Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Atovaquone and azithromycin for the treatment of babesiosis.

BACKGROUND Babesiosis is a tick-borne, malaria-like illness known to be enzootic in southern New England. A course of clindamycin and quinine is the standard treatment, but this regimen frequently causes adverse reactions and occasionally fails. A promising alternative treatment is atovaquone plus azithromycin. METHODS We conducted a prospective, nonblinded, randomized trial of the two regimens in 58 subjects with non-life-threatening babesiosis on Nantucket, on Block Island, and in southern Connecticut. The subjects were assigned to receive either atovaquone (750 mg every 12 hours) and azithromycin (500 mg on day 1 and 250 mg per day thereafter) for seven days (40 subjects) or clindamycin (600 mg every 8 hours) and quinine (650 mg every 8 hours) for seven days (18 subjects). RESULTS Adverse effects were reported by 15 percent of the subjects who received atovaquone and azithromycin, as compared with 72 percent of those who received clindamycin and quinine (P<0.001). The most common adverse effects with atovaquone and azithromycin were diarrhea and rash (each in 8 percent of the subjects); with clindamycin and quinine the most common adverse effects were tinnitus (39 percent), diarrhea (33 percent), and decreased hearing (28 percent). Symptoms had resolved three months after the start of therapy in 65 percent of those who received atovaquone and azithromycin and 73 percent of those who received clindamycin and quinine (P=0.66), and after six months no patient in either group had symptoms. Three months after the completion of the assigned regimen, no parasites could be seen on microscopy, and no Babesia microti DNA was detected in the blood of any subject. CONCLUSIONS For the treatment of babesiosis, a regimen of atovaquone and azithromycin is as effective as a regimen of clindamycin and quinine and is associated with fewer adverse reactions.
Why Does Inequality of Educational Opportunity Vary Across Countries

This chapter shows that cross-national differences in inequalities in educational opportunity between members of advantaged and disadvantaged social groups are fundamentally driven by cross-national differences in the size of secondary effects, mainly by social differences in educational choice at given levels of school performance. Where secondary effects are large, [inequality in educational opportunity] IEO tends to be large; and where they are small, overall educational inequalities between social groups are smaller. In contrast, there is much less variation in the size of primary effects across countries.
Long-term evaluation of a historical cohort of Iranian common variable immunodeficiency patients

Objectives: Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) is the most frequent form of symptomatic primary immunodeficiency disease, characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia, recurrent infections and increased predisposition to autoimmunity and malignancies. The aim of this study was to reconsider important points of previously performed studies on Iranian CVID patients diagnosed and followed from 1984 to 2013. Methods: Diagnosis was made using approved criteria including reductions of serum levels of immunoglobulins and exclusion of well-known single gene defects in individuals with an age >4 years and evidence of specific antibody deficiency. Results: Detailed information on demographic data, survival rates, clinical phenotypes, immunologic and genetic data and treatment of 173 patients are provided. The early onset presentation (74.5%) and rate of consanguineous marriage (61.2%) were considerably higher in our cohort. Our study revealed clinically related correlations regarding consanguinity, the population of naïve CD4+ T cells and switched-memory B cells, cytokine levels and special genetic factors (including HLA and AID genes). Conclusion: Despite current efforts, more comprehensive studies are needed, especially for classification and investigation of the genetic background and prognostic factors for patients with CVID in order to better managment and followup of patinets.
Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships for Implementing the 2030 Agenda: Improving Accountability and Transparency. Analytical Paper for the 2016 ECOSOC Partnership Forum

This independent research paper was prepared for the 2016 ECOSOC Partnership Forum, commissioned by the UNDESA Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination. A draft version was discussed during an Expert Group Meeting in February 2016. The recent General Assembly resolution under the agenda item entitled “Towards global partnerships” requests the ECOSOC “to hold during its partnership forum to be held in 2016 a discussion on the best practices and ways to improve, inter alia, transparency, accountability and the sharing of experiences of multi-stakeholder partnerships and on the review and monitoring of those partnerships, including the role of Member States in review and monitoring. ” (A/RES/70/224, para. 15) Consequently, the main purpose of this paper is to inform and stimulate this debate.The structure of the paper is as follows: First, the paper defines and differentiates types of multi-stakeholder partnerships and then identifies research results regarding their successes and/or failures (part 1). Next, it briefly recaps the history of the UN’s involvement in those partnerships and points out recent developments in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (part 2). The third part outlines a variety of options for improving the overall governance and specifically the accountability, transparency, and measurement of results of multi-stakeholder partnerships at the UN. Each section in this part starts with a review of the status-quo and an evaluation of recent research results and then outlines (alternative) options for further improvement. The last part attempts to stimulate the debate on how an integrated architecture and coherent process could look like.
The Role of Model Specification in Estimating Health Care Demand

