Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Peer Punishment in Repeated Isomorphic Give and Take Social Dilemmas

This study brings together two strands of experimental literature, “Give and Take” versions of strategically and payoff isomorphic linear public goods games and the effectiveness of peer punishment in promoting cooperation in repeated fixed-group game settings. We find evidence of lower cooperation in the Take game setting, primarily due to a greater decrease in cooperation in later decision rounds. Importantly, we also find that peer punishment is able to overcome the decrease in cooperation in the Take game, leading to greater relative increases in cooperation and earnings. Overall, with punishment, we observe efficiency gains in the Take game, but not in the Give game. This result is linked to the fact that low contributors in their respective groups are targeted for punishment more frequently in the Take game than in the Give game. Key Words: isomorphic, social dilemma, experiment, cooperation, punishment, reciprocal preferences
Cytostatic agents and contact allergy: the efferent limb

The effects upon the contact allergic reaction in the guinea pig or the 3 cytostatic agents most commonly used for their immunosuppressant properties, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and azothioprine, have been investigated in an experimental model which allows comparison of the qualitative and qualitative aspects of the dermal inflammatory infiltrate and the macroscopic response. The 3 agents were given in single, relatively high doses and had effects on the dermal inflammatory infiltrate which varied in nature, degree and time course. Changes often showed a cyclical development with time, with “rebound” often following initial changes. Although cyclophosphamide had the most marked effect, all agents affected the mononuclear, basophil and eosinophil dermal infiltrates at some point in the experiment. Cyclophosphamide was the only agent found to affect the total white cell count of peripheral blood, but the leukopenia did not affect recruitment of mononuclear cells to the dermis. In the period immediately after administration of cyclophosphamide and methotrexate, the macroscopic score increased. Whilst the mechanism of this effect, is unclear, it may be a manifestation of a basophil, perhaps IgE mediated reaction. Further manipulation of dose and dose interval may result in administration schedules relevant to the treatment of cell‐mediated hypersensitivity in clinical practice.
Use of noncontact low-frequency ultrasound in the treatment of chronic foot and leg ulcerations: a 51-patient analysis.

BACKGROUND A feasibility study was conducted to characterize the effects of noncontact low-frequency ultrasound therapy for chronic, recalcitrant lower-leg and foot ulcerations. METHODS The study was an open-label, nonrandomized, baseline-controlled clinical case series. Patients were initially treated with the Mayo Clinic standard of care before the addition of or the switch to noncontact low-frequency ultrasound therapy. We analyzed the medical records of 51 patients (median +/- SD age, 72 +/- 15 years) with one or more of the following conditions: diabetes mellitus, neuropathy, limb ischemia, chronic renal insufficiency, venous disease, and inflammatory connective tissue disease. All of the patients had lower-extremity ulcers, 20% had a history of amputation, and 65% had diabetes. Of all the wounds, 63% had a multifactorial etiology, and 65% had associated transcutaneous oximetry levels below 30 mm Hg. RESULTS The mean +/- SD treatment time of wounds during the baseline standard of care control period versus the noncontact low-frequency ultrasound therapy period was 9.8 +/- 5.5 weeks versus 5.5 +/- 2.8 weeks (P < .0001). Initial and end measurements were recorded, and percent volume reduction of the wound was calculated. The mean +/- SD percent volume reduction in the baseline standard of care control period versus the noncontact low-frequency ultrasound therapy period was 37.3% +/- 18.6% versus 94.9% +/- 9.8% (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Using noncontact low-frequency ultrasound improved the rate of healing and closure in recalcitrant lower-extremity ulcerations.
Hepatitis C Virus Subgenomic Replicons in the Human Embryonic Kidney 293 Cell Line

