Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical activity and cancer risk

Evidence is accumulating that high levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of some cancers. This evidence is most consistent for colon cancer, which is reduced by 40–50 % among the most active individuals, compared with the least active. The effect is evident in men and women, and appears to be independent of important confounding factors. However, there may be important interactions with body fatness; a high BMI has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of colon cancer in sedentary men but not in physically-active men. Whilst the evidence on breast cancer is less consistent, case–control studies typically suggest a reduction of 25–30 % among the most active women, although several studies have found no effect. Potential mechanisms include systemic influences and others relevant only to site-specific cancers. One unifying hypothesis is that physical inactivity reduces insulin sensitivity, leading to a growth-promotional environment which may facilitate neoplasia. The non-specific immune system may be improved by physical activity, possibly through the summative effects of repeated exercise bouts. Regular exercise, even at a recreational level, probably reduces exposure to oestrogen and thus decreases the risk of breast cancer. Increased colonic peristalsis, and thus reduced bowel transit time, might partly explain the lower risk of colon cancer in active people. Physical activity emerges as one of the few modifiable risk factors for some cancers and, as such, justifies further study.
Cytologic evidence of corneal diseases with limbal stem cell deficiency.

PURPOSE To determine which human corneal diseases show similar abnormal corneal surfaces, characterized by conjunctival epithelial ingrowth (conjunctivalization), vascularization, and chronic keratitis (i.e., a constellation of signs termed limbal stem cell dysfunction [deficiency], which have been noted in experimental rabbit models). METHODS A total of 134 impression cytology specimens of the perilimbal region collected from 1984 to 1994 were reviewed. Limbal deficiency was diagnosed if conjunctival goblet cells were found on the corneal surface. RESULTS Ninety-four patients were found to have limbal deficiency. Category 1 comprised 53 patients with a clear history showing limbal stem cell destruction by chemical/thermal burns, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, multiple surgeries and cryotherapies, contact lens wear, and severe microbial keratitis. Patients in category 2 (n = 41), did not have such a history, but gradual loss of stem cell functions over time was disclosed and included diverse causes such as aniridia, multiple endocrine deficiencies, neurotrophic keratopathy, peripheral inflammatory keratopathy or limbitis, and idiopathy. The 40 remaining patients with suspicious findings did not have limbal deficiency. CONCLUSIONS Impression cytology can be used to diagnose and monitor corneal diseases with limbal deficiency, which manifest distinct clinical problems and are generally poor candidates for penetrating keratoplasty. The identification of category 1 diseases allows one to consider limbal (stem cell) transplantation for surface reconstruction. The presence of category 2 diseases indicates that limbal stem cell functions can be modulated by developmental, hormonal, neuronal, vascular, and inflammatory factors in the limbal stroma.
Central Bank Independence and Financial Stability: Orthodox and Heterodox Approaches

This study argues that post-crisis discussions on central bank independence are less about a choice of a level of independence but more about a relation between the independence and the central bank mandate in financial stability. An offered hypothesis states that an increasing role of financial factors in the macroeconomic policy agenda has led to emerging of two approaches to the central bank independence. Within the orthodox approach, responsibility for the financial stability is a challenge to the accepted model: one mandate – one goal – one instrument. Interference into the financial cycle impairs transparency and distorts responsibility, while deflation bias risks get in conflict with price stability principles, adherence to which is exactly what central banks are granted independence for. In terms of the heterodox approach, a wider responsibility of central banks for financial stability requires more independence to protect the legitimacy of interference into the financial cycle and implementation of a more prudent regulatory regime. Orthodox view is contradictory in its nature, while the vulnerability of the second approach lies in quality of institutional environment. Price stability mandate is argued to remain the first priority, while the financial stability issues should be institutionalized in a clearer way to secure independence.
Failure to Spread Bovine Virus Diarrhoea Virus Infection from Primarily Infected Calves Despite Concurrent Infection with Bovine Coronavirus

