Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neurofibromatosis and velopharyngeal insufficiency: is there an association?

OBJECTIVE Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is an often underrecognized disorder of palatal and nasopharyngeal closure that leads to the production of hypernasal speech. However, the potential clinical association between VPI and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) remains undefined in the literature. The purpose of this study sought to identify and describe the potential clinical association of VPI in NF1 patients. DESIGN A combined retrospective and prospective study. SETTING Tertiary referral centre. METHODS The NF1 database from 1998 to 2007 from the Medical Genetics Unit of our institution was used for this project. All NF1 patients seen during this period were sent a letter soliciting their participation in the study, which was designed to screen for the presence of VPI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Perceptual testing was undertaken using the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) clinical database form and acoustic measurement of nasal flow, including standard nasometry and nasalance scores. A comprehensive chart review was also performed. RESULTS One hundred forty-nine NF1 patients were identified from the database; 18 patients responded to our request for participation, with 3 additional participants recruited from recent clinical visits. Eleven of these 21 patients exhibited VPI based on perceptual evaluation and nasometry screening. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study attempted to identify a potential association between NF1 and VPI. Although this sample of NF1 patients was small, the finding of 11 of 21 patients being positively identified with some degree of VPI is of clinical interest, and further research is warranted.
The Rise and Fall of the German Stock Market, 1870-1938

The prior literature has advanced differing views on whether Germany during the late 19th and early 20th centuries was an economy supported by an equity-based as well as a bank-oriented financial system. Primarily by deploying a new IPO dataset for the Berlin Stock Exchange encompassing 1870 to 1938, we show German equity markets were well-developed as the 19th century drew to a close and remained so through the 1920s. Our analysis indicates regulation helped to foster development before 1913 but had a deleterious impact during the 1930s and suggests that there was a fruitful coexistence between large banks and markets until the Nazi era.
Fungal species diversity in juvenile and adult leaves of Eucalyptus globulus from plantations affected by Mycosphaerella leaf disease.

In recent years, Mycosphaerella leaf disease (MLD) has become very common in Eucalyptus globulus plantations in Galicia, northwest Spain. The aetiology of MLD is complex and is associated with several species of Mycosphaerella and Teratosphaeria. A survey of the fungal mycobiota associated with juvenile and adult leaves and with leaf litter of the same trees in MLD-affected plantations was made. The goal was to identify pathogens and endophytes, to determine whether the mycobiota of each leaf type differed and whether leaf litter might be a reservoir of MLD inoculum. Fungi belonging to 113 different species were isolated from the leaves of juvenile and adult trees sampled at 10 locations; 81 species occurred in juvenile and 65 in adult leaves. The average number of species obtained from juvenile leaves was significantly greater (P > 0.01) compared to adult leaves. This difference suggested that juvenile leaves are not only more susceptible to a group of pathogens, but to a wide range of fungi. Therefore, a general resistance mechanism might be lacking or be less effective in juvenile than in adult leaves. Several pathogenic species were identified in both leaf types. Leaf litter and living leaf mycobiotas were very different. However, some of the species they shared were MLD pathogens, suggesting that leaf litter could contribute to the inoculum of MLD.
Role of power on supply chain performance: empirical evidence from the agribusiness sector

Purpose: This empirical study has examined an important research question “what consequence power has on the supply chain performance (SCP)” in a triadic context. Previous studies demonstrate that power imbalance in supply chains is inevitable due to differences in the chain actors’ expertise, size, dependence, and nature of contract (Gellynck and Molnár, 2009). Powerful supply chain members may assume a greater influence on the supply chain thereby creating some stability, or they may leverage the power advantage at the cost of the weaker members (Nyaga et al., 2013). Hence, it is important to understand the nature and effect of power in supply chains in order to provide balanced benefit distributions. Past studies on power in supply chains have focused on its influence on power asymmetry (Nyaga et al., 2013), relationship commitment (Zhao et al., 2008), relationship strength (Maloni and Benton, 2000) and performance (Crook and Combs, 2007). However, most of these studies collect and analyse data from one side of a relationship dyad using a focal firm approach. Analysing a supply chain at firm or dyadic levels does not bring out the underlying dimensions of the entire supply chain relationships (Touboulic et al., 2014). Hence, this paper examines the supply chain members’ perceptions of power on SCP in a triadic context underlying social network theory. The key hypothesis tested is that suppliers, focal firms and customers differ in their perception of power use and affects supply chain performance in terms of efficiency, responsiveness, quality and supply chain balance (Aramyan et al., 2007).
A Proposed Relationship between Organizational Safety Practices and Safety Performance in the Manufacturing of Small and Medium Enterprises in Malaysia