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects liver cells and its replication in other cells is incompletely defined. Human hepatoma Huh-7 cells harboring subgenomic HCV replicons were used in somatic cell fusion experiments with human embryonic kidney 293 cells as a means of examining the permissiveness of 293 cells for HCV subgenomic RNA replication. 293 cells were generally not permissive for replication of Huh-7 cell-adapted replicons. However, upon coculturing of the two cell lines, we selected rare replicon-containing cells, termed 293Rep cells, that resembled parental 293 cells. Direct metabolic labeling of cells with 33P in the presence of actinomycin D and Northern blotting to detect the negative strand of the replicon demonstrated functional RNA replicons in 293Rep cells. Furthermore, Western blots revealed that 293Rep cells expressed the HCV nonstructural proteins as well as markers of the naïve 293 cells but not Huh-7 cells. Propidium iodide staining and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of 293Rep cells revealed that clone 293Rep17 closely resembled naïve 293 cells. Transfection of total RNA from 293Rep17 into naïve 293 cells produced replicon-containing 293 cell lines with characteristics distinct from those of Huh-7-derived replicon cell lines. Relative to Huh-7 replicons, the 293 cell replicons were less sensitive to inhibition by alpha interferon and substantially more sensitive to inhibition by poly(I)-poly(C) double-stranded RNA. This study established HCV subgenomic replicons in nonhepatic 293 cells and demonstrated their utility in expanding the study of cellular HCV RNA replication.
Private Bank Deposits and Macro/Fiscal Risk in the Euro-Area

We examine the relationship between private bank deposits and macro/fiscal risk in the euro area. We test three hypotheses: First, private bank deposits relative to Germany are determined by macro/fiscal risk factors. Second, this relationship is time-varying. Third, time-variation is driven by the level of macro/fiscal risk. Our findings validate all three tested hypotheses. They also reveal persistent fragmentation between EMU core and periphery banking systems caused by a deficit of trust in periphery banking systems, unmitigated by the introduction of OMT and European Banking Union. Our findings have implications for the introduction of the European Deposits Insurance Scheme (EDIS), for which they offer tentative support.
Using stimulus equivalence technology to teach emotion recognition to adults with acquired brain injury

The purpose of this study was to use stimulus equivalence technology to teach emotion recognition skills to three adults with acquired brain injuries. A pre-test, post-test design was employed to test for acquisition of the facial recognition skills after training. Computer presentation of the stimuli was used. A pre-test was conducted, in which participants’ abilities to expressively label facial representations of emotions and match distinct representations of emotions to other representations depicting the same emotion were examined. Next, participants received matching-to-sample training, in which they were first taught to receptively identify the facial representations of the basic emotions happiness, sadness and anger. They were then taught to receptively identify facial representations of those same emotions that were different from the first representations. When mastery criterion was attained, a post-test identical to the pre-test was presented. Results showed that the participants were able to demonstrate increased facial-emotional recognition skills after training.
Comparison of famotidine with cimetidine and ranitidine.

The pharmacodynamic, therapeutic, and toxicologic properties of famotidine are evaluated and compared with those of cimetidine and ranitidine. Famotidine, an H2-receptor antagonist with a thiazole nucleus, is approximately 7.5 times more potent than ranitidine and 20 times more potent than cimetidine on an equimolar basis. Therapeutic trials indicate that famotidine 20 mg b.i. d. or 40 mg at bedtime is as effective as standard doses of cimetidine and ranitidine for healing duodenal ulcers. A dose of 40 mg at bedtime appears to heal benign gastric ulcers. A single nocturnal dose of 20 mg is effective in preventing duodenal ulcer relapse. Further studies are required that compare the efficacy of famotidine with cimetidine and ranitidine in the treatment of gastric ulcers and in the prevention of recurrent duodenal ulcers. The overall incidence of adverse effects observed with famotidine appears to be similar to that reported for cimetidine and ranitidine. Like ranitidine, famotidine does not have antiandrogenic effects or substantially inhibit the hepatic metabolism of drugs. Because of its increased antisecretory potency and lack of antiandrogenic effects at higher doses, famotidine may be the H2-receptor antagonist of choice in treating Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Additional clinical experience, as well as cost and safety factors, will determine the place of famotidine in treating and preventing acid-peptic disorders.
Specific treatment of autoimmunity with recombinant invariant chains in which CLIP is replaced by self-epitopes

The invariant chain (Ii) binds to newly synthesized MHC class II molecules with the CLIP region of Ii occupying the peptide-binding groove. Here we demonstrate that recombinant Ii proteins with the CLIP region replaced by antigenic self-epitopes are highly efficient in activating and silencing specific T cells in vitro and in vivo. The Ii proteins require endogenous processing by antigen-presenting cells for efficient T cell activation. An Ii protein encompassing the epitope myelin basic protein amino acids 84–96 (Ii-MBP84–96) induced the model autoimmune disease experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) with a higher severity and earlier onset than the peptide. When applied in a tolerogenic manner, Ii-MBP84–96 abolished antigen-specific T cell proliferation and suppressed peptide-induced EAE more effectively than peptide alone. Importantly, i.v. administration of Ii proteins after EAE induction completely abrogated the disease, whereas peptides only marginally suppressed disease symptoms. Ii fusion proteins are thus more efficient than peptide in modulating CD4+ T cell-mediated autoimmunity, documenting their superior qualities for therapeutic antigen delivery in vivo.
Detection of Intermediately Vancomycin-Susceptible and Heterogeneous Staphylococcus aureus Isolates: Comparison of Etest and Agar Screening Methods

