Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Silent cerebral white matter lesions in middle-aged essential hypertensive patients

Objective Age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and a history of cardiovascular disease are the most important factors related to the presence of cerebral white matter lesions (WML), which are a common finding in elderly people. This study investigates which factors related to hypertension per se are associated with the presence of WML in asymptomatic, middle-aged, never-treated essential hypertensive patients. Methods A total of 66 untreated essential hypertensive patients of both genders, aged 50–60 years, with neither diabetes mellitus nor evidence of cardiovascular disease, were studied. Hypertensive patients were classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of WML in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results A total of 39 (59.1%) hypertensives showed no WML in brain MRI, and 27 (40.9%) exhibited the presence of WML. Compared with hypertensives without WML, patients with WML showed significantly higher values of both office and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) systolic, diastolic, mean and pulse pressure. No differences were observed in either the nocturnal fall of blood pressure, or in blood pressure variability, assessed by 24 h standard deviation, among hypertensives with WML. In contrast, the nocturnal decline of heart rate was significantly blunted in patients with WML, compared with those without WML. Conclusions Cerebral white matter lesions are a common finding in asymptomatic middle-aged essential hypertensives. The severity of blood pressure elevation seems to be the most important factor related to the presence of WML. Neither the circadian rhythm nor the long-term variability of blood pressure were related to WML.
NGO accounting and accountability: past, present and future

ABSTRACT The main aim of this paper is to introduce key themes of NGO accounting and accountability and provide an overview of the papers included in this special issue. These papers deal with formal reporting issues related to the regulatory requirements as well as various alternative forms of informal accountability mechanisms which are more related with the core social purpose of the organisation. This special issue contributes not only to the scholarly debates on NGO accounting and accountability but also to the various issues facing policy makers and NGO practitioners. We have provided a robust research agenda for future researchers. HIGHLIGHTS We define the term ‘NGO’ for the purposes of this issue, concluding that NGOs’ social purposes and the constraint on distribution of surpluses are the two common characteristics. This definition encourages researchers to cast their net wider when considering contexts in which to undertake their NGO study. NGO accountability discharge is broadening to a wider range of stakeholders. There are many NGO accounting and accountability issues that warrant further research.
Effects of physician payment reform on provision of home dialysis.

OBJECTIVES Patients with end-stage renal disease can receive dialysis at home or in-center. In 2004, CMS reformed physician payment for in-center hemodialysis care from a capitated to a tiered fee-for-service model, augmenting physician payment for frequent in-center visits. We evaluated whether payment reform influenced dialysis modality assignment. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study of patients starting dialysis in the United States in the 3 years before and the 3 years after payment reform. METHODS We conducted difference-in-difference analyses comparing patients with traditional Medicare coverage (who were affected by the policy) to others with Medicare Advantage (who were unaffected by the policy). We also examined whether the policy had a more pronounced influence on dialysis modality assignment in areas with lower costs of traveling to dialysis facilities. RESULTS Patients with traditional Medicare coverage experienced a 0.7% (95% CI, 0.2%-1.1%; P = .003) reduction in the absolute probability of home dialysis use following payment reform compared with patients with Medicare Advantage. Patients living in areas with larger dialysis facilities (where payment reform made in-center hemodialysis comparatively more lucrative for physicians) experienced a 0.9% (95% CI, 0.5%-1.4%; P < .001) reduction in home dialysis use following payment reform compared with patients living in areas with smaller facilities (where payment reform made in-center hemodialysis comparatively less lucrative for physicians). CONCLUSIONS The transition from a capitated to a tiered fee-for-service payment model for in-center hemodialysis care resulted in fewer patients receiving home dialysis. This area of policy failure highlights the importance of considering unintended consequences of future physician payment reform efforts.
The Contingent Effect of TMT International Experience on Firms’ Internationalization Speed

Drawing on upper echelons theory, we argue that there will be an inverted U&#8208;curve&#8208;shaped relationship between the top management team's (TMT's) level of international experience and a firm's internationalization speed. Accounting for the role of executive job demands highlighted in upper echelons theory, we further suggest that competitive pressure, product diversification and geographic scope moderate the relationship between TMT international experience and internationalization speed by increasing the demands of TMT managers&#8217; jobs. Using data on the international expansion of 91 retailers between 2003 and 2012, we find empirical support for the inverted U&#8208;curve&#8208;shaped effect of TMT international experience and the moderating role of competitive pressure. We find no moderating effect of product diversification or geographic scope.
Prehospital antiplatelet use and functional status on admission of patients with non-haemorrhagic moyamoya disease: a nationwide retrospective cohort study (J-ASPECT study)

