Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antiplatelet therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Purpose of reviewPatients with diabetes mellitus are characterized by a prothrombotic status. Since platelet reactivity is key to the development of atherothrombotic complications, antiplatelet therapy has a pivotal role in reducing ischemic risk, especially in diabetes mellitus patients. This review summarizes the current knowledge on how antiplatelet therapy affects this high-risk patient population. Recent findingsNumerous studies have shown the clinical benefit of antiplatelet agents in reducing ischemic events in diabetes mellitus patients. Despite the clinical benefit achieved with antiplatelet agents, however, patients with diabetes mellitus continue to have an increased risk of ischemic events compared to non-diabetes mellitus. Recent observations suggest that this may be in part due to inadequate platelet inhibition achieved in diabetes mellitus patients compared to non-diabetics, exposing these subjects to an enhanced ischemic risk. SummaryWhilst antiplatelet therapy has been clearly shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus, there are accruing data demonstrating that in these patients the degree of platelet inhibition achieved with standard treatment regimens may be inadequate. This supports the need for specific antiplatelet drug regimens, with either different dosages of current medication or development of novel antiplatelet drugs, which are more specific to tackle the hyperreactive diabetic platelet.
Effect of audit and compensation committee membership overlap on audit fees

Purpose - Recent studies document that approximately two-thirds of sample firms have at least one audit committee member serving on their compensation committee (Liao and Hsu, 2013). Prior studies on overlap membership document that presence of audit committee members on compensation committee affects the reporting quality. Since auditors’ audit risk is affected by reporting quality. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the auditors perceive the overlap of audit and compensation committee members when pricing audit fees. Design/methodology/approach - The author use a sample from 2007 to 2012 and run an OLS regression. Findings - The author find a negative association between overlap membership and audit fees. The results are robust after controlling for selection bias, alternate measurement of overlap membership, and an alternate pre- and post-overlap membership test. Additional tests show that the negative relationship between overlap membership and audit fees is explained by lower audit risk and not by lower brand premium of non-Big4 auditors and that the benefit of overlapping membership increases when the audit committee size is large. Practical implications - The findings suggest that firms with large audit committee can improve their reporting and lower their audit fees by having audit committee members on compensation committee. Originality/value - The findings contribute to the literature on the consequences of overlap membership and on the ongoing debate about the extent that common membership enhances audit committee monitoring. It also adds to the limited literature on audit committee and audit pricing.
Survey of Compliance With Oseltamivir Phosphate Therapy in Japan

Oseltamivir phosphate, which is available in oral formulation, is effective for type A/B influenza virus infection. In Japan, drug-induced adverse reactions such as central nervous system symptoms are a concern, especially in children. In this survey, we implemented a questionnaire regarding the administration period described on prescriptions and the duration for which patients took the drug, to investigate compliance with oseltamivir phosphate therapy. The results showed that therapy with oseltamivir phosphate was discontinued by 21.1%. The main reasons for discontinuation were the relief of symptoms and appearance of adverse reactions. This survey revealed that some patients taking oseltamivir phosphate would like to be prescribed medication for as short a term as possible. Although it is recommended that oseltamivir phosphate be administered for 5 days to treat influenza symptoms, 3- or 4-day administration was frequently prescribed for young patients (aged <20 years) and children. Because the appropriate administration period for influenza treatment is unclear, further epidemiological data are needed to determine the most rational use of neuraminidase inhibitors for influenza treatment.
Transitioning from child welfare into adulthood: a meta-analysis of North American interventions

Objective: To assess the impact of North American transition programs for youth emerging to adulthood on education, housing, relationship, identity formation, youth engagement, life skills, mental health, and financial outcomes. Methods: Electronic databases, grey literature sites, and research articles were searched to identify randomized control trials and quasi-experimental designed studies examining the effectiveness of transition programs for foster youth. Cochrane Collaboration criteria were used to conduct, identify and assess potential studies. Whenever possible data was extracted and synthesized with random effect, inverse variance meta-analyses. Results: A total of eight studies including 1560 participants were included in this review. Data suggests that interventions focusing on teaching independent living skills are no more effective at improving outcomes for youth when compared with services “as usual. ” Youth who participated in school-based self-determination programs showed improved outcomes in transition planning, quality of life, and self-determination. Conclusion: These results are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution. The studies examined here had small sample sizes, and may not have had enough power to detect a real difference. More research is needed.
The Decoupling of Median Wages from Productivity in OECD Countries

