Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of the argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions in tumor detection and prognosis.

The expression of the argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) has been analyzed in renal, bladder, and pharyngeal carcinomas, multiple myeloma (MM), and skin melanocytic lesions to clarify their role in tumor detection and prognosis. Sections from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsies were stained with the method of Ploton; the mean AgNOR number per nucleus (AgNOR count) and their distribution (configuration) were assessed examining 100 neoplastic cells. AgNOR counts and histologic grade were highly associated in bladder urotheliomas (6.01 for grade 1 [G1], 7.69 for G2, 13.35 for G3; p < 0.00001) and MM (3.18 for G1, 4.36 for G2, 6.13 for G3; p < 0.0001); they were not associated in renal cell carcinomas (5.35 for G1, 5.92 for G2, 7.99 for G3; p = 0.132) and pharyngeal carcinomas (11.1 for G2, 10.27 for G3; p = 0.08). AgNOR number was also related to the degree of malignancy in melanocytic lesions (2.93 for common blue nevus, 2.89 for benign nevus [BN], 3.69 for cellular blue nevus [CBN], 7.71 for malignant melanoma, and 8.33 for malignant cellular blue nevus [MCBN]; p < 0.00001). Association between AgNOR counts and pathologic stage was found in bladder carcinomas (6.43 for pTa, 10.19 for pT1, 12.57 for pT2-4; p < 0.00001) and MM (3.06 for cases with percentage of bone marrow plasma cells [BMPC%] < or = 20, 4.28 for BMPC% 21 to 50, 5.14 for BMPC% > 50; p < 0.0001]; no correlation was found in pharyngeal (11.18 for T1, 10.08 for T2, 10.68 for T3, 11.47 for T4; p = 0.18) or renal cell carcinomas (6.06 for pT2, 6.31 for pT3; p = 0.78). Few, large and grouped AgNORs were found in well-differentiated bladder carcinomas, MM, and benign melanocytic lesions; numerous, small and dispersed AgNORs were seen in poorly differentiated bladder, renal and pharyngeal carcinomas, MM and malignant melanocytic lesions. Significant association with prognosis was found in pharyngeal carcinomas (5-year survival: 68% for cases with < or = 10.31 AgNOR/cell, 20% for cases with > 10.31 AgNORs) and MM (5-year survival: 46% for cases with < or = 4.62 AgNOR/cell, 7% for cases with > 4.62 AgNORs; in MM the configuration too was related to prognosis: median of survival 72 months for tightly grouped, 16 for partially grouped, and 11 for dispersed AgNORs). Our results indicate that AgNOR number and configuration are useful in detection and prognosis of some neoplasias. They permit a rapid evaluation of morphology and tumor cell kinetics even on small biopsies. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Loan Sales and Screening with Two-Dimensional Borrower Types

We consider a model of lending with subsequent loan sale opportunities. Market participants observe a public signal about the creditworthiness of each borrower. Lenders additionally have the opportunity to privately screen potential borrowers at a cost. The model rationalizes empirically documented discontinuities in lending and default rates around a FICO credit rating score of 620, while providing a foundation for the endogenous emergence of a cutoff rule-of-thumb. We show that loan sale opportunities have a positive impact on borrowers' access to credit contingent on screening revealing positive information whenever the public information about a borrower's type is relatively bad. At the same time, average borrower quality for intermediate borrower types decreases as gains from trade via loan sales increase the relative profitability of loans to unscreened borrowers compared to loans to screened borrowers which imply significant risk retention. Loan sale opportunities can lead to adverse effects on borrower welfare while strictly increasing lender profitability.
An imbalance in antioxidant defense affects cellular function: the pathophysiological consequences of a reduction in antioxidant defense in the glutathione peroxidase-1 (Gpx1) knockout mouse

Abstract Aerobic cells are subjected to damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a consequence of oxidative metabolism and/or exposure to environmental toxins. Antioxidants limit this damage, yet peroxidative events occur when oxidant stress increases. This arises due to increased radical formation or decreased antioxidative defenses. The two-step enzymatic antioxidant pathway limits damage to important biomolecules by neutralising superoxides to water. However, an imbalance in this pathway (increased first-step antioxidants relative to second-step antioxidants) has been proposed as etiological in numerous pathologies. This review presents evidence that a shift in favor of hydrogen peroxide and/or lipid peroxides has pathophysiological consequences. The involvement of antioxidant genes in the regulation of redox status, and ultimately cellular homeostasis, is explored in murine transgenic and knockout models. The investigations of Sod1 transgenic cell-lines and mice, as well as Gpx1 knockout mice (both models favor H2O2 accumulation), are presented. Although in most instances accumulation of H2O2 affects cellular function and leads to exacerbated pathology, this is not always the case. This review highlights those instances where, for example, increased Sod1 levels are beneficial, and indicates a role for superoxide radicals in pathogenesis. Studies of Gpx1 knockout mice (an important second-step antioxidant) lead us to conclude that Gpx1 functions as the primary protection against acute oxidative stress, particularly in neuropathological situations such as stroke and cold-induced head trauma, where high levels of ROS occur during reperfusion or in response to injury. In summary, these studies clearly highlight the importance of limiting ROS-induced cellular damage by maintaining a balanced enzymatic antioxidant pathway.
Corporate social responsibility and financial performance: An empirical study on Egyptian banks