Abstract Previous reports on the spread of bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) from animals primarily infected with the agent are contradictory. In this study, the possibility of transmission of BVDV from calves simultaneously subjected to acute BVDV and bovine coronavirus (BCV) infection was investigated. Ten calves were inoculated intranasally with BVDV Type 1. Each of the 10 calves was then randomly allocated to one of two groups. In each group there were four additional calves, resulting in five infected and four susceptible calves per group. Virulent BCV was actively introduced in one of the groups by means of a transmitter calf. Two calves, susceptible to both BVDV and BCV, were kept in a separate group, as controls. All ten calves actively inoculated with BVDV became infected as shown by seroconversions, and six of them also shed the virus in nasal secretions. However, none of the other eight calves in the two groups (four in each) seroconverted to this agent. In contrast, it proved impossible to prevent the spread of BCV infection between the experimental groups and consequently all 20 study calves became infected with the virus. Following infection, BCV was detected in nasal secretions and in faeces of the calves and, after three weeks in the study, all had seroconverted to this virus. All calves, including the controls, showed at least one of the following clinical signs during days 3–15 after the trial started: fever (≥40°C), depressed general condition, diarrhoea, and cough. The study showed that BVDV primarily infected cattle, even when co-infected with an enteric and respiratory pathogen, are inefficient transmitters of BVDV. This finding supports the principle of the Scandinavian BVDV control programmes that elimination of BVDV infection from cattle populations can be achieved by identifying and removing persistently infected (PI) animals, i.e. that long-term circulation of the virus without the presence of PI animals is highly unlikely.
Protectionist vs liberalised maritime cabotage policies: a review

Purpose The development of the current European economic area maritime cabotage market occurred when, at a policy level, the European Union forced the opening of its member-states cabotage markets to Community shipowners and extended this openness, in 1997, to the european free trade area countries. A two-tier cabotage market emerged, where a European economic area legislative framework co-exists with the legislative acts of each member-state. With such a unique background, this paper aims to investigate both the European economic area member-states and the rest of the world cabotage regimes and identify a list of reasons and policy measures used to implement cabotage policies. Design/methodology/approach By means of a desk research methodological approach, this paper analyses, from a geographical perspective, different countries’ cabotage policies and classifies them, and identifies in a systematically way a set of reasons and policy instruments that support each of chosen policies approach. Findings The outcome indicates that only a few countries promote free liberalised cabotage services and that most countries favour protectionist cabotage policies, whose governments can control the number of foreign vessels participating in these trades. Cabotage regimes have been categorised and the reasons behind both policies and respective policy instruments have been identified. Originality/value Quite often, researchers only focus on the cabotage policies of the European economic area countries, the USA, Australia, Japan and South Korea. This paper value rests on its ability to incorporate cabotage policies from other African, Asian and Latin American countries and to update existing information on the subject. Overall, this paper paves the way to broaden the cabotage knowledge.
The assessment of fetal brain function in fetuses with ventrikulomegaly: the role of the KANET test

Objective: To assess differences in fetal behavior in both normal fetuses and fetuses with cerebral ventriculomegaly (VM). Methods: In a period of eighteen months, in a longitudinal prospective cohort study,Kurjak Antenatal NeuorogicalTest (KANET) was applied to assess fetal behavior in both normal pregnancies and pregnancies with cerebral VM using four-dimensional ultrasound (4D US). According to the degree of enlargement of the ventricles, VM was divided into three groups: mild, moderate and severe. Moreover fetuses with isolated VM were separated from those with additional abnormalities. According to the KANET, fetuses with scores ≥14 were considered normal, those with scores 6–13 borderline and abnormal if the score was ≤5. Differences between two groups were examined by Fisher’s exact test. Differences within the subgroups were examined by Kruskal–Wallis test and contingency table test. Results: KANET scores in normal pregnancies and pregnancies with VM showed statistically significant differences. Most of the abnormal KANET scores as well as most of the borderline-scores were found among the fetuses with severe VM associated with additional abnormalities. There were no statistically significant differences between the control group and the groups with isolated and mild and /or moderate VM. Conclusion: Evaluation of the fetal behavior in fetuses with cerebral VM using KANET test has the potential to detect fetuses with abnormal behavior, and to add the dimension of CNS function to the morphological criteria of VM. Long-term postnatal neurodevelopmental follow-up should confirm the data from prenatal investigation of fetal behavior.
A Furin-like Convertase Mediates Propeptide Cleavage of BACE, the Alzheimer's β-Secretase*

