Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Birth weight, infant growth, and childhood body mass index: Hong Kong's children of 1997 birth cohort.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between birth weight, infant growth rate, and childhood adiposity as a proxy for adult metabolic or cardiovascular risk in a Chinese population with a history of recent and rapid economic development. DESIGN Prospective study in a population-representative birth cohort. SETTING Hong Kong Chinese population. PARTICIPANTS Six thousand seventy-five term births (77.5% successful follow-up). Main Exposures Birth weight and growth rate (change in the weight z score) at ages 0 to 3 and 3 to 12 months. Main Outcome Measure Body mass index (BMI) (calculated as the weight in kilograms divided by the height in meters squared) z score at about age 7 years. RESULTS Each unit increase in the weight z score at ages 0 to 3 and 3 to 12 months increased the BMI z score by 0.52 and 0.33, respectively. Children in the highest birth weight and growth rate tertiles had the highest BMI z scores. In the lowest birth weight tertile, increases in the weight z score at ages 0 to 3 months had a larger effect on the BMI z score in boys (mean difference, 0.88; 95% confidence interval 0.69-1.07) than in girls (mean difference, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.71); these differences by birth weight, growth rate at ages 0 to 3 months, and sex were significant (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS Faster prenatal and postnatal growth were associated with higher childhood BMI in a population with a recent history of rapid economic growth and relatively low birth weight, suggesting that maximal growth may not be optimal for metabolic risk. However, there may be a developmental trade-off between metabolic risk and other outcomes.
Productivity and Digitilization in Europe: Paving the Road to Faster Growth

This paper reviews the latest evidence on the contribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – and the digital economy more broadly – on economic growth for Europe and the United States since the late 1990s until most recently. The paper provides estimates on the contributions from ICT to growth from three channels affecting the long-term growth performance of entire economies: 1) a productivity effect through the ICT-producing sector, 2) an investment effect from ICT-using industries through capital deepening, and 3) a productivity effect from an efficiency rise through the use of ICT which goes beyond the direct capital deepening effect. The study finds that the slowing of the total factor productivity growth rate in Europe reflects a failure to effectively adopt new technologies and innovation. It is also argued that the lack of rapid accumulation of intangible capital (such as information assets, innovative property, and economic competencies) constrains Europe's ability to accelerate and facilitate the innovation effects from digital technology. Finally, we discuss some policy implication emerging from our work, in particular the need to complete the Single Market in Europe to improve the productivity effects from the digital economy.
VITRECTOMY USING 0.025% POVIDONE–IODINE IN BALANCED SALT SOLUTION PLUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF POSTOPERATIVE ENDOPHTHALMITIS

Purpose: To investigate the bactericidal effect of 0.025% povidone–iodine in Balanced Salt Solution PLUS (0.025% PI–BSS PLUS) and its use in vitrectomy for postoperative endophthalmitis. Methods: First, an experimental laboratory model using Staphylococcus aureus was used to evaluate the bactericidal effect of PI–BSS PLUS. Next, in a case series of 4 eyes with postoperative endophthalmitis, vitrectomy using 0.025% PI–BSS PLUS as irrigation solution was conducted, followed by postoperative intravitreal and intravenous antibiotics. Results: In in vitro study, PI at concentrations of 0.01% and above in BSS PLUS exhibited marked bactericidal effect after 15 seconds of exposure. Bactericidal effect of 0.025% PI–BSS PLUS was maintained at room temperature storage for 15 minutes but was attenuated after 30 minutes. Among 4 eyes that underwent vitrectomy using 0.025% PI–BSS PLUS, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus sp. was isolated in 1 eye at the beginning but not at completion of surgery. In all four eyes, endophthalmitis was resolved with no adverse events. Ocular toxicity was not observed. Conclusion: The 0.025% PI–BSS PLUS is bactericidal and nontoxic when used as irrigation solution in vitrectomy. In 4 cases of postoperative endophthalmitis, vitrectomy using 0.025% PI–BSS PLUS followed by postoperative antibiotics resolved endophthalmitis.
Beyond the Bubble: Assessing the Diversity of Political Search Results

