Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Culture-Independent Molecular Analysis of Microbial Constituents of the Healthy Human Outer Ear

ABSTRACT Molecular-phylogenetic sequence analyses have provided a new perspective on microbial communities by allowing the detection and identification of constituent microorganisms in the absence of cultivation. In this study we used broad-specificity amplification of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) genes to survey organisms present in the human outer ear canal. Samples were obtained from 24 individuals, including members of three extended families, in order to survey the resident microbiota and to examine microbial population structures in individuals related by familial or household associations. To examine the stability of the microbial populations, one individual was sampled four times and another twice over a 14-month period. We found that a distinct set of microbial types was present in the majority of the subjects sampled. The two most prevalent rDNA sequence types that were identified in multiple individuals corresponded closely to those of Alloiococcus otitis and Corynebacterium otitidis, commonly thought to be associated exclusively with infections of the middle ear. Our results suggest, therefore, that the outer ear canal may serve as a reservoir for normally commensal microbes that can contribute to pathogenesis upon introduction into the middle ear. Alternatively, culture analyses of diseases of the middle ear may have been confounded by these contaminating commensal organisms.
Green tea quality attributes: a cross-cultural study of consumer perceptions using importance–performance analysis (IPA)

ABSTRACT This study examined consumer perceptions about green tea quality attributes and consumers’ green tea consumption behavior within major green tea-producing and consuming countries including China, Japan, and Korea. Five factors of green tea quality attributes were revealed through the exploratory factor analysis and were analyzed using importance–performance analysis (IPA). Safety, health, and sensory factors perceived by Chinese consumers as being important and well-performed were positioned in the “Keep Up the Good Work” quadrant. Safety and sensory factors were perceived by Japanese and Koreans as being important, but were less-performed and were placed in the “Concentrate Here” quadrant. Japanese and Koreans considered the health factor as less important and less well-performed and were positioned in the “Low Priority” quadrant. The price/utility and production factors were less important by all consumers. Chinese consumers perceived all five factors as performing very well. However, Japanese and Koreans perceived other factors as performing less acceptable except for the production factor for Korean respondents and the price/utility factor for those Japanese respondents. The production factor was the most influential for drinking frequency and spending for green tea in all three countries, also for the amount purchased by Chinese and Japanese consumers.
The Public Sphere in Emerging Infectious Disease Communication: Recipient or Active and Vocal Partner?

ABSTRACT Objective Recent years have seen advances in theories and models of risk and crisis communication, with a focus on emerging epidemic infection. Nevertheless, information flow remains unilateral in many countries and does not take into account the public’s polyvocality and the fact that its opinions and knowledge often “compete” with those of health authorities. This article addresses the challenges organizations face in communicating with the public sphere. Methods Our theoretical approach is conceptualized through a framework that focuses on the public sphere and that builds upon existing guidelines and studies in the context of health and pandemics. We examine how health organizations cope with the public’s transformation from recipients to an active and vocal entity, ie, how and to what extent health organizations address the public’s anxiety and concerns arising in the social media during outbreaks. Results Although international organizations have aspired to relate to the public as a partner, this article identifies notable gaps. Conclusions Organizations must involve the public throughout the crisis and conduct dialogues free of prejudices, paternalism, and preconceptions. Thereby, they can impart precise and updated information reflecting uncertainty and considering cultural differences to build trust and facilitate cooperation with the public sphere. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:447–458)
Sero-epidemiology of sporadic acute hepatitis in Bangladesh: high prevalences of infection with type-B, type-E and multiple types of hepatitis virus

