Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Ectoparasitic flies (Diptera: Streblidae) of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil: infestation rates and the host-parasite association].

This study reports the first records of the parasitism rates of the association among ectoparasitic flies of the family Streblidae found in phyllostomid bats in the state of Maranhão. Specimens were collected in patches of secondary forest and borders of mangrove in the village of Quebra Pote, located in the south portion of the island of São Luís. A total of 201 flies of 15 species and eight genera [Aspidoptera falcata Wenzel, A. phyllostomatis (Perty), Mastoptera minuta Costa Lima, Megistopoda aranea (Coquillett), M. proxima (Séguy), Speiseria ambigua Kessel, Stizostrebla longirotris Jobling, Strebla guajiro (García & Casal), S. hertigi Wenzel, Trichobioides perspicillatus (Pessôa & Galvão), Trichobius costalimai Guimarães, T. dugesii Townsend, T. dugesioides phyllostomus Guerrero, T. joblingi Wenzel and T. longipes (Rudow)] were collected from 50 individuals of nine species of phyllostomid bats [Artibeus lituratus (Olfers), A. obscurus Schinz, Carollia perspicillata L. , Glossophaga soricina Pallas, Lophostoma carrikeri J A Allen, Micronycteris minuta Gervais, Phyllostomus discolor Wagner, P.hastatus Pallas and Sturnira lilium E Geoffroy)]. Mastoptera minuta, T. costalimai, T. longipes, A. falcata and S. longirostris, were the most frequently found ectoparasites, present in at least 50% of the infected bats. Two species of bats, C. perspicillata e P. discolor, showed the highest richness of ectoparasites, with four species of flies each, and an infection rate of 46% and 100%, respectively.
The p53–Mdm2 feedback loop protects against DNA damage by inhibiting p53 activity but is dispensable for p53 stability, development, and longevity

The p53–Mdm2 feedback loop is thought to be critical for regulating stress-induced p53 activity and levels. Using a novel mouse model, Lozano and colleagues now show that the p53–Mdm2 negative feedback loop is not important in development or longevity but is important in response to DNA damage. Low-dose IR causes a hematopoietic stem cell failure in a Puma-dependent but not a p21-dependent manner. This study suggests that transient disruption of the p53–Mdm2 interaction could be a potential therapeutic strategy for targeting stem cells in hematological malignancies.
Incidence and Prevalence of Childhood Epilepsy: A Nationwide Cohort Study

This study presents population-based estimates of incidence rate, cumulative incidence, and prevalence of childhood epilepsy from the nationwide MoBa. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Epilepsy affects 0.5% to 1% of children and is the most frequent chronic neurologic condition in childhood. Incidence rates appear to be declining in high-income countries. The validity of epilepsy diagnoses from different data sources varies, and contemporary population-based incidence studies are needed. METHODS: The study was based on the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Potential epilepsy cases were identified through registry linkages and parental questionnaires. Cases were validated through medical record reviews and telephone interviews of parents. RESULTS: The study population included 112 744 children aged 3 to 13 years (mean 7.4 years) at end of registry follow-up (December 31, 2012). Of these, 896 had registry recordings and/or questionnaire reports of epilepsy. After validation, 587 (66%) met the criteria for an epilepsy diagnosis. The incidence rate of epilepsy was 144 per 100 000 person-years in the first year of life and 58 per 100 000 for ages 1 to 10 years. The cumulative incidence of epilepsy was 0.66% at age 10 years, with 0.62% having active epilepsy. The 309 children (34%) with erroneous reports of epilepsy from the registry and/or the questionnaires had mostly been evaluated for nonepileptic paroxysmal events, or they had undergone electroencephalography examinations because of other developmental or neurocognitive difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 out of 150 children is diagnosed with epilepsy during the first 10 years of life, with the highest incidence rate observed during infancy. Validation of epilepsy diagnoses in administrative data and cohort studies is crucial because reported diagnoses may not meet diagnostic criteria for epilepsy.
Signs of critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy can be seen early in the ICU course

