Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is the Monetary Policy of the WAEMU Credible? An Empirical Analysis Based on the Rule Forward Looking

This study aims at making available to the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) authorities an additional decision tool that would enhance their transparency and credibility. Therefore the Taylor rule, which connects the level of short term interest rates in output gap and the gap between the rate of inflation and the inflation target the mass money was introduced, net foreign assets and a dummy variable to capture the effects of the 1994 devaluation of the generalized method of moments (GMM) particularly suitable in the context of "Forward looking rules" is used here. The results obtained from annual data (1985-2014) shows that the estimated rule does not pretty much describe the behavior of money market rates over the period. Moreover, it seems that Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) gives more and more weight to support the activity and the stabilization of prices, anything that weakens its effectiveness and credibility. Our results confirm the need for the central bank to return to its policy primarily based on inflation targeting sit for the credibility of its monetary policy.
Refractory Epilepsy Associated With Microglial Activation

Background:Experimental and clinical studies support a pathogenic role of microglial activation and proliferation (MAP) in epileptogenesis. Methods:From a consecutive series of 319 surgically treated epilepsy cases, we retrospectively reviewed the histopathological sections of 92 cases to define the prevalence and severity of MAP after excluding the other 227 because of coexisting disorders that might contribute to MAP. Severity of MAP was compared with underlying abnormalities. We assessed the response to intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis in one patient with severe MAP who had failed multiple antiepileptic drugs and epilepsy surgery. Results:MAP was detected with routine (hematoxylin and eosin) stain in 46 of 92 cases (50%). MAP was mild in 32 cases (69.6%), moderate in 12 (26.1%), and severe in 2 (4.3%). The prevalence and severity of MAP were independent of underlying abnormalities. Immunomodulatory therapy was followed by a greater than 90% reduction in seizure activity in the treated patient. Conclusion:MAP is prevalent in resected human epilepsy tissue. Failure to down-regulate MAP contributes to chronic neuronal hyperexcitability. We hypothesize that MAP initiates a cycle of inflammation-induced seizures and seizure-induced inflammation. Microglia-driven epilepsy may be a primary pathogenic process in a small number of cases, as suggested by the pathology and therapeutic response in our patient, but may contribute to epileptogenesis in many more.
Analysis of distribution and antibiotic resistance of pathogens isolated from the paediatric population in Shenmu Hospital from 2011–2015

Objective This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and changes in antibacterial susceptibility of children in Shenmu City, northern Shaanxi, and provide a basis for rational drug use. Methods The distribution and drug resistance pattern of pathogenic bacteria isolated from children were retrospectively analysed. Results A total of 573 strains of pathogens were cultivated. A total of 201 (35.07%) strains of Gram-positive cocci and 183 (31.93%) strains of Gram-negative cocci were detected. A total of 189 (32.98%) strains of fungi were detected. The resistance rate of Staphylococcus to penicillin was 100% and that to erythromycin was 90.69%. There were varying degrees of resistance to other drugs, but no single strain had vancomycin resistance. Gram-negative bacilli were generally resistant to ampicillin, but had low resistance to the combined preparation of enzyme inhibitors, quinolones, and aminoglycosides, and were highly sensitive to imipenem and meropenem. Conclusion Gram-negative bacilli are the main pathogens of bacterial infection in the paediatric ward. Strengthening clinical monitoring of bacterial distribution in paediatric clinical isolates and understanding changes in drug resistance are important for guiding the rational use of antibiotics. These measures could also prevent emergence and spreading of resistant strains.
Biosynthesis of phytochelatins in the fission yeast. Phytochelatin synthesis: a second role for the glutathione synthetase gene of Schizosaccharomyces pombe

By complementation screening of a cadmium‐sensitive Schizosaccharomyces pombe mutant deficient in phytochelatin synthesis, but with 44% of the wild‐type glutathione content, we cloned a DNA fragment involved in phytochelatin synthesis. Sequence analysis revealed that it encodes the second enzyme involved in glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis, glutathione synthetase (GSH2) (E.C.6.3.2.3, Wang and Oliver, 1997). The mutant allele shows a single base‐pair exchange at the 3′ end of the reading frame leading to a single amino acid change from glycine to aspartate. This mutation leads to a significant reduction of phytochelatin synthesis, whereas glutathione synthesis is impaired to a far lesser extent. Complementation with the Arabidopsis thaliana GSH2 cDNA led to a partial restoration of phytochelatin synthesis. These data strongly suggest that the GSH2 gene encodes a bifunctional enzyme that is able to catalyse both the synthesis of GSH by adding glycine to the dipeptide (γGlu‐Cys) and the synthesis of phytochelatins. The sequence has been submitted to EMBL, Accession No. Y08414. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors that influence cancer patients' and relatives' anxiety following a three‐person medical consultation: impact of a communication skills training program for physicians