ABSTRACT Detection of Staphylococcus aureus isolates with intermediate vancomycin susceptibility (VISA) and heteroresistance (hVISA) remains problematic. The population analysis profile/area under the curve (PAP/AUC) is the gold standard but is cumbersome. We compared the performance of two Etest screening methods (macromethod [MAC] and glycopeptide resistance detection [GRD]) plus brain heart infusion (BHI) agars supplemented with 3 (BHI-V3) or 4 (BHI-V4) mg/liter vancomycin in detecting hVISA and/or VISA phenotypes. Etest hVISA screenings were done in parallel for 485 saved methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) blood isolates according to the manufacturer's instructions. The PAP/AUC was measured for all isolates according to the modified method. PAP/AUC test isolate/Mu3 ratios of <0.9, 0.9 to 1.3, and >1.3 were considered positive for susceptible MRSA (S-MRSA), hVISA, and VISA, respectively. PAP/AUC revealed seven VISA and 33 hVISA phenotypes. MAC screening was positive for 30 (75.0%) hVISA/VISA and 49 (11.0%) S-MRSA isolates. GRD screening was positive for 28 (70.0%) hVISA/VISA and 63 (14.2%) S-MRSA isolates. Growth on BHI-V3 was noted in all hVISA/VISA and 24 (5.4%) S-MRSA isolates. Growth on BHI-V4 was noted in all VISA and four (12.1%) hVISA isolates. None of the S-MRSA isolates grew on BHI-V4 agar. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values were 75.0%, 89.0%, 38.0%, and 97.5% for MAC; 70.0%, 85.8%, 30.8%, and 97.0% for GRD; 100%, 94.6%, 62.5%, and 100% for BHI-V3; and 100, 99.2%, 63.6%, and 100% for BHI-V4 (for detecting VISA). These findings suggest that both Etest screening methods have excellent NPV, but positive results require confirmation. BHI-V3 and BHI-V4 agars provide more precise identification of hVISA and VISA, respectively; they may be reasonable alternatives to PAP/AUC.
Analysis of ruptured uterus in Debre Markos Hospital, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of uterine rupture in a rural hospital and to examine its cause, type and outcome. DESIGN A prospective study. SETTING Debre Markos Hospital, Ethiopia. SUBJECT All patients who were admitted and operated on for uterine rupture in the above mentioned hospital over a period of two years. OUTCOME MEASURES Parity, whether an attempt was made to deliver them preoperatively, diagnosis at admission, vital sign status on admission and type of operation. RESULTS There were a total of 1830 deliveries and seventy uterine rupture cases. Frequency of occurrence of uterine rupture was 3.8% or one in 26 deliveries. The peak incidence was between 25 to 29 years. Mean parity was 3.6 and grand multiparas (>5) accounted for most (34.2%). Intraoperatively 62 were found to have complete and eight incomplete rupture with 54.3% anterior rupture. Hysterectomy was done for 57 and repair for 13. The postoperative complication rate was 24.3%, sepsis being the most common cause of death. CONCLUSION Uterine rupture is relatively common mainly as a result of obstructed labour and multiparity. Improved healthcare delivery, accesss to prenatal care and family planning will improve the situation.
Identification of the Critical Features of a Small Peptide Inhibitor of JNK Activity*