Background: Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy (CIPNM) is recognized as a common condition that develops in the intensive care unit (ICU). It may lead to a prolonged hospital stay with subsequent increased ICU and hospital costs. Knowledge of predisposing factors is insufficient and the temporal pattern of CIPNM has not been well described earlier. This study investigated patients with critical illness in need of prolonged mechanical ventilation, describing comprehensively the time course of changes in muscle and nerve neurophysiology, histology and mitochondrial oxidative function.
Three essays on policy evaluation in developing countries

This dissertation is a collection of three independent essays on the theory and application of methods of policy analysis in development economics. The first chapter tackles the methodological problem of external validity: the extent to which a study’s findings apply to settings outside of the study’s original context. There has recently been much debate within development economics over the practical usefulness of randomized policy evaluations outside of the places and times they were originally implemented. The chapter offers a practical solution to the problem of assessing generalizability: I derive bounds on the average causal effect in a context of interest using data from a previous experimental study. The second chapter, coauthored with Amrit Amirapu, investigates the costs that labor regulations impose on Indian firms. Regulatory burden has been viewed as the cause of many economic problems in India, including misallocation of resources across firms and slow growth. Many Indian regulations do not apply to firms with fewer than 10 workers. We use a downward discontinuity in the size distribution of firms at the 10-worker threshold to quantify regulatory costs imposed on firms. We find that these costs are substantial on average but vary widely across states, with firms in more corrupt states facing higher implied costs. The third chapter, also coauthored with Amrit Amirapu, investigates changes in the production of certain goods in India in response to the elimination of the Small Scale
Insurance and inpatient care

Early research demonstrated that patients' length‐of‐stay and inpatient costs varied according to their health insurance status. The authors of the current report studied a population‐based sample of privately insured, Medicaid‐insured, and uninsured inpatients ages 21 to 64 years who underwent surgical resection for either nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (n = 781) or colorectal cancer (CRC) (n = 8190) or who underwent mastectomy (n = 6201) to compare length of stay and inpatient costs by insurance status.
Task-Dependent Modulations of Cortical Oscillatory Activity in Human Subjects during a Bimanual Precision Grip Task

Oscillations are a widespread feature of normal brain activity and have been reported at a variety of different frequencies in different neuronal systems. The demonstration that oscillatory activity is present in motor command signals has prompted renewed interest in the possible functions of synchronous oscillatory activity within the primate sensorimotor system. In the current study, we investigated task-dependent modulations in coupling between sensorimotor cortical oscillators during a bimanual precision grip task. The task required a hold-ramp-hold pattern of grip force to be exerted on a compliant object with the dominant right hand, while maintaining a steady grip with the nondominant hand. We found significant task-related modulation of 15- to 30-Hz coherence between magnetoencephalographic (MEG) activity recorded from the left sensorimotor cortex and electromyographic (EMG) activity in hand muscles on the right side. This coherence was maximal during steady hold, but disappeared during the ramp movements. Interestingly coherence between the right sensorimotor MEG and left-hand EMG showed a similar, although less deeply modulated, task-related pattern, even though this hand was maintaining a simple steady grip. No significant ipsilateral MEG-EMG coherence was observed in the 15- to 30-Hz passband for either hand. These results suggest that the cortical oscillators in the two sensorimotor cortices are independent to some degree but that they may share a common mechanism that attenuates the cortical power in both hemispheres in the 15- to 30-Hz range during movements of one hand. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that oscillatory activity in the motor system is important in resetting the descending motor commands needed for changes in motor state, such as those that occur in the transition from movement to steady grip.
Novel Reassortment of Eurasian Avian-Like and Pandemic/2009 Influenza Viruses in Swine: Infectious Potential for Humans

