Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Causal Nexus between Exports and Economic Growth: Evidence on the Role of Omitted Variables

Over the past two decades, the export-growth nexus has been extensively investigated yielding to inconclusive findings. Most of existing studies used a bivariate framework ignoring the role of other relevant variables. This study re-examines the nexus for 12 African countries by incorporating capital, labor, and imports into the analysis. The results are sensitive to the inclusion of controlling variables. Within the bivariate framework, we found longrun relationships between export and output in eight countries and the export-led growth hypothesis holds in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. However, when capital, labor and imports are controlled for, the results show long-run relationships among the variables in all countries and the export-led growth hypothesis holds in Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa. These results highlight the risk of misleading conclusions based on bivariate models.
What treatment packages do UK physiotherapists use to treat postural control and mobility problems after stroke?

Objective. The aim of this study was to identify the treatment packages (combinations of interventions) used to treat postural control and mobility problems for patients with stroke. Method. A convenience sample of 74 physiotherapists from 34 National Health Service hospitals recorded the interventions used to treat postural control and mobility problems for 251 patients with stroke in 1156 treatment sessions using the Stroke Physiotherapy Intervention Recording Tool (Tyson and Selley, Disabil Rehabil 2004;26:1184 – 1188). Descriptive statistics assessed the frequency with which the interventions were used and geometric coding indentified treatment packages. Results. The most frequently used interventions involved facilitation, practice of activities and their components and mobilisations. The least frequently used interventions involved the provision of equipment, teaching carers or professionals and exercise. Two treatment packages were identified; one involving the facilitation (of activities and their components) and the other involving whole activities (facilitation and practice). Conclusions. Interventions are often combined in two treatment packages to treat postural control and mobility problems after stroke. One involved facilitation (of whole and component activities) and the other involved practice and facilitation of whole activities. Future research in which conventional or standard UK stroke physiotherapy is delivered should focus on these interventions and exclude atypically used interventions.
Direct immunofluorescence staining for detection of herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus antigens in vesicular lesions and certain tissue specimens

Direct immunofluorescence (IF) staining was compared with virus isolation for detection of herpes simplex viruses (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) directly in clinical materials. These included 199 vesicular lesion specimens and 280 tissue specimens. Correspondence between IF and isolation results was 88% in testing for HSV in lesion specimens and 98% in testing for HSV in various tissue (mostly brain) specimens. Overall, IF was positive for 82% of the specimens in which HSV was demonstrated, and virus was isolated from 89% of the HSV-positive specimens. IF was markedly more sensitive than isolation for demonstrating VZV in lesion and tissue specimens, detecting all of the specimens positive for VZV, whereas isolation detected only 23%. IF detected VZV antigen in a number of lesion specimens taken late after onset, past the time when they would be expected to yield infectious virus. Specificity of positive IF reactions for HSV or VZV in the absence of virus isolation was supported by the facts that (i) staining was obtained with only a single, presumably homologous, immune conjugate, (ii) clinical symptoms were compatible with infection with the virus for which positive IF findings were obtained, and (iii) positive electron microscopy findings for herpesviruses or positive serological results for VZV were also obtained in some instances. Factors to be considered in achieving specificity of IF staining for these human herpesviruses are discussed.
Cohort differences in dementia recognition and treatment indicators among assisted living residents in Maryland: did a change in the resident assessment tool make a difference?

ABSTRACT Background: There is a lack of empirical evidence about the impact of regulations on dementia care quality in assisted living (AL). We examined cohort differences in dementia recognition and treatment indicators between two cohorts of AL residents with dementia, evaluated prior to and following a dementia-related policy modification to more adequately assess memory and behavioral problems. Methods: Cross-sectional comparison of two AL resident cohorts was done (Cohort 1 [evaluated 2001–2003] and Cohort 2 [evaluated 2004–2006]) from the Maryland Assisted Living studies. Initial in-person evaluations of residents with dementia (n = 248) were performed from a random sample of 28 AL facilities in Maryland (physician examination, clinical characteristics, and staff and family recognition of dementia included). Adequacy of dementia workup and treatment was rated by an expert consensus panel. Results: Staff recognition of dementia was better in Cohort 1 than in Cohort 2 (77% vs. 63%, p = 0.011), with no significant differences in family recognition (86% vs. 85%, p = 0.680), or complete treatment ratings (52% vs. 64%, p = 0.060). In adjusted logistic regression, cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms correlated with staff recognition; and cognitive impairment correlated with family recognition. Increased age and cognitive impairment reduced odds of having a complete dementia workup. Odds of having complete dementia treatment was reduced by age and having more depressive symptoms. Cohort was not predictive of dementia recognition or treatment indicators in adjusted models. Conclusions: We noted few cohort differences in dementia care indicators after accounting for covariates, and concluded that rates of dementia recognition and treatment did not appear to change much organically following the policy modifications.
Dual role of RAG2 in V(D)J recombination: catalysis and regulation of ordered Ig gene assembly