Background: No study has yet assessed the impact of physicians' skills acquisition after a communication skills training program on changes in patients' and relatives' anxiety following a three‐person medical consultation. This study aimed at comparing, in a randomized study, the impact, on patients' and relatives' anxiety, of a basic communication skills training program and the same program consolidated by consolidation workshops and at investigating physicians' communication variables associated with patients' and relatives' anxiety.
Sexual Behavior and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Men Living in Rural Madagascar: Implications for HIV Transmission

Background Madagascar is in the midst of a large HIV epidemic. Therefore, it is important to obtain relevant epidemiologic data that can be used to develop a preventive strategy. Goal The goal of the study was to assess sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men living in two coastal villages and one highland village with different levels of endemicity of urogenital schistosomiasis. Study Design Data were obtained from cross-sectional studies on male reproductive health. All men aged 15 to 49 years were offered enrollment. Results Of 401 men evaluated, 6.5% had used a condom and 45.6% reported having multiple partners in the previous 3 months. Symptoms of urethritis during the previous 7 days were reported by 128 men (31.9%). Urethritis was associated with the youngest age group (15–19 years) and the coastal villages, in which HIV antibodies were found in 0.9% and 2.5%, respectively. The prevalence of Schistosoma hematobium was 31.0% and 55.0% in these two villages, whereas none of the men in the highland village were infected. In bivariate analyses, urogenital schistosomiasis was associated with reported symptoms of urethritis, but it acted as a confounder in multivariate analyses. Conclusion Several risk factors for HIV propagation exist in these rural areas in Madagascar. Young men in particular should be targeted for HIV/STI prevention. Treatment of urogenital schistosomiasis could be considered part of the syndromic STI treatment in areas where S hematobium is endemic, for patients seeking primary care for urethritis.
Clinical interpretation of reference intervals and reference limits. A plea for assay harmonization

Abstract Reference intervals for healthy subjects and diseased populations are important benchmarks for the clinical interpretation of laboratory test values. It is important that the testing conditions used to collect the reference data be closely matched with the testing conditions used for patient data. Interlaboratory differences and intralaboratory changes, especially changes in analytic set-points, can markedly affect the clinical interpretation of tests. If laboratory testing methods could be harmonized, laboratories could potentially share reference data to make these data more reliable. This chapter illustrates the use of reference intervals for healthy subjects and reference data from diseased populations for medical decisions. One example illustrates the effects of age differences on test result interpretation. Other examples illustrate use of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and combinations of TSH with free thyroxine measurements for diagnosing thyroid diseases. Both univariate and multivariate reference intervals are discussed. Model systems for using disease prevalence and cost utility functions are provided to illustrate optimization of medical decisions.
Thromboelastography with citrated blood: comparability with native blood, stability of citrate storage and effect of repeated sampling

Thromboelastography (TEG) with recalcified citrate blood is used as an alternative to native blood, but there is insufficient data regarding sample reliability and stability over time. Thus, TEG parameters of freshly drawn native blood were compared with those of recalcified citrated blood without celite in 10 healthy subjects, and the effect of repeated sampling over 240-min storage was evaluated. All TEG parameters following citrate storage remained stable between 30 min [clot formation time (k) = 7.2 ± 0.6 min; maximum amplitude (ma) = 48.5 ± 1.9 mm] and 2 h (k = 7.1 ± 0.6 min; ma = 46.2 ± 2.5 mm) after initial sampling, but were not comparable with native blood (k = 9.3 ± 0.7 min; ma = 43.5 ± 2.5 mm) at any time point. TEG parameters of repeatedly sampled citrated blood had a significant overall hypercoagulable trend throughout 4 h following sampling. In conclusion, in order to achieve reproducible results, citrated blood without celite may be utilized between 30 min and 2 h following sampling, but in normal subjects the TEG parameters following citrate storage are not comparable with native blood, possibly because of incomplete inhibition of the activation of the coagulation cascade. Thus, citrated blood can be used as a surrogate of native blood in assessing coagulation using TEG, but if repeated sampling is used the trend in hypercoagulability must be considered.
Neoplastic Transformation In Vitro after Exposure to Low Doses of Mammographic-Energy X Rays: Quantitative and Mechanistic Aspects