Over the past two decades, aggregate labour productivity growth in most OECD countries has decoupled from real median compensation growth, implying that increasing productivity is no longer sufficient to raise real wages for the typical worker. This article provides a quantitative description of decoupling in OECD countries over the past two decades, with the results suggesting that it is explained by declines in both labour shares and the ratio of median to average wages (a partial measure of wage inequality). Labour shares have declined in about two thirds of the OECD countries covered by the analysis. However, the contribution of labour shares to decoupling is smaller if sectors are excluded for which labour shares are driven by changes in commodity and asset prices (primary and housing sectors) or by imputation choices (non-market sectors). The ratio of median to average wages has declined in all but two of the OECD countries covered by the analysis and appears to reflect disproportionate wage growth at the very top of the wage distribution rather than stagnating median wages. The causes of these developments will be analysed in follow-up research.
MANAGING INSTRUCTIONAL CHALLENGES: STRATEGIES EMPLOYED BY TEACHERS IN SUPPORTING MULTILINGUAL PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNERS IN SOUTH AFRICA

تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى التحقيق في الاستراتيجيات المعدة من قبل المعلمين بهدف دعم المدارس متعددة اللغات في إقليم مثاثا بجنوب في إفريقيا. واعتمدت في ذلك على المعلومات التي تم جمعها من قبل سبعة معلمين مستخدمين في ذلك التسجيلات الصوتية عن طريق المقابلات التي تم إجراءها وجها لوجه.
Trends in the epidemiology of Candida bloodstream infections in Northern Ireland between January 1984 and December 2000.

OBJECTIVE To describe the epidemiology of Candida bloodstream infections (BSI) in Northern Ireland. METHODS Retrospective collation of data relating to all clinically significant BSI in a university teaching hospital, which had been recorded prospectively, between 1984 and 2000. RESULTS One hundred and forty five episodes of candidaemia occurred in 144 patients (of mean age 56.6 years). The contribution of Candida spp. towards all significant BSI increased from 2.0% to 2.5%. C. albicans was the most frequently isolated species, however, its incidence fell from 70% to 53% during the study period. The greatest increase in incidence was seen with C. glabrata which was the most common non-albicans species. Twenty-nine per cent of isolates occurred in patients from an intensive care unit and, surprisingly, a further 25.5% occurred in patients from a surgical service. CONCLUSION There appears to be several subtle differences in the epidemiology of candidal BSI between Northern Ireland and other countries.
The sense of coherence scale in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To analyze Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence (SOC) Scale, in 828 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from 15 private rheumatology practices. This scale is designed to evaluate strengths within individuals that allow them to select appropriate strategies to deal with stressors; both the total 29-item (SOC-29) total scale and a 13-item (SOC-13) short form of the 29-item scale were analyzed. METHODS Data were collected through mailed self-report questionnaires as a component of a long-term monitoring program. Internal consistency was evaluated according to Cronbach's alpha. Split-halves reliability was estimated according to the Spearman-Brown prophecy formula. Associations of the SOC-29 and the SOC-13 scale scores with demographic, clinical, and psychological variables were analyzed according to Pearson product moment correlations. RESULTS Lower SOC-29 and SOC-13 scale scores were correlated significantly with higher scores for difficulty in performing activities of daily living (ADL), a visual analog pain scale score, global health status, and perceived learned helplessness. The levels of correlation for these variables suggest that each measure represents a construct that differs from the SOC. Lower scale scores were also correlated significantly with fewer years of formal education, adjusted for age, sex, and disease duration. CONCLUSIONS The SOC-29 and SOC-13 scales are reliable and valid in patients with RA. The SOC scale explained in part variation in clinical status in patients with RA. The SOC-13 provides utility comparable to the SOC-29 in patients with RA.
Human epidermal Langerhans cells differ from monocyte‐derived Langerhans cells in CD80 expression and in secretion of IL‐12 after CD40 cross‐linking