Abstract In a recent investigation of hepatitis in Bangladesh, the sera from 74 adult patients (aged 15–67 years) who had been clinically diagnosed as cases of sporadic acute hepatitis were collected at various hospitals in and around Dhaka. Five cases were positive for IgM antibody against the hepatitis A virus and 30 were positive both for the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and for IgM antibody against the HBV core (HBc). The six cases found positive for antibodies against the hepatitis D virus were all also positive for the HBV surface antigen but negative for anti-HBc IgM. Thirteen patients harboured hepatitis C virus RNA and 29 were positive for IgM antibody against the hepatitis E virus (HEV). There were 14 non-A-to-E subjects, whose illness was of unknown aetiology. Of the 83 infections with hepatitis viruses detected in the other 60 patients, 6%, 36%, 16%, 7% and 35% were of types A, B, C, D and E, respectively. Each of 28 of the patients (47% of those confirmed to have viral hepatitis) had concomitant infection with more than one type of hepatitis virus. The predominance of HBV and HEV infections and the high prevalence of multiple infection seen among these Bangladeshi cases have not been observed among hepatitis cases in developed countries.
Cytokine production, serum levels and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE T cell abnormalities, B cell hyperactivity and abnormal cytokine production have been implicated to be of pathogenic importance in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to investigate if ongoing production and serum levels of type 1 and 2 cytokines reflect disease activity and the presence of organ manifestations. METHODS Fifty-two SLE patients and 29 healthy individuals were investigated. Blood samples were collected for assessment of anti-ds DNA antibodies, cytokine production and serum cytokine levels. Disease activity was simultaneously assessed using the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM) index and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). ELISPOT analysis of freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was used to estimate the production of cytokines (gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6 and IL-10) using both unstimulated cells and cells stimulated with the T cell mitogen phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). Serum levels of IL-10 were determined using an ELISA method, serum levels of IL-6 were determined using a bioassay and anti-ds DNA antibodies were analysed by immunofluorescence. RESULTS The SLE patient group had significantly increased numbers of cells spontaneously producing IL-10 and IL-6 as compared to healthy controls (P = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). The number of cells producing IL-10 and IL-6 after PHA-stimulation was also increased in SLE patients (P = 0.01 and < 0.0004, respectively). Serum IL-10 and IL-6 levels were also significantly increased in SLE patients (P < 0.0004 and 0.0005, respectively). Serum IL-10 levels correlated with the titre of anti-ds DNA antibodies in the patients. No correlation was found between disease activity or clinical profiles and the production or serum levels of cytokines except for a weak correlation (not statistically significant) between levels of IL-10 in the sera and disease activity as measured by the SLEDAI but not by the SLAM index. CONCLUSION Our results confirm earlier reports that SLE patients have an increased production as well as increased serum levels of the type 2 cytokines IL-10 and IL-6. We found no significant correlation between IL-6 and IL-10 and disease activity or clinical profiles. Serum IL-10 levels correlated with the titre of anti-ds DNA antibodies in the SLE patients. In summary, our result indicate that the increased IL-10 production in SLE could be constitutive.
Inflammatory conditions distinctively alter immunological functions of Langerhans‐like cells and dendritic cells in vitro

The specific function of human skin‐resident dendritic cell (DC) subsets in the regulation of immunity or tolerance is still a matter of debate. Langerhans cells (LC) induce anti‐viral immune responses but, conversely to dermal DC, maintain tolerance to bacteria. However, the definite function of epidermal LC and cutaneous DC appears even more complex under inflammatory conditions. Here we investigated the immune responses of human immature monocyte‐derived DC (MoDC) and LC‐like cells (MoLC) upon stimulation with different Toll‐like receptor ligands in the presence or absence of pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). In MoDC, bacterial antigens selectively up‐regulated CD83 and CD86 expression and induced the release of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 cytokines and led to a higher CCR7‐dependent migratory capacity compared with a low responsiveness of MoLC. Importantly, MoLC activation with lipopolysaccharide under inflammatory conditions strongly enhanced a phenotypically mature state, increased IL‐12p70, IL‐23 and IL‐6 production and Th1 cytokine secretion by CD4+ T cells. Treatment with poly(I:C) specifically up‐regulated surface expression of co‐stimulatory molecules and increased release of IL‐12p70 in MoLC and co‐stimulation with TNF‐α and IL‐1β further elevated Th1 and Th17 cytokine production. Poly(I:C)‐induced up‐regulation of type I interferon mRNA levels in MoLC and MoDC was Toll‐like receptor 3‐dependent but not, or only weakly, modulated by pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Our results indicate that inflammatory conditions greatly facilitate recognition of bacteria by MoLC. Furthermore, we suggest a critical involvement of both subsets in innate defence against viruses, whereas inflammatory skin environments additionally favour MoLC as potent inducers of Th1 and Th17 cytokines.
The effect of recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven™) in healthy volunteers receiving acenocoumarol to an International Normalized Ratio above 2.0

Vitamin K antagonists are most commonly used in long-term thrombosis prophylaxis and the use in patients with cardiovascular disease seems to be increasing. By interfering with the normal hemostatic mechanism, an increased risk of bleeding will arise and administration of human plasma or prothrombin complex concentrates may be necessary. It can be difficult to normalize hemostasis using plasma and prothrombin complex concentrates, because these may be associated with thromboembolic side-effects. The level of factor VII, one of the vitamin-K-dependent coagulation factors, decreases during oral anticoagulant therapy and the administration of recombinant factor Vila normalizes the prolonged prothrombin time in warfarin-treated rats. After administration of acenocoumarol (International Normalized Ratio > 2), decreased levels of factor X and factor IX (19–46%), protein C (2–20%) and factor VII (4–17%) were found in 28 healthy volunteers. After one dose of recombinant factor Vila (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 120, 160, 240, or 320 μg/kg) the International Normalized Ratio and prothrombin time normalized, which may imply an effect on bleeding in individuals receiving oral anticoagulant therapy. The lowest dose (5μg/kg) normalized the International Normalized Ratio for 12 h and doses > 120 μg/kg normalized it for 24 h. Fragment 1+2 stayed within its normal range in all dose groups, indicating that no systemic coagulation occurred.
Natural Killer Dendritic Cells Have Both Antigen Presenting and Lytic Function and in Response to CpG Produce IFN-γ via Autocrine IL-121