The novel transmembrane aspartic protease BACE (for Beta-site APP CleavingEnzyme) is the β-secretase that cleaves amyloid precursor protein to initiate β-amyloid formation. As such, BACE is a prime therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. BACE, like other aspartic proteases, has a propeptide domain that is removed to form the mature enzyme. BACE propeptide cleavage occurs at the sequence RLPR↓E, a potential furin recognition motif. Here, we explore the role of furin in BACE propeptide domain processing. BACE propeptide cleavage in cells does not appear to be autocatalytic, since an inactive D93A mutant of BACE is still cleaved appropriately. BACE and furin co-localize within the Golgi apparatus, and propeptide cleavage is inhibited by brefeldin A and monensin, drugs that disrupt trafficking through the Golgi. Treatment of cells with the calcium ionophore A23187, leading to inhibition of calcium-dependent proteases including furin, or transfection with the α1-antitrypsin variant α1-PDX, a potent furin inhibitor, dramatically reduces cleavage of the BACE propeptide. Moreover, the BACE propeptide is not processed in the furin-deficient LoVo cell line; however, processing is restored upon furin transfection. Finally, in vitrodigestion of recombinant soluble BACE with recombinant furin results in complete cleavage only at the established E46 site. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that furin, or a furin-like proprotein convertase, is responsible for cleaving the BACE propeptide domain to form the mature enzyme.
OUTCOME OF CADAVERIC RENAL TRANSPLANT PATIENTS TREATED FOR 10 YEARS WITH CYCLOSPORINE: IS CHRONIC ALLOGRAFT NEPHROPATHY THE MAJOR CAUSE OF LATE GRAFT LOSS?

Background. The introduction of cyclosporine (CsA) has improved the short-term outcome of renal transplantation, but its effect on the long-term survival is not well known. Methods. We analyzed 128 cadaveric first renal transplant recipients with CsA and prednisone as basal immunosuppression followed for at least 10 years, and we have compared them with a group of 185 historical patients treated with azathioprine (Aza) and prednisone. Results. The 1-year graft survival was 83% in the CsA-treated patients and 68% in the Aza-treated patients (P <0.025), and the differences were significant for 3 years. Acute rejection accounted for the 10.9% of losses in CsA-treated patients and for 23.8% of losses in Aza-treated patients (P =0.046). Chronic allograft nephropathy was the cause of graft losses in 40.6% and 16.8% of cases (P =0.008). Patient survival at 5 years was 88% in CsA-treated patients and 79% in the Aza-treated patients (P <0.025). When analyzing the data of the 64 CsA-treated patients and the 84 Aza-treated patients with one functioning graft at 10 years, mean serum creatinine values were significantly higher in the CsA-treated patients at all time points but the increases were not significantly different. At 10 years, mean blood pressure was higher (P =0.002), and hypercholesterolemia (P =0.011) and hyperuricemia (P =0.000) were more prevalent in the CsA-treated patients. Conclusions. CsA resulted in a better short-time patient and graft survival that was not maintained in the long-term outcome. Chronic allograft nephropathy was the leading cause of graft loss in CsA-treated patients. Graft function was poorer in the CsA-treated patients, but its decline was similar in the two groups.
Distinguishing between primary and secondary intergradation among morphologically differentiated populations of Anolis marmoratus