Immunoglobulin genes are assembled during lymphoid development by a series of site‐specific rearrangements that are tightly regulated to ensure that functional antibodies are generated in B (but not T) cells and that a unique receptor is present on each cell. Because a common V(D)J recombinase comprising RAG1 and RAG2 proteins is used for both B‐ and T‐cell antigen receptor assembly, lineage‐specific rearrangement must be modulated through differential access to sites of recombination. We show here that the C‐terminus of the RAG2 protein, although dispensable for the basic recombination reaction and for Ig heavy chain DH to JH joining, is essential for efficient VH to DJH rearrangement at the IgH locus. Thus, the RAG2 protein plays a dual role in V(D)J recombination, acting both in catalysis of the reaction and in governing access to particular loci.
Total body phylloquinone and its turnover in human subjects at two levels of vitamin K intake

The aims of this study were to determine the total body phylloquinone and its metabolic turnover in human subjects using a tracer dose of [5-H3]phylloquinone containing 4 MBq/mmol. Seven subjects aged 22 to 49 years were given 0.3 microg isotopic phylloquinone intravenously on a control diet (75 microg phylloquinone/d) and blood, urine and faeces were sampled periodically for 6 d. Five of these subjects were studied a second time after 3-8 weeks on a low-vitamin K diet (8 microg/d). The changes in the radioactivity of plasma phylloquinone with time were analysed by the method of residuals and fitted to a curve composed of two exponential components. The size of the exchangeable body pool was calculated by isotope dilution. Plasma phylloquinone levels fell during vitamin K restriction but the vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors did not change. After injection the first exponential decay curve t1/2 was 1.0 (sd 0.47) h in the subjects on the control diet and 0.49 (sd 0.27) h after vitamin K restriction. On the control diet, the second exponential t1/2 was 27.6 (sd 124) h that did not change on the low-vitamin K diet ( (sd 13.5) h). These results indicate that the turnover time for phylloquinone in human subjects is about 1.5 d. Urinary excretion of 3H-metabolites ranged from 30 % of the administered dose on the control diet to 38 % on the restricted diet and had the same turnover rate as the second component of the plasma decay curves. The exchangeable body pool of phylloquinone declined from about 1.0 microg/kg before restriction to lower values after vitamin K restriction. The faecal excretion of phylloquinone and its metabolites fell from 32 % of the administered dose on the control diet to 13 % on the restricted diet.
Incidences and outcomes of hyperglycemic crises: a 5-year study in a tertiary care center in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE To assess the incidences and outcomes of hyperglycemic crises. MATERIAL AND METHOD A retrospective study of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) admitted to Thammasat Hospital between 2006 and 2010 was performed. Incidences, precipitating causes, clinical and laboratory characteristics, and treatment outcomes of hyperglycemic crises were obtained via medical record review Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors for mortality. RESULTS Eighty-three patients were eligible and included. The mean age was 54.9 +/- 17.7 years old. Most subjects had type 2 DM (86.7%). The 5-year incidence of hyperglycemic crises was 7.46%. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurred more frequently than HHS (4.67% vs. 1.71%). During the hyperglycemic episodes, the mean plasma glucose level on admission was 741.3 +/- 320.8 mg/dL. Infections were the most common precipitating factor [61/83 (73.5%)], followed by non-compliance with treatments [35/83 (42.2%)]. Treatment complications included recurrent hyperglycemia (69.9%), hypokalemia (48.2%), hypernatremia (21.7%), and hypoglycemia (15.7%). The overall mortality rate of hyperglycemic crises was 8.4% (5.8% in DKA, 15.8% in HHS and 8.3% in the overlap of both conditions). The most common causes of death were infections [5/7 (71.4%)]. By multivariate analysis, serum sodium level on admission was independently associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.16, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION Hyperglycemic crises were common in the authors' setting. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurred more frequently but had a lower mortality rate than HHS. Complications from hyperglycemic crisis treatment could be prevented by close monitoring, while high serum sodium level on admission was a predictor for mortality. Strategies to prevent infections and improve treatment compliance are needed to reduce the incidence of hyperglycemic crises among patients with DM.
Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric atrophy and the stages of the oesophageal inflammation, metaplasia, adenocarcinoma sequence: results from the FINBAR case–control study