ABSTRACT Pigs are considered to be intermediate hosts and “mixing vessels,” facilitating the genesis of pandemic influenza viruses, as demonstrated by the emergence of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic (pdm/09) virus. The prevalence and repeated introduction of the pdm/09 virus into pigs raises the possibility of generating novel swine influenza viruses with the potential to infect humans. To address this, an active influenza surveillance program was conducted with slaughtered pigs in abattoirs in southern China. Over 50% of the pigs tested were found to be seropositive for one or more H1 influenza viruses, most commonly pdm/09-like viruses. Out of 36 virus isolates detected, one group of novel reassortants had Eurasian avian-like swine H1N1 surface genes and pdm/09 internal genes. Animal experiments showed that this virus transmitted effectively from pig to pig and from pig to ferret, and it could also replicate in ex vivo human lung tissue. Immunization against the 2009 pandemic virus gave only partial protection to ferrets. The continuing prevalence of the pdm/09 virus in pigs could lead to the genesis of novel swine reassortant viruses with the potential to infect humans.
Clinical Predictors of Recurrence and Prognostic Value of Lymph Node Involvement in the Serous Borderline Ovarian Tumor

Aim This study was aimed to evaluate the risk factors of recurrence and the value of nodal involvement in patients with serous borderline ovarian tumors (SBOT). Methods Two hundred twenty-five patients who underwent surgery and were diagnosed with SBOT were retrospectively studied. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the risk factors for recurrence. Patients’ clinical pathologic characteristics were compared between the patients who presented lymph node involvement and those who did not. The significant values of lymph condition influencing 5-year disease-free survival were also evaluated by statistical analysis. Results Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed that risk factors for recurrence were micropapillary (P = 0.021), fertility-preserving surgery (P = 0.014), and laparoscopic approach (P = 0.009). Of these 112 patients on whom lymphadenectomy was performed, 17 cases showed lymph node positive, whereas the remaining 95 patients did not. Significant differences in terms of lymph node numbers (P < 0.0001), invasive implant (P = 0.022), and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging (P < 0.0001) were observed between the 2 groups of lymphatic node involved or not. Kaplan-Meier curves of 5-year disease-free survival revealed that there were no significant differences either between groups of lymphatic node involved or not (P = 0.778) and groups of removed nodes whether more than 10 or not (P = 0.549). Conclusions Micropapillary, fertility-preserving, and laparoscopic approach were factors significantly affecting the recurrence of SBOT by both univariate and multivariate analysis. Lymph node metastasis did not seem to be correlated to a worse prognosis of SBOT.
The adverse effects profile of levetiracetam in epilepsy: a more detailed look

The adverse effects profile of levetiracetam in epilepsy is still being fully described. We recently published a Cochrane Review evaluating the effectiveness of levetiracetam, added on to usual care, in treating drug-resistant focal epilepsy. The five most common adverse effects were reported and analysed with no scope for reporting any less common adverse effects than those. Here, we report and analyse the remaining adverse effects (including the five most common). These were (in decreasing order of frequency) somnolence; headache; asthenia; accidental injury; dizziness; infection; pharyngitis; pain; rhinitis; abdominal pain; flu syndrome; vomiting; diarrhoea; convulsion; nausea; increased cough; anorexia; upper respiratory tract infection; hostility; personality disorder; urinary tract infection; nervousness; depression; aggression; back pain; agitation; emotional liability; psychomotor hyperactivity; pyrexia; rash; ECG abnormalities; decreased appetite; nasal congestion; irritability; abnormal behaviour; epistaxis; insomnia; altered mood; anxiety; bloody urine; diplopia; dissociation; memory impairment; pruritis; increased appetite; acne; and stomach discomfort. Only somnolence and infection were significantly associated with levetiracetam. When adverse effects pertaining to infection were combined, these affected 19.7% and 15.1% of participants on levetiracetam and placebo (relative risk 1.16, CI 0.89–1.50, Chi2 heterogeneity p = 0.13). Somnolence and infection further retained significance in adults while no single adverse effect was significant in children. This review updates the adverse effects profile data on levetiracetam use by empirically reporting its common and uncommon adverse effects and analysing their relative importance statistically using data from a group of trials that posses low Risk of Bias and high Quality of Evidence GRADE scores.
Classification of profit-sharing investment accounts: A survey of financial statements of Islamic banks in Asia

