Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circulating antigens, antibodies and immune complexes in experimental Taenia pisiformis infections of rabbits

Summary Circulating antigen has been detected in the serum of rabbits experimentally infected with Taenia pisiformis. A rabbit antiserum against an antigen preparation derived from the in vitro maintenance of living metacestodes of T. pisiformis was used in a double-antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Antigen was detected in infected rabbit serum 48 h after infection and peak levels were recorded at 2 weeks post-infection or post-challenge. The pattern of circulating immune complex formation followed closely that of circulating antigen, and infected rabbit serum contained both anti-metacestode and anti-oncospheral antibodies. Serum antigen levels were just detectable (0·4–0·8 μg protein/ml) over the period (> 2 weeks post-infection) of peritoneal cyst development. The circulating antigen probably has antigenic determinants in common with the oncosphere, juvenile and mature metacestode stages. Possible reasons for the temporal variation in serum antigen levels are discussed.
“Candidatus Cloacamonas Acidaminovorans”: Genome Sequence Reconstruction Provides a First Glimpse of a New Bacterial Division

ABSTRACT Many microorganisms live in anaerobic environments. Most of these microorganisms have not yet been cultivated. Here, we present, from a metagenomic analysis of an anaerobic digester of a municipal wastewater treatment plant, a reconstruction of the complete genome of a bacterium belonging to the WWE1 candidate division. In silico proteome analysis indicated that this bacterium might derive most of its carbon and energy from the fermentation of amino acids, and hence, it was provisionally classified as “Candidatus Cloacamonas acidaminovorans. ” “Candidatus Cloacamonas acidaminovorans” is probably a syntrophic bacterium that is present in many anaerobic digesters. This report highlights how environmental sequence data might provide genomic and functional information about a new bacterial clade whose members are involved in anaerobic digestion.
THE STRENGTH OF AUDITING AND REPORTING STANDARDS IN RELATION TO FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY

The quality of the accounting information is determined by many factors - internal and external to the firm. In this paper we focus on the strength of auditing and reporting standards (SARS), that is considered one of the influencing factors of financial reporting quality. Recently, more and more countries around the world choose to apply International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Thus, the power of these standards is essential, because only with a comprehensive set of rules, clearly regulated and understood by their users, the effectiveness of these standards can be guaranteed. Our main objective is to analyse the strength of auditing and reporting standards theoretically and to describe its determinants. This paper contributes to the literature regarding the determinants of SARS and is relevant for several categories of users of financial information.
Deep Proteome Coverage Based on Ribosome Profiling Aids Mass Spectrometry-based Protein and Peptide Discovery and Provides Evidence of Alternative Translation Products and Near-cognate Translation Initiation Events*

An increasing number of studies involve integrative analysis of gene and protein expression data, taking advantage of new technologies such as next-generation transcriptome sequencing and highly sensitive mass spectrometry (MS) instrumentation. Recently, a strategy, termed ribosome profiling (or RIBO-seq), based on deep sequencing of ribosome-protected mRNA fragments, indirectly monitoring protein synthesis, has been described. We devised a proteogenomic approach constructing a custom protein sequence search space, built from both Swiss-Prot- and RIBO-seq-derived translation products, applicable for MS/MS spectrum identification. To record the impact of using the constructed deep proteome database, we performed two alternative MS-based proteomic strategies as follows: (i) a regular shotgun proteomic and (ii) an N-terminal combined fractional diagonal chromatography (COFRADIC) approach. Although the former technique gives an overall assessment on the protein and peptide level, the latter technique, specifically enabling the isolation of N-terminal peptides, is very appropriate in validating the RIBO-seq-derived (alternative) translation initiation site profile. We demonstrate that this proteogenomic approach increases the overall protein identification rate 2.5% (e.g. new protein products, new protein splice variants, single nucleotide polymorphism variant proteins, and N-terminally extended forms of known proteins) as compared with only searching UniProtKB-SwissProt. Furthermore, using this custom database, identification of N-terminal COFRADIC data resulted in detection of 16 alternative start sites giving rise to N-terminally extended protein variants besides the identification of four translated upstream ORFs. Notably, the characterization of these new translation products revealed the use of multiple near-cognate (non-AUG) start codons. As deep sequencing techniques are becoming more standard, less expensive, and widespread, we anticipate that mRNA sequencing and especially custom-tailored RIBO-seq will become indispensable in the MS-based protein or peptide identification process. The underlying mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium with the dataset identifier PXD000124.
Social and environmental reports at universities: a Habermasian view on their evolution

