Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ABO‐Incompatible Living Kidney Transplants: Evolution of Outcomes and Immunosuppressive Management

ABO‐incompatible living kidney transplantation (ABO‐ILKT) has steadily become more widespread. However, the optimal immunosuppressive regimen for ABO‐ILKT remains uncertain. We aimed to determine the longitudinal changes in the outcomes from ABO‐ILKT compared with those from ABO‐compatible living kidney transplantation (ABO‐CLKT) over the last 25 years. Of 1195 patients who underwent living kidney transplantations (LKT) at our institute between 1989 and 2013, 1032—including 247 ABO‐ILKT and 785 ABO‐CLKT cases—were evaluated for graft survival, patient survival, infectious adverse events, and renal function. The patients were divided into four groups according to the transplantation era and ABO‐compatibility. In the past decade, ABO‐ILKT and ABO‐CLKT recipients yielded almost equivalent outcomes with respect to the 9‐year graft survival rates, which were 86.9% and 92.0%, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–3.22, p = 0.455). The graft survival rate for ABO‐ILKT conducted between 2005 and 2013 was better than that for ABO‐ILKT conducted between 1998 and 2004 (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.13–0.72, p = 0.007). ABO‐ILKT recipients showed substantial improvements in the graft survival rate over time. Graft survival was almost identical over the past decade, regardless of ABO‐incompatibility. Currently, ABO‐ILKT is an acceptable treatment for patients with end‐stage renal disease.
Selecting seats for steel industry mobile machines based on seat effective amplitude transmissibility and comfort.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this work was to help a steel industry partner select the most appropriate of three high end heavy equipment seats to retrofit a number of their heavy mobile machines used in the steel making process. PARTICIPANTS The participants included 8 males (22.3 ± 2.0 yrs.) and 8 females (23.5 ± 1.8 yrs.) with no experience operating heavy mobile equipment. METHODS Previously recorded 6-DOF chassis acceleration data from a Pot Hauler (a machine which picks up and transports pots of slag) were used to extract six, 20 second representative profiles for implementation on a lab-based heavy machine simulator (6-DOF Parallel Robotics System Corporation robot). Subjects sat on three heavy equipment seats (BeGe7150, Grammar MSG 95G1721, and a 6801 Isringhausen with the seat pan cushion retrofitted with a Skydex cushion) mounted on the simulator. Each subject completed three trials for each combination of seat (n=3) and vibration profile (n=6). Chassis and operator/seat interface vibration were measured by 2, 6-DOF vibration transducers. Variables included Seat Effective Amplitude Transmissibility (SEAT) (X,Y,Z,Roll,Pitch,Yaw,6DOF Vector Sum) to determine if the seat was attenuating or amplifying the vibration, 6-degree of freedom (DOF) vibration total value weighted predicted comfort (Avc) (according to ISO 2631-1) and operator reported comfort (ORC). RESULTS Factorial ANOVAs revealed significant differences (p < or = 0.05) between seats for all SEAT variables but different seats performed better than others depending on the axis. Significant differences between males and females were observed for SEAT in X,Y, and Pitch as well as for Avs. As expected there were significant differences between vibration profiles for all assessed variables. A number of interaction effects were observed, the most frequently occurring of which was between seat and vibration profile. CONCLUSIONS Based upon the number of seat and vibration profile interactions, results suggest that a single seat is not suited for all tested conditions. However, SEAT values for all of the seats tested were extremely low (e.g., 6-DOF SEAT < 30%) indicating that all of the seats were capable of providing good vibration attenuation.
On Nonlinear Relationship between Inflation and Economic Growth: A Study of ASEAN-5 Countries Period 2000–2016