Many studies have showed that 60 percent to 80 percent of all industrial accidents were likely due to human errors. Inability of employees to manage work overload, provide appropriate response, and conduct proper activities are the bases for human erors. Safety performance in SMEs is an issue of concern because of increasing accidents and injury rates. Due to the vulnerability of SMEs to workplace accidents and illnesses researchers have begun to develop a considerable interest in addressing the issue. The aim of this paper is to review related empirical literatures and emphasize the necessity to examine safety performance among manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia. This paper discusses the role of organizational safety practices that may have an influence on safety performance. Toward the end of the paper, a conceptual model illustrating the relationships between organizational safety practices and safety performance will be presented.
Occurrence of resistance to vibriostatic compound 0/129 in Vibrio cholerae 01 isolated from clinical and environmental samples in Bangladesh

Fifty-one Vibrio cholerae 01 strains isolated from 734 natural water and plankton samples and 31 rectal swabs were examined. Of these strains, 32 (62.7%) were found to be resistant to vibriostatic compound 0/129. When antibiograms using the antibiotics ampicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, furoxan, and gentamicin were done, it was observed that there was a correlation of sensitivity to 0/129 with selected antibiotics. Only the Ogawa E1 Tor (72% of strains resistant) and Inaba classical (28% of strains resistant) biotypes of V. cholerae 01 showed resistance to 0/129. On the other hand, all Inaba E1 Tor and Ogawa classical strains were susceptible to 0/129. The 32 0/129-resistant and 19 0/129-sensitive isolates of V. cholerae 01 were tested for the presence of plasmid DNA. Only two strains isolated from the environment were found to carry a plasmid, and they were also found to be resistant to 0/129 and gentamicin. Thus, 0/129 resistance, although more common than previously suspected, is concluded not to be plasmid mediated in the strains tested in this study.
Effects of Municipal Wastewater Irrigation on Yield and Fertilizer Requirement of Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) in Bangladesh

Due to increasing scarcity of fresh water, use of unconventional water source (e.g., wastewater) in irrigation has now become important. However, inclusive information on the effects of wastewater on crop production and soil health is necessary for such intervention. This study was designed to evaluate these effects by demonstrating the contribution of municipal wastewater (hereafter called wastewater) on yield and nutrient requirement of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cv Shatabdi. Five irrigation treatments - I 1 , I 2 , I 3 , I 4 and I 5 were tested in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications during November-March of 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010 at the experimental field of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The treatments I 2 -I 5 consisted of blended wastewater and I 1 of fresh water (control). The ratio of wastewater to total irrigation water was 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 in I 2 , I 3 , I 4 and I 5 , respectively. Wheat was cultivated with three irrigations and recommended doses of fertilizer in three consecutive years. Wastewater contained nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) @ 17.5, 3.7 and 10.3 mg/L, respectively, and irrigation by raw wastewater (I 5 ) contributed 19.1, 15.1 and 21.7% of the recommended N, P and K, respectively. Biomass yield increased with increasing fraction of wastewater in irrigation. Grain yield increased for the wastewater fraction of 0.50 - 0.75 in irrigation but decreased when irrigation was applied by raw wastewater. Excess fertilizer (under I 5 ) boosted up growth of wheat, but did not contribute to the grain yield. Number of grains per spike; and grain, straw and biological yields significantly (p = 0.05) increased due to the contribution of wastewater. Wastewater significantly improved grain and biomass production, with the largest value obtained in I 4 (4.61 t/ha grain yield and 11.36 t/ha biomass yield). Raw wastewater in combination with recommended fertilizer doses caused over-fertilization that contributed only in biomass production but not in grain production of wheat and irrigation by wastewater substantially reduced fertilizer requirement of wheat. The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 01-14
Natural Product Reports