We have isolated rare cells bearing the NK cell surface marker NK1.1, as well as the dendritic cell (DC) marker CD11c, from the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, and thymus of normal mice. These cells possess both NK cell and DC function because they can lyse tumor cells and subsequently present Ags to naive Ag-specific T cells. Interestingly, in response to IL-4 plus either IL-2 or CpG, NKDC produce more IFN-γ than do DC, or even NK cells. We determined that CpG, but not IL-2, induces NKDC to secrete IFN-γ via the autocrine effects of IL-12. In vivo, CpG dramatically increases the number of NKDC. Furthermore, NKDC induce greater Ag-specific T cell activation than do DC after adoptive transfer. Their unique ability to lyse tumor cells, present Ags, and secrete inflammatory cytokines suggests that NKDC may play a crucial role in linking innate and adaptive immunity.
Distamycin A affects the stability of NF‐κB p50‐DNA complexes in a sequence‐dependent manner

The effect of two different DNA minor groove binding molecules, Hoechst 33258 and distamycin A, on the binding kinetics of NF‐κB p50 to three different specific DNA sequences was studied at various salt concentrations. Distamycin A was shown to significantly increase the dissociation rate constant of p50 from the sequences PRDII (5′‐GGGAAATTCC‐3′) and Ig‐κ B (5′‐GGGACTTTCC‐3′) but had a negligible effect on the dissociation from the palindromic target‐κB binding site (5′‐GGGAATTCCC‐3′). By comparison, the effect of Hoechst 33258 on binding of p50 to each sequence was found to be minimal. The dissociation rates for the protein–DNA complexes increased at higher potassium chloride concentrations for the PRDII and Ig‐κB binding motifs and this effect was magnified by distamycin A. In contrast, p50 bound to the palindromic target‐κB site with a much higher intrinsic affinity and exhibited a significantly reduced salt dependence of binding over the ionic strength range studied, retaining a KD of less than 10 pM at 150 mM KCl. Our results demonstrate that the DNA binding kinetics of p50 and their salt dependence is strongly sequence‐dependent and, in addition, that the binding of p50 to DNA can be influenced by the addition of minor groove‐binding drugs in a sequence‐dependent manner. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cities and Economic Development: The Chinese Experience

This thesis investigates the proximate determinants of the observed differences in levels and growth rates of output per worker across the 69 major cities in China during 1994-2010, and asks the following two questions to develop a better understanding of the regional economic development and growth in the second largest economy of the world: (i) Why are some cities so much richer than others? (ii) What drives economic growth in Chinese cities? I utilise growth and development accounting approaches to answer these questions. I find that growth in the first-tier cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen) enjoy the highest contribution from total factor productivity (TFP) growth. I find a clear distinction between Tier-1 cities and the rest. In terms of growth rates, growth in Tier-1 cities is driven primarily by TFP growth. On the other hand, TFP growth contributes a lot less to growth in Tier-2 and 3 cities. Growth in Tier-2 and 3 cities depends overwhelmingly on accumulation of physical capital. Rapid accumulation of physical capital in Tier-2 cities has not closed the gap in income levels between them and Tier-1 cities. Similarly, growth in human capital has played a minor role. In terms of income levels, I find that TFP levels are highly correlated with income levels in 2010. I also find a declining role of variation in factor endowments in explaining variation in income levels. My results cast doubt on the long-run sustainability of growth in the secondand the third-tier cities as they have relied too much on physical capital deepening. In order to avoid a growth slow-down in the future, Chinese cities should focus more on improving productivity and less on capital deepening. Productivity growth is not only crucial for the sustainability of economic reform programs in the short term but also a major factor for China to converge to per capita income levels in developed countries in the long term.
Local-Global Tensions: Professional Experience, Role Perceptions and Image Production of Afghan Photojournalists Working for a Global Audience

