Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic outcomes of high-dose intravenous steroids in the treatment of dysthyroid optic neuropathy.

BACKGROUND While pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone (iv-MP) has been shown to be effective and well tolerated in moderate to severe Graves' orbitopathy (GO), limited data are available on dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the efficacy of iv-MP in the treatment of DON and to seek parameters predictive of response. METHODS Twenty-four DON patients (40 eyes) treated with iv-MP from 2007 to 2012 were included in the study. Concurrent neurological or ophthalmologic diseases or signs of corneal exposure were considered as exclusion criteria. Iv-MP was administered daily for three consecutive days and repeated the following week. At six months, eyes not requiring surgery to preserve visual function were considered as responsive to treatment. Visual acuity, color sensitivity, visual field, and optic discs were analyzed at two and four weeks, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Activity of GO was graded using a clinical activity score (CAS). Visual and clinical characteristics of the eyes responsive to iv-MP were studied by comparison to those of nonresponsive eyes. RESULTS At six months, 17 of 40 (42.5%) eyes had complete visual recovery and were spared from surgical decompression. At two weeks, visual acuity, color sensitivity, and visual field improved significantly in almost all eyes, but GO inactivated (CAS<4) only in the eyes that permanently responded to iv-MP (p<0.01). The CAS at two weeks was a good predictor of response (cutoff ≥4; 66.7% sensitivity, 76.9% specificity). Optic disc swelling at diagnosis was highly predictive for unresponsiveness to iv-MP (34% sensitivity, 100% specificity). At baseline, high CAS (cutoff >5; 40.2% sensitivity, 94.1% specificity) and severely altered visual field mean defect (cutoff ≤6.31 dB; 73.9% sensitivity, 58.8% specificity) were associated with unresponsiveness to steroids. No major side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS High-dose iv-MP was effective in permanently restoring visual function in about 40% of the eyes treated. When successful, it generally induced inactivation of the orbital disease within two weeks and normalization of visual function within one month. The presence of optic disc swelling at diagnosis and persistent active disease at two weeks were good predictors of unresponsiveness to steroids.
Does the retirement saving motive foster higher savings? The evidence from the Polish household survey

This study focuses on the role of the retirement motive for saving behaviour. It examines empirically the research hypothesis that controlling for a set of economic and sociodemographic individual characteristics, households reporting the retirement motive are more likely to have higher savings compared to households driven exclusively by other motives of saving. Micro data from the three waves (2011, 2013 and 2015) of the Polish household survey Social Diagnosis is used for the study. In an ordered logistic regression framework it proves that the old age saving motive is a significant predictor of the size of savings relative to household income.
Learning from Role Models in Rwanda: Incoherent Emulation in the Construction of a Neoliberal Developmental State

ABSTRACT In the twenty-first century, developing country policymakers are offered different market-led role models and varied interpretations of ‘developmental state role models’. Despite this confusion, African countries pursue emulative strategies for different purposes – whether they may be for economic transformation (in line with developmental state strategies), market-led reforms or simply to signal the implementation of ‘best practices’ to please donors. Rwanda has been lauded for the country’s economic recovery since the 1994 genocide, with international financial institutions and heterodox scholars both praising different facets of its development strategy. This paper argues that Rwanda is an example of a country that has simultaneously pursued emulative strategies for different purposes – often even within the same sector. Two studies of emulation are explored: the emulation of Singapore’s Economic Development Board through the establishment of Rwanda’s own Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the evolution of Rwanda’s financial sector with reference to the use of contending market-led and developmental state models. The paper argues that in Rwanda, incoherent emulation for different purposes has resulted in contradictory tensions within its development strategy and the construction of a neoliberal developmental state.
Growth Factors Inactivate the Cell Death Promoter BAD by Phosphorylation of Its BH3 Domain on Ser155 *

