Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of access and utilization of women enterprise fund on gender relations at household level in Mvita Constituency, Mombasa County.

This study examined the effects of access and utili zation of Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) on gender relations at household level in Mvi ta Constituency in Mombasa County. The fund is given to women who are in existing grou ps of ten members. The aim of the study was to find out whether access and utilizatio n WEF by women affects gender relations at household level. The specific objecti ves of the study were to determine the factors that affect the access of WEF by women, and its effect on gender relations at household level, examine how the women utilize WEF loans and the effects on gender relations at the household level, investigate gende r related challenges women face in accessing and utilizing WEF loans and the effects o n gender relations at the family level and find out how effective the strategies put in p lace by WEF for enhancing access and utilization of WEF loans are. The study was guided by Sara Longwe’s Framework Tool 1.Mvita has five wards namely Mji WA Kale, Tudor, G anjoni/Shimanzi, Majengo and Tononoka. The total population of registered women groups under WEF in the Constituency was 108.Using systematic random sampli ng, the 108 women groups were arranged alphabetically, and the fifth group select d giving a total of 21 women groups . Twenty (20) women groups were taken as the random p int for convenience. The 20 women groups were divided by 5 wards resulting to 4 groups per ward. Then, 2 women were picked from each group translating to 8 women in a ward and 40 women in the constituency. Data was collected using questionnai res and interviews; and analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies and pe rcentages. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS ) (Version 17.0). The study found that most women felt empowered and respected due to thei r ability to acquire loans. A minority felt that this new development had brought them mar ital challenges as their husbands and/or male relatives were not comfortable with the ir independence. The study recommends that an evaluation of the impact of the training offered and sustainability of the businesses be conducted by the Service provider s. That a Counseling system be introduced to address any spousal conflicts related to the funds.
The Informational Role of Short Sellers – The Evidence from Short Sellers’ Reports on U.S.-Listed Chinese Firms

Short interest conveys short sellers’ opinions about firms’ financial reporting quality. Focusing on U.S.-listed Chinese firms whose financial reporting has raised enormous concerns of the U.S. regulators and investors, this paper studies a novel channel through which such opinions can be acquired, that is, the reports voluntarily published by short sellers. I find that targeted firms experience an average three-day cumulative abnormal return (CAR) of -6.1% and -13.4% for initial coverage of the firm. CARs are more negative when the reports contain first-hand evidence or allege more severe misconduct of the firms. Non-targeted firms also experience losses in value following short sellers’ reports, especially when they hire the same non-Big 4 auditors as targeted firms. Targeted firms suffer long-term stock price declines and are often subsequently subject to class action lawsuits and SEC enforcement. Short sellers tend to target firms that exhibit good operating and stock performances and that show red flags of financial misreporting. Short sellers’ reports convey valuable information independent of short interest, and short sellers are more effective than equity analysts who follow Chinese firms.
Detection and clinical impact of human leukocyte antigen antibodies in lung transplantation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

There is significant variability in lung transplant centers’ approach to HLA antibodies, creating heterogeneity regarding their clinical significance. Some institutions use beads coated with multiple HLA to screen candidate sera and then use single antigen bead (SAB) to determine antibody identity if the pre‐screen is positive. Other centers do not pre‐screen, using SAB alone, which may detect low‐level antibodies of unknown significance. The primary objective of this study was to review the current literature to identify sources of heterogeneity in the identification of pre‐ and post‐lung transplant HLA antibodies, particularly regarding antibody‐detection methods. A random effects model meta‐analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between pre‐transplant HLA antibodies and the development of de novo donor‐specific antibodies (dnDSA) and dnDSA and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Each outcome was stratified by the method of antibody detection (pre‐screen followed by SAB vs SAB alone). We identified 13 cohort studies with a total of 3039 patients. The use of pre‐screening followed by SAB testing and the use of induction immunosuppression were associated with lower prevalence of dnDSA. Patients with pre‐transplant HLA antibodies were more likely to develop dnDSA (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19‐1.86, P < .001). dnDSA was associated with CLAD (HR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.37‐2.97, P < .001). When considering studies using SAB alone, however, pre‐transplant antibody status was no longer associated with dnDSA and dnDSA was no longer associated with CLAD. Based on the current literature, SAB‐alone testing may detect less clinically relevant antibodies than pre‐screening followed by SAB.
A New Anastomotic Leakage Model in Circular Double Stapled Colorectal Anastomosis After Low Anterior Rectum Resection in Pigs