Distinguishing between primary and secondary intergradation among differentiated populations, and the relative importance of drift and selection, are persistent problems in evolutionary biology. An historical perspective on population interactions can provide insight into the nature of contacts, and thus help resolve these questions. Continuously distributed populations of Anolis marmoratus from the island of Basse Terre in the Guadeloupean archipelago of the Lesser Antilles show a striking degree of geographic variation in morphology. Initial surveys of mtDNA variation from throughout the Guadeloupean Archipelago revealed one case where levels of sequence difference and phylogenetic relationships of alleles from morphologically differentiated populations from the east coast of Basse Terre were consistent with primary intergradation. In this paper, I examine the genetic population structure of a series of populations spanning this north‐south cline in morphological variation to test the hypothesis of primary intergradation. Sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome‐b gene from 50 individuals representing five populations spanning the cline were obtained and fourteen unique haplotypes (differing by 2% or less) were detected. Patterns of nucleotide substitution among haplotypes do not deviate from neutral expectation indicating no effect of selection at the level of mtDNA sequences. Estimates of population structure and gene flow were made using both summary statistics for nucleotide diversity (Nat) and cladistic methods. The results are sensitive to the choice of gene flow model, and this is discussed in detail. Mitochondrial variation in the northern populations may not be at equilibrium, and the phylogeny of alleles is consistent with a recent increase in effective population size. Estimates of nucleotide diversity, gene flow, and the phylogenetic relationships of haplotypes indicate that the southern‐most population (representing the extreme of morphological variation along this cline) has been relatively isolated from populations to the north and has experienced a reduced effective population size. The apparent clinal variation between the southern population and the others may therefore reflect secondary contact and introgression rather than primary intergradation.
Nonmyelomatous monoclonal gammopathy: correlation of bone marrow MR images with laboratory findings and spontaneous clinical outcome.

PURPOSE To determine the frequency of abnormal bone marrow magnetic resonance (MR) images in patients with nonmyelomatous monoclonal gammopathy and to compare the outcomes in patients with normal and in those with abnormal MR studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 37 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined or borderline significance (19 men, 18 women; aged 28-85 years), MR imaging findings of the vertebral, pelvic, and femoral bone marrow were analyzed and correlated with initial laboratory findings and outcome after a follow-up of 15-60 months (median, 31 months) with no treatment. RESULTS Thirty patients had normal MR studies; none required specific therapy after a median follow-up of 30 months. Seven had either diffuse (n = 4) or focal (n = 3) bone marrow abnormalities. Four required treatment after 15, 20, 50, or 58 months; three did not require treatment after 18, 26, or 40 months. Treatment-free survival curves in patients with normal and in those with abnormal MR studies were statistically significantly different (P = .005). CONCLUSION Bone marrow abnormalities were detected with MR imaging in seven patients (19%) with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined or borderline significance. All patients with a normal MR investigation still had not required treatment after a median follow-up of 30 months.
Nonprofit Organizations: Theory, Management and Policy

This text is the first to dedicate itself to the nonprofit sector. It provides a comprehensive overview of nonprofit and voluntary organizations, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic foundations and civil society institutions. Taking an international perspective, it details the background and concepts behind these organizations and examines the theory, management and policy which informs them. Questions answered include: What are nonprofit and voluntary organizations? What is the history of the nonprofit sector? What is the scale and structure of the nonprofit sector? How can we explain the existence and behaviour of nonprofit organizations? How do nonprofits obtain funding and how do they manage resources? With strong pedagogical features and the author's own extensive experience, this book is a valuable reference for all those involved in non-profit making organizations, as well as those in the wider public administration and management arena.
A Model for Propagating Educational Innovations in Higher STEM Education: A Grounded Theory Study of Successfully Propagated Innovations