Langerhans cells (LCs) represent an immature population of myeloid dendritic cells (DCs). As a result of their unique Birbeck granules (BGs), langerin expression, and heterogeneous maturation process, they differ from other immature DCs. Monocyte‐derived LCs (MoLCs) mimic epidermal LCs. MoLCs with characteristic BGs are generated by culturing blood‐derived monocytes with granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor, interleukin (IL)‐4, and transforming growth factor‐β1. Here, we compare maturation‐induced antigen expression and cytokine release of LCs with MoLCs. To achieve comparable cell populations, LCs andMoLCs were isolated by CD1c cell sorting, resulting in high purity. In unstimulated cells, CD40 was expressed at equal levels. After stimulation with CD40 ligand (CD40L), LCs and MoLCs acquired CD83 and increased CD86. High CD80 expression was exclusively detected in CD1c‐sorted MoLCs. Human leukocyte antigen‐DR and CD54 expression was found in all cell populations, however, at different intensities. CD40 triggering increased the potency of LCs and MoLCs to stimulate CD4+ T cell proliferation. Activated MoLCs released IL‐12p70 and simultaneously, anti‐inflammatory IL‐10. The application of the Toll‐like receptor ligands peptidoglycan, flagellin, and in particular, lipoplysaccharide (LPS) increased the corelease of these cytokines. LCs secreted IL‐10 at a comparable level with MoLCs but failed to produce high amounts of IL‐12p70 after application of danger signals. These data indicate that MoLCs as well as LCs display no maturation arrest concerning CD83 and CD86 expression. In difference to MoLCs, LCs resisted activation by CD40L and LPS in terms of IL‐12 production. This shows that natural and generated LCs share similar features but differ in relevant functions.
How Globalization and Economic Growth Affect Energy Consumption: Panel Data Analysis in the Sample of Brazil, Russia, India, China Countries

This study analyzes the causality and cointegration correlation between the series using total energy consumption, economic growth, and globalization data of Brazil, Russia, India, China (BRIC) countries in 2000-2012 period. Unit roots of the series were extracted in empirical part in order to make them stationary. Then, Pedroni and Kao cointegration and Granger causality analysis panel were used. As a result of the cointegration analysis, it was observed that the series were cointegrated in the long-term. On the other hand, causality analysis results suggested a unidirectional causality correlation from total energy consumption to economic growth, and another unidirectional causality correlation from globalization to economic growth. Lastly, no causality correlation between energy consumption and globalization was found.
Test of Recrudescence Hypothesis for Overwintering of West Nile Virus in Gray Catbirds

ABSTRACT West Nile virus is a pathogen of concern for both human and wildlife health, Although many aspects of the ecology of West Nile virus are well understood, the mechanisms by which this and similar mosquito-borne viruses overwinter and become reinitiated each spring in temperate regions is not known. A thorough understanding of this mechanism is crucial to risk assessment and development of control strategies. One of the hypotheses to explain the mechanism by which this virus persists from year to year is the spring recrudescence of latent virus in avian reservoir hosts. Stress-related immunosuppression is implicated in the recrudescence of latent viruses in birds. We tested the spring recrudescence hypothesis in a controlled laboratory experiment using hatching-year gray catbirds (Dumatella carolinensis) captured in northern Ohio (July–August 2006), Catbirds (n = 60) were experimentally infected (September 2006) and later examined for the effects of immuno-suppression through exogenous hormones and artificially induced migratory disposition, We found no effect of either testosterone or migratory behavior on infection status in any of the treatment birds. Moreover, we detected no viral RNA in the kidney, spleen, brain, or liver upon necropsy at 24 wk postinfection.
Effects of vitamin D replacement therapy on serum FGF23 concentrations in vitamin D-deficient women in short term.