ABSTRACT Background: A high incidence of anastomotic leakage (37.5%) is reported after low anterior rectal resection (LAR) and circular double-stapled anastomosis without protective ileostoma. Since the pathomechanism of anastomosis leakage is still unclear, a suitable animal model would be most desirable. Methods: The objective was to assess the incidence of clinically apparent and inapparent leakage after LAR in pigs (n = 20). Endpoints were radiological, clinical, macroscopic, and histologic proof of anastomotic leakage on the 9th postoperative day. Integrity of anastomosis was assessed by double-contrast barium examination on 9th postoperative day. Animals were sacrificed and anastomoses were resected for histopathological investigation. In case of earlier clinical apparent anastomotic leakage, radiologic double-contrast barium was performed immediately. Results: LAR with a circular double-stapled anastomosis without protective ileostoma was performed in 20 pigs (m:f = 8:12). Length of resection was 10–20 cm, anastomosis was performed 7 cm ab ano. Five animals (25%) developed clinical apparent anastomotic leakage (no appetite, fever, inactivity, tachypnea, discomfort, pain) between the 6th (n = 1) and 9th (n = 4) postoperative day, proven by double-contrast barium radiographs. Additionally in 1 animal clinical inapparent anastomotic insufficiency was observed radiologically. Total rate of leakage was 30% (n = 6). These results were confirmed by leucocytosis, low potassium levels, in two cases high ALT and AST and local peritonitis in all cases. Conclusion: Including one additional case of clinical inapparent leakage, total rate of anastomotic leakage was 30% (6/20). Thus we managed to establish a new experimental model of anastomotic leakage after low rectal resection comparable to the human situation.
Eccentric exercise effect on blood oxidative-stress markers and delayed onset of muscle soreness.

PURPOSE This study examined the effects of a single bout of high-intensity eccentric exercise (EE) on blood protein carbonyls, glutathione status, and muscle damage indicators to ascertain whether blood markers of oxidative stress are elevated at the time delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) occurs. METHODS Eight healthy men (26.5 +/- 1.5 yr) performed 60 eccentric contractions at approximately 135-150% dominant arm maximum isometric force (MIF) using their nondominant arm elbow flexors. DOMS, range of motion (ROM), MIF, and blood were obtained before, immediately after, and 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after the EE. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, and protein carbonyls (PC), and erythrocyte glutathione status. RESULTS A significant decrease in MIF occurred at all times after the EE. ROM decreased from 24 to 96 h, and DOMS increased 24 to 72 h in the nondominant arm as indicated by a repeated measure ANOVA. Plasma CK activity peaked at 72 h (1620 +/- 500 IU x L(-1)) compared with baseline (154 +/- 27 IU x L(-1). Erythrocyte-reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration was not significantly affected by the EE but tended to decrease 23% by 24 h and continued at this level for 96 h. Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and total glutathione were unchanged over time. A significant increase in plasma PC occurred at 24 and 48 h after eccentric exercise. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that 60 EE at 135-150% MIF can result in DOMS, with decreased muscle function and increases in plasma PC at 24 and 48 h without alterations in blood glutathione status.
Kitlow stem cells cause resistance to Kit/platelet-derived growth factor alpha inhibitors in murine gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are related to interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and often contain activating stem cell factor receptor (Kit) or platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (Pdgfra) mutations. Kit/Pdgfra inhibitors such as imatinib mesylate have increased progression-free survival in metastatic GIST but are not curative. In mouse models we investigated whether Kit(low) ICC progenitors could represent an inherently Kit/Pdgfra inhibitor-resistant reservoir for GIST. METHODS Isolated Kit(low)Cd44(+)Cd34(+) cells were characterized after serial cloning. The tumorigenic potential of spontaneously transformed cells was investigated in nude mice. The Kit(low)Cd44(+)Cd34(+) cells' responsiveness to Kit activation and blockade was studied by enumerating them in Kit(K641E) mice (a GIST model), in mice with defective Kit signaling, and pharmacologically. RESULTS Single isolated Kit(low)Cd44(+)Cd34(+) cells were clonogenic and capable of self-renewal and differentiation into ICC. In nude mice, spontaneously transformed cells formed malignant tumors expressing GIST markers. The Kit(low)Cd44(+)Cd34(+) cells were resistant to in vitro Kit blockade, including by imatinib, and occurred in normal numbers in mice with reduced Kit signaling. In Kit(K641E) mice, the mutant ICC stem cells were grossly hyperplastic but remained imatinib-resistant. In contrast, the cancer stem, cell-targeting drug salinomycin blocked the proliferation of Kit(low)Cd44(+)Cd34(+) cells and increased their sensitivity to imatinib. CONCLUSIONS Kit(low)Cd44(+)Cd34(+) progenitors are true stem cells for normal and hyperplastic ICC and give rise to GIST. Resistance to Kit/Pdgfra inhibitors is inherent in GIST and is caused by the native ICC stem cells' lack of dependence on Kit for survival, which is maintained after the acquisition of oncogenic Kit mutation. Cancer stem cell drugs may target these cells.
The Asymmetric Price Adjustment in the Real Estate Spot and Forward Markets