Money (inflation) has played a vital role in economic growth. However, the nexus between them has always drawn mesmerizing debates. From the thoughts of Classical and Keynes which argued the existence of money neutrality, to the level of empirical studies which find either positive or negative correlation between inflation and economic growth. Recent studies concerning the debatable relationship have evolved it into a hypothesis whether the relation is nonlinear with a threshold or a point where the link switches. This study aims to re-examine the causality between inflation and economic growth in ASEAN-5 countries period 2000Q1–2016Q4. The results based on Threshold Vector Autoregression model indicate the presence of a nonlinear relationship between the two variables.
Inhibition of synoviocyte collagenase gene expression by adenosine receptor stimulation.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) by adenosine. METHODS Cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were stimulated with interleukin-1 (IL-1) in the presence or absence of adenosine receptor agonists. Immunoreactive MMPs were measured using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and gene expression was assessed by Northern blot analysis. RESULTS The nonselective adenosine receptor agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) decreased collagenase production by IL-1-stimulated synoviocytes from 196 +/- 28 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM) to 66 +/- 9 ng/ml (P < 0.001). There was minimal effect on stromelysin production (decrease from 107 +/- 16 ng/ml to 97 +/- 15 ng/ml). Selective adenosine receptor agonists implicated the A2b adenosine receptor in this activity, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction studies confirmed that FLS express this receptor. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the mechanism of action was pre-translational since NECA decreased collagenase, but not stromelysin or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), messenger RNA levels. Cyclic AMP levels were increased by NECA, and a direct adenylate cyclase activator (forskolin) also suppressed collagenase gene expression. These data suggest that cAMP mediates the inhibitory effect of NECA on collagenase production. CONCLUSION Stimulation of the A2b receptor on FLS decreases collagenase gene expression, with little or no effect on stromelysin and TIMP-1. The combination of antiinflammatory and MMP-regulating properties of adenosine or adenosine-regulating agents suggest that treatment based on this approach might be useful in rheumatoid arthritis.
A perspective on point-of-care tests to detect eosinophilic bronchitis

Abstract Approximately 50% of asthma exacerbations and a third of COPD exacerbations are associated with an eosinophilic bronchitis. Quantitative cell counts reliably identify the number of eosinophils in sputum and treatment strategies that are guided by sputum eosinophil counts lead to significantly better outcomes than strategies guided by conventional assessments of symptoms and airflow. However, cell counts are not widely available and the results are not available in real time. Similarly, more sophisticated detection methods using immunoassays or genetic analysis via polymerase chain reaction are too costly and thus not amenable to rapid point-of-care diagnosis. Blood eosinophil counts and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide correlate poorly with airway eosinophilia, particularly in patients with severe airway diseases who are on corticosteroid therapy. Point of care assessments of eosinophil-specific activity may be provided by breathomics that employ metabolomics profiling of volatile compounds in breath. However, it is too early to decide if this would provide quantitative data to monitor therapy and disease activities longitudinally. Herein we provide a perspective on the potential for developing simple point-of-care tests with special emphasis on the potential for a bio-active paper diagnostic test to quantitatively assay the amount of eosinophil peroxidase in sputum samples by employing different types of detection systems.
Adaptive Performance: Implications for Military Logistics

The Information Age we are operating in today has created pervasive changes in the basic nature of work. As the foundations of work are being altered, new demands are being placed on the individuals performing the jobs. Although technological innovations to cope with changes in work abound, the implications at the human level have been neglected. Within the military logistics domain, numerous networking technologies have been implemented in an effort to evolve with the new Net-Centric warfare environment. If the evolution is to succeed, a coherent systems approach is needed that also addresses the human component. Starting at the beginning, we must ask what aspects of human performance are imperative in today’s warfare environment. As the foundations of work itself are being altered, so are the dimensions of performance; therefore new performance models are needed that address how work is done today. Thus, I propose a study that examines a relatively new model of performance: adaptive performance. Validation of the adaptive performance model and identification of predictors would address the human side of networked logistics by aiding in the selection and training of a workforce suitable to operate within the dynamic and fluid military logistics system that has emerged.
Anthrax as a biological weapon: medical and public health management. Working Group on Civilian Biodefense.