The Bcl-2 family protein BAD promotes apoptosis by binding through its BH3 domain to Bcl-xL and related cell death suppressors. When BAD is phosphorylated on either Ser112 or Ser136, it forms a complex with 14-3-3 in the cytosol and no longer interacts with Bcl-xLat the mitochondria. Here we show that phosphorylation of a distinct site Ser155, which is at the center of the BAD BH3 domain, directly suppressed the pro-apoptotic function of BAD by eliminating its affinity for Bcl-xL. Protein kinase A functioned as a BAD Ser155 kinase both in vitro and in cells. BAD Ser155 was found to be a major site of phosphorylation induced following stimulation by growth factors and prevented by protein kinase A inhibitors but not by inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. Growth factors inhibited BAD-induced apoptosis in both a Ser112/Ser136- and a Ser155-dependent fashion. Thus, growth factors engage an anti-apoptotic signaling pathway that inactivates BAD by direct modification of its BH3 cell death effector domain.
Imaging studies in pathological gambling: similarities and differences with alcohol dependence

De hersenen van problematische gokkers functioneren anders dan bij mensen die niet gokverslaafd zijn. Het ‘beloningsgebied’ in hun brein is extra actief tijdens de gedachte dat ze misschien iets zouden kunnen winnen. Dit toont Ruth van Holst aan met behulp van MRI-scans van de hersenen van gokverslaafden en een controlegroep, die tijdens de scan een computerspel moesten spelen waarmee ze geld konden winnen.
The Influence of IT-based Information and Character Education Utilization in Schools Towards the Learning Outcome of Tenth Graders from the Business and Management Class in Smk Pgri Turen

This study aims to discover: (1) The condition of the utilization of information technology (IT), character education, and study result, (2) The influence of utilization of information technology (IT) on study result, (3) The influence of character education on study result, (4) The influence of utilization of information technology (IT) and character education on study result. This study was an explanatory research. The subjects on this research are tenth-grade students of the business and management program at SMK PGRI 1 Turen Malang which consists of 101 students with 81 samples using proportional random sampling technique. This study also uses multiple regression analysis techniques. The results of the study are: (1) Utilization of information technology (IT) and character education are good, and the study result showed good result too, (2) There are positive and significant effects from the utilization of information technology (IT) on study result, (3) There are positive and significant effect from character education on study result, (4) There are positive and significant effect from the utilization of information technology (IT) and character education on study result for tenth-grade students of business and management program at SMK PGRI 1 Turen Malang. Keywords: Utilization of Information Technology, Character Education in Schools, Study Result of Students
Polyoma middle T antigen requires cooperation from another gene to express the malignant phenotype in vivo

The oncogenic potential of polyomavirus in newborn hamsters can be expressed by a recombinant encoding only the middle T protein. However, polyoma middle T requires the cooperation from small T to induce tumors in newborn rats. Similar complementary functions such as cocarcinogens or tumor promotors can be exerted by the simian virus 40 T antigens as well as by one or several products of the early region 1A of adenovirus 2.
Kinetics of muscle contraction and actomyosin NTP hydrolysis from rabbit using a series of metal–nucleotide substrates