Objective: A number of studies have shown an inverse association between infection with Helicobacter pylori and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). The mechanism of the apparent protection against OAC by H pylori infection and, in particular, the role of gastric atrophy is disputed. The relationship between all stages of the oesophageal inflammation, metaplasia, adenocarcinoma sequence and H pylori infection and gastric atrophy was explored. Methods: A case–control study involving 260 population controls, 227 OAC, 224 Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) and 230 reflux oesophagitis (RO) patients recruited within Ireland was carried out. H pylori and CagA (cytotoxin-associated gene product A) infection was diagnosed serologically by western blot, and pepsinogen I and II levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Gastric atrophy was defined as a pepsinogen I/II ratio of <3. Results: H pylori seropositivity was inversely associated with OAC, BO and RO; adjusted ORs (95% CIs), 0.49 (0.31 to 0.76), 0.35 (0.22 to 0.56) and 0.42 (0.27 to 0.65), respectively. Gastric atrophy was uncommon (5.3% of all subjects), but was inversely associated with non-junctional OAC, BO and RO; adjusted ORs (95% CIs), 0.34 (0.10 to 1.24), 0.23 (0.05 to 0.96) and 0.27 (0.08 to 0.88), respectively. Inverse associations between H pylori and the disease states remained in gastric atrophy-negative patients. Conclusion: H pylori infection and gastric atrophy are associated with a reduced risk of OAC, BO and RO. While use of the pepsinogen I/II ratio as a marker for gastric atrophy has limitations, these data suggest that although gastric atrophy is involved it may not fully explain the inverse associations observed with H pylori infection.
Does International Migration Promote Industrial Development? Evidence from Africa 1980–2010

ABSTRACT This paper examines mainly how international migration affects industrial development in Africa. Using the migration dataset constructed by Brücker, Capuano and Marfouk in 2013, econometric estimations are implemented on a panel of 45 African countries over the period 1980–2010 based on the generalized method of moment estimators. Our results suggest that on average, emigration affects industrial development in Africa positively and significantly during the period of interest. Both low-skilled and medium-skilled emigrants affect more industrial development. The results also reveal that international financial flows, business networks and scientific networks are the channels through which migration affects industrial development.
The relationship between Islamic indices and commodity markets in Turkey: Evidence Fourier-based approaches

Affecting a significant portion of the world economy, the commodity market is the world’s largest ‘nonfinancial’ market. In addition to the other macroeconomic variables, commodity prices have a special importance for Islamic stock indices, which have improved in recent years because Islamic finance is a financial system based on the profit/loss sharing principle and supports the real sector’s activities. In this study, cointegration and the causality relationship between commodity markets (the Gold ounce and Brent oil) and the Participation-30 Index established by taking Islamic criteria into account were investigated in Turkey. As a result of the analysis, no cointegration relation was found between the Participation-30 Index and the commodity markets. According to these results, an investor investing in gold or oil will, in addition to the Participation-30 Index, diversify its portfolio with this commodity investment and minimize its risk. The fact that there is no relation between the variables according to the causality results indicates that the Participation-30 Islamic Indices’ structure is independent of commodity markets and conventional stock markets.
Adenovirus‐mediated hPNPaseold‐35 gene transfer as a therapeutic strategy for neuroblastoma

Current treatment options for neuroblastoma fail to eradicate the disease in the majority of high‐risk patients, clearly mandating development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Gene therapy represents a promising approach for reversing the neoplastic phenotype or driving tumor cells to self‐destruction. We presently studied the effects of adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer of human polynucleotide phosphorylase (hPNPaseold‐35), a 3′,5′‐exoribonuclease with growth‐inhibitory properties, in neuroblastoma cells. Transgene expression was driven by either the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter or by a tumor‐selective promoter derived from progression elevated gene‐3 (PEG‐3). Our data demonstrate that efficient adenoviral transduction of neuroblastoma cells and robust transgene expression are feasible objectives, that the PEG‐3 promoter is capable of selectively targeting gene expression in the majority of neuroblastoma cells, and that hPNPaseold‐35 induces profound growth suppression and apoptosis of malignant neuroblastoma cells, while exerting limited effects on normal neural crest‐derived melanocytes. These findings support future applications of hPNPaseold‐35 for targeted gene‐based therapy of neuroblastoma and suggest that combination with the PEG‐3 promoter holds promise for creating a potent and selective neuroblastoma therapeutic. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 707–715, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Failure of cyclosporin A to induce transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) synthesis in activated peripheral blood lymphocytes