Objectives To elucidate the association between antiplatelet use in patients with non-haemorrhagic moyamoya disease before hospital admission and good functional status on admission in Japan. Design Retrospective, multicentre, non-randomised, observational study. Setting Nationwide registry data in Japan. Participants A total of 1925 patients with non-haemorrhagic moyamoya disease admitted between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2014 in Japan. Main outcome measure We performed propensity score-matched analysis to examine the association between prehospital antiplatelet use and no significant disability on hospital admission, as defined by a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 or 1. Results Propensity-matched patients who received prehospital antiplatelet drugs were associated with a good outcome on hospital admission (OR adjusted for all covariates, 3.82; 95% CI 1.22 to 11.99) compared with those who did not receive antiplatelet drugs prior to hospital admission. Conclusions Prehospital antiplatelet use was significantly associated with good functional status on hospital admission among patients with non-haemorrhagic moyamoya disease in Japan. Our results suggest that prehospital antiplatelet use should be considered when evaluating outcomes of patients with non-haemorrhagic moyamoya disease.
(Super)hydrophobic coating of orthodontic dental devices and reduction of early oral biofilm retention

This study was designed to apply (super)hydrophobic crosslinked coatings by means of a sol-gel process on the surface of orthodontic devices and investigate the potential effect of these coatings in reducing the early retention of oral biofilm. Two organosilane-based hydrophobic solutions (HSs) were prepared containing hexadecyltrimethoxysilane diluted in ethanol (HS1) or 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane diluted in dimethyl sulfoxide (HS2). Stainless steel plates and ceramic discs were coated with HS1 or HS2 and heated at 150 °C for 2 h for condensation of a crosslinked SiOx network. Organosilane coatings were applied after previous, or no, surface sandblasting. Commercial stainless steel and ceramic brackets were used to evaluate oral biofilm retention after 12 h or 24 h of biofilm growth, using a microcosm model with human saliva as the inoculum. Surface roughness analysis (Ra, μm) indicated that sandblasting associated with organosilane coatings increased roughness for stainless steel brackets only. Analysis of the water contact angle showed that the stainless steel surface treated with HS1 was hydrophobic (~123°), while the ceramic surface treated with HS2 was superhydrophobic (~155°). Biofilm retention after 24 h was significantly lower in groups treated with hydrophobic coatings. An exponential reduction in biofilm accumulation was associated with increased water contact angle for both stainless steel and ceramic at 24 h. Application of (super)hydrophobic coatings on the surface of stainless steel and ceramic orthodontic devices might reduce the retention of oral biofilm.
Feature selective validation (FSV) for validation of computational electromagnetics (CEM). part I-the FSV method

A goal for the validation of computational electromagnetics (CEM) is to provide the community with a simple computational method that can be used to predict the assessment of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) data as it would be undertaken by individuals or teams of engineers. The benefits of being able to do this include quantifying the comparison of data that has hitherto only been assessed qualitatively, to provide the ability to track differences between model iterations, and to provide a means of capturing the variability and range of opinions of groups and teams of workers. The feature selective validation (FSV) technique shows great promise for achieving this goal. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the FSV method, setting it firmly in the context of previous comparison techniques; it suggests the relationship between validation of graphically presented data and the psychology of visual perception. A set of applicability tests to judge the effectiveness of computer-based CEM validation techniques is also proposed. This paper is followed by a detailed comparison with visual assessment, which is presented in Part II
Five myths and the case against a European or national licensing examination

The introduction of a European licensing examination or national examinations, where these do not already exist, offers significant advantages. These are more than offset, however, by the disadvantages and the collateral damage incurred. Five myths about centralizing examinations are explored. Myth 1: The claim that a central examination will ensure that candidates are assessed in important areas of medical practice is unfounded. What tends to be assessed are learning outcomes that can be easily assessed. These are often not the important outcomes related to the overall competence of a doctor. Myth 2: It is claimed that a central examination will lead to improvements in assessment practice. The evidence is that this is not the case and that, in fact, a central examination stifles change and inhibits innovation. Myth 3: A central examination, it is suggested, will meet a need for greater uniformity. There is also an important need to recognize diversity. Myth 4: Central examinations are seen as an indicator that will track the performance of the system. The limitations of the data, however, are usually not recognized and there maybe unfortunate and unintended consequences if the results are used in this way. Myth 5: Finally, a major argument proposed for a European or national examination is that it will lead to safer medical practice and that this will protect the patient from substandard practitioners. There is, in fact, no evidence to support this argument. There is a need for further work and new initiatives on standards and quality improvement in assessment approaches. This can be achieved in a number of ways including monitoring the assessment process and sharing tools and assessment approaches between schools.
Splenectomy as Part of Cytoreductive Surgery in Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

