Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bibliometrics and academic staff assessment in Polish university libraries - current trends

Academic staff assessment in Poland is, to a large extent, based on bibliographic indicators, such as the number of scientific publications produced, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education score pertaining to the journal rank and the publication type, as well as the number of citations and derivatives. Relevant data is retrieved from bibliographic databases developed by libraries, international citation indexes available for Polish scientific institutions under a national licence, and from open-access international and Polish sources, which are briefly presented in the article. The workload entailed, and in consequence, the results of this citation search vary depending on the search method applied. For this reason university staff members and university authorities often seek assistance for this from the university library staff. This in return provides an opportunity for libraries to increase their role within the academic community. In order to investigate the matter further, the authors conducted a survey among the largest academic libraries in Poland. The findings confirm that bibliometric processes (namely, the registration and the formal acceptance of university staff scientific publications, and compilation of citation reports) have become a vital part of modern library work. Bibliographies of university staff publications developed by libraries include various bibliometric indicators (those most frequently used being identified in the article), and have become an important source of statistical and bibliometric information. The survey results highlight the most frequently used bibliometric sources and methods. Examples of bibliographic databases created by the libraries and bibliometric indicators used within these databases are also presented.
Sustaining Leaders of Cancer Support Groups

Abstract Cancer support groups are an important source of support for cancer patients, yet little is known about the characteristics of, and barriers to, effective leadership, and the training needs of both professionally trained and untrained leaders. This study explored the views of 179 leaders of 184 cancer support groups in NSW, Australia, regarding these issues. Four hundred and sixteen members of 50 groups selected from the larger cohort completed questionnaires eliciting the importance of group processes, including leader qualities, and satisfaction with group leadership. Finally, members of nine groups participated in focus groups regarding effective group processes. The importance of the leader(s) was emphasized in all stages of the research. Fifty-nine percent of group leaders were currently experiencing a difficulty, primarily related to infrastructure or group process. Three characteristics of effective leaders were identified: educational qualities, facilitation skills, and personal qualities. There is clearly a need to develop and evaluate effective interventions to maintain leaders in these roles, if the proven benefits for cancer patients are to be protected.
Bosutinib Versus Imatinib for Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Results From the Randomized BFORE Trial

Purpose Bosutinib is a potent dual SRC/ABL kinase inhibitor approved for adults with Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) resistant and /or intolerant to prior therapy. We assessed the efficacy and safety of bosutinib versus imatinib for first-line treatment of chronic-phase CML. Methods In this ongoing, multinational, phase III study, 536 patients with newly diagnosed chronic-phase CML were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive 400 mg of bosutinib once daily (n = 268) or imatinib (n = 268). Per protocol, efficacy was assessed in patients who were Philadelphia chromosome–positive with typical (e13a2/e14a2) transcripts (bosutinib, n = 246; imatinib, n = 241). Patients with Philadelphia chromosome–negative–/BCR-ABL1–positive status and those with unknown Philadelphia chromosome status and/or atypical BCR-ABL1 transcript type were excluded from this population. Results The major molecular response (MMR) rate at 12 months (primary end point) was significantly higher with bosutinib versus imatinib (47.2% v 36.9%, respectively; P = .02), as was complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) rate by 12 months (77.2% v 66.4%, respectively; P = .0075). Cumulative incidence was favorable with bosutinib (MMR: hazard ratio, 1.34; P = .0173; CCyR: hazard ratio, 1.38; P < .001), with earlier response times. Four patients (1.6%) receiving bosutinib and six patients (2.5%) receiving imatinib experienced disease progression to accelerated/blast phase. Among treated patients, 22.0% of patients receiving bosutinib and 26.8% of patients receiving imatinib discontinued treatment, most commonly for drug-related toxicity (12.7% and 8.7%, respectively). Grade ≥ 3 diarrhea (7.8% v 0.8%) and increased ALT (19.0% v 1.5%) and AST (9.7% v 1.9%) levels were more common with bosutinib. Cardiac and vascular toxicities were uncommon. Conclusion Patients who received bosutinib had significantly higher rates of MMR and CCyR and achieved responses faster than those who received imatinib. Consistent with the known safety profile, GI events and transaminase elevations were more common with bosutinib. Results indicate bosutinib may be an effective first-line treatment for chronic-phase CML.
N-Acetyl-l-cysteine Enhances Apoptosis through Inhibition of Nuclear Factor-κB in Hypoxic Murine Embryonic Fibroblasts*

