Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Will fluctuations in salt marsh–mangrove dominance alter vulnerability of a subtropical wetland to sea‐level rise?

To avoid submergence during sea‐level rise, coastal wetlands build soil surfaces vertically through accumulation of inorganic sediment and organic matter. At climatic boundaries where mangroves are expanding and replacing salt marsh, wetland capacity to respond to sea‐level rise may change. To compare how well mangroves and salt marshes accommodate sea‐level rise, we conducted a manipulative field experiment in a subtropical plant community in the subsiding Mississippi River Delta. Experimental plots were established in spatially equivalent positions along creek banks in monospecific stands of Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass) or Avicennia germinans (black mangrove) and in mixed stands containing both species. To examine the effect of disturbance on elevation dynamics, vegetation in half of the plots was subjected to freezing (mangrove) or wrack burial (salt marsh), which caused shoot mortality. Vertical soil development was monitored for 6 years with the surface elevation table‐marker horizon system. Comparison of land movement with relative sea‐level rise showed that this plant community was experiencing an elevation deficit (i.e., sea level was rising faster than the wetland was building vertically) and was relying on elevation capital (i.e., relative position in the tidal frame) to survive. Although Avicennia plots had more elevation capital, suggesting longer survival, than Spartina or mixed plots, vegetation type had no effect on rates of accretion, vertical movement in root and sub‐root zones, or net elevation change. Thus, these salt marsh and mangrove assemblages were accreting sediment and building vertically at equivalent rates. Small‐scale disturbance of the plant canopy also had no effect on elevation trajectories—contrary to work in peat‐forming wetlands showing elevation responses to changes in plant productivity. The findings indicate that in this deltaic setting with strong physical influences controlling elevation (sediment accretion, subsidence), mangrove replacement of salt marsh, with or without disturbance, will not necessarily alter vulnerability to sea‐level rise.
Time-Varying Skewness and Real Business Cycles

This paper develops an empirical macroeconomic framework to analyze the relationship between major political disruptions and business cycles of a country. We combine a new dataset of political revolutions (mass domestic political campaigns to remove dictators and juntas) across the world since 1960, with coup data and traditional macro data (of output, investment, trade, inflation and exchange rate). We then build a panel vector-autoregression model with two novel ingredients: (1) political disruptions and (2) an estimated probability of such disruptions. We find that both terms have statistically and economically significant impacts on business cycles. Interestingly, the impacts of the second term dominate those of the first, both statistically and economically. This suggests that our measure of political risk captures an important source of time-varying uncertainty and volatility in many countries.
Defunctioning Stoma Reduces Symptomatic Anastomotic Leakage After Low Anterior Resection of the Rectum for Cancer: A Randomized Multicenter Trial

Objective:The aim of this randomized multicenter trial was to assess the rate of symptomatic anastomotic leakage in patients operated on with low anterior resection for rectal cancer and who were intraoperatively randomized to a defunctioning stoma or not. Summary Background Data:The introduction of total mesorectal excision surgery as the surgical technique of choice for carcinoma in the lower and mid rectum has led to decreased local recurrence and improved oncological results. Despite these advances, perioperative morbidity remains a major issue, and the most feared complication is symptomatic anastomotic leakage. The role of the defunctioning stoma in regard to anastomotic leakage is controversial and has not been assessed in any randomized trial of sufficient size. Methods:From December 1999 to June 2005, a total of 234 patients were randomized to a defunctioning loop stoma or no loop stoma. Loop ileostomy or loop transverse colostomy was at the choice of the surgeon. Inclusion criteria for randomization were expected survival >6 months, informed consent, anastomosis ≤7 cm above the anal verge, negative air leakage test, intact anastomotic rings, and absence of major intraoperative adverse events. Results:The overall rate of symptomatic leakage was 19.2% (45 of 234). Patients randomized to a defunctioning stoma (n = 116) had leakage in 10.3% (12 of 116) and those without stoma (n = 118) in 28.0% (33 of 118) (odds ratio = 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–6.9; P < 0.001). The need for urgent abdominal reoperation was 8.6% (10 of 116) in those randomized to stoma and 25.4% (30 of 118) in those without (P < 0.001). After a follow-up of median 42 months (range, 6–72 months), 13.8% (16 of 116) of the initially defunctioned patients still had a stoma of any kind, compared with 16.9% (20 of 118) those not defunctioned (not significant). The 30-day mortality after anterior resection was 0.4% (1 of 234) and after elective reversal a defunctioning stoma 0.9% (1 of 111). Median age was 68 years (range, 32–86 years), 45.3% (106 of 234) were females, 79.1% (185 of 234) had preoperative radiotherapy, the level of anastomosis was median 5 cm, and intraoperative blood loss 550 mL, without differences between the groups. Conclusion:Defunctioning loop stoma decreased the rate of symptomatic anastomotic leakage and is therefore recommended in low anterior resection for rectal cancer.
Lung function changes in mice sensitized to ammonium hexachloroplatinate