AIM To determine the impact of survival of peritoneal versus splenic metastasis in cases submitted to splenectomy as part of cytoreductive surgery in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between January 2002 and May 2014, 28 patients were submitted to splenectomy as part of secondary, tertiary and beyond tertiary cytoreduction at the Dan Setlacec Center of Gastrointestinal Disease and Liver Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest. RESULTS Splenectomy was performed as follows: at secondary cytoreduction in 21 cases, at tertiary cytoreduction in six cases, and beyond tertiary cytoreduction in one case. An R0 resection was attempted in all cases; however, in two cases submitted to splenectomy as part of tertiary cytoreduction, R1 and R2 resection, were performed, respectively. Histopathological studies revealed the presence of peritoneal seeding in 11 cases at secondary cytoreduction and in four cases submitted to splenectomy as part of tertiary cytoreduction. Parenchymatous lesions were described in nine cases submitted to splenectomy as part of secondary cytoreduction and in two cases at tertiary cytoreduction. In a single case in which splenectomy was performed in the context of secondary cytoreduction, hilar involvement was found. Peritoneal seeding was described in the patient for whom splenectomy was performed at quaternary cytoreduction. Early postoperative mortality for the entire cohort (within 30 days) was 7.1% (death occurred in two cases submitted to splenectomy during the secondary cytoreduction). The median overall survival in patients with splenic involvement via peritoneal route was 35 months, while in cases with hematogenous splenic lesions, it was 12 months (p=0.2) at secondary cytoreduction. In the sub-group of patients submitted to splenectomy as part of tertiary cytoreduction, the median overall survival in patients with splenic involvement via peritoneal route was 21 months, while in cases with hematogenous splenic lesions it was 4 months (p=0.08). The patient submitted to quaternary cytoreduction died of disease 20 months later. CONCLUSION splenectomy as part of secondary, tertiary and quaternary cytoreduction can be performed safely, with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality. The maximal survival benefit seems to be obtained for patients with splenic involvement via peritoneal route, while those with hematogenous spread live a shorter period; further study is required in order to assess if resection in such cases is preferable to palliative chemotherapy. Maximal survival benefit occurs in the setting of secondary cytoreduction, although in selected cases, even quaternary cytoreduction can be followed by long-term survival.
Gene delivery to airway epithelial cells in vivo: a direct comparison of apical and basolateral transduction strategies using pseudotyped lentivirus vectors

Lentivirus vectors are being investigated as gene delivery vehicles for cystic fibrosis airway gene therapy. Vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein (VSV‐G)‐pseudotyped vectors transduce airway epithelia via receptors that are located predominantly on the basolateral surface of the airway epithelium. Effective transduction with VSV‐G‐pseudotyped vectors requires the use of a pre‐treatment that disrupts epithelial tight junctions, allowing access to these basolateral receptors. In contrast, it has been reported that apically targeted lentiviral vectors allow efficient gene transfer in the absence of any pre‐treatment. In a direct comparison of transduction by a VSV‐G‐pseudotyped vector, in combination with a pre‐treatment with lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and the same vector pseudotyped with the apically targeted baculovirus GP64 envelope (without any pre‐treatment), the GP64 vector was found to be significantly less efficient. However, when a pre‐treatment with LPC was used the level of transduction with the GP64‐pseudotyped lentiviral vector was not significantly different to that resulting from the VSV‐G‐pseudotyped vector. The cell types transduced with each vector were essentially the same, with the majority of cells transduced being respiratory (ciliated cells). However, unlike the VSV‐G‐pseudotyped vector, which results in persisting gene expression, transduction with the GP64‐pseudotyped vector resulted in gene expression that declined to undetectable levels over six months, whether or not an LPC pre‐treatment was used. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Becoming a ‘Labour Migrant’: Immigration Regulations as a Frame of Reference for Migrant Employment

This article addresses the role of immigration regulations as a frame of reference for migrant employment before obtaining permanent residency status. Drawing on interviews with non-EU migrants and service sector employers in the Helsinki area, the article examines how immigration regulations inform migrant employment and contribute to the hierarchisation of labour markets. The analysis focuses on the legal significance of employment for migrants during the immigration process, which is related to the financial requirements for residence permits and manifested in the work permit process in particular. Immigration regulations increase migrants’ dependency on paid employment, consequently decreasing their bargaining power in the labour market. The findings demonstrate the changing dynamics of the supply and demand of labour in the low-paid service sector, where employers prefer to recruit migrants in temporary legal positions over local workers and ‘labour migrants’, resulting in what the author calls the juridical division of labour.
FLT-3 ligand provides hematopoietic protection from total body irradiation in rabbits.