OBJECTIVE Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a phosphatonin, inhibits renal phosphate reabsorption and suppresses 1-α hydroxylase activity. Calcitriol stimulates FGF23 synthesis in bone. We aimed to determine the effect of vitamin D replacement therapy on serum FGF23 concentrations in vitamin D-deficient women and to compare the FGF23 concentrations of vitamin D-deficient patients with healthy subjects and patients with genetically determined hypophosphatemic rachitis. DESIGN AND METHODS The study group was composed of vitamin D-deficient females (n=18, mean age 29.1 ± 9.9 years), vitamin D-sufficient healthy females (control group; n=19, mean age 28.5 ± 5.2 years), and patients with genetically determined hypophosphatemic rachitis (n=13, mean age 26.5 ± 15.1 years). The groups were compared for serum FGF23, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D), calcium, phosphate, bone turnover markers, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), and urinary excretion of calcium and phosphate. The vitamin D-deficient group was re-evaluated after a standard treatment regimen. RESULTS Serum FGF23 concentrations were significantly lower in vitamin D-deficient patients than in vitamin D-sufficient women and hypophosphatemic rachitis group. Serum FGF23 and phosphate concentrations further decreased significantly during replacement of vitamin D (P<0.05). A significant negative correlation was evident between FGF23 and PTH before vitamin D replacement in the patients (r=-0.469, P<0.05). CONCLUSION Decreased FGF23 concentrations, which further decline during vitamin D replacement therapy, may have favorable action on bone mineralization by counterregulatory effect on phosphate homeostasis. Lower 1,25(OH)2D concentrations at baseline and hypophosphatemia during treatment may have dominating effects on FGF23 concentrations in vitamin D deficiency, leading to decreased FGF23 concentrations at baseline and during replacement therapy.
Detecting Hybridization between Iranian Wild Wolf (Canis Lupus Pallipes) and Free-Ranging Domestic Dog (Canis Familiaris) by Analysis of Microsatellite Markers

The genetic threat due to hybridization with free-ranging dogs is one major concern in wolf conservation. The identification of hybrids and extent of hybridization is important in the conservation and management of wolf populations. Genetic variation was analyzed at 15 unlinked loci in 28 dogs, 28 wolves, four known hybrids, two black wolves, and one dog with abnormal traits in Iran. Pritchard's model, multivariate ordination by principal component analysis and neighbor joining clustering were used for population clustering and individual assignment. Analysis of genetic variation showed that genetic variability is high in both wolf and dog populations in Iran. Values of HE in dog and wolf samples ranged from 0.75–0.92 and 0.77–0.92, respectively. The results of AMOVA showed that the two groups of dog and wolf were significantly different (FST = 0.05 and RST = 0.36; P < 0.001). In each of the three methods, wolf and dog samples were separated into two distinct clusters. Two dark wolves were assigned to the wolf cluster. Also these models detected D32 (dog with abnormal traits) and some other samples, which were assigned to more than one cluster and could be a hybrid. This study is the beginning of a genetic study in wolf populations in Iran, and our results reveal that as in other countries, hybridization between wolves and dogs is sporadic in Iran and can be a threat to wolf populations if human perturbations increase.
Physiological responses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 to oxidative stress in controlled microaerobic and aerobic cultures.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was found to exhibit several remarkable physiological responses to oxidative stress upon its growth in a computer-controlled suspension culture. First, it strongly reduced the transfer rate of oxygen from the gas into the liquid phase, causing oxygen-limited or microaerophilic conditions in the culture after a short period of cultivation, even at high aeration rates with pure oxygen. Second, PAO1 that was previously classified as 'non-mucoid' formed a clear polysaccharide capsule on the cell surface (mucoid phenotype) under oxidative-stress conditions. Third, the strain showed a reduced growth rate and a longer lag phase under high oxygen tension. Finally, P. aeruginosa PAO1 released a high amount of proteins into the culture broth. The release of some virulence factors by PAO1, such as elastase, was significantly enhanced or only occurred under microaerobic conditions (i.e. dissolved oxygen tension value around 1% of air saturation). Hence, it is concluded that P. aeruginosa PAO1 prefers microaerobic conditions for growth and for the formation of some of its virulence factors. PAO1 can create such growth conditions by at least two mechanisms: (i) blockage of the transfer of oxygen and (ii) formation of a polysaccharide capsule on the cell surface. It is postulated that the blockage of oxygen transfer may play an important role in the defence of this pathogen against reactive oxygen intermediates.
Heritability and genetic basis of protein level variation in an outbred population