Due to the significance of the banking sector in the stability and welfare of any economy; it is important to constantly monitor and evaluate its performance. Most banks have incorporated social practices in their business operations regardless of the managers’ real intentions of whether it is for the corporate image that might lead to better performance; or it is for the well being of the environment or society overall. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to check if the concept of the CSR is widely applied to local, international and Islamic banks operating in Egypt over the interim period from 2005 to 2013 and if there is a difference in the application. Moreover does CSR really matters and affect banks' financial performance. Descriptive statistics will be used. The difference in performance will be tested for statistical significance using one way ANOVA tests. The statistical study conducted on 34 banks categorized under Local commercial, International and Islamic banks are operating in Egypt. The relationship is neutral when it is looked at from the ROA measure. The banks’ Corporate Social Responsibility did not have any impact on the financial performance of the banks. However, the relationship was positive when the financial performance perspective was looked from the estimated ROE and NIM; it implies that banks’ corporate social responsibility practices not act as costs to shareholders as they do not reduce the returns. Whether the relationship is positive or neutral, the coefficient for both models are rather small as well as the model that resulted in Neutral relationship had lower standard of error which indicates that it is a better model compared to the model using ROE and NIM as the dependent variable. Therefore relationship is Neutral**.
The Utilization during Mitotic Cell Division of Loci Controlling Meiotic Recombination and Disjunction in DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER.