Abstract Occupational exposure to halogenated platinum salts can trigger the development of asthma. The risk to the general population that may result from the use of platinum in catalytic converters and its emerging use as a diesel fuel additive is unclear. To investigate pulmonary responses to platinum, we developed a mouse model of platinum hypersensitivity. Mice were sensitized through application of ammonium hexachloroplatinate (AHCP) to the shaved back on days 0, 5 and 19, and to each ear on days 10, 11 and 12. On days 24 and 29, mice were challenged by oropharyngeal aspiration with AHCP in saline. Before and immediately after challenge, pulmonary responses were assessed using whole body plethysmography (WBP). A dose-dependent increase in immediate responses was observed in AHCP-sensitized and challenged mice. On days 26 and 31, changes in ventilatory responses to methacholine (Mch) aerosol were assessed by WBP; dose-dependent increases in Mch responsiveness occurred in sensitized mice. Lymph node cell counts indicate a proliferative response in lymph nodes draining the sites of application. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid harvested from sensitized mice contained an average of 5% eosinophils compared to less than 0.5% in non-sensitized mice (p < 0.05); significant increases in total serum immunoglobulin E were observed for all sensitized mice. Although a second airway challenge on day 29 affected some results, only one airway challenge was needed to observe changes in lung function.
The Effect of Imatinib (Glivec®) on Scleroderma and Normal Dermal Fibroblasts: A Preclinical Study

Background: Scleroderma skin overexpresses the platelet-derived growth factor receptor β-subunit (PDGFR-β) in dermal vessels and PDGFR-β messenger RNA in cultured fibroblasts. Moreover, increased levels of PDGF and stimulatory autoantibodies to PDGFR have been identified in the serum of scleroderma patients. Objective: Imatinib being an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase receptors such as PDGFR, its effect on scleroderma fibroblasts was evaluated in vitro as a preclinical therapeutic step. Methods: The effect of imatinib on fibroblasts grown from normal or involved/uninvolved scleroderma skin was studied by Western blot and the methyltetrazolium test. The pattern of distribution of PDGFR-β in scleroderma versus normal skin was studied by immunohistochemistry. Results: In vitro, imatinib inhibited the proliferation of normal dermal and scleroderma fibroblasts at least partly via the inhibition of the phosphorylation of PDGFR. PDGFR-β was expressed in the epidermis and adnexae in 5 lesional scleroderma biopsies and not in controls. Conclusion: This study suggests that imatinib can serve as therapy to limit dermal fibroblast proliferation in scleroderma.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Reproduction

ABSTRACT: Antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) may be identified in the laboratory by using either coagulation studies or solid‐phase immunologic assays (ELISA; RIA). These methodologies do not necessarily evaluate the same antibody; consequently, it is appropriate to screen a patient's plasma by utilizing both assays. APAs have been associated with a variety of obstetrical complications including recurrent spontaneous abortion, intrauterine fetal death, early onset preeclampsia, deep vein thrombosis, and postpartum serositis syndrome. The Kaolin Clotting Time appears to be the most sensitive coagulation test for identifying the lupus anticoagulant. However, preliminary studies would suggest the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies as detected by solid‐phase assays are more sensitive and predictive of the clinical course. Although there are no prospective trials to analyze treatment of patients with APA, preliminary data suggest the use of prednisone in combination with aspirin significantly improves the probability of delivery of a viable infant. In addition, heparin, intravenous gammaglobulin, and exchange plasmapheresis have all been tried with varying degrees of success in individual patients in small series.
Psychosocial factors and interleukin‐6 among women with advanced ovarian cancer

Relations among psychological stress, depression, social support, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6, a proinflammatory cytokine) have been documented in humans and animals. Because elevated IL‐6 is associated with a poorer prognosis among ovarian cancer patients and has been implicated in the metastasis of ovarian cancer, the current study examined relations between psychosocial factors and IL‐6 among women with advanced‐stage ovarian cancer.
Magnetic stimulation supports muscle and nerve regeneration after trauma in mice

Introduction: Magnetic stimulation (MS) has the ability to induce muscle twitch and has long been proposed as a therapeutic modality for skeletal muscle diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its means of action have not been defined. Methods: Muscle regeneration after trauma was studied in a standard muscle injury mouse model. The influence of MS on the formation of motor units, posttrauma muscle/nerve regeneration, and vascularization was investigated. Results: We found that MS does not cause systemic or muscle damage but improves muscle regeneration by significantly minimizing the presence of inflammatory infiltrate and formation of scars after trauma. It avoids posttrauma muscle atrophy, induces muscle hypertrophy, and increases the metabolism and turnover of muscle. It triples the expression of muscle markers and significantly improves muscle functional recovery after trauma. Conclusions: Our results indicate that MS supports muscle and nerve regeneration by activating muscle–nerve cross‐talk and inducing the maturation of neuromuscular junctions. Muscle Nerve 53: 598–607, 2016
Serpin-6 Expression Protects Embryonic Stem Cells from Lysis by Antigen-Specific CTL1