This review covers the literature published in 2017 for marine natural products (MNPs), with 740 citations (723 for the period January to December 2017) referring to compounds isolated from marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, green, brown and red algae, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, molluscs, tunicates, echinoderms, mangroves and other intertidal plants and microorganisms. The emphasis is on new compounds (1490 in 477 papers for 2017), together with the relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Reviews, biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that led to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included. Geographic distributions of MNPs at a phylogenetic level are reported.
Osteoarthritis III: Radiological and clinical definition

Since this is a discussion on clinical and radiological interpretation, it contains several personal observations and opinions, and thus expresses the concept of clinical observation as the basis for evidence based medicine interpretations (Buchanan and Kean, 2001). As with all conditions, it is essential to make an accurate diagnosis of osteoarthritis prior to management. This article provides an outline of the radiological and clinical features commonly observed in osteoarthritis. It is important to emphasise that the appearance of clinical and or radiological osteoarthritis in a joint or series of joints is not always the cause of the pain or dysfunction. Many patients with severe cervical or lumbar facet joint osteoarthritis are pain free, or can have pain due to disc or ligament damage or due to nerve impingement. Some patients with peripheral or central neuropathic problems related to diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, or vitamin B12 de ciency, may have musculoskelatal / neurological pain not related to their asymptomatic osteoarthritic joint changes. These are just a few of the obvious caveats important for clinical management, and in the design of clinical trials. For example, it is our opinion that EMG/nerve conduction studies should be used in osteoarthritis management clinical trial design, to exclude median nerve compression, peripheral neuropathy, and proximal or nerve root neuropathy. In addition it should be noted that the major symptom of osteoarthritis is pain, and this, and improvement of function, are adversely affected by anxiety and depression (Summers et al., 1998).
Multiplex PCR detection of vanA, vanB, vanC-1, and vanC-2/3 genes in enterococci

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are increasingly isolated from clinical specimens. One hundred clinical isolates of enterococci (E. casseliflavus/E. flavescens [n = 10], E. faecalis [n = 34], E. faecium [n = 43], E. avium [n = 1], E. gallinarum [n = 11], and E. raffinosus [n = 1]) were examined for the presence of vanA, vanB, vanC-1, and vanC-2/3 genes by a single multiplex PCR performed directly with colonies from blood agar plates. Six previously characterized VRE strains which carry either vanA, vanB, vanC-1, or vanC-2 genes were used as controls. To discriminate among van genes, the PCR amplicons were digested with MspI and were electrophoresed on agarose gels. Because of significant sequence homology between vanC-2 and vanC-3 genes, this assay is unable to discriminate these genes from each other; therefore, these are referred to as vanC-2/3 genes. PCR products were detected in 63 of the 100 clinical isolates. The restriction fragment length patterns were consistent with vanA for 10 strains, vanB for 30 strains, vanC-1 for 12 strains, vanC-2 for 6 strains, and vanA and vanC-1 for 1 strain. The vancomycin MICs for the isolates with restriction fragment length patterns consistent with vanA and vanB were all > and = 64 micrograms/ml. The vancomycin MICs for the isolates with restriction fragment length patterns consistent with vanC-1 or vanC-2 were 4 to 8 micrograms/ml. The vancomycin MICs for the isolates from which no PCR amplicons were produced were 2 to 4 micrograms/ml. A PCR product was produced in four isolates (vancomycin MICs, 4 to > 256 micrograms/ml) with restriction fragment length patterns differing from those for the control vanA, vanB, vanC-1, and vanC-2 isolates. DNA sequencing of these amplicons revealed that two of the four isolates had nucleic acid sequences which were closely related to the published sequence for the vanB gene and two had nucleic acid sequences which were closely related to the published sequence for the vanC-2 and vanC-3 genes. Multiplex PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism appears to be a useful and convenient method for rapidly detecting and discriminating genotypes for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. in the clinical laboratory. In instances in which unusual restriction fragment patterns of PCR amplicons occur, DNA sequencing can be performed to discriminate van genotypes.
Selective Induction of Heparin-binding Epidermal Growth Factor-like Growth Factor by Methylglyoxal and 3-Deoxyglucosone in Rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