Mechanical properties of skinned single fibres from rabbit psoas muscle have been correlated with biochemical steps in the cross‐bridge cycle using a series of metal–nucleotide (Me·NTP) substrates (Mn2+ or Ni2+ substituted for Mg2+; CTP or ITP for ATP) and inorganic phosphate. Measurements were made of the rate of force redevelopment following (1) slack tests in which force recovery followed a period of unloaded shortening, or (2) ramp shortening at low load terminated by a rapid restretch. The form and rate of force recovery were described as the sum of two exponential functions. Actomyosin‐Subfragment 1 (acto‐S1) Me·NTPase activity and Me·NDP release were monitored under the same conditions as the fibre experiments. Mn·ATP and Mg·CTP both supported contraction well and maintained good striation order. Relative to Mg·ATP, they increased the rates and Me·NTPase activity of cross‐linked acto‐S1 and the fast component of a double‐exponential fit to force recovery by ∼50% and 10–35%, respectively, while shortening velocity was moderately reduced (by 20–30%). Phosphate also increased the rate of the fast component of force recovery. In contrast to Mn2+ and CTP, Ni·ATP and Mg·ITP did not support contraction well and caused striations to become disordered. The rates of force recovery and Me·NTPase activity were less than for Mg·ATP (by 40–80% and 50–85%, respectively), while shortening velocity was greatly reduced (by ∼80%). Dissociation of ADP from acto‐S1 was little affected by Ni2+, suggesting that Ni·ADP dissociation does not account for the large reduction in shortening velocity. The different effects of Ni2+ and Mn2+ were also observed during brief activations elicited by photolytic release of ATP. These results confirm that at least one rate‐limiting step is shared by acto‐S1 ATPase activity and force development. Our results are consistent with a dual rate‐limitation model in which the rate of force recovery is limited by both NTP cleavage and phosphate release, with their relative contributions and apparent rate constants influenced by an intervening rapid force‐generating transition.
Clinical outcomes and hemodynamics of the 19-mm Perimount Magna bioprosthesis in an aortic position: comparison with the 19-mm Medtronic Mosaic Ultra Valve.

BACKGROUND When aortic valve replacement is performed in patients with a small aortic annulus, prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) is of concern because it can affect postoperative clinical outcomes. Although larger bioprosthetic valves have been well studied, the hemodynamics of 19-mm bioprostheses have been reported in only a small number of patients. The effectiveness as well as the impact of PPM on outcomes are thus still unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS Postoperative clinical and hemodynamic variables were compared in 67 patients with a 19-mm Carpentier Edwards Perimount Magna bioprosthesis and in 10 patients with a 19-mm Medtronic Mosaic Ultra valve. Mean follow-up time was 13 months. There was no in-hospital mortality. Echocardiography 6.5±4.0 months after surgery showed significant decreases in the mean left ventricular (LV)-aortic pressure gradient, and decreases in the mean LV mass index. Reduction in LV mass index did not differ between the valve groups, despite a higher pressure gradient in the Mosaic group. Although PPM was detected in 21 patients in the Magna group, it did not affect regression of the LV mass index during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Use of the 19-mm Magna bioprosthesis appears to provide satisfactory clinical results. LV-aortic pressure gradient was lower in the Magna group. The present data suggest that PPM is not related to reduction in the LV mass index.
7-Nitroindazole Impedes Erythrocyte Flow Response to Isovolemic Hemodilution in the Cerebral Capillary Circulation

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the mechanism of hemodilution-induced cerebral hyperemia is unclear. Based on findings in hypoxemia, the authors hypothesize that NO of neuronal origin contributes to an increase in velocity of erythrocytes in the cerebral microcirculation during anemia produced by isovolemic hemodilution. The change in erythrocyte velocity in cerebrocortical capillaries was assessed by intravital fluorescence video microscopy. A closed cranial window was implanted over the frontoparietal cortex of barbiturate-anesthetized, ventilated adult rats. Erythrocytes were labeled in vitro with fluorescein isothiocyanate and infused intravenously, and their velocity in subsurface capillaries was measured by frame-to-frame image tracking. Arterial blood was withdrawn in increments of 2 mL and replaced by serum albumin; arterial blood pressure was maintained at control level with an infusion of methoxamine. Erythrocyte velocity increased progressively, reaching 215% of baseline, as arterial hematocrit was reduced from 45% to 17%. Pretreatment of a separate group of rats with 7-nitroindazole (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally), a relatively selective inhibitor of neuronal NO synthase, abolished the increase in velocity at hematocrits greater than 20%, but the maximum velocity attained at the lowest hematocrit was similar to that in the control group. The results suggest that NO from neuronal source may contribute to the increase in capillary erythrocyte flow during moderate isovolemic hemodilution.
An audit of innovation drivers: some empirical findings in Greek agri-food firms