Abstract Ko, S. J., Liao, X-Y. , Molloi, S. , Elmore, E. and Redpath, J. L. Neoplastic Transformation In Vitro after Exposure to Low Doses of Mammographic-Energy X Rays: Quantitative and Mechanistic Aspects. Radiat. Res. 162, 646–654 (2004). The induction of neoplastic transformation in vitro after exposure of HeLa × skin fibroblast hybrid cells to low doses of mammography-energy (28 kVp) X rays has been studied. The data indicate no evidence of an increase in transformation frequency over the range 0.05 to 22 cGy, and doses in the range 0.05 to 1.1 cGy may result in suppression of transformation frequencies to levels below that seen spontaneously. This finding is not consistent with a linear, no-threshold dose– response curve. The dose range at which possible suppression is evident includes doses typically experienced in mammographic examination of the human breast. Experiments are described that attempt to elucidate any possible role of bystander effects in modulating this low-dose radiation response. Not unexpectedly, inhibition of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) with the inhibitor lindane did not result in any significant alteration of transformation frequencies seen at doses of 0.27 or 5.4 cGy in these subconfluent cultures. Furthermore, no evidence of a bystander effect associated with factors secreted into the extracellular medium was seen in medium transfer experiments. Thus, in this system and under the experimental conditions used, bystander effects would not appear to be playing a major role in modulating the shape of the dose–response curve.
Vasopressinergic Control of Pituitary Adrenocorticotropin Secretion Comes of Age

This article summarizes the importance of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the control of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion, with special reference to interactions with corticotropin releasing factor (CRF-41), glucocorticoids, and the purported corticotropin release inhibiting peptide atriopeptin. AVP that participates in the regulation of ACTH release at the pituitary level is produced in two main groups of neurons in the hypothalamus: parvicellular cells in the paraventricular nucleus, which also produce CRF-41, and magnocellular neurons in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. The role of the latter in anterior pituitary hormone release has been debated for many years. Evidence generated in the last 5 years shows quite convincingly that AVP released by magnocellular neurons is, in fact, also involved in the control of ACTH. Nevertheless, it is clear that corticotrope cells require CRF-41 to maintain their capacity to secrete ACTH. This is at least due partly to the fact that AVP does not increase proopiomelanocortin mRNA transcription, while CRF-41 is a potent inducer of this gene. New developments in the area of corticotrope cell physiology are discussed, highlighting evidence for dual ACTH secreting pathways in anterior pituitary cells, which may be controlled separately by AVP and CRF-41. Evidence for interactions between ACTH secretagogues and peptidergic as well as glucocorticoid inhibitors of ACTH secretion is reviewed to demonstrate that an important aspect of AVP/CRF-41 dualism may be associated with the ability of the secretagogues to selectively modulate the efficacy of inhibitory factors. Finally, by citing examples from physiological studies on the regulation of ACTH secretion, it is shown how the multicomponent hypothalamic regulatory system operates, emphasizing the considerable signal integrating role of the adenohypophysial corticotrope cell.
Identification of compounds associated with testosterone depressions in fish exposed to bleached kraft pulp and paper mill chemical recovery condensates

In previous experiments, bleached kraft chemical recovery condensates generated during softwood pulp production have been identified as a primary source of substances causing testosterone depressions in mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus). Recent toxicity identification evaluations have encountered inconsistencies in the potential of condensates and fractions to reduce steroid concentrations between three repeated exposures. To assess the sources of these inconsistencies, temporal assessments of condensate extractives and analytical methodologies were evaluated. Condensates were collected during a six‐month period, extracted by solid‐phase extraction (SPE), and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–flame photometric detection. All unique extractives were cataloged by mass spectra, peak area, and gas chromatographic retention time, and nine were confirmed and quantified against authentic standards. Confirmed components included phenolic guaiacyl–based lignin degradation products, sulfur (S8), three diterpenoids, and a dimethoxy stilbene. Concentrations of confirmed condensate extractives were consistent in all samples collected. Spiking experiments of confirmed extractives revealed substantial losses following high‐pressure liquid chromatographic fractionation and three different methods of fraction preparation. In an effort to propose chemical classes associated with biological activity, all unique condensate extractives in previously established bioactive and inactive fractions were classified based on their potential to depress testosterone in mummichog. Of 39 unique components in bioactive SPE extracts of condensates, six were associated with hormonal activity. Mass spectral interpretation indicated hydroxylated diterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and a lignin‐derived stilbene as classes of chemicals associated with steroid depressions.
Lapatinib/Gemcitabine and Lapatinib/Gemcitabine/Oxaliplatin: A Phase I Study for Advanced Pancreaticobiliary Cancer

Objective:To evaluate the safety/tolerability and potential antitumor activity of lapatinib, at dose ranges of 1000 to 1500 mg/d, in combination with gemcitabine and gemcitabine/oxaliplatin (GEMOX) in patients with advanced pancreaticobiliary cancer. Materials and Methods:Patients with advanced pancreaticobiliary cancer were assigned to 1 of 4 cohorts of lapatinib administered once daily. Toxicities, response, and survival were assessed. Results:Twenty-five patients were enrolled, 18 with pancreatic cancer and 7 with biliary cancer. Lapatinib, 1500 mg/d, was successfully administered with weekly gemcitabine. Dose limiting toxicities of nausea and anorexia occurred in 2 of 5 patients receiving 1500 mg/d lapatinib with GEMOX. The median survival of all patients was 11 months and the 1-year survival was 48%. Conclusion:Lapatinib, 1500 mg/d, can be administered with weekly gemcitabine. The maximum tolerated dose of lapatinib is 1000 mg/d with GEMOX. A phase II study of lapatinib and gemcitabine for metastatic pancreatic cancer will be initiated.
Poles Living in Ireland and their Quality of Life