The immune response to embryonic stem (ES) cells is still poorly understood. In this study, we addressed the adaptive cellular immune response to undifferentiated and differentiated ES cells infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a vertically transmitted pathogen in mice and humans. In contrast to the prevailing view, we found that undifferentiated and differentiated murine ES cells express MHC class I molecules, although at low levels. When cocultured with LCMV-infected ES cells, syngeneic but not allogeneic LCMV-specific CTL secrete IFN-γ. Strikingly, LCMV-specific CTL do not efficiently kill LCMV-infected ES cells. ES cells showed high-level expression of the serine protease inhibitor 6, an endogenous inhibitor of the CTL-derived cytotoxic effector molecule granzyme B. Down-regulation of serpin-6 by RNA interference sensitized ES cells for CTL-induced cell death. The results of this study suggest that LCMV-infected murine ES cells present viral Ags and are recognized by LCMV-specific CTL in a MHC class I-restricted manner, yet resist CTL-mediated lysis through high-level expression of serine protease inhibitor 6.
Fixed implant-retained rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla: 11-year results of a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to assess long-term survival and success rates of implants in the edentulous maxilla restored with an implant-supported fixed prosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventeen edentulous patients received six to eight implants and implant-supported fixed prostheses by one surgeon. Yearly recalls were conducted by two examiners over a period of 11 years. Survival and success rates (biological complications) were determined; marginal bone loss was examined radiographically. Furthermore, microbiological tests as well as test for interleukin-1 composite genotype were assessed and potential risk factors were evaluated. RESULTS After a mean time of 11.26 years, 15 patients of 17 could be reexamined. Out of 94 implants, three were lost in one patient. Mean marginal bone loss reached 0.88 mm, two patients (at seven implants) showed bone loss of ≥3.2 mm. Survival rate of implants reached 96.8%. Success rates on implant level hit 92.6% according to the criteria of Albrektsson and colleagues and 83.0% in accordance with Karoussis and colleagues. One prosthesis had to be renewed. CONCLUSION Within the limitation of this study, restoration of the edentulous maxilla with an implant-supported fixed prosthesis represents an effective tool for rehabilitation over a period of 11 years.
Association of Helicobacter pylori with peptic perforation in Chattisgarh region of India.

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori is present in over 90% cases of peptic ulcer. There are very few reports regarding prevalence of H. pylori infection in peptic ulcer perforation which is the commonest complication of peptic ulcer disease. In the present study we have drawn this association. PATIENTS AND METHODS 44 cases of peptic perforation were included in this study. Per-operative biopsy was taken from the margin of perforation. The criteria for H. pylori positivity were, Positive Rapid Urease Test and evidence of H. pylori infection on histological examination using Modified Giemsa and H&E stains. RESULTS Prevalence of H. pylori infection in peptic perforation was 61.4%. This is well above the usual prevalence in normal population of 45%. H. pylori infection was significantly more common in cases of chronic dyspepsia (> 6 months) and not significantly related to sex, blood group, addiction, family history of acid peptic disease and previous H2 blocker therapy. INFERENCE H. pylori is found more commonly in patients with peptic ulcer perforation than in those without.
Evaluation of taste-masking effects of pharmaceutical sweeteners with an electronic tongue system

Abstract Electronic tongue systems have been developed for taste measurement of bitter drug substances in accurate taste comparison to development palatable oral formulations. This study was to evaluate the taste masking effect of conventional pharmaceutical sweeteners such as neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, sucrose, sucralose and aspartame. The model drugs were acetaminophen, ibuprofen, tramadol hydrochloride, and sildenafil citrate (all at 20 mM). The degree of bitterness was measured by a multichannel taste sensor system (an electronic tongue). The data was collected by seven sensors and analyzed by a statistical method of principal components analysis (PCA). The effect of taste masking excipient was dependent on the type of model drug. Changing the concentration of taste masking excipients affected the sensitivity of taste masking effect according to the type of drug. As the excipient concentration increased, the effect of taste masking increased. Moreover, most of the sensors showed a concentration-dependent pattern of the taste-masking agents as higher concentration provided higher selectivity. This might indicate that the sensors can detect small concentration changes of a chemical in solution. These results suggest that the taste masking could be evaluated based on the data of the electronic tongue system and that the formulation development process could be performed in a more efficient way.
Analysis of Trunk Muscle Activity in the Side Medicine-Ball Throw

