contributes as a discussion opener inviting more academicians to study the topic of visualization in management and to further test and broaden the proposals presented in the paper. Research limitations/implications Further in-depth empirical research is needed regarding each phase of performance measurement development process. A further study could also stress more the proactive use of performance measurement paying attention also to the external environment. Practical implications The topic of information visualization is practically driven. The results support practitioners in evaluating and choosing visualization techniques supporting their timely challenges in the performance measurement development. Originality/value Few studies on information visualization have been carried out in the context of management science. Visualization can integrate human in the data exploration process and improve understanding over large data sets without complex quantitative methods. Visualization techniques have been proposed as powerful means to enhance the effectiveness of performance measurement. This study structures and clarifies the ambiguous topic of visualization and performance management and suggests areas for further research.
Health effects of radiation incidents in the southern Urals.

This article discusses the most important information on health effects in the Urals region (Russia) of residents exposed to radiation from activities of a weapon plutonium separation plant. The population residing on the contaminated territory was exposed to chronic combined irradiation (external gamma-irradiation and internal irradiation due to Sr-90 and Cs-137). The red bone marrow (RBM) was the critical organ affected as a result of radiation events in the Urals. In the early period, after the discharges of radioactive wastes into the river Techa (about 3 M Ci) started, cases of chronic radiation sickness (CRS; 940 cases, in total), postirradiation reactions manifested by changes in blood parameters (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia), nervous system disorders, immunity changes and ostealgic syndrome were registered in a portion of those riverside village residents who had received the highest doses. Increased leukemia and cancer mortality and morbidity rates were noted among this population in later periods. No late effects were observed in residents exposed to an explosion in a radioactive waste depot in September, 1957 when radioactive wastes with about 20 M Ci of activity were released into the environment. Similarly, the offspring of the residents exposed on the Techa also did not display any late effects. The data about the possibilities of long-term (43-45 years after the start of exposure) biological indication of chronic internal exposure are presented. The methods used in the study include in situ fluorescent hybridization, analysis of mutations in the TCR gene of peripheral blood lymphocytes and erythrocyte mutations in the glycophorine A system. No dependence of genomic translocations and mutations in glycophorine A on cumulative exposure dose to RBM was traced.
Effect of CA2+ Antagonists on Mechanical Function in the Neonatal Heart

ABSTRACT. The effect of verapamil and diltiazem on mechanical function was studied in the isolated arterially perfused neonatal and adult rabbit heart. The negative inotropic effect of these drugs in the newborn was significantly greater than in the adult. At concentrations 10−7 M of verapamil and 10−6 M of diltiazem, resting tension was significantly increased in the newborn, but not in the adult. In both age groups, verapamil and diltiazem inhibited the positive inotropy of staircase, but did not alter the inotropic effect of hyperosmolarity (116 mM mannitol). The positive inotropy of paired electrical stimulation was eliminated by these drugs in the newborn, but not in the adult. These data suggest that the neonatal heart as compared with the adult heart is more dependent on transsarcolemmal calcium influx for contraction and transsarcolemmal calcium efflux for relaxation.
Neural tube defects and associated anomalies in South Carolina.

BACKGROUND Neural tube defects (NTDs) occur as isolated malformations and in the company of other birth defects. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of coexisting anomalies and the relationship between them. METHODS Since 1992, NTDs have been identified through prenatal and postnatal surveillance activities in South Carolina. The type of NTD and presence of associated anomalies were determined by prenatal ultrasound, postnatal and/or postmortem examination. RESULTS During the ten-year period from 1992 to 2002, 564 NTDs were identified by the surveillance system. Seventeen percent of NTDs (98/564) had associated malformations. In approximately half (n = 51) of these cases, the NTDs and associated anomalies were components of a recognizable syndrome. In the remaining cases (n = 47), no syndrome was identified or suspected, but the associated anomalies were believed in most instances to be secondary to space limitation or neural crest abnormalities imposed by the NTD. CONCLUSION Seventeen percent of NTDs in South Carolina have associated malformations. In most cases, the associated anomalies are considered either components of a multiple malformation syndrome or secondary to the NTD.
Recruitment maneuver in experimental acute lung injury: The role of alveolar collapse and edema