The economic growth of Ireland resulted in a significant number of Poles migrating to Ireland following the EU enlargement in 2004. The article explores the quality of life of Poles living in Ireland. Using data from a preliminary survey conducted in 2006, several dimensions of living conditions are analysed, including interpersonal relations, material security, health and healthcare. The study shows that evaluations of almost all aspects of quality of life improved, apart from components such as healthcare and the ability to acquire help from social organisations. Also interpersonal relations, contrary to the initial assumption, were enhanced by migration to Ireland.
Effects of atypical antipsychotics on the syndromal profile in treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND There has been considerable support for the observation that atypical antipsychotics have a broader range of therapeutic effects than traditional antipsychotics. We are exploring whether this expanded clinical efficacy can also be seen in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. METHOD The subjects were 157 treatment-resistant inpatients diagnosed with DSM-IV schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. They were randomly assigned to treatment with clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, or haloperidol in a 14-week double-blind trial and rated with a standard measure of clinical antipsychotic efficacy (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale [PANSS]). Factor analysis at baseline and endpoint together with changes in 5 PANSS-derived factors were examined. Data were gathered from June 1996 to December 1999. RESULTS The underlying PANSS factor structure, as indicated by the factor loadings, was essentially identical at baseline and endpoint. At baseline, the excitement factor was followed by the positive, negative, cognitive, and depression/anxiety factors, explaining 49.4% of the total variance. At endpoint, the positive factor was followed by the negative, excitement, cognitive, and depression/anxiety factors, explaining 55.5% of the total variance. The endpoint data indicated statistically significant (p <.05) improvements over time on the positive factor for all 3 atypicals, but not for haloperidol. The negative factor showed significant improvement for clozapine and olanzapine, with significant worsening for haloperidol. Clozapine, olanzapine, and risperidone were superior to haloperidol on the negative factor, while clozapine was also superior to risperidone. The cognitive factor showed significant improvement for all atypicals, as did the depression/anxiety factor. Only clozapine showed improvement on the excitement factor and was superior to both haloperidol and risperidone. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with atypical antipsychotics did not substantially change the underlying PANSS 5-factor structure. However, antipsychotic treatment with all 3 atypical medications was associated with significant improvements on 3 of 5 syndromal domains (positive, cognitive, and depression/anxiety) of schizophrenia. Clozapine and olanzapine also showed improvement on the negative factor. Only clozapine was associated with improvement on the excitement domain. This finding confirms that atypicals are associated with improvement of an expanded spectrum of symptoms in treatment-resistant patients.
Expression of Heat Shock Protein 72 in Peritoneal Leukocytes is Induced by Peritoneal Dialysis

Background One of the main limitations of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is deterioration of functional and morphological characteristics of the peritoneum. This complication appears to be related to the low biocompatibility profile of PD fluids. Recently, induction of the heat shock protein (HSP) stress response was demonstrated in cultured human mesothelial cells exposed to PD fluid in vitro. We investigated whether expression of heat shock protein 72 (HSP-72) in peritoneal macrophages is induced upon exposure to PD fluid during continuous ambulatory PD. Methods Peritoneal leukocytes were isolated from 4-hour dwell dialysate; peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and peripheral blood monocytes isolated from the same patients were used as a control. In separate experiments, PBMC from healthy individuals were exposed in vitro to different PD fluids or to culture media. Expression of HSP-72 was assessed by Western immunoblotting, flow cytometry, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results Macrophages and leukocytes isolated from dialysis effluent expressed significantly increased HSP-72 and mRNA levels compared to blood monocytes and PBMC of the same patients. In vitro exposure of PBMC to fresh PD fluids resulted in significantly higher expression of HSP-72 compared to those incubated in culture medium. PBMC exposed in vitro to standard lactate-buffered dialysis fluids also expressed significantly more HSP-72 compared to cells exposed to bicarbonate/lactate-buffered fluids. Conclusion Our results indicate that exposure to PD fluids during dialysis triggers a shock response in peritoneal cells, which is manifested by significantly increased HSP-72 expression at both protein and mRNA levels. Analysis of this protein expression in peritoneal macrophages could be a new, convenient, and relevant way to assess the biocompatibility of PD fluids ex vivo.