Abstract Search engines are among the most popular online services used in a range of contexts, including to find information on political issues. As such, they increasingly act as powerful mediators between news organizations and their audiences. The claim that search results are politically biased, while hardly new, has also recently received fresh support from President Donald Trump, who has blamed Google for unfairly prioritizing news outlets critical of his policies. In the context of elections, search engines may serve to inform citizens and have been argued to sway the choices of undecided voters. I examine two related issues: How political parties and candidates are represented in Google Search results and how strongly results in both Google Search and Google News are personalized in the run up to the 2017 German general elections. My results suggest that some parties and candidates are able to exert greater influence over how they are represented in search results than others, through a combination of local branch websites and social media presences. I furthermore find only a small share of results which differ from the mainstream, while controlling for time, language, and location, calling into question the validity of the filter bubble concept.
Physical Activity and Fatigue in Breast Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis: Psychosocial Mechanisms

Objective: To examine the role of self-efficacy and depression as potential pathways from physical activity to fatigue in two study samples: breast cancer survivors (BCS) (n = 192) and individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) (n = 292). Methods: We hypothesized that physical activity would be associated indirectly with fatigue through its influence on self-efficacy and depressive symptomatology. A cross-sectional path analysis (BCS) and a longitudinal panel model (MS) were conducted within a covariance modeling framework. Results: Physical activity had a direct effect on self-efficacy and, in turn, self-efficacy had both a direct effect on fatigue and an indirect effect through depressive symptomatology in both samples. In the MS sample, physical activity also had a direct effect on fatigue. All model fit indices were excellent. These associations remained significant when controlling for demographics and health status indicators. Conclusions: Our findings suggest support for at least one set of psychosocial pathways from physical activity to fatigue, an important concern in chronic disease. Subsequent work might replicate such associations in other diseased populations and attempt to determine whether model relations change with physical activity interventions, and the extent to which other known correlates of fatigue, such as impaired sleep and inflammation, can be incorporated into this model. MS = multiple sclerosis; BCS = breast cancer survivors; BMI = body mass index; CFI = Comparative Fit Index; SRMR = standardized root mean square residual; PDDS = patient determined disease steps; PA = physical activity; SE = self-efficacy; Dep = depressive mood.
Cardiovascular and renal actions of melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides

Purpose of reviewMelanocyte stimulating hormones (MSHs, melanocortins) have important roles in feeding and energy metabolism and in inflammation. Recent observations have uncovered major functions for these peptides, particularly γ-MSH, in cardiovascular regulation and sodium metabolism. Recent findingsBoth α- and γ-MSH acutely elevate blood pressure and heart rate through central stimulation of sympathetic nervous outflow. This action of α-MSH is mediated by the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), whereas sympathetic nervous stimulation by γ-MSH does not involve its receptor MC3R but rather is likely due to activation of a sodium channel in the central nervous system. In contrast, γ-MSH deficiency in rodents, or disruption of MC3R, leads to marked salt-sensitive hypertension, again through a central mechanism: a small dose of exogenous peptide delivered into the cerebroventricular system of mice with γ-MSH deficiency restores blood pressure to normal. This salt-sensitive hypertension is accompanied by the development of insulin resistance; the mechanism linking these two consequences of a high-salt diet is not yet known but may involve activation of the sympathetic nervous system. SummaryThe study of MSH peptides in blood pressure regulation offers a new opportunity to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying salt sensitivity and its link to insulin resistance, and to new therapies.
Effectiveness of an automated digital infrared CCTV multi-camera system in investigating mating and oviposition behavior of apple snails , Pomacea spp

