Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunological Changes Associated with Clinical Improvement of Asthmatic Children Subjected to Psychosocial Intervention

In the present study we evaluated the impact of a program of psychosocial intervention (PSI) on the immunological status and the clinical management of a group of asthmatic children of an island population in Venezuela. We studied a total of 35 asthmatic children who belonged to either a PSI group (19 patients) or a control group (16 patients), both of which received conventional antiasthmatic treatment. The PSI group received, in addition, a 6-month psychosocial intervention program which included relaxation, guided imagery, and self-esteem workshops. During the PSI period, the number of asthmatic episodes and the use of bronchodilator medication were significantly reduced, and pulmonary function was significantly improved, compared to the 6 months before intervention. There was also a significant reduction in the specific IgE responses against the most important allergen in these children, the intestinal parasite Ascaris lumbricoides. PSI resulted in a significant increase of NK cells, an augmented expression of the T-cell receptor for IL-2, and a significant decrease of leukocytes with low affinity receptors for IgE. In fact, these surface markers became similar to those of nonasthmatic children from both Coche Island and the mainland. None of these clinical or immunological changes were seen in the control group of asthmatics who did not undergo PSI. These results are consistent with the possibility that PSI induces immunological alterations that are responsible for the clinical and physiological improvements observed in the study group.
Investigating Microbial (Micro)colony Heterogeneity by Vibrational Spectroscopy

ABSTRACT Fourier transform infrared and Raman microspectroscopy are currently being developed as new methods for the rapid identification of clinically relevant microorganisms. These methods involve measuring spectra from microcolonies which have been cultured for as little as 6 h, followed by the nonsubjective identification of microorganisms through the use of multivariate statistical analyses. To examine the biological heterogeneity of microorganism growth which is reflected in the spectra, measurements were acquired from various positions within (micro)colonies cultured for 6, 12, and 24 h. The studies reveal that there is little spectral variance in 6-h microcolonies. In contrast, the 12- and 24-h cultures exhibited a significant amount of heterogeneity. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the spectra from the various positions and depths reveals the presence of different layers in the colonies. Further analysis indicates that spectra acquired from the surface of the colonies exhibit higher levels of glycogen than do the deeper layers of the colony. Additionally, the spectra from the deeper layers present with higher RNA levels than the surface layers. Therefore, the 6-h colonies with their limited heterogeneity are more suitable for inclusion in a spectral database to be used for classification purposes. These results also demonstrate that vibrational spectroscopic techniques can be useful tools for studying the nature of colony development and biofilm formation.
Effects of the self-contained breathing apparatus and fire protective clothing on maximal oxygen uptake

To examine the effects of firefighting personal protective ensemble (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) on exercise performance, 12 males completed two randomly ordered, graded exercise treadmill tests (GXTPPE and GXTPT). Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) during GXTPPE was 17.3% lower than the GXTPT in regular exercise clothing (43.0 ± 5.7 vs. 52.4 ± 8.5 ml/kg per min, respectively). The lower VO2max during the PPE condition was significantly related (r = 0.81, p < 0.05) to attenuated peak ventilation (142.8 ± 18.0 vs. 167.1 ± 15.6 l/min), which was attributed to a significant reduction in tidal volume (2.6 ± 10.4 vs. 3.2 ± 0.4 l). Breathing frequency at peak exercise was unchanged (55 ± 7 vs. 53 ± 7 breaths/min). The results of this investigation demonstrate that PPE and the SCBA have a negative impact on VO2max. These factors must be considered when evaluating aerobic demands of fire suppression work and the fitness levels of firefighters.
Six and 12 months' effects of individual joint protection education in people with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Backgiround: Joint protection (JP) education for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is effective when applying psycho-educational teaching strategies. The Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) was used to identify relevant JP education goals and life aspects, both supporting motivation and behaviour change. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of individual JP education, PRISM-based (PRISM-JP) vs. conventional (C-JP), in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in four rheumatology centres. Patients were randomized to PRISM-JP or C-JP, consisting of five JP education sessions over three months. Primary outcome was JP behaviour at six and 12 months. Results: A total of 53 RA patients participated. The PRISM-JP group (n = 26) demonstrated significantly more JP behaviour at six months (effect size ES = 0.32; p = 0.02) and 12 months (ES = 0.28; p = 0.04) than the C-JP (n = 27). Within-group analysis showed that the JP intervention was successful at six and 12 months in both groups (p < 0.001). At 12 months the PRISM-JP group had better JP self-efficacy (p = 0.02) and grip strength (p = 0.04) compared with baseline. Conclusion: PRISM-JP was more effective than C-JP in terms of long-term JP behaviour at six and 12 months.
Collateral, Rehypothecation, and Efficiency