Several hematopoietic cytokines have been investigated for their potential to provide protection from the lethal consequences of bone marrow aplasia after total body irradiation (TBI). Some can increase the dose of irradiation tolerated by the animals; none allow endogenous recovery after doses such as administered in clinical blood or marrow transplantation. We tested the radioprotective potential of FLT-3 ligand, an early acting hematopoietic cytokine, alone and in combination with a late acting cytokine, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). Adult outbred New Zealand White rabbits were submitted to TBI of 1,200 or 1,400 cGy by a Co60 source. Recombinant human (rh) FLT-3 ligand at a dose of 500 microg/kg and/or rhG-CSF at a dose of 10 microg/kg were administered for 14 days subcutaneously daily, beginning either 2 days before or the day after TBI. All control animals given no growth factors died of aplasia at day 10 (range, 5 to 16). All 8 animals given G-CSF had severe aplasia and 7 died at day 8 (range, 5 to 10); 1 animal survived, with G-CSF being administered before TBI. In contrast, 11 of 12 animals given FLT-3 ligand, with or without G-CSF, survived. Radioprotection was best in the group given FLT-3 ligand together with G-CSF before TBI. In these animals median platelet counts were never <10 x 10(9)/L and median white blood cell counts never <0.5 x 10(9)/L. These data show that hematopoietic recovery can occur after 1,400 cGy TBI in rabbits, if protected by FLT-3 ligand, and suggest a radioprotective clinical potential of this cytokine.
Identification of ‘extinct’ freshwater mussel species using DNA barcoding

Freshwater mollusks are highly imperiled, with 70% of the North American species extinct, endangered, or at risk of extinction. Impoundments and other human impacts on the Coosa River of Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee of the southeastern USA alone are believed to have caused 50 mollusk species extinctions, but uncertainty over boundaries among several putatively closely related species makes this number preliminary. Our examination of freshwater mussels collected during an extensive survey of the upper‐drainage basin, DNA barcoding and molecular phylogenetic analyses confirm the rediscovery of four morphospecies in the genus Pleurobema (Unionidae) previously thought to be extinct from the upper Coosa basin. A fifth ‘extinct’ form was found in an adjoining basin. Molecular data show that the Coosa morphologies represent at least three species‐level taxa: Pleurobema decisum, P. hanleyianum and P. stabile. Endemism is higher than currently recognized, both at the species level and for multispecies clades. Prompt conservation efforts may preserve some of these taxa and their ecosystem.
Caries-related Bacteria and Cytokines Induce CXCL10 in Dental Pulp

Marked infiltration of inflammatory cells, such as activated T-cells, is observed in the progression of pulpitis; however, little is known about the mechanism of their recruitment into pulpal lesions. It has been recently demonstrated that CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) chemoattracts CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3)-positive activated T-cells. We therefore examined whether CXCL10 is involved in the pathogenesis of pulpitis. CXCL10 mRNA expression levels in clinically inflamed dental pulp were higher than those in healthy dental pulp. Immunostaining results revealed that CXCL10 was detected in macrophages, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts in inflamed dental pulp, and that CXCR3 expression was observed mainly on T-cells. Moreover, cultured dental pulp fibroblasts produced CXCL10 after stimulation with live caries-related bacteria, peptidoglycans, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, heat-killed bacteria did not induce CXCL10 secretion. These findings suggest that CXCL10-CXCR3 may play an important role in the pulpal immune response to caries-related bacterial invasion. Abbreviations: CXCL10, CXC chemokine ligand 10; CXCR3, CXC chemokine receptor 3; IFN, interferon; FBS, fetal bovine serum; LTA, lipoteichoic acid; PGN, peptidoglycan; IL, interleukin; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; CCL, C-C chemokine ligand; TLR, Toll-like receptor; NOD, nucleotide oligomerization domain; HDPF, human dental pulp fibroblasts.
The Tamerlan Tsarnaev case: The nexus of psychopathology and ideology in a lone actor terrorist.

This is a psychoanalytic case study of Tamerlan Tsarnaev, the terrorist who bombed the Boston Marathon in April, 2013, with the help of his younger brother. The focus is upon the nexus between his psychopathology and ideology, in this particular case an arguable paranoid and psychotic disorder and his growing commitment to radical Islam, culminating in his identification as a jihadist warrior and a renunciation of Western ideals. The theoretical approach is both object relations and developmental, with empirical reliance on both primary and secondary source material, including the testimony of those within his family and social network at his brother’s trial. The nexus of psychopathology and ideology in this case is the degree to which conspiratorial belief systems blaming, among others, an international Jewish conspiracy and a covert CIA program—which he found in both the virtual (Internet) and terrestrial (travel to Dagestan) worlds—helped alleviate the anxiety of a decompensating mind.