To inquire whether the loci identified by recombination-defective and disjunction-defective meiotic mutants in Drosophila are also utilized during mitotic cell division, the effects of 18 meiotic mutants (representing 13 loci) on mitotic chromosome stability have been examined genetically. To do this, meiotic-mutant-bearing flies heterozygous for recessive somatic cell markers were examined for the frequencies and types of spontaneous clones expressing the cell markers. In such flies, marked clones can arise via mitotic recombination, mutation, chromosome breakage, nondisjunction or chromosome loss, and clones from these different origins can be distinguished. In addition, meiotic mutants at nine loci have been examined for their effects on sensitivity to killing by UV and X rays. -Mutants at six of the seven recombination-defective loci examined (mei-9, mei-41, c(3)G, mei-W68, mei-S282, mei-352, mei-218) cause mitotic chromosome instability in both sexes, whereas mutants at one locus (mei-218) do not affect mitotic chromosome stability. Thus many of the loci utilized during meiotic recombination also function in the chromosomal economy of mitotic cells. -The chromosome instability produced by mei-41 alleles is the consequence of chromosome breakage, that of mei-9 alleles is primarily due to chromosome breakage and, to a lesser extent, to an elevated frequency of mitotic recombination, whereas no predominant mechanism responsible for the instability caused by c(3)G alleles is discernible. Since these three loci are defective in their responses to mutagen damage, their effects on chromosome stability in nonmutagenized cells are interpreted as resulting from an inability to repair spontaneous lesions. Both mei-W68 and mei-S282 increase mitotic recombination (and in mei-W68, to a lesser extent, chromosome loss) in the abdomen but not the wing. In the abdomen, the primary effect on chromosome stability occurs during the larval period when the abdominal histoblasts are in a nondividing (G2) state. -Mitotic recombination is at or above control levels in the presence of each of the recombination-defective meiotic mutants examined, suggesting that meiotic and mitotic recombination are under separate genetic control in Drosophila. -Of the six mutants examined that are defective in processes required for regular meiotic chromosome segregation, four (l(1)TW-6(cs), ca(nd), mei-S332, ord) affect mitotic chromosome behavior. At semi-restrictive temperatures, the cold sensitive lethal l(1)TW-6(cs) causes very frequent somatic spots, a substantial proportion of which are attributable to nondisjunction or loss. Thus, this locus specifies a function essential for chromosome segregation at mitosis as well as at the first meiotic division in females. The patterns of mitotic effects caused by ca(nd), mei-S332, and ord suggest that they may be leaky alleles at essential loci that specify functions common to meiosis and mitosis. Mutants at the two remaining loci (nod, pal) do not affect mitotic chromosome stability.
A population-based, longitudinal study of erectile dysfunction and future coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE To assess the association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and the long-term risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the role of age as a modifier of this association. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS From January 1, 1996, to December 31, 2005, we biennially screened a random sample of 1402 community-dwelling men with regular sexual partners and without known CAD for the presence of ED. Incidence densities of CAD were calculated after age stratification and adjusted for potential confounders by time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS The prevalence of ED was 2% for men aged 40 to 49 years, 6% for men aged 50 to 59 years, 17% for men aged 60 to 69 years, and 39% for men aged 70 years or older. The CAD incidence densities per 1000 person-years for men without ED in each age group were 0.94 (40-49 years), 5.09 (50-59 years), 10.72 (60-69 years), and 23.30 (> or =70 years). For men with ED, the incidence densities of CAD for each age group were 48.52 (40-49 years), 27.15 (50-59 years), 23.97 (60-69 years), and 29.63 (> or =70 years). CONCLUSION ED and CAD may be differing manifestations of a common underlying vascular pathology. When ED occurs in a younger man, it is associated with a marked increase in the risk of future cardiac events, whereas in older men, ED appears to be of little prognostic importance. Young men with ED may be ideal candidates for cardiovascular risk factor screening and medical intervention.
Effect of Web-Based Messages on Girls’ Knowledge and Risk Perceptions Related to Cigarette Smoke and Breast Cancer: 6-Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Evidence indicating an association between cigarette smoke exposure and an increase in breast cancer risk highlights the need for health messages that aim to prevent smoking initiation and reduce secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among adolescent girls. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of targeted gender-sensitive, breast cancer-specific, Web-based messages about the increased risk of breast cancer associated with cigarette smoke exposure. Outcomes assessed 6 months postmessage delivery included nonsmoking adolescent girls’ knowledge of the link between cigarette smoke exposure and breast cancer, perceptions of breast cancer risk associated with cigarette smoke, smoking behavior and intentions, and stage of change related to avoidance of secondhand smoke. Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial was used to compare standard (control) messages with targeted gender- and Aboriginal status-sensitive, breast cancer-specific (intervention) messages. Messages were delivered online to 618 nonsmoking girls, aged 13 to 15 years, clustered in 74 Canadian secondary schools. Results Compared with the control group, girls in the intervention group were significantly more likely to report that breast cancer is an illness caused by cigarette smoke (adjusted relative risk [ARR] 1.33, 95% CI 1.05-1.68) and to agree that exposure to SHS increases their risk of breast cancer (ARR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.20). No significant effects were observed for a change in smoking status, intention to try smoking, or stage of change related to avoidance of SHS. Conclusions Compared with standard messages, targeted gender-sensitive, breast cancer-specific messages had a stronger influence on girls’ knowledge and perceived risk of cigarette smoke exposure as a risk factor for breast cancer. Brief information-based interventions delivered over the Internet have the potential to provide effective health promotion that could be broadly disseminated and lead to long-term effects on girls’ knowledge and risk perceptions about cigarette exposure and breast cancer.
Psychological impact and cosmetic outcome of surgical breast cancer strategies

Background: Current surgical treatment modalities for breast cancer include breast conserving surgery, mastectomy alone and mastectomy with breast reconstruction. There are recognized benefits of breast conservation and breast reconstruction over mastectomy but there are few studies assessing this area in Australia. The aim of the present study was to compare the various surgical strategies for breast cancer treatment in terms of quality of life, cosmesis and patient satisfaction.
Modification of immune responses to exercise by carbohydrate, glutamine and anti‐oxidant supplements

Immunosuppression in athletes involved in heavy training is undoubtedly multifactorial in origin. Training and competitive surroundings may increase the athlete's exposure to pathogens and provide optimal conditions for pathogen transmission. Heavy prolonged exertion is associated with numerous hormonal and biochemical changes, many of which potentially have detrimental effects on immune function. Furthermore, improper nutrition can compound the negative influence of heavy exertion on immunocompetence. An athlete exercising in a carbohydrate‐depleted state experiences larger increases in circulating stress hormones and a greater perturbation of several immune function indices. The poor nutritional status of some athletes may predispose them to immunosuppression. For example, dietary deficiencies of protein and specific micronutrients have long been associated with immune dysfunction. Although it is impossible to counter the effects of all of the factors that contribute to exercise‐induced immunosuppression, it has been shown to be possible to minimize the effects of many factors. Athletes can help themselves by eating a well‐balanced diet that includes adequate protein and carbohydrate, sufficient to meet their energy requirements. This will ensure a more than adequate intake of trace elements without the need for special supplements. Consuming carbohydrate (but not glutamine or other amino acids) during exercise attenuates rises in stress hormones, such as cortisol, and appears to limit the degree of exercise‐induced immunosuppression, at least for non‐fatiguing bouts of exercise. Evidence that high doses of anti‐oxidant vitamins can prevent exercise‐induced immunosuppression is also lacking.
Sensitivity and allergy to latex in atopic and non‐atopic children