Methylglyoxal (MG) and 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), reactive dicarbonyl metabolites in the glyoxalase system and glycation reaction, respectively, selectively induced heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF)-like growth factor mRNA in a dose- and time-dependent manner in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC). A nuclear run-on assay revealed that the dicarbonyl may regulate expression of HB-EGF at the transcription level. The dicarbonyl also increased the secretion of HB-EGF from RASMC. However, platelet-derived growth factor, another known growth factor of smooth muscle cells (SMC), was not induced by both dicarbonyls. The dicarbonyl augmented intracellular peroxides prior to the induction of HB-EGF mRNA as judged by flow cytometric analysis using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate.N-Acetyl-l-cysteine and aminoguanidine suppressed both dicarbonyl-increased HB-EGF mRNA and intracellular peroxide levels in RASMC.dl-Buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine increased the levels of 3-DG-induced HB-EGF mRNA. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide alone also induced HB-EGF mRNA in RASMC. These results indicate that MG and 3-DG induce HB-EGF by increasing the intracellular peroxide levels. In addition, the pretreatment with 12-O-tetra-decanoylphorbol-13-acetate failed to alter dicarbonyl-induced HB-EGF mRNA expression in RASMC, suggesting that the signal transducing mechanism is not mediated by protein kinase C. Since HB-EGF is known as a potent mitogen for smooth muscle cells and is abundant in atherosclerotic plaques, the induction of HB-EGF by MG and 3-DG, as well as the concomitant increment of intracellular peroxides, may trigger atherogenesis during diabetes.
The effect of voluntary disclosure on uncertainty around earnings announcements

Recent research documents that voluntary disclosure—in particular, managerial forecast guidance—lowers uncertainty levels, as proxied by option implied variances. In this study I explore the effect of such voluntary disclosure on other dimensions of uncertainty. In particular, I investigate the effect of managerial guidance on the variance risk premium (VRP). Prior research predicts and provides empirical evidence of the VRP, which reflects that implied variances (on average) exceed actual variances, and exists to compensate traders, who sell variance protection for equity options. First, I confirm previous findings that implied variances are lower when firms issue management guidance. Second and more importantly, I document that the VRP is higher when firms provide guidance. I reconcile these seemingly contradictory results by (i) confirming that a significant portion of the increase in VRP is attributable to uncertainty specific to the impending earnings announcement, consistent with the primary role played by the voluntary management disclosure; and (ii) documenting that a
LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT ORGANIC ACIDS IN THE URINE OF THE NEWBORN

Abstract The urinary excretion of seven selected low molecular weight organic acids in normal neonates was measured by gas chromatography. First and third to fourth day of life excretion of the following compounds was significantly unchanged: 3‐OH‐butyric acid (<13 μmol/mmol creatinine), succinic acid (approx. 43 μmol/mmol creatinine), adipic acid (approx. 12 μmol/mmol creatinine), 2‐OH‐glutaric acid (approx. 23 μmol/mmol creatinine), 3‐OH‐3‐Me‐glutaric acid (approx. 25 μmol/mmol creatinine) and citric acid (approx. 115 μmol/mmol creatinine). The excretion of 4‐OH‐phenyl‐acetic acid increased during the first four days of life (from <8 μmol/mmol creatinine to approx. 20 μmol/mmol creatinine). It is postulated that urinary organic acid excretion in the neonate, which is clearly different from the adult urinary pattern, is a reflection of the specific neonatal metabolic situation, including a high fatty acid utilisation and a low protein catabolism.
No difference in tibial lengthening index by use of Taylor Spatial Frame or Ilizarov external fixator