Abstract: Induction of transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) by the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A (CsA) in activated lymphocytes has been claimed to add to the renal pro‐fibrotic effects of CsA. The aim of this study was to evaluate CsA‐mediated TGF‐β induction in a larger number of lymphocyte preparations from different donors. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were obtained from healthy blood donors. The cells were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin E (PHA) and phorbol ester (tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate, TPA) in the presence or absence of CsA. TGF‐β, interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2) mRNA were detected by Northern blot analysis or by real time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). TGF‐β and IL‐2 protein were determined in the cellular supernatants by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. TGF‐β mRNA and protein were up‐regulated when the cells were stimulated with PHA/TPA. Cyclosporin A at high concentrations (500 ng/mL) caused a transient increase in TGF‐β mRNA which was significant after 2 h. CsA did not induce sustained TGF‐β protein expression (24–72 h) in any of the preparations (n = 14), whereas the up‐regulation of IL‐2 mRNA and protein was prevented by CsA in the same preparations. Furthermore, up‐regulation of Cox‐2 mRNA was inhibited by CsA. Taken together, there was no evidence for TGF‐β as a clinically relevant mediator being induced by CsA in activated peripheral blood T‐lymphocytes.
Effect of seminal plasma on uterine inflammation, contractility and pregnancy rates in mares.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY There is conflicting evidence over the role seminal plasma plays in sperm transport and inflammation within the uterus of mares. In in vitro studies, seminal plasma has been shown to reduce polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function, but the opposite effect on uterine inflammation has been reported in vivo. OBJECTIVES To study the effect of seminal plasma on uterine contractility, inflammation and pregnancy rates by inseminating mares with low doses of sperm free from seminal plasma (Group 1) and containing seminal plasma (Group 2). METHODS Synchronised mares were inseminated with 50 x 10(6) sperm in either skim milk extender or seminal plasma. Uterine lavage was performed 6 h after insemination to assess the inflammatory response. The contraction frequency of the uterus was measured over a 4 min period 10 mins and 6 h after insemination, using B-mode ultrasonography. Pregnancy rates were assessed 16 days after insemination. RESULTS Uterine contractions were less frequent in Group 1 mares inseminated with seminal plasma and significantly more PMNs were found in the lavage fluid of those mares. Pregnancy rates were identical in both groups (62%). CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that seminal plasma decreases uterine contractility and increases the inflammatory response of the uterus to semen. No effect of seminal plasma on pregnancy rates was demonstrated. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Mares that develop persistent mating-induced endometritis may have inherently poor uterine contractility and impaired uterine clearance. The presence of seminal plasma during breeding may not be desirable in these mares. The role of seminal plasma in problem mares warrants additional study.
Undetected malignancies of the breast: dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging at 1.0 T.

PURPOSE To assess the prevalence and characteristics of malignant breast lesions not identified with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Breast tissue specimens were obtained in 464 of 967 patients who had undergone dynamic gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted fast low-angle shot three-dimensional MR imaging of both breasts. A comparison of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the prospectively recorded findings of mammography, ultrasonography (US), and MR imaging with the histopathologic results was performed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. MR imaging examination findings that caused a false-negative diagnosis were reviewed to identify possible sources of error. RESULTS Histopathologic analysis revealed 244 benign and 354 malignant lesions. The sensitivity values for mammography, mammography combined with US, MR imaging alone, and the combination of all three modalities were 73.7%, 88.1%, 88.4%, and 95.5%, and the areas under the ROC curves were 0.744, 0.829, 0.850, and 0.876, respectively. Twenty-eight (8.4%) of 334 invasive and 13 (65%) of 20 intraductal carcinomas were missed with MR imaging. In eight cases, motion artifacts (n = 1), tumor location near or beyond the outer boundary of the field of view (n = 3), inadequate infusion of the contrast material (n = 1), and masking of the tumors by intensively enhanced surrounding glandular tissue (n = 3) were identified as adequate explanations for the false-negative results. The remaining missed breast cancers (n = 33) exhibited very diffuse growth patterns or were 5 mm or smaller. CONCLUSION MR imaging did not depict 41 of 354 malignant tumors for several reasons.
Ursodeoxycholic acid and S-adenosylmethionine in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: a multi-centered randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a special complication of pregnancy characterized by skin pruritus, abnormal liver function tests and bile acids. To compare the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) monotherapy with their combined effect on intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). PATIENTS AND METHODS Singleton pregnancies with ICP in five tertiary medical centers were randomly divided into three treatment groups: oral UDCA 4×250 mg daily (Group 1, n = 41), intravenous SAMe 1000 mg daily (Group 2, n = 38), and a combination of both drugs (Group 3, n = 41) until delivery. Paired t test, analysis of covariance and non-parametric test were used. RESULTS All therapies significantly and equally improved pruritus. The serum levels of total bile acids (TBA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TB) in each group significantly decreased after treatment (p < 0.05). Group 1 was more effective than Group 2 in reducing TBA concentration (p < 0.05), Group 1 and Group 3 showed more effective than Group 2 in reducing AST and TB concentrations (p < 0.05), and Group 1 facilitated deliveries at term. No perinatal death or adverse drug reactions were observed. CONCLUSIONS UDCA and SAMe are both effective and safe in the treatment of ICP. UDCA monotherapy should be used as the first line therapy for ICP because it is more efficacious, cost-effective and convenient.