OBJECTIVE To develop consensus-based recommendations for measures to be taken by medical and public health professionals following the use of anthrax as a biological weapon against a civilian population. PARTICIPANTS The working group included 21 representatives from staff of major academic medical centers and research, government, military, public health, and emergency management institutions and agencies. EVIDENCE MEDLINE databases were searched from January 1966 to April 1998, using the Medical Subject Headings anthrax, Bacillus anthracis, biological weapon, biological terrorism, biological warfare, and biowarfare. Review of references identified by this search led to identification of relevant references published prior to 1966. In addition, participants identified other unpublished references and sources. CONSENSUS PROCESS The first draft of the consensus statement was a synthesis of information obtained in the formal evidence-gathering process. Members of the working group provided formal written comments which were incorporated into the second draft of the statement. The working group reviewed the second draft on June 12, 1998. No significant disagreements existed and comments were incorporated into a third draft. The fourth and final statement incorporates all relevant evidence obtained by the literature search in conjunction with final consensus recommendations supported by all working group members. CONCLUSIONS Specific consensus recommendations are made regarding the diagnosis of anthrax, indications for vaccination, therapy for those exposed, postexposure prophylaxis, decontamination of the environment, and additional research needs.
Peripheral catecholamine alterations in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women. Several lines of evidence have suggested the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in this condition. The present work was designed to assess neurochemically SNS activity in patients during the early stages of PCO.
Dynamic Treatment Effects of Job Training

This paper estimates the dynamic returns to job training. We posit a dynamic-discrete choice model of sequential training participation, where choices and earnings depend on observed and unobserved characteristics.We define treatment effects, including policy relevant parameters, and link them to continuation values. The empirical analysis is carried out using data combining job training records, matched employee-employer information, and pre-labor market ability measures from Chile. We document small positive average returns, large unobserved heterogeneity in responses, and dynamic substitutability of training investments. Our policy relevant treatment effects vary across dynamic response types, highlighting the relevance of our framework.
The role of Entrepreneurial Orientation in intervening the relationship between Social Media Usage and Performance Enhancement of exporter SMEs in Indonesia

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) provides a mediation effect on the relationship between the use of social media and both financial and non financial performance enhancement of exporter SMEs in Indonesia. The EO refers to the three dimensions initiated by Miller (1983), namely Innovation, risk-taking, and pro-activeness. While the use of social media by SMEs related to marketing support, customer relations and information accessibility (Parveen et al., 2016). A quantitative approach is used for 75 exporter SMEs located in Central Java Province, Indonesia. Data is collected through direct interview by 8 surveyors. The findings showed that only innovativeness provides mediation effect on the relationship between social media usage and exporter SMEs performance, both financially and non-financially. The implications of these findings indicate that by creative and innovative design, Indonesian SME products have been accepted and capable to compete in the international market.
p21(Waf1/Cip1) protects against p53-mediated apoptosis of human melanoma cells.