The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are a subfamily of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Although progress in evaluating the functions of other MAPKs has been facilitated by the characterization of specific inhibitors, no JNK-directed inhibitor is commercially available. We have identified a 21-amino acid peptide inhibitor of activated JNKs, based on amino acids 143–163 of the JNK-binding domain (JBD) of the JNK scaffolding protein, JNK-interacting protein-1 (JIP-1). This peptide, I-JIP (Inhibitor of JNK-based on JIP-1), inhibited JNK activity in vitro toward recombinant c-Jun, Elk, and ATF2 up to 90%. A truncated I-JIP (TI-JIP), the C-terminal 11 amino acids of I-JIP, directly interacted with recombinant JNKs but not its substrates as shown by surface plasmon resonance analysis. Scanning alanine replacement within truncated I-JIP identified 4 residues (Arg-156, Pro-157, Leu-160, or Leu-162) as independently critical for inhibition. JBD peptide sequences from JIP-2 and JIP-3 shared these critical residues and accordingly were effective JNK inhibitors. In contrast, peptides based on the JBDs of ATF2 and c-Jun inhibited JNK activity by <40%, which agreed with their lack of homology to the critical Arg-156 and Pro-157. These studies thus define a small peptide inhibitor sequence of JNKs based on the JIP proteins.
The Association between Diffusion MRI‐Defined Infarct Volume and NIHSS Score in Patients with Minor Acute Stroke

Prior studies have shown a correlation between the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and stroke volume on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI); data are more limited in patients with minor stroke. We sought to determine the association between DWI lesion(s) volume and the (1) total NIHSS score and (2) NIHSS component scores in patients with minor stroke.
Fatal Proventricular Dilatation Disease in Captive Native Psittacines in Brazil

SUMMARY An outbreak of proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), a fatal inflammatory disease of psittacines (Aves: Psittaciformes), is described in native Brazilian psittacines. Twenty captive psittacines that died of suspected PDD were necropsied and 10 were submitted to histopathology, reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for avian bornavirus (ABV). Examined species were one pileated parrot (Pionopsitta pileata), three vinaceous-breasted parrots (Amazona vinacea), two blue-winged macaws (Primolius maracana), one scarlet macaw (Ara macao), one chestnut-fronted macaw (Ara severa), one scaly-headed parrot (Pionus maximiliani), and one red-browed Amazon parrot (Amazona rhodocorytha). Gross examination and histopathology revealed typical PDD lesions in all birds. The presence of ABV was confirmed in four psittacines including one red-browed Amazon parrot, one blue-winged macaw, one scarlet macaw, and one chestnut-fronted macaw. In the red-browed Amazon parrot and in one blue-winged macaw, IHC demonstrated ABV antigens in the nucleus and cytoplasm of cells in various organs. This is the first description of PDD by ABV in Brazilian psittacines and indicates the necessity for adopting a strategic control plan for reducing its impact in native birds. RESUMEN Reporte de Caso—Enfermedad de dilatación proventricular fatal en psitácidos nativos en cautiverio en Brasil. Un brote de la enfermedad de dilatación proventricular (con las siglas en inglés PDD), que es una enfermedad inflamatoria fatal de los psitácidos (Aves : Psittaciformes ), se describe en psitácidos nativos de Brasil. Se practicó la necropsia de veinte psitácidos cautivos que se sospechó murieron de la enfermedad de dilatación proventricular y diez fueron sometidos a estudio histopatológico, por transcripción reversa y PCR, inmunohistoquímica (IHC) para bornavirus aviar (ABV). Las especies examinadas fueron uno lorito carirrojo (Pionopsitta pileata), tres loros vinosos (Amazona vinacea), dos guacamayos maracaná (Primolius maracana), un guacamayo macao (Ara macao), un guacamayo severo (Ara severa), un loro de Maximilian (Pionus maximiliani), y una amazona de frente roja (Amazona rhodocorytha). El examen macroscópico y la histopatología revelaron lesiones típicas la enfermedad de la dilatación proventricular en todas las aves. La presencia del bornavirus aviar se confirmó en cuatro psitácidos como en la amazona de frente roja, un guacamayo maracaná, el guacamayo macao y el guacamayo severo. En la amazona de frente roja y en un guacamayo maracaná, la inmunohistoquímica demostró antígenos del bornavirus aviar en el núcleo y el citoplasma de las células en diversos órganos. Esta es la primera descripción de la enfermedad de dilatación proventricular por bornavirus aviar en psitácidos brasileños y también indica la necesidad de adoptar un plan de control estratégico para la reducción de su impacto en las aves nativas.
Characterization of the nonenzymatic chloramphenicol resistance (cmlA) gene of the In4 integron of Tn1696: similarity of the product to transmembrane transport proteins