In this study, we investigated the role of reduced glutathione (GSH) and nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) in hypoxia-induced apoptosis. Hypoxia caused p53-dependent apoptosis in murine embryonic fibroblasts transfected with Ras and E1A. N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) but not other antioxidants, such as the vitamin E analog trolox and epigallocatechin-3-gallate, enhanced hypoxia-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis. NAC also enhanced hypoxia-induced apoptosis in two human cancer cell lines, MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells and A549 lung carcinoma cells. In murine embryonic fibroblasts, all three antioxidants blocked hypoxia-induced reactive oxygen species formation. NAC did not enhance hypoxia-induced cytochrome c release but did enhance poly-(ADP ribose) polymerase cleavage, indicating that NAC acted at a post-mitochondrial level. NAC-mediated enhancement of apoptosis was mimicked by incubating cells with GSH monoester, which increased intracellular GSH similarly to NAC. Hypoxia promoted degradation of an inhibitor of κB(IκBα), NFκB-p65 translocation into the nucleus, NFκB binding to DNA, and subsequent transactivation of NFκB, which increased X chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein levels. NAC failed to block degradation by IκBα and sequestration of the p65 subunit of NFκB to the nucleus. However, NAC did abrogate hypoxia-induced NFκB binding to DNA, NFκB-dependent gene expression, and induction of X chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein. In conclusion, NAC enhanced hypoxic apoptosis by a mechanism apparently involving GSH-dependent suppression of NFκB transactivation.
Deborah Brautigam’s Will Africa Feed China?: A critical media-centric review

One of the recent noteworthy books in the Africa-China field is Professor Deborah Brautigam’s Will Africa Feed China? The central argument of the paper is that the book is as much a media critique as it is a critique on Chinese investments in African agriculture. Using the book as a springboard, the author begins by commenting on Africa-China/China-Africa scholarship and Brautigam’s place in it. The paper then delineates and analyses the media dimensions of the book. After unpacking the media aspects, the paper concludes with a discussion on further research considerations.
Seasonal variation in the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma in Sweden

Epidemiologic evidence suggests a seasonal pattern in the occurrence of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), with an incidence peak around the month of March. This pattern may reflect seasonal variation in the prevalence of an infectious agent involved in HL development. Using Poisson regression, we examined monthly variation in HL diagnosis in Sweden between 1958 and 1998, based on data from the population‐based Swedish Cancer Registry. Older adults (50 to 79 years) were marginally more likely to be diagnosed in February, but there was no monthly variation after stratifying by sex. Young adult males (15 to 49 years) presented more often in February, whereas young adult females presented less often in August and December. Among children (<15 years), boys were significantly more likely to have been diagnosed in March, whereas there was no seasonal incidence pattern among girls. The seasonal pattern in HL diagnosis among young adults and boys is consistent with an infectious origin, whereas the results among older adults neither support nor dispute the possibility of an infectious etiology in this age group. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Venlafaxine Metabolism as a Marker of Cytochrome P450 Enzyme 2D6 Metabolizer Status

Introduction: One of the major enzymes of the cytochrome P450 drug-metabolizing system, CYP2D6, shows a high degree of genetic polymorphism and variability in activity. Based on the degree of CYP2D6 activity, individuals can be broadly classified as poor metabolizers (PMs) or extensive metabolizers (EMs); the metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates differs among PMs and EMs. The metabolism of various drugs that are substrates of CYP2D6 has been used as a marker for metabolic phenotype, calculating the plasma or urinary metabolic ratio of the parent compound to its metabolite. The current analysis evaluates the use of the O-desmethylvenlafaxine-venlafaxine ratio (ODV/VEN) after administration of VEN, a CYP2D6 substrate, for determining CYP2D6 metabolic phenotype in healthy adults receiving VEN. Methods: The analysis included data from 2 studies in which healthy adults were classified as either EMs or PMs using established methods (1 genotypic and 1 phenotypic) and were then administered VEN at daily dosages ranging from 75 to 150 mg. Blood plasma samples were taken at various time points, and the ODV/VEN ratio was calculated. Results: Blood samples from 28 participants in the 2 studies were available for analysis. The ODV/VEN ratio distinguished the EM and PM phenotypes; ratios were 1 or greater for EMs and less than 1 for PMs at 4 hours after dose administration. Conclusions: The ratio of ODV/VEN is an effective means of phenotyping individuals according to their CYP2D6 metabolizer status.
IL-21 Inhibits IFN-γ Production in Developing Th1 Cells through the Repression of Eomesodermin Expression1