ABSTRACT This paper analyses how social and environmental disclosure has evolved over the years in Italian universities and aims to understand whether attention to sustainable development has changed. To determine this evolution, this study employed a framework of analysis that included 56 indicators based on the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines, embedding aspects of teaching and research as distinctive for universities. Inspired by Habermas’s writings, the study indicates that, despite the tendency to provide improved discourse on sustainable development, the lack of appropriate guidelines for universities does not facilitate discourse evolution on this issue in the higher education lifeworld.
Media Coverage and Sustainable Stock Returns: Evidence from China

This paper explores the relationship between media coverage and stock returns using monthly data of news reports from major Chinese newspapers. We find that firms with higher media coverage in the current month have higher sustainable stock returns in the following months over a one-year period compared with those with lower media coverage, which means that media coverage has a more significant and positive influence on sustainable stock returns in the markets, dominated by individual/immature investors. These results are largely robust to various robustness checks. Further empirical results demonstrate that in the Chinese stock market, a higher level of media coverage might cause higher sustained investor attention, which may drive up the buying pressure and thus lead to higher sustainable stock returns in the following year. Our results show that the effect of media coverage on stock returns depends on the characteristics of investors.
A novel intraarterial chemotherapy using paclitaxel in albumin nanoparticles to treat advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue: preliminary findings.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intraarterial infusion of paclitaxel incorporated into human albumin nanoparticles for use as induction chemotherapy before definitive treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Twenty-three previously untreated patients (age range, 27-75 years) who had carcinoma of the tongue (stage T3-T4, any N) received intraarterial therapy with paclitaxel incorporated into albumin nanoparticles delivered by transfemoral catheterization into the external carotid artery (10 patients), selectively into the lingual artery (12 patients), or into a faciolingual trunk (1 patient). Each patient received two to four infusions, with a 3-week interval between infusions. The dose administered was 230 mg/m(2) in eight patients, 180 mg/m(2) in six patients, and 150 mg/m(2) in nine patients. Sixteen patients underwent surgery. Of these 16 patients, eight subsequently received radiotherapy, and three received a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Of the remaining seven patients, one received chemotherapy alone, four received radiotherapy alone, one received chemotherapy plus radiotherapy, and one refused any further treatment. RESULTS Sixty-seven infusions were performed successfully. Eighteen patients (78%) had a clinical and radiologic objective response (complete, 26%; partial, 52%). Three patients (13%) showed stable disease, and two (9%) showed disease progression. The four patients with complete clinical response who underwent surgery showed microscopic residual carcinoma measuring less than 1 mm in two patients, less than 5 mm in one patient, and less than 1 cm in one patient. The toxicities encountered were hematologic (grade 3) in two patients (8.6%) and neurologic (grade 4) in two patients (reversible paralysis of the facial nerve, 8.6%). Two catheter-related complications occurred: one reversible brachiofacial paralysis and one asymptomatic occlusion of the external carotid artery. CONCLUSION Intraarterial infusion of paclitaxel in albumin nanoparticles proved reproducible and effective and deserves further investigation as induction chemotherapy before definitive treatment of advanced tumors of the tongue, with a view to organ preservation.
Nitrogen Removal from Landfill Leachate Using Single or Combined Processes

The municipal solids waste (MSW) collected at Shanghai includes a high proportion of food waste, which is easily hydrolyzed to generate ammonia-nitrogen in leachate. This study investigated the efficiency of nitrogen removal from landfill leachate employing four different treatment processes. The simulated rainfall and direct leachate recycling produced strong leachate with high ammonia-nitrogen content, and resulted in the removal of only a small amount of nitrogen. Although pretreating the leachate using an aerobic reactor removed some nitrogen, most of which was transformed to biomass because of the high organic loading applied. Using the three-compartment system, which comprises a landfill column with fresh MSW, a column with well-decomposed refuse layer as the methane generator, and a nitrifier, the ammonia-nitrogen was converted into nitrogen gas and hence removed. Experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of adopting the three-compartment system for managing nitrogen in landfill leachate generated from high-nitrogen-content MSW.
Dog leukocyte antigen nonidentical unrelated canine marrow grafts: enhancement of engraftment by CD4 and CD8 T cells