Integrons constitute a novel family of DNA elements which evolved by site-specific integration of discrete units between two conserved segments. On the In4 integron of Tn1696, a precisely inserted gene cassette of 1,549 bp conferring nonenzymatic chloramphenicol resistance (cmlA) is present between the streptomycin-spectinomycin resistance (aadA2) gene cassette and the 3'-conserved segment of the integron. In this study, we present the nucleotide sequence of the cmlA gene cassette of Tn1696, show its similarity to bacterial efflux systems and other transport proteins, and present evidence for alterations that its expression exerts on bacterial membranes. The cmlA gene cassette apparently carries its own promoter(s), a situation that has not heretofore been observed in the integrons of multiresistance plasmids and transposons of gram-negative bacteria. One or more of these promoters were shown to be functionally active in expressing a cat marker gene from promoter-probe vectors. The putative CmlA polypeptide appears to provoke a reduction of the content of the major porins OmpA and OmpC.
BIOAVAILABILITY OF DICLOFENAC SODIUM AFTER PRETREATMENT WITH DIOSMIN IN HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS

Diclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It undergoes extensive Phase I and Phase II metabolism and in vitro it is a specific CYP2C9 substrate. The first part of the study consisted of oral administration of 100 mg of diclofenac sodium (Voveran100) to 12 healthy male volunteers. Blood samples were collected from the antecubital vein at intervals of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 hours. The second part of the study was conducted after a washout period of 7 days. Treatment with 500 mg p.o. of diosmin (Venex 500) was given daily for 9 days. On day 10, 100 mg of diclofenac sodium (Voveran 100) was administered. Blood samples were obtained as mentioned earlier and pharmacokinetic parameters of diclofenac before and after pretreatment with diosmin analyzed by HPLC. Diosmin pretreatment significantly enhanced AUC, C(max) and t1/2 with a concomitant reduction in CL/f. Diosmin might have inhibited the microsomal CYP2C9 mediated oxidation of diclofenac sodium.
Overweightness, obesity and arterial stiffness in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature studies

ABSTRACT Objective: The relationship between overweightness, obesity and arterial stiffness remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis evaluating the impact of obesity/overweightness on arterial stiffness in healthy subjects. Methods: Literature searches were conducted using databases (eg, MEDLINE, EMBASE) and citations cross-referenced. Studies evaluating the relationship between obesity/overweightness and cfPWV, baPWV, and AIx were systematically searched. A total of 10 studies (1,124 obese/overweight subjects, 1,884 controls) were included. Results: Compared to controls, obese/overweight subjects showed a significantly higher cfPWV (SMD 0.50 m/s; 95%CI 0.15, 0.86; P = 0.005), baPWV (SMD 0.41 m/s; 95% CI 0.08, 0.74; P = 0.014), and AIx (SMD 1.02；95%CI 0.16, 1.87; P < 0.0001). When analyzing ‘high quality’ studies, the difference in arterial stiffness among obese/overweight subjects and controls remain (SMD 0.73 m/s; 95%CI 0.16, 1.30; P = 0.013). Conclusion: Arterial stiffness, a recognized marker of cardio vascular risk, is increased in obese/overweight subjects without overt cardiovascular diseases.
MALE GENOTYPE AFFECTS FEMALE LONGEVITY IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Abstract Several recent studies suggest that interactions with conspecific males can reduce the longevity of female Drosophila melanogaster or support the idea that male and female fitness components are involved in antagonistic interactions. Here we report that males from third-chromosome isogenic lines demonstrated significant genetic variation in male reproductive performance and in the longevity of their mates. Increased male performance was marginally significantly associated with one measure of increased female survival rate. However, there was no indication of trade-offs or negative correlations between male reproductive success and female survival. We discuss alternative hypotheses for the cause of the induced variation in female longevity. Corresponding Editor: W. T. Starmer
‘Keeping up with the (Portuguese) Joneses’—a study on the spatial dependence of municipal expenditure

ABSTRACT Municipalities tend to replicate the size and the composition of their neighbours’ expenditures, independently of being ruled by left-wing or right-wing parties. This is one important conclusion of the study, which includes spatial dependence to explain the value of Portuguese municipalities’ direct awards. We used observations for the 308 Portuguese municipalities from 2009 to 2015. We then tested this spatial dependence for the mean value (per contract of direct award) and we controlled the results considering the demographic characteristics of each municipality, the political wing of the ruling party at the municipality, and the composition of the municipal expenditures.