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the classification of profit-sharing investment accounts (PSIAs) under various accounting standards, and determine whether Islamic banks maintain uniform practices when the same accounting standards are applied. It also aims to determine whether Islamic banks consider investment account holders (IAHs) important financial statement users by disclosing necessary information pertaining to PSIAs. Design/methodology/approach - A sample composed of financial statements from 63 Islamic banks from 15 countries is compared with respect to the information related to PSIAs. Findings - The results show heterogeneity of classification for PSIAs. Applying the same standards does not lead to the uniform classification of PSIAs when banks apply International Financial Reporting Standards, while financial statements applying Financial Accounting Standards by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions are more similar. The perplexity in classifying PSIAs brings obscurity on the treatment for PSIA-related accounts, particularly returns attributable to IAHs. The fact of fewer disclosures pertaining to PSIAs in Islamic banks – which apply accounting standards not specifically tailored to Islamic finance – suggests that IAHs receive less attention under those accounting standards. Research limitations/implications - The main limitation relates to the lack of financial statements available online and the possibility of sample selection bias toward larger Islamic banks. Originality/value - This research contributes to the limited literature on accounting for PSIAs, and reveals the diversity of reporting methods for unique transactions in Islamic banks and the insufficiency of current accounting standards to guide them, which create possible challenges of comparability.
Characterisation of Lactobacillus fermentum SM-7 isolated from koumiss, a potential probiotic bacterium with cholesterol-lowering effects.

BACKGROUND Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been demonstrated to have cholesterol-reducing effects in many studies. RESULTS Lactobacillus fermentum SM-7 screened from ten LAB strains isolated from koumiss, a fermented milk drink, reduced cholesterol by 66.8%. It also showed acid and bile tolerance as well as antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Escherchia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Lactobacillus fermentum SM-7 cells assimilated 61.5% and co-precipitated and absorbed 38.5% of the cholesterol in the media. Co-precipitation of cholesterol with cholic acid increased rapidly at pH levels below 6. In vivo experiments using L. fermentum SM-7 on artificially induced hyperlipidaemial ICR mice significantly decreased serum total cholesterol and total triglyceride levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations and atherogenic index (P < 0.01), while serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations did not increase significantly (P > 0.05). The body weight and liver weight/body weight ratio of SM-7 groups were lower than those of mice on a high-cholesterol diet that were not given lactobacilli. There was no bacterial translocation in the liver, spleen or kidney of experimental mice. CONCLUSION The results suggested that L. fermentum SM-7 is a potential probiotic bacterium with cholesterol-lowering effects.
Earlier Onset of Treatment or Increment in LT4 Dose in Screened Congenital Hypothyroidism: Which Was the More Important Factor for IQ at 7 Years?

Objective: To determine between timing and LT4 dose which was the more important factor for IQ at 7 years in screened congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Methods: 131 children with CH born from 1979 to 1994 and 30 controls were studied. Mean age at recall: 22.8 ± 1.1 days. Mean initial LT4: 5.6 ± 0.1 µg/kg/day. Results: Optimal global IQ (GIQ; 119.0 ± 1.8) was obtained for a recall ≤15 days. Results for a recall after 3 weeks were lower (107.7 ± 2.4). The IQ of infants treated before 21 days (117.1 ± 1.2) was identical to the IQ of controls (117.0 ± 2.3) whereas the IQ of those treated after this threshold was lower (108.6 ± 1.7). No significant differences for GIQ were observed with various initial LT4 doses. Infants treated with a dose of LT4 ≧6 µg/kg/day had a higher performance IQ (117.3 ± 1.8 vs. 112.8 ± 1.2) compared with those treated with a dose <6 µg/kg/day. The severity of CH and socio-economic levels were similar in all groups. Conclusion: In this study, timing appears to be the more important factor for the intellectual outcome.
Assessing The Health of An Information Systems Applications Portfolio: An Example From Process Manufacturing