LOCAL-GLOBAL TENSIONS: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, ROLE PERCEPTIONS AND IMAGE PRODUCTION OF AFGHAN PHOTOJOURNALISTS WORKING FOR A GLOBAL AUDIENCE There is growing academic recognition of the role of local news-makers who produce news for a global audience. Existing research has focused on local journalists and fixers engaged in international news-making, but not local professional photojournalists. This thesis explores the work of local photojournalists in Afghanistan who produce images for a global audience in Afghanistan. Eighteen such Afghan photojournalists were interviewed. Through thematic analysis of the interview data, local-global tensions were located in the perceptions of the photojournalists regarding three aspects of their work – professional experiences, professional roles, and image production. Regarding the first, the Afghan photojournalists perceived that they faced more physical dangers, as well as other material and intangible disadvantages compared to international photojournalists. Regarding the second, the professional role perceptions of the respondents as producers of objective/aesthetic news images was found to be negotiated with their perceptions of being visual interlocutors of Afghanistan to the world. Regarding their image production, the photojournalists’ accounts showed both direct and indirect international influences on images they produce as well as local influences – their knowledge and familiarity to Afghanistan and identity as Afghans. In this context, the respondents perceived that international news media’s depictions of Afghanistan were biased towards image-subjects which, with one exception, do not match with image-subjects they would prefer to show to international audiences. To match these responses regarding image-subjects to actual images produced by Afghan photojournalists, the respondents’ preferences were compared with the image-subjects present in a purposive sample of images of Afghanistan produced by Afghan photojournalists for an international audience. The comparison showed that the respondents’ preferences largely corresponded with the image-subjects in the chosen sample. Based on all of these different findings, the thesis offers an overall understanding of the interplay of the local and the global in the Afghan local-global photojournalists’ perceptions of their work and images. Finally, the thesis discusses how this research adds to the growing body of academic research on the
Intelligent classification in medical data

Most of the health care companies have shown their efforts in putting their patients' record properly. The patients' record would be very useful in discovering knowledge and identifying patterns, such as for disease detection. In order to exercise pattern identification task, we chose medical dataset from UCI as our preliminary study. We focused our experiment in performing intelligent classification methods in medical data. This paper discusses the result for comparative study of classification methods in seven medical datasets. We measure the accuracy of the classifiers for evaluation. Subsequently, the classification method that has the potential to significantly improve the common methods will be suggested for the use in future studies.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Affects Markers of Inflammation and Muscle Damage After Eccentric Exercise

Abstract DiLorenzo, FM, Drager, CJ, and Rankin, JW. Docosahexaenoic acid affects markers of inflammation and muscle damage after eccentric exercise. J Strength Cond Res 28(10): 2768–2774, 2014—The effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on inflammatory and muscle damage response to acute eccentric exercise and to the subsequent initiation of a resistance training program was studied in 41 untrained men. Subjects consumed either 2 g·d−1 of either DHA or placebo (PL) for 28 days before a 17-day exercise phase (day 1 to day 17) that began with an eccentric exercise bout of the elbow flexors (day 1). For analysis, the exercise period was further divided into an acute response phase (day 1–4). Isometric muscle strength (STR), range of motion (ROM), and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were measured on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 12, and 17. Fasted blood was measured for interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 receptor antagonist, C-reactive protein (CRP), and creatine kinase (CK) on days 1, 2, and 4. Serum CK and CRP were also measured in blood collected on days 7, 12, and 17. In the acute phase, DHA significantly reduced the serum CK (12.5%) and the IL-6 response (32%) but did not affect STR or DOMS. Over the entire 17-day resistance exercise period, DOMS area under the curve was 183.2 ± 96.2 for DHA and 203.2 ± 120.9 for PL (p = 0.054) and the CK response was numerically lower for DHA (p = 0.093). Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation reduced some but not all indicators of muscle damage and inflammation in the 4 days after an acute eccentric exercise bout but did not significantly affect the response to initiation of resistance exercise.
Determinants of Dividends Payout and Policy Used In Emerging Economies: Evidence from Turkey

The study is focused on the determinants of dividends payout and policy in the emerging economies, as the sector is too significant and gets more attention from large number of researchers in financial area as well as accounting because of its contribution in the economy. The scope of the study went throughout 2005 to 2016 years, the selected time was theoretically analyzed and studied to understand determinant of dividends payout and policy used in emerging economies in comparison to countries with emerged economy. The study used Turkey to represent emerging economies since it is among the fast growing economy despite political and economic issues it goes through. The study theoretically confirmed that size level, profitability size, retained earnings, net income, and debt level are the determinants of dividends payout and policy and are some of the significant factors. Additionally, through these factors we identified that emerging economies use unstable policies in comparison to developed economies. This study is too significant to investors since it will assist them to understand features of financial markets and companies listed or trading in those financial markets. Furthermore, the paper will assist financial managers to comprehend the significance of factors such as net income, cash balance, retained earnings and companiesi¯ profitability in the process of dividend payments whilst maintaining stable financial position of the business.