Exposure of naive Th cell precursors (Thp) to IL-21 inhibits IFN-γ production from developing Th1 cells. The inhibition of IFN-γ seen in IL-21-treated Thp cells is specific as the expression of other Th1 cytokines is unaffected. Recently, it has been reported that Eomesodermin (Eomes), a member of the T-box gene family, is expressed in developing CD8+ T cells and plays an important role in regulating IFN-γ production and cytolytic effector function. In this study, we show that Eomes mRNA and protein are also expressed in developing Th1 cells, and exposure of naive Thp cells to IL-21 results in a decrease in Eomes expression. Moreover, the repression of Eomes expression by IL-21 is not due to an indirect effect of IL-21 on the expression of IFN-γ or STAT4 and is independent of STAT1 and T-bet expression. Finally, we show that ectopic expression of Eomes prevents the inhibition of IFN-γ production from IL-21-treated Thp cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Eomes plays a role in regulating IFN-γ production in CD4+ T cells and IL-21 inhibits IFN-γ production in developing Th1 cells through the repression of Eomes expression.
An empirical study of trade dynamics in the interbank market

We use minute-by-minute daily transaction-level payments data to document the cross-sectional and time-series behavior of the estimated prices and quantities negotiated by commercial banks in the fed funds market. We study the frequency and volume of trade, the size distribution of loans, the distribution of bilateral fed funds rates, and the intraday dynamics of the reserve balances held by commercial banks. We find evidence of the importance of the liquidity provision achieved by commercial banks that act as de facto intermediaries of fed funds.
Pollinator–mediated selection on flower–tube length in a hawkmoth–pollinated Gladiolus (Iridaceae)

Darwin's mechanistic model whereby selection favours plants with flower tubes that exceed the tongue length of the primary pollinator, was tested using unmanipulated plants of the hawkmoth‐pollinated South African iris, Gladiolus longicollis. The study population was characterized by exceptionally large phenotypic variation in flower‐tube length (range 56–129 mm). Directional selection on tube length was revealed by a significant positive relationship between this trait and both fruit and seed set. Selection was attributed to the effect of tube length on pollen receipt, as supplemental hand pollinations showed fruit and seed set in the population to be pollen limited. Indirect selection on tube length may also occur through the correlation of this trait with inflorescence height, although direct selection on the latter trait was significant only for seed set. The main pollinators at the study site were individuals of the large hawkmoth Agrius convolvuli that had tongue lengths of 85–135 mm. Other hawkmoths had tongues that were much too short to reach the nectar in G. longicollis flowers and seldom carried pollen of G. longicollis. Flowers with tubes shorter than the tongues of A. convolvuli are apparently not effectively pollinated because stigmas do not contact the moth's head effectively. This study demonstrates that selection may occur among plants with natural phenotypic variation in flower‐tube length, and supports Darwin's model of pollinator‐mediated selection.
Effects of oxygen and bFGF on the vulnerability of photoreceptors to light damage.

PURPOSE To test whether tissue oxygen levels affect the vulnerability of photoreceptors to damage by bright continuous light (BCL). METHODS Albino rats were raised in standard conditions of cyclic light (12-hour light, 12-hour darkness) with the light level at 5 to 10 lux or 40 to 65 lux. They were then exposed to BCL (1000-1400 lux), either continuously for 48 hours or for the day or night components of the 48-hour period. During BCL, some rats were kept in room air (normoxia, 21% oxygen), some in hypoxia (10%), and some in hyperoxia (70%). Their retinas were examined for cell death, for the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and for response to light (electroretinogram, ERG). RESULTS The death of retinal cells induced by BCL was confined to photoreceptors. Within the retina, the severity of death was inversely related to the level of bFGF immunolabeling in the somas of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) before exposure. The death of photoreceptors was accompanied by an upregulation of bFGF protein levels in the ONL and by a decline in the ERG. Both hypoxia and hyperoxia during BCL reduced the photoreceptor death, bFGF upregulation, and ERG decline caused by BCL. The protective effects of hyperoxia and hypoxia were evident during both the day and night halves of the daily cycle. Hypoxia or hyperoxia alone did not upregulate bFGF or ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) expression in the retina. CONCLUSIONS Photoreceptors are protected from light damage by hypoxia and hyperoxia during exposure. The protection provided by oxygen levels operates during both day and night. The protection is not mediated by an upregulation of bFGF or CNTF.
Lung Transplantation for Severe Pulmonary Hypertension—Awake Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Postoperative Left Ventricular Remodelling

Background Bilateral lung transplantation (BLTx) is an established treatment for end-stage pulmonary hypertension (PH). Ventilator weaning failure and death are more common as in BLTx for other indications. We hypothesized that left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is the main cause of early postoperative morbidity or mortality and investigated a weaning strategy using awake venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods In 23 BLTx for severe PH, ECMO used during BLTx was continued for a minimum of 5 days (BLTx-ECMO group). Echocardiography, left atrial (LA) and Swan-Ganz catheters were used for monitoring. Early extubation after transplantation was attempted under continued ECMO. Results Preoperatively, all patients had severely reduced cardiac index (mean, 2.1 L/min/m2). On postoperative day 2, reduction of ECMO flow resulted in increasing LA and decreasing systemic blood pressures. On the day of ECMO explantation (median, postoperative day 8), LV diameter had increased; LA and blood pressures remained stable. Survival rates at 3 and 12 months were 100% and 96%, respectively. Data were compared to two historic control groups of BLTx without ECMO (BLTx ventilation) or combined heart-lung transplantation for severe PH. Conclusion Early after BLTx for severe PH, the LV may be unable to handle normalized LV preload. This can be effectively bridged with awake venoarterial ECMO.
A prospective clinical cohort study analyzing single‐unit implant crowns after three years of loading: introduction of a novel Functional Implant Prosthodontic Score (FIPS)

