Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sflt-1 in heart failure: relation with disease severity and biomarkers

Abstract Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) is an endogenous inhibitor of endothelial growth factors, such as placental growth factor (PlGF), which modulates cardiovascular (CV) remodeling. We determine sFlt-1 levels in patients with heart failure (HF) and its relationship to adverse cardiovascular (CV) events and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. Levels of sFlt-1 and PlGF levels were also determined in healthy volunteers and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). SFlt-1 and PlGF were clearly increased in HF patients in comparison to T2DM patients or healthy subjects (p < 0.01). Concentration of sFlt-1 was related to HF severity (p < 0.001) and was correlated to NT-proBNP (ρ = 0.37, p < 0.01), soluble ST2 (ρ = 0.52, p < 0.01), Galectin-3 (ρ = 0.38, p < 0.01), aldosterone (ρ = 0.25, p = 0.01) and PTH(1–84) (ρ = 0.38, p < 0.01). Furthermore, sFlt-1 levels were associated to long-term CV risk. These results suggest a potential role of sFlt-1 in HF and its potential role as biomarker of CV risk.
Characteristics and Sexually Transmitted Diseases of Male Rural Migrants in a Metropolitan Area of Eastern China

Goal: The goal of this study was to identify the correlates and determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among male rural migrants in Shanghai, China. Study: The authors conducted a community-based cross-sectional study with an anonymous questionnaire interview and collection of blood and first-void urine samples for STD screening. Results: One thousand eighty-six (85.3%) of 1273 male rural migrants approached were interviewed. Among the 986 sexually active migrants, the prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis was 3.5%, 0.5%, and 1.0%, respectively. None were infected with HIV. The prevalence of STDs was 3.2% for construction workers, 5.6% for market vendors, and 5.6% for factory workers. Risk factors for STDs were longer duration in Shanghai, frequent hometown visits, having multiple sex partners, and the desire to have multiple sex partners. Conclusions: The prevalence of STDs among male rural migrants is relatively low. Maintaining the current low prevalence can reduce the risk of an HIV epidemic among Shanghai migrants, but prevention messages need to be tailored to the low level of literacy in many migrants.
Risks associated with corporate social media communication - time for internal auditing to step-up

Various case studies highlight the negative effect corporate social media communication risks have on organisations. In this study, the risk associated with corporate social media communication in organisations is investigated. The extent of internal auditing's involvement to assist management in evaluating and mitigating the risks that such communication poses is also explored. The study revealed that organisations' brand and reputation is the most important risk. A significant number (33%) of respondents indicated that risk of social media communication were not included in their organization's internal audit universe. The majority indicated that internal auditing did not evaluate or was not trained to evaluate the effectiveness of corporate social media communication controls. The results of this study revealed that there are opportunities for internal auditing to focus its efforts on becoming involved in evaluating risks relating to corporate social media communication.
Human capital as a location factor

This paper examines the role of human capital as a location factor in the context of long‐distance firm relocations. Using rich register data on single‐plant firms in the Netherlands 2006–2011, the paper enquires into whether relocation is motivated by the wish to improve the access to employees and the quality of labour force. Not disrupting existing spatial relationships is a prominent consideration of relocating firms, yet in general, relocation does not result in a better spatial match. Some evidence is found for firm‐specific human capital functioning as a keep factor. Relocating firms retain predominantly highly skilled employees, but general human capital itself functions neither as a keep factor nor as a pull factor. Este articulo examina el papel del capital humano como un factor de localizacion en el contexto de las deslocalizaciones de larga distancia de las empresas. A partir de datos de calidad de registro de empresas de una sola planta en los Paises Bajos entre 2006‐2011, el articulo se pregunta si la reubicacion esta motivada por el deseo de mejorar el acceso para los empleados y la calidad de la mano de obra. La no interrupcion de las relaciones espaciales existentes es una consideracion importante a la hora de deslocalizar empresas pero, en general, la reubicacion no se traduce en una mejor adecuacion espacial. Se encontraron algunas pruebas del funcionamiento del capital humano especifico de las empresas como factor de permanencia. Las empresas que se trasladan retienen predominantemente los empleados altamente cualificados, pero el capital humano en general no funciona ni como factor de permanencia ni como factor de atraccion. 本稿では、企業の長距離移転における立地の決定要因としての人的資本の役割を検討する。 2006年から2011年のオランダにおける単一の生産拠点をもつ企業に関する豊富な登録データを用いて、従業員の通勤と労働力の質を改善・向上することを目指して移転が行われるかどうかを検討する。 空間的な関係性を壊さないことが移転企業にとっての重要な検討事項であるが、概して、移転によっては空間的マッチングが改善されることはない。 キープ要因(keep factor)として機能する企業特異的な人的資本に関するいくつかのエビデンスが認められる。 移転を行う企業は、主に技能の優れた従業員を保持するが、一般的な人的資本そのものは、キープ要因としてもプル要因としても、いずれにも機能していないのである。
Economic Issues In Information Systems Implementation In Local Government