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model and examine the relevance of a set of five dynamic drivers to building and sustaining the innovation capability of agri-food firms.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data were acquired through a recent study of 436 Greek agri-food firms. Regression analysis was employed to examine the correlation between innovation drivers and each of the four innovation capability dimensions, namely, product innovation, process innovation, organizational innovation and marketing innovation.FindingsThe findings verify that quality orientation and process management are the two most important innovation drivers. However, the impact of learning orientation, collaborations and environmental dynamism on a firm’s agri-food innovation capability is yet to be investigated.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has not investigated how firms’ characteristics form the drivers and barriers to innovation at the company. Moreover, a second limitation is related to the kind of innovation that drivers boost. This research does not separate between radical and incremental innovation.Practical implicationsIn order to maintain their sustainable development and enhance their whole innovation capability, agri-food firms should closely relate their innovation capability dimensions to the formulation of a strategy and harmonization of innovation and innovation drivers’ activities.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper is that it develops an appropriate research framework (a proposed structural model) for examining the links among the five innovation drivers with each of the four innovation capability dimensions.
Accurate differentiation of Mycobacterium chimaera from Mycobacterium intracellulare by MALDI‐TOF MS analysis

Purpose. The increasing number of infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has prompted the need for rapid and precise identification methods of these pathogens. Several studies report the applicability of MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry (MS) for identification of NTM. However, some closely related species have very similar spectral mass fingerprints, and until recently, Mycobacterium chimaera and M. intracellulare could not be separated from each other by MALDI‐TOF MS. Methodology. The conventional identification methods used in routine diagnostics have similar limitations. Recently, the differentiation of these two species within the Mycobacterium avium complex has become increasingly important due to reports of M. chimaera infections related to open heart surgery in Europe and in the USA. In this report, a method for the distinct differentiation of M. chimaera and M. intracellulare using a more detailed analysis of MALDI‐TOF mass spectra is presented. Key Findings. Species‐specific peaks could be identified and it was possible to assign all isolates (100%) from reference strain collections as well as clinical isolates to the correct species. Conclusions. We have developed a model for the accurate identification of M. chimaera and M. intracellulare by MALDI‐TOF MS. This approach has the potential for routine use in microbiology laboratories, as the model itself can be easily implemented into the software of the currently available systems by MALDI‐TOF MS manufacturers.
The emerging role of palliative medicine in the treatment of lung cancer patients

The symptom burden of patients with lung cancer is extensive and includes loss of appetite, dyspnea, and other symptoms that lead to decreased quality of life. Randomized controlled trial data indicate that early palliative care improves quality of life and depressive symptoms and may extend survival in advanced non–small cell lung cancer compared with standard care. Combining an appetite stimulant (megestrol acetate) with an atypical antipsychotic (olanzapine) leads to greater weight gain and appetite improvement compared with an appetite stimulant alone. Cancer-related dyspnea appears to be a “central” effect that stems from altered afferent inputs in the setting of ventilatory muscle weakness; various treatment options that have shown success in treating cancer-related dyspnea are opioids, tunneled pleural catheters, bilevel positive airway pressure, and nebulized furosemide. Buprenorphine is a unique opioid with activity at mu and nociceptin receptors (also called opioid-receptor-like receptors); it improves pain states dominated by central sensitization
Internet-based cognitive testing in multiple sclerosis

Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis is difficult to study because of the heterogeneity and variability of this disease. The gold standard for measurement of cognitive function in multiple sclerosis is a full battery of neurocognitive tests, which is time consuming and expensive. Some cognitive tests like the PASAT, a measure of working verbal memory and processing speed, have been proposed for screening and follow-up of cognitive function in clinical trials. We studied whether we could measure cognitive function in multiple sclerosis over the Internet. For this we used the Cognitive Stability Index (CSI)™, developed for persons with known or suspected primary central nervous system illness. The CSI was compared with formal neurocognitive testing (NPsych) and the PASAT in a cross-sectional study of 40 consecutive multiple sclerosis patients with subjective cognitive complaints. NPsych revealed that only 18 of the 40 patients (46%) were cognitively impaired. Although both the CSI and the PASAT were equalivalent in their specificity (86%), the CSI was significantly more sensitive than the PASAT (83% versus 28%). We conclude that the CSI, because of its availability over the Internet, has great potential as a tool for screening and follow up of cognitive function in multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 1011—1019. http://msj.sagepub. com
Elevated substitution rate estimates from ancient DNA: model violation and bias of Bayesian methods

The increasing ability to extract and sequence DNA from noncontemporaneous tissue offers biologists the opportunity to analyse ancient DNA (aDNA) together with modern DNA (mDNA) to address the taxonomy of extinct species, evolutionary origins, historical phylogeography and biogeography. Perhaps more exciting are recent developments in coalescence‐based Bayesian inference that offer the potential to use temporal information from aDNA and mDNA for the estimation of substitution rates and divergence dates as an alternative to fossil and geological calibration. This comes at a time of growing interest in the possibility of time dependency for molecular rate estimates. In this study, we provide a critical assessment of Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis for the estimation of substitution rate using simulated samples of aDNA and mDNA. We conclude that the current models and priors employed in Bayesian MCMC analysis of heterochronous mtDNA are susceptible to an upward bias in the estimation of substitution rates because of model misspecification when the data come from populations with less than simple demographic histories, including sudden short‐lived population bottlenecks or pronounced population structure. However, when model misspecification is only mild, then the 95% highest posterior density intervals provide adequate frequentist coverage of the true rates.
When do online education technologies enhance student engagement? A case of distance education at University of Nebraska at Omaha

ABSTRACT Given online instruction in university programs is now commonplace, it is more vital to understand how key aspects of online courses influence student engagement. To build on the literature in this area, this study investigates the extent to which technological tools utilized in online settings enhance student engagement in public administration courses. The particular emphasis in the study is to explore the role of technology in both student–instructor and student–student interaction in online classroom settings. The results indicate that students tend to engage in online classes more intensively when they frequently interact with peer students using technologies. In addition, the results reveal that the thoughtful application of a limited number of tools may be as or more effective than using a wide variety of technology in an online setting.
Etiological Study of Diarrheal Patients in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

ABSTRACT The etiological agents of diarrhea in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), were studied in the period from October 1996 to August 1997. A total of 880 patients with diarrhea visiting medical facilities were examined for Shigella,Salmonella, diarrheagenic Escherichia coli,Vibrio, Aeromonas, Campylobacter, and rotavirus. Shigella spp. , heat-stable enterotoxin (ST)-producing E. coli, and serogroup-based enteropathogenic E. coli were found to be the main organisms causing diarrhea in Vientiane, with frequencies of 16.8% (148 of 880), 17.2% (111 of 645), and 11.0% (97 of 880), respectively. Relatively low incidences were observed in the cases ofSalmonella spp. , (0.6%; 5 of 880),Campylobacter spp. (4.4%; 39 of 880), and rotavirus (6.1%; 9 of 148), and no isolates of V. cholerae O1 or O139 or Aeromonas were recovered. An analysis of the incidences of enteropathogens with respect to age and seasonal variations demonstrated that the frequencies of isolation ofShigella spp. and heat-labile enterotoxin-producingE. coli were significantly higher in those aged 1 to 5 years than in those younger than 1 year of age and those older than 5 years of age (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05, respectively) and that the frequencies of isolation ofShigella spp. and ST-producing E. coli were significantly higher in the rainy season than in the dry season (P < 0.005 and P < 0.001, respectively). Almost all strains of Shigella spp. tested were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, and erythromycin and were susceptible to cefdinir and ofloxacin. This is the first intensive and longitudinal study to define the etiologic agents of diarrheal diseases in Lao PDR.