28 Background . 28 Results . 28 Conclusions . 28 Background . 29 Methods . 30 Initial Data Collection . 31 Validation of the List of WePISMs . 32 Analysis of the WePISMs . 34 Results . 38 Characteristics of the WePISMs Overall . 39 Branded WePISMs.41 Discussion . 43 Disciplinary Differences . 43 Content Innovations . 43 Funding Implications . 44 Future Research . 44
Photoreceptor cell death by apoptosis in dogs with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To examine the role of apoptosis in retinal photoreceptor degeneration in dogs with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS). SAMPLE POPULATION Retinas from 3 dogs with SARDS and from 2 clinically normal adult dogs. PROCEDURE Apoptosis was identified by in situ end-labeling and observation of characteristic morphologic changes by light microscopy. RESULTS The degree of photoreceptor degeneration varied with duration of vision loss in SARDS-affected eyes. The retina of all 3 SARDS-affected eyes had numerous (34, 61, and 70) apoptotic nuclei per section that were overwhelmingly located in the outer nuclear layer. Apoptotic nuclei were not detected, or were rare in similarly sized retinal sections from normal dogs. Inflammation was not an important feature of SARDS. CONCLUSIONS Apoptosis appears to be at least 1 mechanism of photoreceptor cell death in dogs with SARDS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Because apoptosis appears to be a final common pathway in many retinal degeneration syndromes, future treatment strategies that control apoptosis in other diseases may be applicable to dogs with SARDS. Halting this pathway may allow some photoreceptors to survive and, perhaps, preserve vision.
Common Variant in GRN Is a Genetic Risk Factor for Hippocampal Sclerosis in the Elderly

Background: Hippocampal sclerosis (HpScl) is common in elderly subjects with dementia, either alone or accompanied by other pathologic processes. It is also found in >70% of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 immunoreactive inclusions (FTLD-TDP). TDP-43 inclusions are detected in >20% of Alzheimer disease (AD) and >70% of HpScl cases. The most common cause of FTLD-TDP is mutation in the progranulin gene (GRN). Recently, a common genetic variant in the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of GRN (rs5848; c.*78C>T) located in a microRNA binding site regulated progranulin expression, and the T-allele was increased in FTLD-TDP compared to controls. Objective: The goal of this study was to determine if the 3′UTR variant in GRN was associated with TDP-43 immunoreactivity in AD with and without HpScl. Methods: 644 cases of pathologically confirmed AD, including 57 with HpScl, were screened for TDP-43 immunoreactivity and were genotyped at the GRN 3′UTR single-nucleotide polymorphism rs5848 using previously published methods. Results: There was a trend (p = 0.06) for TDP-43 immunoreactivity, but a very significant (p = 0.005) association of HpScl with the variant, with 72% of AD with HpScl carrying a T-allele, compared to 51% of AD without HpScl carrying a T-allele. Conclusion: The results suggest that a genetic variant in GRN leading to decreased levels of progranulin may be a risk factor for HpScl in AD, while its role in TDP-43 immunoreactivity in AD remains less certain.
How national context, project design, and local community characteristics influence success in community-based conservation projects

Community-based conservation (CBC) promotes the idea that conservation success requires engaging with, and providing benefits for, local communities. However, CBC projects are neither consistently successful nor free of controversy. Innovative recent studies evaluating the factors associated with success and failure typically examine only a single resource domain, have limited geographic scope, consider only one outcome, or ignore the nested nature of socioecological systems. To remedy these issues, we use a global comparative database of CBC projects identified by systematic review to evaluate success in four outcome domains (attitudes, behaviors, ecological, economic) and explore synergies and trade-offs among these outcomes. We test hypotheses about how features of the national context, project design, and local community characteristics affect these measures of success. Using bivariate analyses and multivariate proportional odds logistic regressions within a multilevel analysis and model-fitting framework, we show that project design, particularly capacity-building in local communities, is associated with success across all outcomes. In addition, some characteristics of the local community in which projects are conducted, such as tenure regimes and supportive cultural beliefs and institutions, are important for project success. Surprisingly, there is little evidence that national context systematically influences project outcomes. We also find evidence of synergies between pairs of outcomes, particularly between ecological and economic success. We suggest that well-designed and implemented projects can overcome many of the obstacles imposed by local and national conditions to succeed in multiple domains.