Governments invest huge amounts of money in planning, procuring and implementing ICTs to automate public administration processes. Yet project failures occur which adversely affects the citizens who are also tax payers. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the issues that hinder the successful implementation of information systems in a local government entity. Qualitative method was employed and data were collected through repeated interviews for content and pattern analyses. The economic issue was one of the four main themes that emerged when data saturation has been reached. The sub-issues or patterns that fall under this theme were: strategic planning, budgeting, timeframe and scheduling, contracts, and external consultants and outsourcing. Identification of these issues would allow for a better comprehension and planning of any information systems in a government entity. The sub-issues can be converted to key indicators to ensure project success within the economic parameters and subsequently, reap the return of investment.
Temporary loss of perivascular aquaporin-4 in neocortex after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice

The aquaporin-4 (AQP4) pool in the perivascular astrocyte membranes has been shown to be critically involved in the formation and dissolution of brain edema. Cerebral edema is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in stroke. It is therefore essential to know whether the perivascular pool of AQP4 is up- or down-regulated after an ischemic insult, because such changes would determine the time course of edema formation. Here we demonstrate by quantitative immunogold cytochemistry that the ischemic striatum and neocortex show distinct patterns of AQP4 expression in the reperfusion phase after 90 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion. The striatal core displays a loss of perivascular AQP4 at 24 hr of reperfusion with no sign of subsequent recovery. The most affected part of the cortex also exhibits loss of perivascular AQP4. This loss is of magnitude similar to that of the striatal core, but it shows a partial recovery toward 72 hr of reperfusion. By freeze fracture we show that the loss of perivascular AQP4 is associated with the disappearance of the square lattices of particles that normally are distinct features of the perivascular astrocyte membrane. The cortical border zone differs from the central part of the ischemic lesion by showing no loss of perivascular AQP4 at 24 hr of reperfusion but rather a slight increase. These data indicate that the size of the AQP4 pool that controls the exchange of fluid between brain and blood during edema formation and dissolution is subject to large and region-specific changes in the reperfusion phase.
Management of Abnormal Vaginal Flora as a Risk Factor for Preterm Birth