Ikeda, Y, Miyatsuji, K, Kawabata, K, Fuchimoto, T, and Ito, A. Analysis of Trunk Muscle Activity in the Side Medicine-Ball Throw. J Strength Cond Res 23(8): 2231-2240, 2009-The purpose of this study was to compare the electromyogram (EMG) activity of the trunk musculature for long throwers and short throwers during the side medicine-ball throw. The study consisted of 2 sessions. Thirty athletes performed the side medicine-ball throw (S-MBT) in the first session. The top 5 subjects (long throwers) and the worst 5 subjects (short throwers) in the performance of the S-MBT proceeded to the second session. These subjects performed the fast side medicine-ball throw (FS-MBT) and the isometric maximal trunk rotation torque (IMTRT) test after applying surface electrodes bilaterally to the following muscles: pectoralis major, rectus abdominis, external oblique, and latissimus dorsi. The value of IMTRT in the left turn in long throwers was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than that recorded for short throwers, whereas no difference was observed in the right turn. The velocities of the medicine ball using 2-kg, 4-kg, and 6-kg medicine balls were significantly different (p < 0.01-0.001) between long throwers and short throwers The examination of EMG activity in each muscle group for long throwers and short throwers revealed that the major difference between the 2 groups is EMG activity of the left external oblique. These results suggest that the EMG activity of the external oblique on either side is an important factor for FS-MBT.
The Impact of Carvedilol and Metoprolol on Serum Lipid Concentrations and Symptoms in Patients with Hyperthyroidism

Background. Hyperthyroidism is associated with unpleasant symptoms and hypertension due to increased adrenergic tone. Therefore, beta-blockers are often used in hyperthyroid patients. While some beta-blockers (such as propronolol and metoprolol) may have unwanted effects on lipid profile, carvedilol, a new alpha- and beta-blocker, has been suggested to have some metabolic advantages with respect to lipid profiles in hypertensive patients. However, this has not been shown in hyperthyroid patients. Objective. We aimed to compare the effects of two beta-blockers (metoprolol and carvedilol) on the lipid profiles of hyperthyroid patients with hypertension. Methods. Thirty patients with hyperthyroidism and hypertension were randomly assigned to receive either carvedilol (n = 15) or metoprolol (n = 15). Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3, free T4, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels were measured before and following 3 months of treatment. Results. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, TSH, and free T4 improved significantly in both treatment groups. There were no statistically significant changes in the lipid parameters in either of the two treatment groups; however, triglyceride levels slightly decreased with carvedilol treatment. There were also no differences between the two groups in terms of the typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Conclusion. Carvedilol might be a preferred agent to treat hyperthyroid patients who have hypertension and dyslipidemia. This is likely due to the possible beneficial effect of carvedilol on lipid parameters, especially on triglyceride levels.
CD44v6, a target for novel antibody treatment approaches, is frequently expressed in multiple myeloma and associated with deletion of chromosome arm 13q.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Despite recent advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), this disease remains incurable in the majority of patients. Therefore, innovative treatment strategies are mandatory. Bivatuzumab mertansine is a novel cytotoxic immunoconjugate specifically targeting the CD44 splice variant CD44v6. To investigate the applicability of this compound to clonal plasma cell disorders, we analyzed CD44v6 expression on malignant plasma cells from patients with multiple myeloma. DESIGN AND METHODS Bone marrow samples from 57 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), MM, and plasma cell leukemia (PCL) were examined for CD44v6 expression by using flow cytometry (FACS) analysis. In addition, all samples were investigated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a specific probe for the chromosomal band 13q14. RESULTS In only 1 of 16 cases (6%) with MGUS and 1 out of 6 cases (17%) with stage I MM were plasma cells CD44v6 positive. In contrast, 43% of the cases with stage II/III MM or PCL expressed CD44v6. In these cases, CD44v6 expression was significantly correlated with chromosome 13q14 deletion as determined by FISH (p=0.02). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS CD44v6 is frequently expressed in advanced, high-risk MM. CD44v6 expression correlates with chromosomal band 13q14 deletions, a well-known risk factor in MM. These results suggest that this epitope is a potential new target for monoclonal antibodies such as bivatuzumab mertansine.
Understanding the Business Value of Intelligent Products for Product Development in Manufacturing Industries

Intelligent products are transforming manufacturing industries and offer new opportunities for business innovation. As little is known about the business value of intelligent products for product development, this exploratory paper aims to provide guidance. Empirical data from case studies and focus groups and a structured literature review suggest that a positive impact on every product development stage exists. More specifically, findings propose that intelligent products enable (1) transparency generation on market opportunities, (2) specification of requirements, (3) customer- and user-centric product portfolio planning, (4) design and process planning for usage, (5) shortening and replacing of physical prototyping and field testing, and (6) superordinate benefits. With the inherent limitations of a case study approach, we supply scholars and practitioners with first exploratory insights into this emerging research field.