Pomacea canaliculata and Pomacea maculata attack rice growing areas with significant yield losses. Their success rate is mainly due to their high reproductive potential. This study aimed to investigate the reproductive potential of both Pomacea spp. using a digital infrared CCTV video camera system to ensure data accuracy by recording uninterrupted behavioral activities. Results of the study confirmed efficiency of digital infrared CCTV camera system used in recording and acquiring behavioral data with further potential for wide scale usage in future studies. Moreover, mating and oviposition in both species mostly occurred during night hours. Pomacea maculata showed higher mating frequency, oviposition duration and eggs per clutch, whereas egg diameter was higher in P. canaliculata. No difference was observed in other mating and oviposition parameters. Accordingly, higher reproductive potential of P. maculata as compared P. canaliculata could be one of the reasons for its large scale distribution in Peninsular Malaysia.
WP / 17 / 013 Comparative Determinants of Quality of Growth in Developing Countries

This study explores a new dataset in order to present the comparative determinants of growth quality in 93 developing countries for the period 1990-2011. We employ both cross-sectional and panel estimation techniques with contemporary and non-contemporary specifications. The determinants are quite heterogeneous in significance and magnitude with substantial inclinations to specifications and estimation techniques. We present and discuss the findings in increasing magnitude of significance so as to ease comparative readability. We also discuss how specificities in the modelling techniques are relevant for targeting growth quality. The results are timely and relevant for the post-2015 inclusive and sustainable development
Plant diversity patterns in neotropical dry forests and their conservation implications

Seasonally dry tropical forests are distributed across Latin America and the Caribbean and are highly threatened, with less than 10% of their original extent remaining in many countries. Using 835 inventories covering 4660 species of woody plants, we show marked floristic turnover among inventories and regions, whichmay be higher than in other neotropical biomes, such as savanna. Such high floristic turnover indicates that numerous conservation areas across many countries will be needed to protect the full diversity of tropical dry forests. Our results provide a scientific framework within which national decision-makers can contextualize the floristic significance of their dry forest at a regional and continental scale.
Urinary excretion of soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 as a marker of increased risk of progressive kidney function deterioration in patients with primary chronic glomerulonephritis

Background. The effects of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α), a potent proinflammatory cytokine, in the kidneys are mediated by two membrane receptors (TNFR), TNFR1 and TNFR2. The expression of both TNF and TNFRs increases in several kidney diseases and is associated with the shedding of the receptors out of the cell membranes. In an experimental model of glomerulonephritis (GN), elevated concentrations of TNFRs in serum and TNFRs excretion in urine were demonstrated. The aim of this study was evaluation of urinary excretion of TNFR1 and its relationship with the clinical markers of kidney injury in patients with GN. The value of basal urinary TNFR1 excretion as a prognostic indicator of the progression of kidney function impairment was also assessed. Material and Methods. Fifty-fivepatientswithnewlydiagnosed,biopsy-provenprimaryGNwere included in the study. In all patients, and in 20healthy subjects,UTNFR1wasmeasured using anELISA . In the patients, risk factors of the progression of impairment of kidney function (reduced eCcr, nephrotic syndrome, hypertension and intensity of morphological lesions in the kidneys) were evaluated. The appropriate treatment was then introduced and the patients were in follow-up for 4years.Theprogressionofkidney function impairment was defined as a reduction of eCcr > 5 mL/min/ 1.73 m2 /year during follow-up. The association of basal TNFR1 excretion with the progression was evaluated. Results. Urinary excretion of TNFR1 in the patients with GN (4039.2 ± 3801.5 pg/mgCr) was greater than in the healthy subjects (1358.9 ± 927.8 pg/mgCr, P < 0,00002). A significant negative correlation between TNFR1 excretion and eCcr (Sr=0.464, P < 0.01) and a positive correlation between TNFR1 excretion and proteinuria (Sr = 0,463, P < 0.01) were found. In 13 patients, a marked reduction of eCcr was observed during follow-up. Logistic regression analysis revealed that TNFR1 excretion > 3863.3 pg/mgCr predicts progression of renal function impairment along with advanced interstitial fibrosis in the kidney biopsy specimens at presentation. Conclusion. Markedly elevated urinary TNFR1 excretion may be considered as a good marker of an activated TNFαpathway in patients with newly diagnosed GN and as a potentially modifiable risk factor of progressive kidney function impairment.
Comparison of the DAS28‐CRP and DAS28‐ESR in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