Abstract This paper studies rehypothecation, a practice in which financial institutions re-pledge collateral pledged to them by their clients. Rehypothecation enhances provision of funding liquidity to the economy, but it also incurs deadweight cost by misallocating the asset among the agents when counterparties fail. We examine the possibility of a conflict between the intermediary and its borrower on rehypothecation arrangements. The direction of this conflict depends on haircuts of the contract between them: if the contract involves over-collateralization, there tends to be an excessive use of rehypothecation, and if the contract involves under-collateralization, there tends to be an insufficient use of rehypothecation. This offers an empirical prediction of a link between the size of haircut in collateralized financial contracts, borrower information, and the likelihood of rehypothecation.
Criteria Used by Teachers in Brazilian Public Elementary Schools in the Process of Textbook Selection

This paper reports the results of research which analyzed the consti- tutive elements of the assessment process performed by teachers in selecting textbooks available through the Brazilian National Programme of Textbooks (PNLD) . The starting point of the research was the empirical confirmation of a significant number of teachers pointing out difficulties in analyz - ing the books available for selection by their schools . On the other hand, the teachers also criticized the books being used, highlighting their inadequacy for their work and the students' needs. The teachers collaborated with the investigations performed throughout the last few years, providing their views on their options of use and non-use of the materials chosen and received from the PNLD . The participant teachers are from public elementary schools, located in both urban and rural areas .
Why Performance-Based Financing in Chad Failed to Emerge on the National Policy Agenda

Abstract—Supported by the World Bank (WB), Chad implemented a performance-based financing (PBF) scheme as a pilot, from October 2011 to May 2013. However, despite promising results and the government's stated commitment to ensure its continuation after the World Bank's departure, PBF failed to come onto the national policy agenda. This article aims to explain why this was the case, an especially interesting question given that several factors were favorable for project continuation. Data for this case study were collected through literature review and key informant interviews. We applied Kingdon's agenda setting theory to explain this failure. We found that though the potential of PBF to address challenges facing the Chadian health system was confirmed by internal and external evaluations of the pilot, it failed to move from the governmental agenda to the decision agenda. The main reason was a lack of dedicated policy entrepreneurs, resulting in a weak actual ownership of the policy by national authorities and key stakeholders. We tried to understand why such policy entrepreneurs failed to emerge.
Oestrogen receptor analysis: correlation between enzyme immunoassay and immunohistochemical methods.

AIMS: To compare oestrogen receptor measurements on fresh tissue done by an enzyme immunoassay (ER-EIA, Abbott) and an immunohistochemical technique (ER-ICA, Abbott) using formalin fixed, paraffin was embedded material. METHODS: The ER-EIA is based on a sandwich immunoassay using fresh frozen tissue, and the absorbance values were read by a Quantum Analyzer. Sections were cut from the corresponding paraffin wax blocks, and after pretreatment with pronase and DNase, the slides were incubated with monoclonal oestrogen antibody. The immunoperoxidase staining was scored semiquantitatively, incorporating both the intensity and percentage of positive staining (HSCORE). RESULTS: HSCORE rating of the ER-ICA slides gave a significant correlation with the quantitative ER-EIA values (r = 0.76; p less than 0.001). The overall sensitivity and specificity of the immunohistochemical method was 88% and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ER-ICA on routinely processed material can be a valuable alternative when biochemical analysis of oestrogen receptor content is not available. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining identifies oestrogen receptor positivity at a cellular level, which ensures that the analysed material is representative. This technique could therefore be particularly valuable in small tumours and in situ lesions.
Exposure to benzidine caused apoptosis and malformation of telencephalon region in zebrafish

Exposure to benzidine has been known to induce human cancers, particularly bladder carcinomas. In this study, the zebrafish model was used to investigate the developmental toxicity of benzidine. Embryos at 6 h postfertilization (hpf) that were exposed to benzidine exhibited embryonic death in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Benzidine induced malformations in zebrafish, such as small brain development, shorter axes, and a slight pericardial edema. High concentrations (50, 100, and 200 µM) of benzidine triggered widespread apoptosis in the brain and dorsal neurons, as evidenced by acridine orange and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) assays. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis also showed that benzidine treatment affected p53, bax, and noxa expression. Decreases in specific brain markers, such as emx1 in the telencephalon, ngn1 in differentiated neurons, and otx2 in the midbrain, were observed in benzidine‐treated embryos at 24 hpf. Conversely, no overt changes to pax2.1 expression in the midbrain–hindbrain boundary were found. Moreover, the use of Tg(HuC:GFP) zebrafish showed that benzidine caused a malformation of the telencephalon region. Our findings show that benzidine exposure triggers widespread apoptosis in the zebrafish brain and dorsal neurons, resulting in the development of an abnormal telencephalon. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 1428–1436, 2014.
Economic Globalization: The Role of Corruption, Entrepreneurship, Economic Freedom, and Human Capital