We use the Taiwan housing price indices from the real estate (spot) and pre-sale (forward) markets to compare the housing price rigidity of these two indices. The results show that housing may have asset characteristics associated with both consumption and investment. As a result, when housing prices fall, people may choose to live in the house or rent it to avoid losses from selling, producing downward housing price rigidity. In the pre-sale housing market, when housing prices perform poorly, these assets cannot be provided for consumption, resulting in less housing price rigidity. The results show that not all real estate markets are characterized by loss aversion behaviors. The rigidity of housing prices results from choices due to consumption demands (living in a house or renting it). The results demonstrate that the fall-resistant phenomena in real estate markets may be due to the relatively diverse uses of housing assets compared to other assets.
Crime, Criminality and Criminal Justice

Crime, Criminality and Criminal Justice, third edition, is the complete introduction to everything students need to know as they begin their studies in crime and criminology. It has been updated with the most current examples and references, as well as emerging issues and trends. It covers key subject areas including what crime is, types of crime, crime theory, systems and institutions of crime, crime and social inequality, and difference and criminal justice—all within an Australian context. Written in an engaging style, this new edition encourages critical thinking about the subject matter and features thought-provoking discussion questions and issues for consideration. This text will prove to be a valuable reference throughout a criminology degree.
TIME-DEPENDENT APOPTOSIS OF ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES FROM RATS EXPOSED TO BLEOMYCIN: INVOLVEMENT OF TNF RECEPTOR 2

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is produced by alveolar macrophages (AM) in response to bleomycin (BLM) exposure. This cytokine has been linked to BLM-induced pulmonary inflammation, an early drug effect, and to lung fibrosis, the ultimate toxic effect of BLM. The present study was carried out to study the time dependence of apoptotic signaling pathways and the potential roles of TNF receptors in BLM-induced AM apoptosis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to saline or BLM (1 mg/kg) by intratracheal instillation. At 1, 3, or 7 d postexposure, AM were isolated by bronchoalveolar (BAL) lavage and evaluated for apoptosis by ELISA. The release of cytochrome c from mitochrondria, the activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9, the cleavage of nuclear poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and the expression of TNF receptors (TNF-R1/p55 and TNF-R2/p75), TNF-R-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), and cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (c-IAP1) were determined by immunoblotting. The results showed that BLM exposure induced AM apoptosis, with the highest apoptotic effect occurring at 1 d after exposure and gradually decreasing at 3 and 7 d postexposure, but still remaining significantly above the control level. The maximal translocation of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol was observed at 1 d postexposure, whereas the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and caspase-3-dependent cleavage of PARP was found to reach a peak level at 3 d postexposure. BLM exposure had no marked effect on AM expression of TNF-R1 or caspase-8 activation, but significantly increased the expression of TNF-R2 that was accompanied by a rise in c-IAP1 and a decrease in TRAF2. This induction of TNF-R2 by BLM was significant on d 1 and increased with greater exposure time. In vitro studies showed that pretreatment of naive AM with a TNF-R2 antibody significantly inhibited BLM-induced caspase-3 activity and apoptosis. These results suggest that BLM-induced apoptosis involves multiple pathways in a time-dependent manner. Since maximal BLM-induced AM apoptosis (1 d postexposure) preceded maximal changes in caspase-9 and -3 (3 d postexposure), it is possible that a caspase-independent mechanism is involved in this initial response. These results indicate that the sustained expression of TNF-R2 in AM by BLM exposure may sensitize these cells to TNF-α-mediated toxicity.
The Economics of Preventing Hospital Falls: Demonstrating ROI Through a Simple Model

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the cost savings associated with implementing nursing approaches to prevent in-hospital falls. BACKGROUND: Hospital rating programs often report fall rates, and performance-based payment systems force hospitals to bear the costs of treating patients after falls. Some interventions have been demonstrated as effective for falls prevention. METHODS: Costs of falls-prevention programs, financial savings associated with in-hospital falls reduction, and achievable fall rate improvement are measured using published literature. Net costs are calculated for implementing a falls-prevention program as compared with not making improvements in patient fall rates. RESULTS: Falls-prevention programs can reduce the cost of treatment, but in many scenarios, the costs of falls-prevention programs were greater than potential cost savings. CONCLUSIONS: Falls-prevention programs need to be carefully targeted to patients at greatest risk in order to achieve cost savings.
HYPERGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA AND MYELOMA IN FIVE TIGERS (PANTHERA TIGRIS): CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Abstract: Five adult tigers (Panthera tigris) presented with a range of clinical signs, including paresis (2/5), lameness (2/5), ataxia (3/5), anorexia (5/5), and lethargy (5/5). Each tiger demonstrated elevated plasma globulin levels (7.8–14.8 g/dl; [reference interval 2–5.1 g/dl]) on routine biochemistry, confirmed as a monoclonal gammopathy using protein electrophoresis. Serum gammaglobulin concentration ranged from 5 to 7.5 g/dl, or 45.1–63.4% of total protein concentration. Azotemia was present in three tigers. Diagnostics and management varied with the presenting signs but included magnetic resonance imaging, radiography, chemotherapy, supportive care, and euthanasia. In each case, necropsy revealed a neoplastic plasma cell proliferation in the bone marrow and one or more extramedullary sites. Lytic lesions in the thoraco-lumbar spine were found in three animals, and one lesion was associated with spinal cord compression. Splenomegaly was present in 4/5 cases. Histopathology confirmed a plasma cell neoplasm in each case, and immunohistochemistry staining with multiple myeloma oncogene 1 (MUM1) was positive in each case. CD20 staining was performed in two cases and was positive in one. CD3 staining was performed in the same two cases, and was negative in each. Based on the clinical, gross, microscopic, and immunohistochemical findings, myeloma was diagnosed in all five tigers.
Is there a diminishing role for surgery for merkel cell carcinoma of the skin? A review of current management

