Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha expression as an intrinsic marker of hypoxia: correlation with tumor oxygen, pimonidazole measurements, and outcome in locally advanced carcinoma of the cervix.

PURPOSE Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha expression was studied retrospectively in locally advanced carcinoma of the cervix in relation to other methods for measuring/assessing tumor hypoxia and outcome after radiotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN HIF-1alpha expression was examined in formalin-fixed tumor biopsies using a semiquantitative scoring system and correlated with measurements of hypoxia obtained using oxygen electrodes, pimonidazole staining, and carbonic anhydrase 9. RESULTS High HIF-1alpha expression showed a weak correlation with low pO2 (r = -0.26; P = 0.030; n = 72). Weak significant correlations were found between HIF-1alpha and pimonidazole staining (r = 0.34; P = 0.040; n = 36) and carbonic anhydrase IX (r = 0.27; P = 0.001; n = 160). There was no relationship with surviving fraction at 2 Gy. The relationship between HIF-1alpha expression and radiotherapy outcome was examined in 99 patients. HIF-1alpha expression did not correlate with disease stage, grade, tumor size, and patient age. HIF-1alpha alone was not a significant prognostic factor for disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival, or local recurrence-free survival. High HIF-1alpha expression tended to be associated with poor outcome in small tumors but good outcome in large tumors, with statistically significant interactions between HIF-1alpha and tumor size for survival (P = 0.046) and local control (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS In this study, HIF-1alpha had no prognostic significance in locally advanced carcinoma of the cervix. The possible switch in large tumors for an association between high HIF-1alpha expression and good outcome might relate to tumor size-related changes in the balance of genes up-regulated by HIF-1alpha. Whereas angiogenesis-promoting genes might be preferentially up-regulated in small tumors, proapoptotic genes might be induced in large tumors. This hypothesis needs testing in future work.
The D allele of angiotensin I-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism is associated with the severity of atherosclerosis

Abstract Background: Angiotensin II is produced primarily by angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) within atherosclerotic lesions and ACE level in plaques correlates with the severity of vessel wall damage. Therefore, we investigated the possible association of ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and the severity of atherosclerosis, estimated on the basis of the number of coronary stenoses and critical arterial occlusions observed during coronary angiography. Methods: The study cohort included 172 patients with angiographically confirmed premature coronary artery disease. The ACE gene I/D polymorphism was genotyped using a PCR method. Results: The frequencies of DD genotype, D allele carrier-state (DD+ID genotypes) and the D allele increased with the number of stenoses in coronary vessels. D allele carriers (DD+ID genotypes) were more frequent in the subgroup of patients with stenoses in at least four coronary vessels than in other patients including subjects with one-, two- and three-vessel disease (97.4% vs. 74.4%, OR=13.05, 95% CI: 1.81–100.00, χ2=9.84, p=0.0017). Furthermore, the D allele was significantly more frequent in patients with critical arterial occlusions (>90%) than in subjects without critical stenoses (61.1% vs. 49.3%, χ2=9.84, p=0.023). Conclusions: The ACE I/D polymorphism influences individual differences in severity of coronary artery disease and the D allele promotes generation of numerous and critical atherosclerotic lesions. Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:446–52.
The influence of early cycling training on balance in stroke patients at the subacute stage. Results of a preliminary trial

Objective: To investigate the effect of early cycling training on balance and motor abilities of stroke patients in their subacute stage. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation. Subjects: Twenty-four patients who had had a first stroke were randomly assigned to a cycling training group (n = 10) or to a control (n = 14) group. Intervention: All subjects received their usual rehabilitation programme; the cycling training group received in addition a daily session of leg cycle ergometer, lasting three weeks. Both groups were followed for six weeks. Main outcome measurements: Balance was assessed using the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) and the standing balance test. The motor function of the lower extremity was also assessed by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). Results: In the within-group comparison, both the exercise group and the control group had improved significantly (P B=0.01) with time with respect to PASS total (exercise group 18.79=2.8 to 31.19=2.2, control group 18.19=3.2 to 26.49=3.8) and PASS subscores, as well as the FMA score (exercise group 17.29=7.5 to 29.19=5.9, control group 16.69=6.4 to 22.19=6.8). In addition there was a significant group=time interaction effect, with exercise group patients demonstrating better performance in both the total PASS score and PASS subscores and FMA score relative to the control patients (P B=0.01). Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that stroke patients in the subacute stage can improve their motor and balance abilities after an early short duration of cycling training.
Comparison of anti-endotoxin activity of apoE and apoA mimetic derivatives of a model amphipathic peptide 18A