Prevention of preterm birth remains a major challenge in obstetrics. While over the years a lot of attention has been given to the structural deficiencies, like uterine abnormalities, or ‘weak’ or ‘insufficient’ cervix, during the last decades the importance of ascending infection as a possible cause of preterm birth, preterm rupture of the membranes and intrauterine infection has become increasingly evident (Martius & Eschenbach, 1990). The earlier the preterm labor starts, the higher the likelihood an underlying chorio-amnionitis will be found. While for term deliveries the risk of chorio-amnionitis is around 1%,it is more than 45% in preterm deliveries (Scherman et al., 1997). The damage intrauterine infection causes to the fetus is not limited to the complications and sequels of being born preterm, but also is due to brain damage, like intraor peri-ventricular hemorrhages and cerebral palsy, caused by the inflammatory reaction due to infection (Romero et al., 2007). Furthermore, such gestational ascending infections may cause maternal complications like sepsis, septic arthritis, maternal respiratory distress (Garland et al., 2002). Bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnancy has an acknowledged increased risk of preterm delivery, but treatment with metronidazole is not beneficial, and if anything, harmful for the pregnancy. Use of broader spectrum antibiotics like clindamycin, or combination antibiotherapy, have shown better results, but still not all studies are in agreement with this. Therefore, critical reappraisal of the prevailing data are crucial, and new studies may need to incorporate new findings and insights. For one, the diagnostic accuracy needs to be refined, as it became increasingly clear that aerobic pathogens and the inflammation caused by aerobic vaginitis (AV), may play a more important role than previously thought. In recent studies meticulously discriminating these differences between BV, AV and mixed AV-BV flora by phase contrast microscopy, it became evident that not only BV may be primarily associated to intrauterine growth restriction and preterm birth, but also the aerobic component may lead to inflammatory reactions in placenta, amniotic fluid and fetus, preterm rupture of the membranes and preterm birth. In this review, emphasis is placed on the most crucial differential diagnostic characteristics, and the treatment adjustments these findings require. Part of this review has been published in the British Journal of Gynecology (Donders et al, 2011).
Patient Expectations of Quality of Life Following Lumbar Spinal Surgery

&NA; Spinal surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the United States. In 2003, almost 450,000 cases were performed for problems related to lumbar herniated disks, stenosis, and degenerative changes. It has been reported that patient expectations play a role in perceived quality of life (QOL). Because surgery is frequently a last resort for patients with spinal disease, patients often have high expectations of their outcomes of surgery. Patient expectations of surgical outcome may play an important role in recovery and perceived QOL. The research on patient expectations of surgery in the spinal surgery literature is limited. This study examined the relationships between perceived QOL, expectations, and level of optimism. A sample of 57 patients completed questionnaires designed to measure perceived QOL, expectations, and optimism before lumbar spinal surgery and 3 months after surgery. The major findings of the study are as follows: (a) patients with higher degrees of optimism reported better perceived QOL; (b) increased fulfillment of expectations was associated with better postoperative QOL; and (c) both expectations and level of optimism were significant predictors of postoperative QOL. These findings will help nurses better understand how patients' expectations can affect their perceived QOL while recovering from lumbar spinal surgery.
Photosynthetic characterization of a rolled leaf mutant of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A new rolling leaf rice mutant was identified which showed an apparently straighter longitudinal shape normal transverse rolling characters at all developing stages. The chlorophyll contents per fresh weight of this mutant leaves were lower than those of wild-type. The electron transfer rate (ETR) and photochemical quenching (qP) were a little higher than those of wild-type. However, because of significant increase of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), the maximal photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (Fv/Fm) and the efficiency of excitation energy trapping by open PSII reaction centers in the light–adapted state (Fv’/Fm’) were lower than those of wild-type. Low temperature fluorescence analysis showed that rolling leaf mutant assigned more excited energy to photosystem I (PSI) than to PSII. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) content, soluble sugar content, proline content and malonaldehyde (MDA) content of the rolling leaf mutant were nearly 39.4, 91.2, 96.7 and 143.7% of those of wild-type, respectively. The great increase of MDA content suggests that membrane lipid system was damaged in rolling leaf mutant leaves. These results indicate that rolling leaf mutant decrease the efficiency of light utilization compared to the wild-type. This was because of the reduction of leaf area and chlorophyll contents, and the dissipation of more excitation energy as NPQ as a result of avoiding potential damage of membrane structure.
Effect of rifampin and oxacillin on the ultrastructure and growth of Staphylococcus aureus.