Background Different methods and devices are used to perform lengthening and deformity reconstruction in the tibia. Recently, the Taylor spatial frame (TSF) has been introduced as a computer-assisted and versatile external ring fixator. Lengthening index (LI) and complications are important result parameters, and the aim of this study was to review our first 20 tibial segments operated with the TSF and to compare the results with our experience of using the traditional Ilizarov external fixator (IEF). Patients and methods We lengthened 20 tibial segments in 20 patients with the TSF. The results were compared with those of 27 tibial segments from 27 patients that were lengthened with the IEF. All segments were operated on with monofocal osteotomies. Results In the overlapping zone of comparable lengthening distances between 2.4 and 6.0 cm, the LI of 2.4 and 1.8 months/cm was not significantly different between the TSF and IEF groups, respectively (p = 0.17). This non-significant difference was confirmed after adjustment for age. Interpretation We found no difference between the TSF and IEF frames regarding LI and complication rate. However, rotational, translational, and residual deformity correction is easier to perform with the TSF.
Results of a round-robin exercise on read-across

Abstract A round-robin exercise was conducted within the CALEIDOS LIFE project. The participants were invited to assess the hazard posed by a substance, applying in silico methods and read-across approaches. The exercise was based on three endpoints: mutagenicity, bioconcentration factor and fish acute toxicity. Nine chemicals were assigned for each endpoint and the participants were invited to complete a specific questionnaire communicating their conclusions. The interesting aspect of this exercise is the justification behind the answers more than the final prediction in itself. Which tools were used? How did the approach selected affect the final answer?
Removal of Lepirudin, a Recombinant Hirudin, by Hemodialysis, Hemofiltration, or Plasmapheresis

Lepirudin (recombinant hirudin), a direct thrombin inhibitor, is an effective alternative method of anticoagulation in patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia. However, because it is eliminated by the kidneys, the half‐life of lepirudin may be substantially prolonged in patients with renal failure. Patients undergoing hemodialysis must be closely monitored, and therapy must be individualized based on each patient's ability to clear the drug. Current literature on the removal of lepirudin by dialysis or plasmapheresis is limited, but available data suggest that lepirudin can be removed with these methods. The ability of filtration systems to remove lepirudin from the blood is highly dependent on the membrane material used in the system. Understanding the effects of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and plasmapheresis on lepirudin levels is important, especially since no antidote is available to treat elevated serum lepirudin concentrations.
Molecular Alterations of h-warts/LATS1 Tumor Suppressor in Human Soft Tissue Sarcoma

h-warts/LATS1 is a human homolog of the Drosophila warts tumor suppressor gene, which functions as a component of the mitotic apparatus. LATS1-deficient (Lats1−/−) mice have been reported to develop ovarian stromal tumors and soft tissue sarcomas. We investigated the status of the h-warts/LATS1 in 50 human soft tissue sarcomas to address its potential function as a tumor suppressor in human sarcoma development. In our RT-PCR assay, 7 (14%) (3 of 4 myxoid liposarcomas, 3 of 7 leiomyosarcomas, 1 of 9 malignant fibrous histiocytomas) of 50 sarcomas examined had no or a reduced expression of the h-warts/LATS1, indicating down-regulated gene expression. We further analyzed alterations of the h-warts/LATS1 in these seven sarcomas. Using microsatellite markers for chromosome 6q23-25.1, to which the h-warts/LATS1 is localized, an allelic loss of this locus was detected in one leiomyosarcoma, in which a missense point mutation of the h-warts/LATS1 was detected by PCR single-strand conformation polymorphism. Clusters of CpG dinucleotides in a 5′ putative promoter region were hypermethylated in the other six sarcomas. Our data suggest that the molecular alterations of the h-warts/LATS1 could be of pathologic importance in human sarcomagenesis.