Background. Previous studies have demonstrated that most marrow grafts from dog leukocyte antigen (DLA)-mismatched unrelated donors were rejected after 9.2 Gy total body irradiation (TBI), and that graft resistance could be overcome by infusing viable peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in addition to marrow. Methods. To investigate the donor cell populations that facilitate engraftment, we determined the minimal dose of PBMCs required to ensure stable engraftment. Nineteen dogs underwent transplantation with DLA-mismatched unrelated marrow and PBMCs in a dose de-escalation study. In subsequent studies, 12 dogs were given selected CD4 or CD8 cells in addition to marrow. Results. When 3×108 PBMC/kg were given in addition to a median of 4×108 marrow cells/kg, five of six animals engrafted. At a dose of 1×108 PBMC/kg, four of eight animals engrafted, and none of five dogs engrafted at a dose of 3×107 PBMC/kg. Accordingly, 12 dogs were given 9.2 Gy TBI, marrow grafts from DLA-mismatched unrelated dogs, and a median of 5.2×107 selected CD8 cells/kg or 10.4×107 selected CD4 cells/kg corresponding to the number of CD8 or CD4 cells contained in 3×108 PBMC/kg. Five of six dogs given CD8 cells and five of six dogs given CD4 cells engrafted. Conclusion. Results indicate that at least 3×108 unmodified PBMC/kg are needed for stable engraftment of DLA-mismatched unrelated marrow, and that both CD4 and CD8 cell subpopulations are capable of facilitating engraftment.
Cetuximab in combination with weekly 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid and oxaliplatin (FUFOX) in untreated patients with advanced colorectal cancer: a phase Ib/II study of the AIO GI Group.

BACKGROUND This two-part phase Ib/II study investigated the feasibility of administering cetuximab in combination with oxaliplatin and infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/folinic acid (FA) in a weekly schedule (AIO FUFOX protocol) as first-line treatment in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-detectable advanced colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Cetuximab was administered weekly: 400 mg/m(2) initial dose, then 250 mg/m(2) and FUFOX: oxaliplatin 50 mg/m(2), FA 500 mg/m(2) and 5-FU as a 24-h infusion at either 1500 or 2000 mg/m(2) administered for 4 weeks followed by a 1-week rest (one cycle). RESULTS Dose-limiting toxicity (grade 3 diarrhea) occurred in 3 of 14 assessable patients receiving 5-FU at standard 2000 mg/m(2). This dose was administered to a further 25 patients. Cetuximab combined with FUFOX was generally well tolerated with the most common grade 3/4 adverse events being diarrhea (27%) and paresthesia (16%). The confirmed response rate for patients receiving 5-FU at standard 2000 mg/m(2) (N = 41) was 56%, with a median duration of 9.3 months. Median progression-free and overall survival times including all 49 patients were 8.1 (95% confidence interval 6.0-9.7) and 28.2 months, respectively. Cetuximab pharmacokinetics seemed not to be different for combination with FUFOX compared with cetuximab/irinotecan combinations. CONCLUSION This protocol is well tolerated and shows promising efficacy supporting further investigation.
Reshaping of the maize transcriptome by domestication

Through domestication, humans have substantially altered the morphology of Zea mays ssp. parviglumis (teosinte) into the currently recognizable maize. This system serves as a model for studying adaptation, genome evolution, and the genetics and evolution of complex traits. To examine how domestication has reshaped the transcriptome of maize seedlings, we used expression profiling of 18,242 genes for 38 diverse maize genotypes and 24 teosinte genotypes. We detected evidence for more than 600 genes having significantly different expression levels in maize compared with teosinte. Moreover, more than 1,100 genes showed significantly altered coexpression profiles, reflective of substantial rewiring of the transcriptome since domestication. The genes with altered expression show a significant enrichment for genes previously identified through population genetic analyses as likely targets of selection during maize domestication and improvement; 46 genes previously identified as putative targets of selection also exhibit altered expression levels and coexpression relationships. We also identified 45 genes with altered, primarily higher, expression in inbred relative to outcrossed teosinte. These genes are enriched for functions related to biotic stress and may reflect responses to the effects of inbreeding. This study not only documents alterations in the maize transcriptome following domestication, identifying several genes that may have contributed to the evolution of maize, but highlights the complementary information that can be gained by combining gene expression with population genetic analyses.
The Bologna Process as a foreign policy endeavour: motivations and reactions to the externalisation of European higher education