OBJECTIVES The aim of this prospective clinical cohort study was to validate implant crowns with a novel Functional Implant Prosthodontic Score (FIPS). MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty patients were restored with cement-retained crowns on soft tissue level implants (Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) in posterior sites and annually followed-up for 3 years. FIPS was applied for the objective outcome assessment including clinical and radiographic examinations. Five variables were defined for evaluation, resulting in a maximum score of 10 per implant restoration. The patients' level of satisfaction was recorded and correlated with FIPS. RESULTS All implants and connected crowns revealed survival rates of 100% without any biological or technical complications after three years of loading. The mean total FIPS score was 7.8 ± 1.5, ranging from 6 to 10. The variable "bone" revealed the highest scores (2 ± 0; range: 2-2), followed by "occlusion" (1.9 ± 0.1; range: 1-2). Mean scores for "design" (1.2 ± 0.6; range: 0-2), "mucosa" (1.3 ± 0.7; range: 0-2), and "interproximal" (1.4 ± 0.4; range: 1-2) were more challenging to satisfy. The patients expressed a high level of functional satisfaction (84.1 ± 9.5; range: 68-100). A significant correlation was found between FIPS and the subjective patients' perception with a coefficient of 0.88 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The findings of the clinical trial indicated the potential of FIPS as an objective and reliable instrument in assessing implant success. FIPS can be considered as a supportive tool to validate a satisfactory outcome as perceived by patients, to identify possible failure risks, and to compare follow-up observations.
The study of export intermediary performance determinants

Purpose This paper aims to study the direct and indirect influence of three important intangible resources: export knowledge, negotiation skills and specialisation and trustworthiness on export intermediary performance via the competence to reduce clients’ transaction costs. Design/methodology/approach The study has been provided with the official database of export intermediary firms by the Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand. The samples of 400 export intermediary firms were identified from the 1,486 population firms. The postal questionnaires were sent to sample firms. Ordinary least square regression analysis has been adopted to test the hypotheses of the study. Findings The results indicate that valuable resources of export knowledge, negotiation skills and specialisation and trustworthiness significantly and positively affect both export intermediary performance and the competence to reduce clients’ transaction costs. The competence to reduce clients’ transaction costs partially mediates the relationship between resources and export intermediary performance. Research limitations/implications A “cost-based” perspective needs to be supplemented in future research with a more behavioural approach. Practical implications Export intermediaries must be able to deliver “true added value” to remain a viable organisational form, hence, the intermediaries need ceaselessly to acquire, utilise and develop resources and capabilities in reducing clients’ export-related transaction costs. Social implications From a public policy perspective, gaining more knowledge about the role of export intermediaries can greatly facilitate the export promotion efforts in which most nations’ governments are involved. Originality/value This study is a first attempt to study the mediating effect of the competence to reduce transaction costs, which mediates the relationship between resources and performance of export intermediary.
B-type natriuretic peptide: a review of its diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic monitoring value in heart failure for primary care physicians.

BACKGROUND Congestive heart failure is misdiagnosed clinically 50% to 75% of the time. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations have shown to be useful in the diagnosis of heart failure in addition to having prognostic and therapeutic monitoring value. Studies were evaluated for validity and potential value of BNP measurements for managing patients with heart failure. METHODS A literature review using MEDLINE (1966 to present), CINAHL (1980 to present) and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews was performed with the following key words: "cardiac neuro-hormone," "B-type natriuretic peptide," "congestive heart failure," and combination of the key terms. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS A BNP level of 80 pg/mL is useful in diagnosing heart failure in symptomatic patients without a history of heart failure. BNP is not specific for any disease state, however, especially in patients with a history of heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction. BNP levels are potentially more useful when a baseline concentration is known for a patient, because BNP levels are proportional to the severity of heart failure. The role of BNP as a prognostic marker and for therapeutic monitoring is closely related. Whereas larger studies are needed to support further recommendations, a goal to maintain a BNP concentration of less than 100 pg/mL has shown to correlate with functional improvement in patients with heart failure and has tended to decrease clinical endpoints, such as cardiovascular death. Consequently, using BNP concentrations to monitor patients with heart failure and manage their medical therapy accordingly might improve overall morbidity and mortality.