Merkel cell carcinoma is a highly malignant skin tumour that must be managed in a multidisciplinary forum. Excisional biopsy of the primary is recommended and this should be followed by postoperative radiotherapy to the primary site, in‐transit areas and the draining lymph nodes. The tumour is quite radiosensitive and radiation doses of the order of 50 Gy offer high levels of local control. Resection margins of 3 cm are not required provided postoperative radiotherapy is used. In the event of inoperable disease, patient refusal of surgery or a frail patient, radiotherapy should be used as the sole treatment modality, with high likelihood of achieving local control. Patients with involved nodes have a higher risk of distant disease. Traditionally, involved nodes have been managed with resection but, currently, there are protocols exploring the use of synchronous chemoradiotherapy as definitive treatment. Although adjuvant chemotherapy has been used in this setting to reduce the risk of distant seeding, the benefits at this stage have not been confirmed conclusively. The presence of distant disease carries a grave outlook and responses to chemotherapy occur frequently, but are usually shortlived.
Haptoglobin 2-2 Genotype, Patient, and Graft Survival in Renal Transplant Recipients

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in renal transplant recipients. An association between haptoglobin genotype 2-2 and cardiovascular disease has been found in patients with diabetes mellitus and liver transplant recipients. To date, the role of haptoglobin genotype after renal transplantation has not been studied. Methods: In this single-center retrospective cohort study of 1975 adult Norwegian transplant recipients, who underwent transplantation between 1999 and 2011, we estimated the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and overall and death-censored graft loss for patients with haptoglobin genotype 2-2 compared to genotype 2-1 or 1-1, after adjustment for confounders and competing risks. Results: We found no associations between haptoglobin genotype 2-2 and cardiovascular mortality (subdistributional hazard ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 0.78-1.49; P = .63). We also failed to detect any association between haptoglobin 2-2 genotype and all-cause mortality, overall graft loss, and death-censored graft loss. Similar results were found in the subpopulation of transplant recipients with diabetes. Conclusion: In this large cohort of kidney transplant recipients, we could not demonstrate any association between haptoglobin 2-2 genotype and patient or graft survival after renal transplantation.
mtDNA and Native Americans: a Southern perspective.

Bailliet et al.'s (1994) article "Founder Mitochondrial Haplotypes in Amerindian Populations," in this issue of thejournal, magnifies the importance of understanding the genetic links between modern Native American populations, their ties to past populations, and their connections to the aboriginal people of Asia. In particular, human geneticists are now poised to break the circular use of linguistic, dental, and archaeological evidence and accurately dissect the last continental expansion of anatomically modern people. Contrary to expectation that the slow accumulation of evidence from enough loci would eventually resolve contradictions, we see instead that the key to unambiguous results is, once again, the careful attention to how and where populations are sampled (Morton 1993). Although a number of landmark papers in anthropological genetics using new mtDNA markers have appeared in the past 3 years (Ward et al. 1991; Ginther et al. 1993; Horai et al. 1993; Shields et al. 1993; Torroni et al. 1993a, 1993b), the interpretations of these data sets have not been straightforward. At face value, any date 40,000-15,000 years before the present (ybp) is consistent with the arrival of the first Native Americans. Not only did authors publishing about aboriginal Americans disagree on the number of migrations, they also parted company on when people began moving, and from where. Readers here may be relieved to know that their frustration in understanding the extensive dialogue on Native American genetic diversity that has taken place between research laboratories is widely shared among anthropologists and linguists as well (Flemming 1993; Meltzer 1993; Szathmary 1993b): "one could argue, of course, that there have always been foolish people and there always will be" (Flemming 1993, p. 17). If the questions did not interest so many at a variety of levels, we might simply ignore the lack of consensus.