The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of rifampin for 12 strains of Staphylococcus aureus ranged from 0.005 microgram/ml to 0.02 microgram/ml, and the minimal antibiotic concentrations (i.e., those that inhibited growth by 90% in comparison with control values) ranged from one-fifth to one-half the MICs. Rifampin alone produced a 1-log (90%) decrease in the staphylococcal population after incubation for 6.5 hr, and the inhibitory effect after removal of the antibiotic lasted for 5 hr. Regardless of whether rifampin was used simultaneously with, before, or after exposure to oxacillin, the latter drug partially or totally prevented the overgrowth of rifampin-resistant staphylococci. The use of this combination in therapy is therefore justified. Staphylococci exposed to rifampin at concentrations equal to three or 20 times the MIC developed a cell wall that was four times thicker than normal and had a peripheral undulated dense layer. The cross walls were also two to 10 times thicker than normal but had a normal central dense zone. Exposure of staphylococci to oxacillin produced large cells with multiple cross walls that underwent autolysis when the organisms were transferred to drug-free medium. When exposure to oxacillin was preceded by exposure to rifampin, cells did not become enlarged. When the large cells produced by oxacillin were transferred to medium containing rifampin, the cross walls did not lyse.
The Chandra Deep Field North Survey. X. X-Ray Emission from Very Red Objects

The multiwavelength properties of very red objects [VROs; (I-K) ≥ 4] are largely unknown since many of these sources are optically faint (I ≥ 24) and undetected at most wavelengths. Here we provide constraints on the X-ray (0.5–8.0 keV) properties of VROs using the 1 Ms Chandra exposure of an 8. ′4 × 8. ′4 region within the Hawaii flanking-field area containing the Hubble Deep Field North (HDF-N). We find that VROs detected in the hard band (2.0–8.0 keV) have flat X-ray spectral slopes (Γ ≈ 0.9) and X-ray properties consistent with those expected from luminous obscured AGNs. The fraction of such sources in the K ≤ 20.1 VRO population is 14%. Conversely, the average X-ray spectral slope of VROs detected in the soft band (0.5–2.0 keV) but not in the hard band is comparatively steep (Γ > 1.4), and the X-ray emission from these sources is consistent with that expected from less energetic processes (i.e., star formation, low-luminosity AGN activity, normal elliptical galaxy emission); star formation and low-luminosity AGN activity scenarios are favored in those sources with irregular optical morphologies. Stacking analyses of the X-ray emission from VROs not individually detected at X-ray energies yield significant detections (≥99% confidence level) in the soft band and in the full band (0.5–8.0 keV). We find this X-ray emission is produced predominantly by the optically brightest VROs. The simplest explanation of this result is that we have detected the average X-ray emission from nonactive VROs with low X-ray–to–optical flux ratios [log (fx/fI) ≈ -2]; this is consistent with that expected if the majority of these VROs are ≈M elliptical galaxies. A number of VROs are also detected with mid-infrared (15 μm) and radio emission, and we provide constraints on the nature of this emission.
Prevalence and characteristics of cytolethal distending toxin‐producing Escherichia coli from children with diarrhea in Japan

In the present study, we examined the prevalence and characteristics of CTEC among diarrheal children in Japan during a year‐long surveillance study. A PCR‐RFLP assay for the detection and differentiation of five types of E. coli cdtB gene (types I through V) was developed, and 362 stool specimens collected from patients reporting to pediatric departments in two hospitals were analyzed. Of the 35 samples (9.7%) that were positive for the cdtB gene, 21 were positive for cdt‐I, three for cdt‐II, four for cdt‐III, three for cdt‐IV and four samples were positive for cdt‐V, as determined by different molecular techniques. The recovery of CTEC having cdt alleles was a little less, which included 19 with cdt‐I, one cdt‐II, three cdt‐III, three cdt‐IV and four with cdt‐V. Among 30 CTEC strains isolated, the majority of them (43%) belonged to serogroup O2. The other virulence genes such as astA, cnf1, eaeA, cnf2 and bfpA genes were detected in 14 (47%), 11 (37%), four (13%), three (10%) and one (3.3%) strains of CTEC, respectively. However, the other common virulence‐associated genes specific for DEC were not detected in these strains. Interestingly, an untypable cdt gene was detected by PCR‐RFLP in Providencia alcalifaciens. Our data indicate that CTEC may be associated with diarrheal children in Japan and most of them do not belong to a conventional enteropathogenic pathovar and thus differ from strains isolated in developing countries.
The Determination of Knowledge, Applications and Health Beliefs of Third- and Fourth-Grade Nursing Students Regarding Breast Self-Exam.