This paper presents a model of the IS applications portfolio, and illustrates how its "health" can be assessed, through an example from process manufacturing. The health assessment is based on an evaluation by senior managers of a business unit's portfolio of information systems. This assessment is made on five separate, but related, attributes of each system in the portfolio: importance, investment, technical quality, use, and management value.The "Health Grid" is introduced as a way of representing the IS applications portfolio in order to facilitate the assessment and interpretation of its health. One of the advantages of using the grid is to make such an assessment explicit, transparent, and discussible. In an example, the Health Grid is used to assess and interpret the IS applications portfolio of the most profitable business unit in a large process manufacturing firm. The applications portfolio, consisting of 18 systems, was generally assessed as requiring attention. For example, there was no evidence of any relationship between the investment in a given system and its management value. The paper includes a suggested approach for using the Health Grid and an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the approach. A description of the changes made to the IS portfolio in the example firm after the initial data collection completes the paper.
Autoinhibition of GEF activity in intersectin 1 is mediated by the short SH3‐DH domain linker

Intersectin 1L (ITSN1L) acts as a specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the small guanine nucleotide binding protein Cdc42 via its C‐terminal DH domain. Interestingly, constructs of ITSN1L that comprise additional domains, for instance the five SH3 domains amino‐terminal of the DH domain, were shown to be inhibited in their exchange factor activity. Here, we investigate the inhibitory mechanism of ITSN1L in detail and identify a novel short amino acid motif which mediates autoinhibition. We found this motif to be located in the linker region between the SH3 domains and the DH domain, and we show that within this motif W1221 acts as key residue in establishing the inhibitory interaction. This assigns ITSN1L to a growing class of GEFs that are regulated by a short amino acid motif inhibiting GEF activity by an intramolecular interaction. Moreover, we quantify the interaction between the ITSN1L SH3 domains and the Cdc42 effector N‐WASP using fluorescence anisotropy binding experiments. As the SH3 domains are not involved in autoinhibition, binding of N‐WASP does not release inhibition of nucleotide exchange activity in kinetic experiments, in contrast to earlier observations.
Spinal vascular malformations: MR angiography after treatment.

PURPOSE To evaluate the role of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography in the assessment of spinal vascular malformation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-four patients with spinal vascular malformations (30 dural arteriovenous fistulas, two perimedullary arteriovenous fistulas, and two intramedullary arteriovenous malformations) underwent MR angiography and MR imaging before and after endovascular or surgical treatment. RESULTS MR angiography showed residual flow in perimedullary vessels in seven patients with dural fistula after embolization with liquid adhesive. In all seven, treatment failure was confirmed with arteriography. Long-lasting disappearance of flow in perimedullary vessels was demonstrated at MR angiography in 22 patients with dural fistula. MR imaging demonstrated normalization of spinal cord volume in 16 of 22 patients and signal intensity on T2-weighted images in three patients. Disappearance of cord enhancement was observed in five of 21 patients and of perimedullary enhanced vessels in six of 13 patients. In one additional patient with dural fistula treated with embolization, early posttreatment MR angiography showed disappearance of flow in perimedullary vessels, which reappeared at follow-up and was consistent with reopening of a small residual fistula. Posttreatment MR angiography demonstrated transient reduction of flow in the nidus in two patients with intramedullary malformations treated with embolization. Permanent disappearance of flow in the perimedullary vessel was seen after endovascular treatment in two patients with perimedullary fistula. CONCLUSION MR angiography is more sensitive than MR imaging in depicting residual or recurrent flow in peri- or intramedullary vessels, which indicates patency of the vascular malformation.