Objective:In acute lung injury, recruitment maneuvers have been used to open collapsed lungs and set positive end-expiratory pressure, but their effectiveness may depend on the degree of lung injury. This study uses a single experimental model with different degrees of lung injury and tests the hypothesis that recruitment maneuvers may have beneficial or deleterious effects depending on the severity of acute lung injury. We speculated that recruitment maneuvers may worsen lung mechanical stress in the presence of alveolar edema. Design:Prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study. Setting:University research laboratory. Subjects:Thirty-six Wistar rats randomly divided into three groups (n = 12 per group). Interventions:In the control group, saline was intraperitoneally injected, whereas moderate and severe acute lung injury animals received paraquat intraperitoneally (20 mg/kg [moderate acute lung injury] and 25 mg/kg [severe acute lung injury]). After 24 hrs, animals were further randomized into subgroups (n = 6/each) to be recruited (recruitment maneuvers: 40 cm H2O continuous positive airway pressure for 40 secs) or not, followed by 1 hr of protective mechanical ventilation (tidal volume, 6 mL/kg; positive end-expiratory pressure, 5 cm H2O). Measurements and Main Results:Only severe acute lung injury caused alveolar edema. The amounts of alveolar collapse were similar in the acute lung injury groups. Static lung elastance, viscoelastic pressure, hyperinflation, lung, liver, and kidney cell apoptosis, and type 3 procollagen and interleukin-6 mRNA expressions in lung tissue were more elevated in severe acute lung injury than in moderate acute lung injury. After recruitment maneuvers, static lung elastance, viscoelastic pressure, and alveolar collapse were lower in moderate acute lung injury than in severe acute lung injury. Recruitment maneuvers reduced interleukin-6 expression with a minor detachment of the alveolar capillary membrane in moderate acute lung injury. In severe acute lung injury, recruitment maneuvers were associated with hyperinflation, increased apoptosis of lung and kidney, expression of type 3 procollagen, and worsened alveolar capillary injury. Conclusions:In the presence of alveolar edema, regional mechanical heterogeneities, and hyperinflation, recruitment maneuvers promoted a modest but consistent increase in inflammatory and fibrogenic response, which may have worsened lung function and potentiated alveolar and renal epithelial injury.
Relationships of hospital-based emergency department culture to work satisfaction and intent to leave of emergency physicians and nurses

Given the limited studies on emergency care management, this study aimed to explore the relationships of emergency department (ED) culture values to certain dimensions of ED physicians’ and nurses’ work satisfaction and intent to leave. Four hundred and forty-two emergency medical professionals completed the employee satisfaction questionnaire across 119 hospital-based EDs, which had culture value evaluations filed, were used as unit of analysis in this study. Adjusting the personal and employment backgrounds, and the surrounded EDs’ unit characteristics and environmental factors, multiple regression analyses revealed that clan and market cultures were related to emergency physicians’ work satisfaction and intent to leave. On the other hand, adhocracy, market and hierarchical cultures were related to emergency nurses’ work satisfaction. There do exist different patterns among various culture types on various work satisfaction dimensions and intent to leave of emergency physicians and nurses. The findings could offer hospital and ED leaders insights for changes or for building a better atmosphere to enhance the work life of emergency physicians and nurses.
A low phase noise 2.0 V 900 MHz CMOS voltage controlled ring oscillator

A CMOS voltage controlled ring oscillator with quadrature output is presented. The circuit is designed in a 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process and operates on a 2.0 V supply. The VCO has a tuning range of 650 MHz to 1.04 GHz. At 913 MHz the VCO has a phase noise of -116.55 dBc/Hz at a frequency offset of 600 KHz. The average power consumed at 913 MHz is 18.95 mW.
Delayed presentation and treatment of newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVE To measure patients' and providers' delays in the presentation and treatment of newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis. DESIGN Retrospective study using structured questionnaires. SETTING Tuberculosis and Chest Service, Centre of Health Protection, Department of Health. PARTICIPANTS Tuberculosis patients notified to the Department of Health, selected by systematic sampling of all notifications in the first 2 weeks of every even month in the year 2004. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Health-seeking behaviour of pulmonary tuberculosis patients, including respective demographic, clinical, and disease factors. RESULTS Of a total of 6262 notified tuberculosis patients in 2004, 1662 (26.5%) were recruited into the study; of these, 42.6% first presented to private doctors, and 57.4% to the public sector. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was made in 13.7% of these patients by the former and 86.3% by the latter. The median patient delay (elapsed time from symptoms to medical consultation) and provider delay (elapsed time from medical consultation to treatment) were both 20 days; 25th to 75th percentiles being 7-37 and 6-55 days, respectively. Longer patient delay was associated with positive sputum smear and culture, and more extensive radiological disease. On multiple regression analysis, unemployment independently predicted longer patient delay, while haemoptysis predicted shorter patient and total delay. Patients older than 60 years, with no initial sputum and chest X-ray examination predicted longer provider and total delays. CONCLUSIONS Our patient and provider delays compared favourably with those of other countries, and very likely reflect easy service access. Adverse social factors and non-specific presentations prolong patient delay, whilst older age and unavailable bacteriological/radiological evidence delay diagnosis and treatment.
Percutaneous Transphyseal Intramedullary Kirschner Wire Pinning: A Safe and Effective Procedure for Treatment of Displaced Diaphyseal Forearm Fracture in Children

Percutaneous transphyseal intramedullary Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation was performed for diaphyseal fracture of the forearm in 84 children. In 60 patients (71%) closed reduction was performed, while in the remaining 24 (29%) closed reduction was supplemented with a mini-open reduction The K-wire was inserted transphyseally through the radial styloid or the Lister tubercle for the radius, and through the tip of the olecranon for the ulna. With an average follow-up of 70 months and a minimum follow-up of 2 years, all the patients reviewed were found to have good functional results; none had nonunion, deep infection, or premature physeal closure. Moreover, initial preoperative translation of the fracture of more than 100% displacement was found to be associated with a significantly higher chance of requiring a mini-open reduction. The authors concluded that percutaneous transphyseal intramedullary K-wire pining for forearm diaphyseal fracture in children is a convenient, effective, and safe operation, without any deleterious effects on subsequent growth of the distal radius.