Since the turn of the century, globalization has been the topic of much controversy. Some academics, joined by the World Trade Organization, strongly support the positive economic impacts of globalization, but the increased employment and increased standard of living often cited as evidence, is not universally accepted. The economic, social and political impacts of globalization have been argued extensively in the media, however, little is in fact known about the antecedents of the economic side of globalization. This dissertation creates a framework from which to study economic globalization and to analyze the antecedent effects of select macro-economic factors: corruption, human capital, economic freedom, and entrepreneurial activity. The methodology and tests incorporated into this work provide a foundation upon which economic globalization can be better understood and better managed by policy-makers.
Astrocytic Adenosine 5′‐Triphosphate Release Regulates the Proliferation of Neural Stem Cells in the Adult Hippocampus

Astrocytes are key components of the niche for neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult hippocampus and play a vital role in regulating NSC proliferation and differentiation. However, the exact molecular mechanisms by which astrocytes modulate NSC proliferation have not been identified. Here, we identified adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) as a proliferative factor required for astrocyte‐mediated proliferation of NSCs in the adult hippocampus. Our results indicate that ATP is necessary and sufficient for astrocytes to promote NSC proliferation in vitro. The lack of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor type 2 and transgenic blockage of vesicular gliotransmission induced deficient ATP release from astrocytes. This deficiency led to a dysfunction in NSC proliferation that could be rescued via the administration of exogenous ATP. Moreover, P2Y1‐mediated purinergic signaling is involved in the astrocyte promotion of NSC proliferation. As adult hippocampal neurogenesis is potentially involved in major mood disorder, our results might offer mechanistic insights into this disease. STEM Cells 2013;31:1633–1643
Interaction between Porcine Reproductive-Respiratory Syndrome Virus and Bacterial Endotoxin in the Lungs of Pigs: Potentiation of Cytokine Production and Respiratory Disease

ABSTRACT Porcine reproductive-respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a key agent in multifactorial respiratory disease of swine. Intratracheal administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) to PRRSV-infected pigs results in markedly enhanced respiratory disease, whereas the inoculation of each component alone results in largely subclinical disease. This study examines whether PRRSV-LPS-induced respiratory disease is associated with the excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs. Gnotobiotic pigs were inoculated intratracheally with PRRSV and then with LPS at 3, 5, 7, 10, or 14 days of infection and euthanatized 6 h after LPS inoculation. Controls were inoculated with PRRSV or LPS only or with phosphate-buffered saline. Virus titers, (histo)pathological changes in the lungs, numbers of inflammatory cells, and bioactive tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and IL-6 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids were examined. All pigs inoculated with PRRSV-LPS developed severe respiratory disease, whereas the controls that were inoculated with PRRSV or LPS alone did not. PRRSV infection significantly enhanced cytokine production in response to LPS. Peak TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 titers were 10 to 100 times higher in the PRRSV-LPS-inoculated pigs than in the pigs inoculated with PRRSV or LPS alone; and the titers correlated with the respiratory signs. The levels of neutrophil infiltration and the pathological changes detected in the lungs of PRRSV-LPS-inoculated pigs resembled those detected when the effects of PRRSV and LPS inoculated alone are combined, but with no synergistic effects between PRRSV and LPS. These data demonstrate a synergism between PRRSV and LPS in the induction of proinflammatory cytokines and an association between induction of these cytokines and disease.
A structured model for hyphal differentiation and penicillin production using Penicillium chrysogenum