OBJECTIVE Breast Self-Exam (BSE) is a screening method for the early diagnosis of breast cancer in young women. However, the knowledge and applications of the students related to Breast Self-Exam (BSE) are insufficient. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, application and health beliefs of the students related to BSE. MATERIALS AND METHODS This descriptive study's sample consisted of 127 third and fourth grade students in the Nursing Department. Socio-demographic Form, Breast Cancer Knowledge Form, Health Belief Model Scale and BSE Checklist were used in order to collect the data. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS Although most of the students have knowledge about BSE, the frequency of BSE and CBE were found to be low. The fourth grade students were more confident that they applied BSE correctly and their perceived self-efficacy was higher, but their perceived susceptibility and perceived obstacles were lower (p<.05). The students' knowledge level about BSE was moderate and their BSE proficiency was low. It was found out that there was a statistical difference between BSE knowledge level and perceived susceptibility, health motivation, perceived obstacles and perceived self-efficacy. Also, a statistical difference was found between students' being sure that they applied BSE correctly and perceived obstacles and perceived self-efficacy (p<.05). CONCLUSION These findings lead to the idea that special training programs should be held instead of standard trainings, in order to improve the knowledge, skills, applications and health beliefs of the students regarding BSE. The curriculums should be revised in terms of breast cancer education.
Variations in several morphological characteristics and Cd/Pb accumulation capacities among different ecotypes of torpedograss responding to Cd-Pb stresses

ABSTRACT Torpedograss (Panicum repens) has been recognized as an useful plant species for phytoremediation of water-level-fluctuation zones, which is a worldwide challenge. In this study, 10 ecotypes collected from tropical zone and flooded habitats (Group A) and subtropical zone and drought habitats (Group B) were used to clarify their responses to Cd-Pb stresses and effects of long-term adaptation on their morphological features and Cd-Pb accumulation capacities. Branch capacity, shoot and root biomasses of Group A under control were smaller than those of Group B, while the opposite results were observed under Cd-Pb stresses. The average plant shoot Cd concentrations of Group A under L-Cd-Pb and H-Cd-Pb were 24.84 and 52.38 mg kg−1, respectively, significantly lower than those of Group B (36.81 and 67.60 mg kg−1), while the variation among each group was insignificant, suggesting that habitat isolation and long-term adaptation may have led to differentiation in morphological features and metal uptake capacity. Torpedograss possesses high tolerance to Cd-Pb toxicities, and those ecotypes with larger biomass had higher Cd-Pb accumulation capacities. Torpedograss is a potential plant species for Cd phytoremediation and approximately 16 years would be required to clean soil contained by Cd as high as 10 mg kg−1 using the selected torpedograss ecotypes.
Sponsorship networks: toward an innovative model

Purpose Sponsorship rarely occurs in a one sponsor-one sponsee dyad (single sponsorship), yet a large portion of sponsorship research takes this perspective. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model that reflects the complexity and rich diversity inherent in the field. The sponsorship network model considers the plurality of stakeholders to a sponsorship and their potential relationships to each other. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper develops a theoretical and conceptual framework to better identify the effect of sponsorship networks on consumer behavior. Findings Based on a review of the multiple sponsorships literature, the authors propose an innovative theoretical framework and a set of research propositions. The model considers simultaneously the potential relations between sponsors, sponsees and ambushers at the cognitive, affective and conative levels. Originality/value This research emphasizes the managerial implications for stakeholders involved in sponsorship and ambush marketing actions in order to maximize their investment. The model provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of sponsorship networks and their ability to influence consumer behaviors. These effects are more complex than is currently recognized.