Endotoxemia is a major cause of chronic inflammation, and is an important pathogenic factor in the development of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis. Human apolipoprotein E (apoE) and apoA-I are protein components of high-density lipoprotein, which have strong anti-endotoxin activity. Here, we compared anti-endotoxin activity of Ac-hE18A-NH2 and 4F peptides, modified from model amphipathic helical 18A peptide, to mimic, respectively, apoE and apoA-I properties. Ac-hE18A-NH2, stronger than 4F, inhibited endotoxin activity and disaggregated Escherichia coli 055:B5 (wild smooth serotype). Ac-hE18A-NH2 and 4F inhibited endotoxin activity of E. coli 026:B6 (rough-like serotype) to a similar degree. This suggests that Ac-hE18A-NH2 as a dual-domain molecule might interact with both the lipid A and headgroup of smooth LPS, whereas 4F binds lipid A. In C57BL/6 mice, Ac-hE18A-NH2 was superior to 4F in inhibiting the inflammatory responses mediated by E. coli 055:B5, but not E. coli 026:B6. However, in THP-1 cells, isolated human primary leukocytes, and whole human blood, Ac-hE18A-NH2 reduced responses more strongly than 4F to both E. coli serotypes either when peptides were pre-incubated or co-incubated with LPS, indicating that Ac-hE18A-NH2 also has strong anti-inflammatory effects independent of endotoxin-neutralizing properties. In conclusion, Ac-hE18A-NH2 is more effective than 4F in inhibiting LPS-mediated inflammation, which opens prospective clinical applications for Ac-hE18A-NH2.
Charity meets clarity: A multiple methods and transdisciplinary approach to improving philanthropic investment in Indigenous Australian education

2 Acknowledgements . 3 Table of contents . 4 Acronyms . 8 Figures and Tables . 10 Chapter 1: Introduction . 11 Framing and introducing the topic . 12 Framing my relationship with the field . 14 My cultural and professional background . 15 Philosophical underpinnings of this study . 18 Why I chose the research methods for this study . 20 Background context and purpose of the research . 21 Overview of the remaining chapters . 24 Chapter 2: Methodology. 27 Overview . 27 Observation, participation, interpretation, sense making . 28 Recursive process: Hunches, curiosity, literature, field research . 29 Interviews and forums. 30 Deep listening and thick description . 31 Story-telling and narrative as method . 33 Chapter 3: Literature review . 39 Overview . 39 Complexity and tensions in philanthropy . 40 Ancient roots . 40 A short history of philanthropy and Indigenous Australia . 41 Philanthropy in its various forms today. 45 Philanthropy: Divergent motivations . 47 Philanthropy and Indigenous Australian education over the past decade . 63 Complexity and certain tensions in Indigenous affairs in Australia . 64 An overview of political debates in Indigenous policy . 65 Implications and lessons for today’s philanthropic actors . 76 Complexity and tensions in education . 77 Universal educational impacts: Pedagogical, professional, and structural issues . 78 Quality of school and wellbeing of community . 89
To Market, to Market: Does Smallholder Vegetable Production Lead to Increased Children's Diet Diversity and Improved Diet Quality? Empirical Evidence from Northwest Vietnam

In this paper, we examine the relationship between smallholder vegetable production and children’s dietary diversity and diet quality using three pathways that link agriculture and nutrition outcomes at the household level. The data is from a survey conducted in July/August 2016 in four districts in northwest Vietnam. Household diet information is collected in two nonconsecutive 24-hour food recall periods (one weekday and one weekend) to minimize withinperson random error due to day-to-day variability in food consumption. We develop two diet indicators: child dietary diversity score, and the multidimensional Healthy Food Diversity index. Results show positive and significant marginal effects of smallholder/subsistence vegetable production and market participation – either through modern channels or traditional outlets – on the dietary diversity of children under five years old in these remote rural areas as measured by the child dietary diversity score. Further study is required to examine the link between Healthy Food Diversity Index and nutritional outcomes.
How to critically read ecological meta‐analyses

Meta‐analysis offers ecologists a powerful tool for knowledge synthesis. Albeit a form of review, it also shares many similarities with primary empirical research. Consequently, critical reading of meta‐analyses incorporates criteria from both sets of approaches particularly because ecology is a discipline that embraces heterogeneity and broad methodologies. The most important issues in critically assessing a meta‐analysis initially include transparency, replicability, and clear statement of purpose by the authors. Specific to ecology, more so than other disciplines, tests of the same hypothesis are generally conducted at different study sites, have variable ecological contexts (i.e., seasonality), and use very different methods. Clear reporting and careful examination of heterogeneity in ecological meta‐analyses is thus crucial. Ecologists often also test similar hypotheses with different species, and in these meta‐analyses, the reader should expect exploration of phylogenetic dependencies. Finally, observational studies not only provide the substrate for potential current manipulative experiments in this discipline but also form an important body of literature historically for synthesis. Sensitivity analyses of observational versus manipulative experiments when aggregated in the same ecological meta‐analysis are also frequent and appropriate. This brief conceptual review is not intended as an instrument to rate meta‐analyses for ecologists but does provide the appropriate framing for those purposes and directs the reader to ongoing developments in this direction in other disciplines. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Childhood Autism and Social Class: A Question of Selection?