A structured kinetic model describing growth, differentiation, and penicillin production in submerged Penicillium chrysogenum fermentations is reported. The filamentous hyphae are divided into four distinct regions on the basis of the activities and structure of hyphal compartments, viz., actively growing (mainly apical) regions, nongrowing or penicillin producing regions, vacuoles, and degenerated or metabolically inactive regions. A mechanistic approach is taken to give quantitative descriptions of differentiation and degeneration as a consequence of vacuolation. The growth and degeneration of vacuoles are expressed in the form of a population balance. The model assumes that newly generated vacuoles appear by differentiation of healthy regions, grow in size with limitation of available substrate, and eventually give rise to empty hyphal compartments. In the model the penicillin production is related to the amounts of the nongrowing regions of the hyphae. The model is used for successful predictions of the amounts of the four hyphal regions and the penicillin G production rate throughout the fed‐batch fermentations of an industrial P. chrysogenum strain under different glucose feeding regimes. Quantitative information on proportions of the hyphal regions was obtained from image analysis measurements and the parameters of the kinetic model were identified. When the glucose feed rate to the production culture is switched between a high and a low value, the model can successfully predict the dynamic changes of differentiation and the resulting penicillin production caused by the variations in the nutrient conditions. The use of image analysis to characterize differentiation as a basis for structured modeling of the penicillin fermentation appears to be very powerful, and the method has great potential for use in process simulation and control of antibiotic fermentations. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Banking on Innovation, Innovation in Banking at ICICI Bank

A robust banking sector is crucial to the economic health of every nation. In India, the fast-growing and competitive banking industry is being challenged by new regulations and ever-evolving customer needs. Based in Mumbai, Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India Bank has become a leader in its industry by strategically using technology to broaden its reach to under-served consumers in rural communities with innovative products, financial literacy outreach, and efficient modes of product delivery. Positioning itself as both technologically savvy and customer-friendly, Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India Bank has stayed ahead of the competition by anticipating customer requirements for secure, efficient, and seamless service. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pathology analysis for mesothelioma study in the United Kingdom: Current practice and historical development

ABSTRACT Following up on the largest case-control study of malignant mesothelioma yet performed, investigators at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine assessed 1732 male and 670 female cases as of May 2013. Epidemiological findings of a subset of these were published previously, excluding patients who died or who refused to be interviewed. Pathology reports were collected for subjects, including those both eligible and ineligible for epidemiology study based on vital status. The current investigation examined 860 cases having pathology reports available. Sixty-one cases were diagnosed using cytology only, often with equivocal diagnoses, while 799 reported at least a biopsy of the tumor. Of these, 748 had pathology sufficiently detailed for evaluation. These reports were examined for basis of diagnosis, differences between study cases and ineligible cases, pathology characteristics, and immunohistochemical and other tests used. The most prominent subtype was epithelioid (64% of study cases but only 49% of ineligible cases). Biphasic subtype was present in 10% of study cases and 16% of those ineligible. Sarcomatoid subtype was present in 7% of study cases and 19% of ineligible cases, most of whom died. Twelve percent of study cases displayed no specified subtype, versus 7% of ineligible cases. Of recorded immunohistochemical stains specific for mesothelial cell origin, calretinin (95%) and CK 5/6 or CK5 alone (84%) were by far the most common. Calretinin and CK 5/6 or CK 5 alone were also most sensitive and positive in 92% of cases presenting with surgical pathology report. Ninety percent of cases had at least one immunohistochemical marker for possible lung carcinoma applied, with BER-Ep4 and TTF-1 the most frequent at 68% and CEA at 58%. TTF-1 and CEA were positive in 1% or less of cases. Patterns of use and positive and negative results for each of these as well as other immunohistochemical stains are presented and discussed, along with a brief historical description of their development and use. Possible effects of the pathologic analysis on the results of previously published and future epidemiological studies are discussed.
Desmoplastic Seborrheic Keratosis

Eleven cases of seborrheic keratoses with desmoplastic stroma and associated nests and cords of squamous epithelium simulating infiltrating carcinoma are presented. There were 7 males and 4 females ranging in age from 44 to 88 years (mean = 62). Eight cases were on the head and neck, one each on the lower and upper extremity, and one on the pubic area. Clinical diagnoses included seborrheic keratosis, squamous and basal cell carcinoma, and dermal nevus. Histologically, the lesions were characterized by exophytic growth pattern of basaloid and squamous cells, without cytologic atypia, and well-demarcated peripheral borders, typical for that seen in seborrheic keratoses. Squamous eddy formation with parakeratosis and spongiosis was present in all cases. Located within the body of the lesions were irregular nests and cords of squamous cells extending into the surrounding dermis with associated fibroblastic dermal proliferation trapping the epithelial nests, simulating invasive carcinoma. Immunohistochemically, the epithelial nests were cytokeratin positive and HPV negative, and the dermal stromal cells were vimentin positive and factor XIIIa, cytokeratin, and CD34 negative. Adjacent changes of carcinoma, trichilemmoma, verruca, or other adnexal neoplasm were not identified. Seborrheic keratoses may demonstrate desmoplastic changes analogous to that seen in desmoplastic trichilemmomas. Awareness of these changes in seborrheic keratosis will avoid misdiagnosis and excessive therapy.