Zero inflation and over-dispersion issues can significantly affect the predicted probabilities as well as lead to unreliable estimations in count data models. This paper investigates whether considering this issue for German Socioeconomic Panel (1984-1995), used by Riphahn et al (2003), provides any evidence of misspecification in their estimated models for the adverse selection and moral hazard effects. The paper has the following contributions: first, it shows that estimated parameters for adverse selection and moral hazard effects are sensitive to the model choice; second, the random effects panel data as well as standard pooled data models do not provide reliable estimates for health care demand (doctor visits); third, it shows that by appropriately accounting for zero inflation and over-dispersion there is no evidence of adverse selection behaviour and that moral hazard plays a positive and significant role for the number of doctor visits. These results are robust for both males and females’ subsamples as well as for the full data sample.
Carry Investing on the Yield Curve

Bond carry is the expected return on a bond when the yield curve does not change. The curve carry strategy within each country constructs buckets based on bond maturities on a monthly basis and buys the government bond buckets with high carry while selling those with low carry. Combining these curve carry strategies for 13 countries, we found a global curve carry factor with an information ratio of 1.0. Returns to a global curve carry factor cannot be explained by value or momentum, and the strategy subsumes the betting-against-beta factor. Editor’s note Submitted 19 December 2018 Accepted 16 May 2019 by Stephen J. Brown
Dye-attached magnetic poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) nanospheres for albumin depletion from human plasma

Abstract The selective binding of albumin on dye-affinity nanospheres was combined with magnetic properties as an alternative approach for albumin depletion from human plasma. Magnetic poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (mPHEMA) nanospheres were synthesized using mini-emulsion polymerization method in the presence of magnetite powder. The specific surface area of the mPHEMA nanospheres was found to be 1302 m2/g. Subsequent to Cibacron Blue F3GA (CB) immobilization onto mPHEMA nanospheres, a serial characterization processing was implemented. The quantity of immobilized CB was calculated as 800 μmol/g. Ultimately, albumin adsorption performance of the CB-attached mPHEMA nanospheres from both aqueous dissolving medium and human plasma were explored.
The cyclical behaviour of Islamic bank financing / Mohd Afandi Abu Bakar

This study aims to examine the claim on Islamic banking offers a more stable financial environment as opposed to their conventional counterparts, from the dimension of their financing behaviour. Business cycle theories suggest that one of the factors that lead to the instability is banks’ lending behaviour that tends to over-lend during the booming period and restrict lending during recession. Islamic finance principles work differently, where banks, while could capitalise the opportunity to lend during the booming period, cannot ignore the need to build up the provision for bad and doubtful financing as the financing increases. This helps to moderate the financing growth of booming period. Employing an unbalanced panel data analysis onto global Islamic banks, the findings suggest that the growth of Islamic bank financing is independent of the growth of business cycle indicators. Even when analysed on the fixed rate financing the results hold, suggests that even if the modes of financing is akin to their conventional counterparts, Islamic bank fixed rate financing behaviour is distinct from the conventional ones. In addition to that, an examination of bank provision provides empirical support that Islamic banks do build up contingency reserves accordingly following growth of financing. Collectively, these empirical evidences suggest that where financing behaviour is concerned, Islamic banks are able to offer an economic environment that is more stable. Although the evidence did not claim that their operations are counter-cyclical, but their financing growth is independent of the business cycle. Besides, Islamic banks do practice in building up enough provisioning to support their financing growth.
Quercetin reduces obesity-associated ATM infiltration and inflammation in mice: a mechanism including AMPKα1/SIRT1[S]

Adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) plays a central role in obesity-associated inflammation and insulin resistance. Quercetin, a dietary flavonoid, possesses anti-inflammation and anti-insulin resistance properties. However, it is unclear whether quercetin can alleviate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced ATM infiltration and inflammation in mice. In this study, 5-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed low-fat diet, HFD, or HFD with 0.l% quercetin for 12 weeks, respectively. Dietary quercetin reduced HFD-induced body weight gain and improved insulin sensitivity and glucose intolerance in mice. Meanwhile, dietary quercetin enhanced glucose transporter 4 translocation and protein kinase B signal in epididymis adipose tissues (EATs), suggesting that it heightened glucose uptake in adipose tissues. Histological and real-time PCR analysis revealed that quercetin attenuated mast cell and macrophage infiltration into EATs in HFD-fed mice. Dietary quercetin also modified the phenotype ratio of M1/M2 macrophages, lowered the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and enhanced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α1 phosphorylation and silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) expression in EATs. Further, using AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β4-ribofuranoside and inhibitor Compound C, we found that quercetin inhibited polarization and inflammation of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages through an AMPKα1/SIRT1-mediated mechanism. In conclusion, dietary quercetin might suppress ATM infiltration and inflammation through the AMPKα1/SIRT1 pathway in HFD-fed mice
Channel allocation protocols in frequency-time controlled high speed networks