Summary Children with typical autism, other early childhood psychoses and severe mental retardation without autistic behaviour were identified in an epidemiological study in an area of South East London. The social class distribution of their fathers was examined and no significant differences were found between the groups, nor in a comparison with the general population of the area. Fathers of children with autism and related conditions referred to an out-patient clinic with a special interest in autism, mostly at their own request, and fathers joining the National Society for Autistic Children, were of higher social class than both the average for England and Wales and the fathers of the study children. Joining the NSAC during its early years, and keeping up membership were also linked with higher social class. The findings supported the view that reports of a social class bias in autism may be explained by factors affecting referral and diagnosis.
Hemostatic Gene Polymorphisms in Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Objective: Systemic inflammatory reaction in acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with activation of the coagulation system. The prothrombotic component of the coagulation system, which may promote microvascular thrombosis and vital organ injury, is strengthened by genetic factors such as polymorphism of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation. This prompted us to study the occurrence of FVL and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms in patients with AP. Methods: This case control association study included 397 patients with AP and 310 controls. Severe AP was determined according to the Atlanta Classification. Genotyping was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry-assisted genotyping method. Results: Factor V Leiden was identified in 5 (3.3%) of 152 cases of severe AP and in 8 (3.3%) of 245 cases of mild AP. The prothrombotic PAI-1 4G allele frequency was 0.49 for patients with severe AP and 0.57 for patients with mild AP (P < 0.05). Patients with septic infectious complications (n = 47) and patients with organ failure (n = 55) had genotype distribution not different from those with mild, uncomplicated disease (n = 245). Conclusions: The results do not support the hypothesis that prothrombotic polymorphisms such as FVL mutation and PAI-1 4G/5G are associated with AP severity.
nblS, a Gene Involved in Controlling Photosynthesis-Related Gene Expression during High Light and Nutrient Stress inSynechococcus elongatus PCC 7942

ABSTRACT The HliA protein of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 is a small, thylakoid-associated protein that appears to play a role in photoprotection; its transcript rapidly accumulates in response to high-intensity light (HL) and the hli gene family is required for survival of cells in high light. In order to discover regulatory factors involved in HL acclimation in cyanobacteria, a screen was performed for chemically generated mutants unable to properly control expression of the hliA gene in response to HL. One such mutant was identified, and complementation analysis led to the identification of the affected gene, designated nblS. Based on its deduced protein sequence, NblS appears to be a membrane-bound, PAS-domain-bearing, sensor histidine kinase of two-component regulatory systems in bacteria. The nblS mutant was unable to properly control light intensity-mediated expression of several other photosynthesis-related genes, including all three psbA genes and the cpcBA genes. The mutant was also unable to control expression of the hliA and psbA genes in response to low-intensity blue/UV-A light, a response that may be related to the HL-mediated regulation of the genes. Additionally, in response to nutrient deprivation, the nblS mutant was unable to properly control accumulation of the nblA transcript and associated degradation of the light-harvesting phycobilisomes. The nblS mutant dies more rapidly than wild-type cells following exposure to HL or nutrient deprivation, likely due to its inability to properly acclimate to these stress conditions. Thus, the NblS protein is involved in the control of a number of processes critical for altering the photosynthetic apparatus in response to both HL and nutrient stress conditions.
Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia leading to exchange transfusion

Background: Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to investigate the causes of severe hyperbilirubinemia leading to Exchange Transfusion (ET) from March 2009 to March 2011 in Bahrami children hospital, Tehran, Iran in order to establish guidelines to prevent profound jaundice & ET. Methods: 94 neonates underwent ET for severe hyperbilirubinemia data for demographic data, and onset of jaundice, history of severe hyperbilirubinemia in siblings, blood group of both mother and neonate, G6PD activity, hemoglobin, hematocrite, reticulocyte count, peripheral blood smear, total and direct bilirubin before and after ET, direct and indirect Coombs, times of transfusion and the cause of hyperbilirubinemia were all recorded for analysis. Results: Ninety four neonates (56.4% boys and 43.6% girls) underwent ET with a mean birth weight of 1950±40 g and a mean gestational age of 35.2±1.4 weeks. Premature labor, breastfeeding jaundice, ABO incompatibility and G6PDD with the frequency of 59(63%), 33(35%), 25(24/5%) and 12(12.8%) were of major causes of ET. Conclusions: Predisposing factors for severe hyperbilirubinemia in this study were premature labor, breastfeeding jaundice, ABO incompatibility and G6PDD. The authors recommend prevention of premature labor, reevaluation of successful breastfeeding education for mothers and screening infants for blood group and G6PD In the first of life. Arranging earlier and continuous visits in neonates with these risk factors during the first four days of life is also recommended.
Knowledge management process arrangements and their impact on innovation