ABSTRACT As the Bologna Process reaches its twenty-year mark, reflecting on its global influence is of particular value. This special issue aims to take stock of the Bologna Process’ international function by critically examining the motivations and interests behind its ‘global strategy’ as well as scrutinising how the reform has been perceived and applied beyond Europe. The issue offers a ‘bi-directional’ perspective on the externalisation of the Bologna Process by examining both motivations behind it (with a particular focus on the EU as a leading actor) and global responses to it. This introductory article sets the stage for this discussion by unpacking the relevant literature related to the Bologna Process and its global strategy, providing both a contextual and theoretical background to the ensuing contributions. The article considers the Bologna Process through a foreign policy lens by revealing the underlying EU interests tied to the reforms, and higher education policy more broadly. Through this perspective, the article aims to launch a discussion on higher education as a foreign policy tool and the wider implications for EU policy and global higher education.
How Did the Elimination of the Window Guidance Policy Affect IPO Performance in China? A Stochastic Dominance Analysis

ABSTRACT This study uses data on all initial public offerings (IPO) listed on the three boards in China’s stock markets to investigate overpricing in the Chinese IPO market from 2009 to 2013, which was the only period during which the “window guidance” policy was suspended in China. We use stochastic dominance tests to compare IPO performance to that of corresponding market indexes and to test whether the policy change addresses earlier problems of underpricing. The results indicate that the Chinese IPO market is extremely overpriced, and on average IPOs perform worse than the secondary market, which implies that investors who invest in newly listed IPOs have a higher likelihood of losing money than they would by investing in the secondary market.
Exploring the gaps between education and pharmacy practice on antimicrobial stewardship: a qualitative study among pharmacists in Qatar

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a public health issue and is the focus of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) teams within health care institutions. However, AMS is not comprehensively and fully taught in medical or pharmacy curricula and little is known about the relevance of pharmacist training to meet AMS needs in the Middle East region. We aimed to explore the discord that may exist between infectious diseases education and actual clinical practice with regard to AMS knowledge and training skills in Qatar. Then, we sought to further explore pharmacist perceptions of their AMS roles in hospital environments. Methods: A qualitative study was undertaken at Qatar University using three focus groups consisting of 15 pharmacy alumni who are currently practicing as clinical pharmacists in Qatar. Focus groups were facilitated using a topic guide developed by study investigators. Discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results were analyzed using framework analysis. Results: Two major themes related to the first objective emerged throughout the discussions and associated recommendations made to improve (i) infectious diseases (ID) module content and delivery and (ii) ID knowledge and skills application. Two themes related to the second objective included (i) impact of pharmacist’s interventions on decision-making and (ii) continuing professional development programming. Conclusion: Our findings guide ongoing efforts to enhance ID content in the curriculum and will close gaps related to AMS training. Pharmacists are core AMS team members where there is an ongoing need to align continuing education for health professionals with realities of practice.
Changes in bone health and skeletal-related events following implementation of a multidisciplinary consensus statement guiding surveillance and treatment of men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

Purpose. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a cornerstone for inhibiting progression of prostate cancer (CAP) and improving survival. After previously establishing that men with CAP treated with ADT at our institution had significant skeletal morbidity, we evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary consensus statement (MCS) to improve outcomes. Materials and methods. We reviewed the records of men treated with ADT in our clinic. Only 38% of men had BMD studies, and 81% of those men had bone loss. Twenty-four percent of men had skeletal-related events (SREs). A minority of men were being treated for bone loss. We decided not to initiate therapy soon enough, and implemented an MCS to guide surveillance and treatment. Results. Four years after implementing the MCS, half of the men were still being treated with ADT and the average treatment length doubled. Significantly more men were being screened, bone loss remained stable, and there was a trend towards decreased SREs. Significantly more men were being treated for bone loss. Conclusions. After implementing an MCS we show stable bone mineral density and a trend towards decreased SREs despite doubling of the treatment length. We document significant improvement in our practice pattern.
Hallucinatory experiences in a community sample of Japanese children.

OBJECTIVE Hallucinatory experiences in children are often thought to indicate serious psychopathology. However, they have also been reported in normally developing children and in association with temporary psychological reactions to acute stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hallucinatory experiences in a nonclinical population of children and to examine the relationship between the modality and content of hallucinations and psychopathology. METHOD Seven hundred sixty-one Japanese children, 11 to 12 years old, completed a battery of four measures: (1) a questionnaire about the type of hallucinatory experience, (2) the Children's Depression Inventory, (3) the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, and (4) the Adolescent Dissociative Experiences Scale. RESULTS Approximately 21% of the subjects had experienced hallucinations. Subjects who had experienced hallucinations, in particular, hallucinations characterized by combined modalities, closely self-related auditory content, or concrete visual content, had more significant psychopathology than did those who had never experienced hallucinations. CONCLUSIONS Therapeutic intervention should be considered for children who experience hallucinations in association with depression, anxiety, or dissociation.