In conventional high-speed systems, the high ratio between the end-to-end propagation delay and the message transmission time severely restricts the system performance. Thus, the increase in channel bandwidth may be accompanied by only a marginal increase in actual system capacity. A combined frequency-time division-based control of the high-speed channel that significantly reduces this problem is proposed. The design of protocols subject to the unique channel control penalties of the resulting multichannel system is considered. The allocation of channels on a demand assignment basis is hindered in the multichannel configuration by the time penalty involved in locating an idle channel and by practical limitations on the transmit/receive multichannels mode interface. A new class of fixed allocation protocols is introduced in which the channel access is obtained without the aforementioned penalties. The protocols build on the allocation of source and destination oriented transmission rights, taking into account the implementation aspects of multichannel networks. It is shown that this class of protocols covers the whole range of random-access to fixed-channel-access control policies. An analytic approach for a uniform analytic treatment is introduced, showing the potential for a significant improvement in the system capacity and the average message delay. >
Association of breast vascular calcifications with low bone mass in postmenopausal women

Abstract Background In developing countries, there is a deficiency of densitometers with which to screen the population for osteoporosis. Thus, strategies with which to select patients for a bone density test are desirable. Objective To determine whether breast vascular calcifications (BVCs) may be employed to identify postmenopausal women with osteoporosis/osteopenia. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of postmenopausal women subjected to bilateral mammography and bone densitometry (DXA) of the spine and hip. A medical interview registered possible confounding factors, such as age, length of menopause, previous use of postmenopausal hormone therapy, family history of osteoporosis, smoking, alcoholism, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and medication use. Results The study included 211 postmenopausal women aged 62.1 ± 9.3 years, 38 of whom (18.0%) exhibited BVC. Osteoporosis was detected in 36 (17.1%), and a T-score < 21.0 for any site was found in 164 (77.7%). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups without BVC (n = 173) and with BVC (n = 38) for the prevalence of ‘osteoporosis’ or ‘moderate/severe osteopenia or osteoporosis’ at the spine or at any other site. There was a difference between the groups in terms of age (59.0 ± 7.8 vs. 71.9 ± 8.9 years, respectively; p < 0.001), sedentary lifestyle (57.8% vs. 84.2%, respectively; p = 0.002), smoking (27.7% vs. 7.9%, respectively; p = 0.009), and high blood pressure (65.3% vs. 92.1%, respectively; p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis confirmed the lack of statistical significance for BVC as a predictor of an osteoporosis diagnosis. Sensitivity values of BVCs to detect osteoporosis or osteopenia ranged from 17.9% to 25.0%. Conclusion BVCs have been shown to be inadequate to identify postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia.
The Effects of Aromatase Inhibitors and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators on Eye Development in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Purpose: It has been shown that the steroid hormone estrogen plays an important role in the development of the central nervous system. The purpose of these studies was to determine the effect of estrogen on zebrafish eye maturation. Methods: In these experiments, the estrogen receptor blockers tamoxifen and clomiphene, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), were used to determine the role of estrogen in the developing eye by morphometric microscopic techniques. Also, in this study the synthesis of estrogen was inhibited with aminoglutethimide or 4-hydgoxyandrostenedione treatments, both of which are aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Results: After these various treatments, the zebrafish were analyzed for eye maturation and growth rates, which were significantly diminished with both AI and SERM treatments. In a competition assay, where tamoxifen and excess estrogen were added at the same time normal eye development and body growth took place, indicating that estrogen out-competed tamoxifen and that these phenomena were most likely exerted at the level of the estrogen receptor. Specifically, morphometric analysis revealed a significantly diminished thickness in most retinal layers, and, most particularly, in the two plexiform layers where synaptic contacts are established. Conclusions: These studies have demonstrated that the presence of estrogen in the early developing embryo is critical for retinal development and overall body growth.
Duodenal Derotation as an Effective Treatment of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: A Thirty-Three Year Experience