The tumor suppressive effect of p53 is believed to be rooted in its two primary functions: the implementation of cellular growth arrest and the execution of apoptotic cell death. While p53-regulated expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(Waf1/Cip1) appears to be central for the implementation of G1 arrest, the participation of p21(Waf1/Cip1) in p53-triggered cell death remains controversial. In the present study, overexpression of p53 in human melanoma SK-MEL-110 cells through use of an adenoviral expression vector (AdCMV.p53) was found to result in apoptosis, while similar infection of primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) instead resulted in a moderate inhibition of growth. Expression of p21(Waf1/Cip1) was strongly elevated in VSMC, but showed little change in SK-MEL-110 cells, although expression of another p53-regulated gene (GADD45) was comparable in both AdCMV.p53-infected cell types. Evidence that p21(Waf1/Cip1) expression may be required for surviving p53-induced cell death was further supported by the finding that p53 overexpression was highly toxic for p21-deficient mouse embryonal fibroblasts (p21-/- MEFs). In both SK-MEL-110 and p21-/- MEFs, adenovirus-driven ectopic expression of p21(Waf1/Cip1) resulted in a substantial protection against p53-induced apoptosis, indicating that p21(Waf1/Cip1) rescued cells from a path of programmed cell death to one of enhanced survival.
Porcine aortic valve interstitial cells in three-dimensional culture: comparison of phenotype with aortic smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY Recent heart valve tissue engineering efforts have involved populating scaffolds with cells isolated from vascular sources, though it is unclear whether cells from valvular origins behave similarly to vascular cells. The study aim was to compare the phenotype of porcine aortic valve interstitial cells (PAVICs) and porcine aortic smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in two-dimensional cultures and within three-dimensional (3D) collagen gels. METHODS PASMCs and PAVICs were isolated from fresh pig hearts, and cultured in either tissue culture flasks or collagen constructs created with 1 x 10(6) cells/ml. After up to 10 days of culture, gels were lysed or cells isolated with collagenase. Expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and desmin were determined using flow cytometry and laser confocal microscopy. Gel compaction was measured up to day 6, and lysate was analyzed for protein, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and cell number. RESULTS PAVICs and PASMCs compacted collagen gels similarly, and expressed similar levels of alpha-SMA but differing amounts of desmin. PAVICs appeared to produce more protein and GAGs than PASMCs over the six-day period in 3D culture. These results agreed well with previously published observations of interstitial cell behavior in vivo. CONCLUSION PAVICs possess both contractile properties and the ability to synthesize matrix components, highlighting their unique function in the demanding environment of the leaflet. Other potential cell sources for heart valve tissue engineering may not be able to mimic adequately some of these functions, and their use may impair tissue function in the long term.
Comparing the effects of entertainment media and tobacco marketing on youth smoking

Objectives: To examine the concurrent effects of exposure to movie smoking and tobacco marketing receptivity on adolescent smoking onset and progression. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 4524 northern New England adolescents aged 10–14 in 1999 with longitudinal follow-up of 2603 baseline never-smokers. Cross-sectional outcomes included ever tried smoking and higher level of lifetime smoking among 784 experimenters. The longitudinal outcome was onset of smoking among baseline never-smokers two years later. Movie smoking exposure was modelled as four population quartiles, tobacco marketing receptivity included two levels—having a favourite tobacco advert and wanting/owning tobacco promotional items. All analyses controlled for sociodemographics, other social influences, personality characteristics of the adolescent and parenting style. Results: In the full cross-sectional sample, 17.5% had tried smoking; both exposure to movie smoking and receptivity to tobacco marketing were associated with having tried smoking. Among experimental smokers, the majority (64%) were receptive to tobacco marketing, which had a multivariate association with higher level of lifetime smoking (movie smoking did not). In the longitudinal study 9.5% of baseline never-smokers tried smoking at follow-up. Fewer never-smokers (18.5%) were receptive to tobacco marketing. Movie smoking had a multivariate association with trying smoking (receptivity to tobacco marketing did not). Conclusions: The results suggest separate roles for entertainment media and tobacco marketing on adolescent smoking. Both exposures deserve equal emphasis from a policy standpoint.
Dynamic autoregulatory response after severe head injury.