The genetic basis of heritable traits has been studied for decades. Although recent mapping efforts have elucidated genetic determinants of transcript levels, mapping of protein abundance has lagged. Here, we analyze levels of 4084 GFP-tagged yeast proteins in the progeny of a cross between a laboratory and a wild strain using flow cytometry and high-content microscopy. The genotype of trans variants contributed little to protein level variation between individual cells but explained >50% of the variance in the population’s average protein abundance for half of the GFP fusions tested. To map trans-acting factors responsible, we performed flow sorting and bulk segregant analysis of 25 proteins, finding a median of five protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) per GFP fusion. Further, we find that cis-acting variants predominate; the genotype of a gene and its surrounding region had a large effect on protein level six times more frequently than the rest of the genome combined. We present evidence for both shared and independent genetic control of transcript and protein abundance: More than half of the expression QTLs (eQTLs) contribute to changes in protein levels of regulated genes, but several pQTLs do not affect their cognate transcript levels. Allele replacements of genes known to underlie trans eQTL hotspots confirmed the correlation of effects on mRNA and protein levels. This study represents the first genome-scale measurement of genetic contribution to protein levels in single cells and populations, identifies more than a hundred trans pQTLs, and validates the propagation of effects associated with transcript variation to protein abundance.
Effect of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the apical leakage of obturated root canals: an electrochemical study.

AIM The purpose of this laboratory study was to evaluate the effect of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the apical leakage of obturated root canals using an electrochemical method. METHODOLOGY Forty extracted single-rooted teeth were selected and the anatomic crown of each tooth was removed. The specimens were randomly divided into four groups. In group 1, the root canals were prepared with K-files and irradiated with Nd:YAG laser (5 W, 20 Hz) via a 300 microns optical fibre. Then the root canals were obturated with laterally condensed gutta-percha and Pulp Canal Sealer EWT. In group 2, the root canals were treated with the same method as those of group 1 but without laser irradiation. In group 3, the root canals were prepared with ProFiles, laser irradiated and then obturated with vertically condensed gutta-percha and Pulp Canal Sealer EWT. In group 4, the root canals were treated with the same method as those of group 3 but without laser irradiation. The electric resistance between standard and experimental electrodes in the canals was measured over a period of 10 days. RESULTS At 2 h, groups 1 and 3 irradiated with laser had significantly less apical leakage than group 2 (P < 0.05). After 10 days, group 4 had the highest leakage, followed by groups 2, 1 and 3; the differences between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Laser irradiation following root canal preparation reduced apical leakage following root canal obturation.
Homosexuality as a specific risk factor for eating disorders in men.

OBJECTIVE The current study examined whether homosexuality is a specific risk factor for disordered eating in men. METHOD Men (64 heterosexual and 58 homosexual) completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), the Masculinity and Femininity scales of the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI), the Bulimia Test-Revised (BULIT-R), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). RESULTS Homosexual men had more pathological scores on the BDI, RSE, BULIT-R, EAT-26, and BSQ. Additionally, homosexual men reported greater discomfort with sexual orientation. After controlling for differences in depression, self-esteem, and comfort with sexual orientation, sexual orientation continued to account for significant variance in BULIT-R, EAT-26, and BSQ scores. DISCUSSION Future research may benefit from exploring aspects of homosexuality that may contribute specifically to risk for disordered eating in men.