We evaluated the use of duodenal derotation as a surgical option for superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) in two groups of young patients. Sixteen patients with SMAS diagnosed by barium upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) from 1974 to 2001, and six patients diagnosed by computerized tomography with three-dimensional reconstructions (3D CT) from 2001 to 2007 were referred to our surgical service, 19 of whom underwent duodenal derotation as the primary surgical treatment after a failed trial of conservative treatment. The main measured outcomes were the resolution of typical symptoms of SMAS and the development of long-term surgical complications. Of the first 16 patients, three (19%) responded to nasojejunal feedings. Of 13 patients undergoing derotation, only one (7.7%) failed derotation and required a gastrojejunostomy bypass, whereas 12 (92%) became asymptomatic after the derotation procedure. After a mean follow-up of 5.13 years (range 0.1–15), two patients (15%) presented with small bowel obstructions and were treated with a simple lysis of the adhesion. All six patients from 2001 to 2007 responded well to surgical derotation. Overall, duodenal derotations successfully relieved symptoms in 18 out of 19 (95%) patients with SMAS, with two (11%) major long-term surgical complications. No volvulus was observed in our patients at the mean follow-up of 4.37 years.
Risk and required return assessments of equity timberland investments in the United States

The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is useful for estimating the risk and risk-adjusted returns for timberland investments in the United States. However, most analyses predate the existence of empirical, asset-based timberland return series. This analysis estimates timberland CAPM betas based on the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF) Timberland Index at the U.S. National, Pacific Northwest, Northeast and South regional levels, utilizing annual returns. In addition, synthetic timberland return series are constructed for 22 regions within the U.S. South, corresponding to Timber Mart-South price reporting areas. CAPM betas are estimated for these areas. We estimate betas of 0.167, 0.349, 0.193, and 0.147 at the National, Pacific Northwest, Northeast, and South areas, respectively, and from -0.137 to 0.279 for regions within the South. Utilizing the estimated betas, we estimate nominal required return rates of 5.8 percent, 6.6 percent, 5.9 percent, and 5.7 percent for institutional timberland investments at the National level, and in the Pacific Northwest, Northeast and South regions respectively. Required rates of return of 4.5 percent to 6.3 percent are estimated for the 22 geographic regions within the South.
Cognitive, and behavioural and emotional functioning of young children awaiting elective cardiac surgery or catheter intervention

Aims: To assess the cognitive, and behavioural and emotional functioning of children aged 3 months to 7 years shortly before elective cardiac surgery or elective interventional catheterisation. Methods: We used the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, and the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities, to measure cognitive functioning. The Child Behavior Checklist was used to assess behavioural and emotional problems. Results: We found no significant differences in mean cognitive scores for children scheduled for cardiac surgery or interventional catheterisation when compared with reference groups. This was also the case for children awaiting cardiac surgery as opposed to those awaiting interventional catheterisation, and for those below as compared to those above the age of 2.5 years. Overall, our results regarding behavioural and emotional functioning were comparable to those of normative reference groups. The only difference found was that the children scheduled for cardiac surgery and aged from 2 to 3 years had significantly higher scores on the Child Behavior Checklist than did peers from normative groups. Conclusion: Cognitive, and behavioural and emotional functioning, both for young children awaiting elective cardiac surgery and interventional catheterisation, can be considered as quite favourable.
A Comparative Study of Analgesic Effect of Intrathecal Nalbuphine and Fentanyl as Adjuvant in Lower Limb Orthopaedic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION Intrathecal opioids when added to local anaesthetics decrease their dosage and provide haemodynamic stability. Nalbuphine is an agonist-antagonist and acts on kappa receptors providing analgesia. AIM The study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of fentanyl with that of two doses of nalbuphine when used with injection bupivacaine heavy in spinal anaesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A randomised, double blinded, prospective study on 90 patients of ASA I and II undergoing lower limb orthopaedic surgery under subarachnoid block was done. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups (n=30). Each group received 12.5 mg of 0.5% of injection bupivacaine heavy along with either 25 μg of 0.5 ml fentanyl (Group F) or 0.8 mg of 0.5 ml nalbuphine (Group NL) or 1.6 mg of 0.5 ml nalbuphine (Group NH). Characteristics of sensory and motor blocks, haemodynamic changes, duration and quality of analgesia, adverse effects, sedation, VRS score and analgesic requirement were studied at different time interval intraoperatively and till 24 hours of block. RESULTS The duration of analgesia (in minute) was 441±119.69 in NL Group, 450±103.38 in NH Group and 300.0±88.53 in Group F (p=0.05). There was no significant difference regarding block characteristics and haemodynamic parameters. Total 24 hours analgesic requirement was titrated by analgesic score which was 2.25±0.7 (NH Group), 1.875±0.83 (NL Group) and 3.375±1.77 (F Group) p=0.0186 by ANOVA. The adverse effects of NL Group were least. CONCLUSION There was no significant advantage of intrathecal fentanyl or 1.6 mg nalbuphine over low dose 0.8 mg nalbuphine.