OBJECT The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent and timing of impairment of cerebral pressure autoregulation after severe head injury. METHODS In a prospective study of 122 patients with severe head trauma (median Glasgow Coma Scale Score 6), dynamic tests of pressure autoregulation were performed every 12 hours during the first 5 days postinjury and daily during the next 5 days. The autoregulatory index ([ARI] normal value 5 +/- 1.1) was calculated for each test. The changes in the ARI over time were examined and compared with other physiological variables. The ARI averaged 2.8 +/- 1.9 during the first 12 hours postinjury, and continued to decrease to a nadir of 1.7 +/- 1.1 at 36 to 48 hours postinjury. At this nadir, in 87% of the patients the value was less than 2.8. This continued deterioration in the ARI during the first 36 to 48 hours postinjury occurred despite an increase in cerebral blood flow ([CBF], p < 0.05) and in middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity ([BFV], p < 0.001), and could not be explained by changes in cerebral perfusion pressure, end-tidal CO2, or cerebral metabolic rate of O2. A marked decrease in cerebrovascular resistance ([CVR], p < 0.001) accompanied this deterioration in the ARI. Patients with a relatively higher BFV on Day 1 had a lower CVR (p < 0.05) and more impaired pressure autoregulation than those with a lower BFV. CONCLUSIONS The inability of cerebral vessels to regulate CBF normally may play a role in the vulnerability of the injured brain to secondary ischemic insults. These studies indicate that this vulnerability continues and even increases beyond the first 24 hours postinjury. Local factors affecting cerebrovascular tone may be responsible for these findings.
The Influence of Perceived Confidentiality Risks and Attitude on Tanzania Government Employees’ Intention to Adopt Web 2.0 and Social Media for Work-Related Purposes

ABSTRACT Studies show that there are many benefits of using Web 2.0 and social media in governments. However, the factors influencing government employees‘ adoption of these technologies are not well known. In this paper, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was integrated with two constructs, namely, perceived confidentiality risks (PCR) and attitude (AT) in order to investigate the factors influencing adoption of these technologies among government employees. The sample consisted of 600 usable responses collected from Tanzania Government Employees. To analyze the data, Structural Equation Modeling was used. Both PCR and AT were found to be influential.
Role of microRNAs in the regulation of drug metabolism and disposition

Background: The important role of nuclear receptors in transcriptional gene regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) and drug transporters (DTs) has been well documented. In contrast, there is limited understanding of post-transcriptional gene regulation of DMEs and DTs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a large group of non-coding RNAs that control the post-transcriptional expression of target genes. Currently, > 800 miRNAs have been identified in human genome, which are believed to regulate thousands of human protein-coding genes. Objective: This review aims to discuss the potential role of miRNAs in drug metabolism and disposition, following an introduction of miRNA biogenesis, regulatory mechanisms, and target identification and validation. Results/conclusions: Some miRNAs have been shown to directly or indirectly control the expression of DMEs, DTs or nuclear receptors, and consequently, affect the capacity of drug metabolism and disposition, and influence the sensitivity of cells to xenobiotic agents. Furthermore, the expression of some miRNAs is readily altered in cells after an acute or chronic exposure to medications, toxins or carcinogens. Therefore, dysregulation of specific miRNAs by a xenobiotic agent, which control the expression of DMEs or DTs, might lead to considerable change in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic property of a concomitant drug or the agent itself. Improved understanding of the regulatory pathways of DMEs and DTs shall provide novel insight into multi-drug resistance and potential drug–drug interaction in clinical pharmacotherapy as well as in drug discovery and development.
Comparison of an Oropharyngeal pH Probe and a Standard Dual pH Probe for Diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Objectives: We compared the ability of an oropharyngeal (OP) aerosol-detecting pH probe and a standard dual pH probe in measuring laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Methods: Fifteen subjects with LPR symptoms had 24-hour simultaneous placement of the OP probe and a standard dual pH probe. Acid exposure was defined as a 10% pH decrease below baseline for the OP probe or a pH of less than 4 at the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) probe of the dual pH probe. Results: The mean duration of acid exposure was 650 seconds (SD, 619) or 0.75% of the total time for the OP probe and 438 seconds (SD, 511) or 0.51% of the total time for the UES probe. When we excluded meals and sleep, the mean duration of acid exposure was 271 seconds (SD, 356) or 0.31% of the total time for the OP probe and 271 seconds (SD, 359) or 0.31% of the total time for the UES probe. The correlation coefficient (R) between the two probes for measurement of the duration of acid exposure was 0.50 (p < 0.05). When we excluded meals and the supine position, the R was notably higher, at 0.95 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The OP probe reliably documented LPR events when meals and sleep were eliminated and was better tolerated than the standard dual probe.