This study investigates the types of knowledge management process (KMP) arrangements firms adopt and how these arrangements relate to innovation. Data from 341 Brazilian and Portuguese information technology companies were analysed using a sequence of statistical treatments (factor analysis, cluster analysis and analysis of variance). The study adopts a perspective other than those of linear models to investigate the KMP arrangements applied by firms and their relation to innovation. The findings suggest that (1) firms adopt balanced KMP arrangements; (2) assuring a certain degree of knowledge application, firms can reach comparable levels of innovation by emphasizing either sharing or storage processes; knowledge sharing processes can compensate for lower levels of other knowledge processes and sustain better levels of innovation; and (3) investments in KMP tend to reach a maximum effect, from which innovation decelerates. The study focuses on the relationship between the KMPs and innovation in the information technology sector, thereby limiting generalization to other sectors. As a practical implication, knowledge managers are provided with information emphasizing the importance of controlling the investments and the organization of KMP arrangements aimed at innovation.
In the Absence of the First Membrane-spanning Segment of Subunit4(b), the Yeast ATP Synthase Is Functional but Does Not Dimerize or Oligomerize*

The N-terminal portion of the mitochondrial b-subunit is anchored in the inner mitochondrial membrane by two hydrophobic segments. We investigated the role of the first membrane-spanning segment, which is absent in prokaryotic and chloroplastic enzymes. In the absence of the first membrane-spanning segment of the yeast subunit (subunit 4), a strong decrease in the amount of subunit g was found. The mutant ATP synthase did not dimerize or oligomerize, and mutant cells displayed anomalous mitochondrial morphologies with onion-like structures. This phenotype is similar to that of the null mutant in theATP20 gene that encodes subunit g, a component involved in the dimerization/oligomerization of ATP synthase. Our data indicate that the first membrane-spanning segment of the mitochondrialb-subunit is not essential for the function of the enzyme since its removal did not directly alter the oxidative phosphorylation. It is proposed that the unique membrane-spanning segment of subunitg and the first membrane-spanning segment of subunit4 interact, as shown by cross-linking experiments. We hypothesize that in eukaryotic cells the b-subunit has evolved to accommodate the interaction with the g-subunit, an associated ATP synthase component only present in the mitochondrial enzyme.
Sustainable Entrepreneurship Orientation: A Reflection on Status-Quo Research on Factors Facilitating Responsible Managerial Practices

With the global financial system having undergone vast changes since the financial crisis of 2007, scientific research concerning the investor’s point of view on sustainable investments has drastically increased. However, there remains a lack of research focused on the entrepreneur’s angle regarding sustainable oriented investments. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of sustainable financial markets by bringing together entrepreneurial and financial research. This paper provides a structured literature review, based on which the authors identify three relevant levels that they believe have an effect on the successful implementation of managerial sustainable practices; these are the individual, the firm, and the contextual levels. The results show that on the individual level sustainable entrepreneurs tend to derive their will to act more sustainably from their personal values or traits. On the organizational level, though, it can be concluded that an small and medium sized enterprise’s internal culture and the reconfiguration of resources are critical determinants for adopting a sustainable entrepreneurial orientation. Finally, on the contextual level, researchers have focused on a better understanding of how entrepreneurs can help society and the environment through sustainable entrepreneurship, and how they can act as role models or change agents in light of the fact that the choice of investing or financing based on sustainability is still in its infancy. By providing an overview on facilitating factors for responsible managerial practices on the entrepreneur’s side, this research contributes to a better understanding for both theory and practice on how sustainable practices can be implemented and facilitated.
Maternal and Fetal Factors in Breech Presentation

The authors used ultrasound examination in an attempt to identify fetal and environmental differences between breech and vertex presentations. During a period of 13 months, 228 pregnancies with the fetus in breech position were found by routine ultrasound screening in the 33rd gestational week. Before delivery, 132 fetuses (58%) turned to vertex presentation and 96 (42%) remained in breech presentation. Fetal growth, posture, position, placental site, and amniotic fluid volume in the 33rd, 35th, and 38th gestational weeks were studied. In contrast to earlier proposed theories, no difference between the two groups (breech and vertex) was found regarding the frequency of extended fetal legs and cornualfundal placental implantation. However, the neonates born in breech presentation had a shorter gestational age by ten days at delivery, and preterm delivery was more common. At birth, the breech neonates weighed 4.9% less than their vertex controls in relation to gestational age. In the breech group, there was an increased frequency of oligohydramnios, contracted pelvis, and uterine and fetal malformations. These conditions occurred only in 15% of the breech pregnancies; in the remaining 85%, no single cause of the breech presentation could be identified.