To study the sensitivity and allergy to latex in children, we investigated sera of 306 atopic md 303 non‐atopic children (median age 4. 5 years) for specif‐ic IgE to latex. In patients with specific IgE to latex, a questionnaire was sent to families and provocation tests were carried out. 60/306 atopic children (20. 8%) and 1/303 non‐atopic children (0. 3 %) showed specific IgE to latex in serum. The proportion of atopic. latex‐sensitized and provocation positive children was 12/48 (25 %). Specific IgE to latex was significantly higher (p < 0.03) in symptomatic compared to non‐symptomatic patients. Specificity of a positive history was 92 %, sensitivity 50 %. Atopic dermati‐tis tended to be more prevalent among the 12 provocation positive atopic children (75 %) compared to 36 provocation negative children (58 %). There was a tendency that children of the symptomatic group underwent surgical interventions more frequently compared to non‐symptomatic children. In conclusion, latex sensitization and latex allergy seem to have oc‐cured more often in atopic children than previously known. Risk factors for the development of a sensitization to latex are atopy and the clinical diagno‐sis of atopic dermatitis; risk factors for a clinically manifest allergy to latex are an elevated specific IgE to latex, a positive history upon contact to mate‐rial containing latex and probably frequent operations. Provocation tests should be performed to plan avoidance measures in latex‐allergic children especially before surgical interventions.
The Politics of Global Value Chains : Import-dependent Firms and the Signing of EU-Asia Trade Agreements

In 2006, the European Commission released its Global Europe Communication, in which the Commission explicitly departed from the so-called ‘multilateralism first’ approach and marked a shift towards bilateralism. One of the key pillars of this new European Union (EU) strategy was to strengthen the bilateral trade relations with Asian countries. In contrast to existing analyses that focus on EU decision makers agency, we propose an explanation for this notable shift in EU’s trade policy that stresses the political role of import-dependent firms – i.e. firms which rely on the income engendered by imported goods or on the import of intermediate products for their production process. In light of the increasing integration of this kind of firms in Global Value Chains, the article argues that a plausible case can be made, both theoretically and empirically, that import-dependent firms had a clear stake in the signing of Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) between the EU and Asian countries and that their lobbying efforts significantly affected the EU’s decision to start negotiations with South Korea, India, and Vietnan.
A systematic review of barriers and facilitators to participation in randomized controlled trials by Indigenous people from New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States

Issue: Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are conducted each year but only a small proportion is specifically designed for Indigenous people. In this review we consider the challenges of participation in RCTs for Indigenous peoples from New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States and the opportunities for increasing participation. Approach: The literature was systematically searched for published articles including information on the barriers and facilitators for Indigenous people’s participation in health-related RCTs. Articles were identified using a key word search of electronic databases (Scopus, Medline and EMBASE). To be included, papers had to include in their published work at least one aspect of their RCT that was either a barrier and/or facilitator for participation identified from, for example, design of intervention, or discussion sections of articles. Articles that were reviews, discussions, opinion pieces or rationale/methodology were excluded. Results were analysed inductively, allowing themes to emerge from the data. Key findings: Facilitators enabling Indigenous people’s participation in RCTs included relationship and partnership building, employing Indigenous staff, drawing on Indigenous knowledge models, targeted recruitment techniques and adapting study material. Challenges for participation included both participant-level factors (such as a distrust of research) and RCT-level factors (including inadequately addressing likely participant barriers (phone availability, travel costs), and a lack of recognition or incorporation of Indigenous knowledge systems. Implication: The findings from our review add to the body of knowledge on elimination of health disparities, by identifying effective and practical strategies for conducting and engaging Indigenous peoples with RCTs. Future trials that seek to benefit Indigenous peoples should actively involve Indigenous research partners, and respect and draw on pertinent Indigenous knowledge and values. This review has the potential to assist in the design of such studies.
Risk Premium Estimation in the Colombian Foreign Exchange Market

We studied the foreign exchange risk premium in the Colombian market for the USD/COP exchange rate. Likewise most literature, we consider the existence of the risk premium, as we assessed the problem considering future contracts prices and spot prices at four different times of the morning. Furthermore, we found statistically significant evidence to consider the risk premium as time-varying due to different results in the estimations depending of the time of the day. Finally, in contrast with the early morning regressions, we encountered evidence that the estimation of the foreign exchange risk premium was statistically significant only in late hours of the morning, i.e., only at 11:00 and 12:00 suggesting that the exchange market may valuate more adequately the futures in the late morning hours. This can be explained by the fact that early transactions have higher volatility and may miss important information that the market include as the day advances.