To compare the Disease Activity Score with 28 joint (DAS28) using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (DAS28‐ESR) and DAS28 using C‐reactive protein (CRP) (DAS28‐CRP) with thresholds validated for DAS28‐ESR in Turkish patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Effect of GABA on the processing of interaural time differences in nucleus laminaris neurons in the chick

Neurons in the avian nucleus laminaris (NL) are the first to receive binaural information and are presumed to play a role in encoding interaural time differences (ITD). NL not only receives excitatory projections from the ipsi‐and contralateral nucleus magnocellularis, but also receives inhibitory (GABAergic) input. This study investigates how GABA (γ‐aminobutyric acid) influences ITD coding in NL.
The 'methadone by bus' project in Amsterdam.

One of the methadone programmes of the Amsterdam Municipal Health Service is the 'methadone by bus' project. Two mobile clinics cruise the city, stopping at six different locations daily. The liquid methadone is consumed on the spot and clean needles and condoms are available. This project is based on the principles of 'harm-reduction', i.e. if it is not (yet) possible to 'cure' a hard drug user, one should at least try to minimize the harm they cause to themselves and their environment. As soon as a client refrains from the use of illegal drugs, the client can 'graduate' to other methadone programmes with a higher threshold. To prevent double prescription, all Amsterdam methadone programmes participate in the central methadone registration. The Amsterdam Municipal Health Service has contact with over 50% of the drug users. The estimated number of hard drug users has remained stable over the last 5 years, whilst the average age of drug users has increased to 32 years. In the future, increasing the average dosage and the provision of injectable drug users will be discussed to assess their role in further harm reduction.
valuation of emergency nerve grafting for proper palmar digital erve defects : A retrospective single centre study

Hypothesis: Finger trauma often results in discontinuity of the proper palmar digital nerves. The goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes of emergency nerve grafting and the resulting donor site morbidity. Material and method: Three women and 13 men who had been operated between 2008 and 2012 were reviewed. The average patient age was 39 years (range 18–78). All were operated on an emergency basis. The average defect was 38 mm long (range 15–60). The nerves were harvested from four sites: lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (12 cases), banked finger (2 cases), terminal portion of posterior interosseous nerve (1 case) and anterior interosseous nerve (1 case). The evaluation consisted of patient questioning and clinical examination of the treated finger and donor site. An objective sensory exam was also performed. The results were expressed according to the British Medical Research Council (MRC) classification. Results: There was little donor site morbidity (2 cases of symptomatic hypoesthesia, 1 case of scar hypersensitivity). Sixty-nine percent of patients stated that their grafted finger did not cause them any trouble during activities of daily living. Three patients required job retraining. Pain in the grafted finger was 0.6 (range 0–5) on the VAS. Normal sensation was restored in 31% of cases based on the monofilament sensory test; 25% had a slight decrease in touch sensitivity and 25% had reduced protective sensations. Weber’s two-point discrimination test found 50% normal sensibility (threshold < 6 mm) and 6% with mediocre sensibility (threshold of 6–10 mm). On the MRC grading scale, 50% of patients were at S4, 6% at S3+, 19% at S3, 12% at S2 and 12% at S1. Conclusion: There were 56% good results in this patient series (S3+/S4) and no patients at S0. Donor site morbidity was rare. Thus use of nerve grafting is still a relevant option in an emergency setting. Level of evidence: Level IV. © 2014 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.
Mast cell number, substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea

Abstract Background. Recent studies have shown that mast cells play an important role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We investigated the relationship between mast cells and the gut hormones substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Methods. Colonoscopic biopsies were performed on the rectal mucosa of 43 subjects (IBS-D patients: 22, healthy volunteers: 21) diagnosed according to the Rome III criteria. Mast cells, and substance P & VIP were evaluated by quantitative immunohistology and image analysis. Mast cells were counted as tryptase-positive cells in the lamina propria, and substance P and VIP levels were expressed as percentages of total areas of staining. Results. Mast cell counts were higher in IBS-D patients than healthy volunteers (9.6 ± 3.3 vs. 5.7 ± 2.5/high power field (HPF), p < 0.01). Substance P was also elevated (0.11 ± 0.08% vs. 0.03 ± 0.02 %, p < 0.01) while VIP was only high in women with IBS-D. Mast cell counts were positively correlated with levels of substance P & VIP in women but not men (women: r = 0.625, p < 0.01 for substance P and r = 0.651, p < 0.01 for VIP). However, mast cell counts were not correlated with IBS symptoms including abdominal pain. Conclusion. Mast cells are activated leading to the raised levels of substance P & VIP in IBS-D patients. However, the correlation between mast cells and levels of substance P & VIP differs according to gender.
Sovereign to Corporate Risk Spillovers

The first Greek bailout on April 11, 2010 triggered a significant reevaluation of sovereign credit risk across Europe. We exploit this event to examine the transmission of sovereign to corporate credit risk. A ten percent increase in sovereign credit risk raises corporate credit risk on average by 1.1 percent after the bailout. The evidence is suggestive of risk spillovers from sovereign to corporate credit risk through a financial and a fiscal channel, as the effects are more pronounced for firms that are bank or government dependent. We find no support for indirect risk transmission through a deterioration of macroeconomic fundamentals. JEL Classification: F34, F36, G15, H81, G12
Permian and Triassic depositional history of the Yangtze platform and Great Bank of Guizhou in the Nanpanjiang basin of Guizhou and Guangxi , south China

The Nanpanjiang basin has the longest marine history of any basin in China, having been the site of marine sedimentation during most of the Late Proterozoic through Late Triassic (Enos, 1995). During the Permian and Triassic the Nanpanjiang basin formed a deepmarine embayment in the southern margin of the south China block (fig.1). The south China block includes the Yangtze craton and south China fold system (fig. 1). Most authors have considered the south China block a single continental plate that stabilized in the Proterozoic or Early Paleozoic (Huang, 1978; Lin et al., 1985; Yang et al., 1986; Chen et al. 1991; Gilder et al., 1995; Metcalfe, 1996; Li, 1998; Tan et al., 2000). In contrast Hsu et al. (1988, 1990) proposed that the south China fold system is a separate tectonic block, the Huanan terrane that united with the Yangtze craton during the Late Triassic Indosinian orogeny. This hypothesis has received a great deal of criticism (Gupta, 1989; Rodgers, 1989; Rowley et al., 1989; Abstract The Nanpanjiang basin occurs in the southern margin of the south China plate. Marine sedimentation dominated from the Late Proterozoic to the Late Triassic when siliciclastic turbidites filled the basin and sedimentation regionally shifted to fluvial deposition. Permian and Triassic carbonate strata record a long history of platform evolution and include diverse architectures and evolutionary histories that reflect the impact of local depositional environments, rates of siliciclastic flux and accelerating tectonic subsidence as the basin experienced tectonic convergence and foreland basin development in the Triassic.
Industrial Agglomeration and Wage Inequality in China

This paper estimates nonlinear structural wage equations derived from NEG models with data on 327 cities in China. The estimation results show that the variation of wage level across cities in China is associated with proximity to large markets. The estimated elasticity of substitution of China is smaller than those of the other countries studied in previous research. It indicates that with the same increase of sub-regional market size, China may suffer more serious regional inequality problems. My estimation shows that although increased agglomeration can increase each city’s wage level, it may also increase the wage gap between large and small cities.