Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of microglia overactivation restores neuronal survival in a mouse model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder

Background CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autistic features, is caused by mutations in the CDKL5 gene. Evidence in animal models of CDD showed that absence of CDKL5 negatively affects neuronal survival, as well as neuronal maturation and dendritic outgrowth; however, knowledge of the substrates underlying these alterations is still limited. Neuroinflammatory processes are known to contribute to neuronal dysfunction and death. Recent evidence shows a subclinical chronic inflammatory status in plasma from CDD patients. However, to date, it is unknown whether a similar inflammatory status is present in the brain of CDD patients and, if so, whether this plays a causative or exacerbating role in the pathophysiology of CDD. Methods We evaluated microglia activation using AIF-1 immunofluorescence, proinflammatory cytokine expression, and signaling in the brain of a mouse model of CDD, the Cdkl5 KO mouse, which is characterized by an impaired survival of hippocampal neurons that worsens with age. Hippocampal neuron survival was determined by DCX, NeuN, and cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining in Cdkl5 KO mice treated with luteolin (10 mg/kg), a natural anti-inflammatory flavonoid. Since hippocampal neurons of Cdkl5 KO mice exhibit increased susceptibility to excitotoxic stress, we evaluated neuronal survival in Cdkl5 KO mice injected with NMDA (60 mg/kg) after a 7-day treatment with luteolin. Results We found increased microglial activation in the brain of the Cdkl5 KO mouse. We found alterations in microglial cell morphology and number, increased levels of AIF-1 and proinflammatory cytokines, and activation of STAT3 signaling. Remarkably, treatment with luteolin recovers microglia alterations as well as neuronal survival and maturation in Cdkl5 KO mice, and prevents the increase in NMDA-induced cell death in the hippocampus. Conclusions Our results suggest that neuroinflammatory processes contribute to the pathogenesis of CDD and imply the potential usefulness of luteolin as a treatment option in CDD patients.
Reaction of xylenes with tert.-butylchloride in presence of anhydrous aluminium chloride

Reactions of ortho- and meta-xylenes with tert. -butyl chloride in presence of anhydrous AlCl 3 as catalyst have been studied. Effects of variation of temperature, molar ratio ofxylene to tert. -butyl chloride, amount of catalyst and reaction time on the reactions have been investigated.
Effect of Acidified Versus Frozen Storage on Marine Dissolved Organic Carbon Concentration and Isotopic Composition

Abstract The standard procedure for storing/preserving seawater dissolved organic carbon (DOC) samples after field collection is by freezing (–20°C) until future analysis can be made. However, shipping and receiving large numbers of these samples without thawing presents a significant logistical problem and large monetary expense. Access to freezers can also be limited in remote field locations. We therefore test an alternative method of preserving and storing samples for the measurement of DOC concentrations ([DOC]), stable carbon (δ13C), and radiocarbon (as ∆14C) isotopic values via UV photooxidation (UVox). We report a total analytical reproducibility of frozen DOC samples to be [DOC]±1.3 µM, ∆14C±9.4‰, and δ13C±0.1‰, comparable to previously reported results (Druffel et al. 2013). Open Ocean DOC frozen versus acidified duplicates were on average offset by ∆DOC±1.1 µM, ∆∆14C± –1.3‰, and ∆δ13C± –0.1‰. Coastal Ocean frozen vs. acidified sample replicates, collected as part of a long-term (380-day) storage experiment, had larger, albeit consistent offsets of ∆DOC±2.2 µM, ∆∆14C±1.5‰, and ∆δ13C± –0.2‰. A simple isotopic mass balance of changes in [DOC], ∆14C, and δ13C values reveals loss of semi-labile DOC (2.2±0.6 µM, ∆14C=–94±105‰, δ13C=–27±10‰; n=4) and semi-recalcitrant DOC (2.4±0.7 µM, ∆14C=–478±116‰, δ13C=–23.4±3.0‰; n=3) in Coastal and Open Ocean acidified samples, respectively.
Mission Aborted : Why do Consumers Abandon their Online Shopping Carts ?

Despite placing items in virtual shopping carts, online shoppers frequently abandon their online carts. We identify the cognitive and behavioral reasons behind the rampant cart abandonment. Common wisdom blames breakdowns on the e-purchase stage, such as privacy concerns and frustration with a lengthy checkout process. However, based on two studies employing diverse consumer samples, we show that online shoppers’ considerations at the other stages play a much larger role in cart abandonment. In particular, many customers use carts simply as organizational and shopping research tools as well as for entertainment, which may induce them to ultimately buy online or offline. Our framework extends theories related to buyer behavior and reveals new inhibitors to purchasing in the digital age. As such inhibitors disengage the customer and may result in a temporary or permanent customer loss, our research urges scholars and online vendors to explain and assess consumer motivations for cart abandonment.
A syndicated loan is granted by a pool of banks that provide funding to a borrower under a single agreement and lies at the crossroads of relationship and transaction lending (Dennis and Mullineaux

We investigate the network structure of syndicated lending markets and evaluate the impact of lenders’ network centrality, considered as measures of their experience and reputation, on borrowing costs. We show that the market for syndicated loans is a “small world” characterized by large local density and short social distances between lenders. Such a network structure allows for better information and resources flows between banks thus enhancing their social capital. We then show that lenders’ experience and reputation play a significant role in reducing loan spreads and thus increasing borrower’s wealth.
Stanislav Rabinovich “ Unemployment Benefit Extensions Caused Jobless Recoveries ! ? ” PIER Working Paper 14-013

The last three recessions in the United States were followed by jobless recoveries: while labor productivity recovered, unemployment remained high. In this paper, we show that countercyclical unemployment benefit extensions lead to jobless recoveries. We augment the standard Mortensen-Pissarides model to incorporate unemployment benefit expiration and state-dependent extensions of unemployment benefits. In the model, an extension of unemployment benefits slows down the recovery of vacancy creation in the aftermath of a recession. We calibrate the model to US data and show that it is quantitatively consistent with observed labor market dynamics, in particular the emergence of jobless recoveries after 1990. Furthermore, counterfactual experiments indicate that unemployment benefits are quantitatively important in explaining jobless recoveries.
Working Paper WP / 15 / 018 Tribalism and Financial Development Oasis

We assess the correlations between tribalism and financial development in 123 countries using data averages from 2000-2010. The tribalism index is used to measure tribalism whereas financial development is measured from perspectives of financial intermediary and stock market developments. The long-term variable is stock market capitalisation while short-run indicators include: private and domestic credits. We find that tribalism is negatively correlated with financial development and the magnitude of negativity is higher for financial intermediary development relative to stock market development. The findings are particularly relevant to African and Middle Eastern countries where the scourge is most pronounced. JEL Classification: E62; H11; H20; G20; O43
Tolerability and Efficacy of Long-Term Medical Therapy in Primary Aldosteronism

Abstract Introduction: Patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) have increased cardiovascular risk and studies have found that medical therapy fails to ameliorate this. This may be due to side effects and limited efficacy of medications at tolerable doses. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 201 patients with PA treated with medical therapy (spironolactone, eplerenone or amiloride) for PA from 2000–2020 at two tertiary centres. Patients were assessed for efficacy to achieve clinical and biochemical control, and for side effects. Results: 53.7% of patients achieved blood pressure <140/90mmHg, 44.6% achieved serum potassium ≥4.3mmol/L, and 63.2% achieved renin levels >1ng/ml/hr. Concordance between biochemical control as assessed by potassium and renin levels was 49%. 45.3% of patients experienced side effects, with 8.5% switching to another medication, 18.9% decreasing dose, and 10.0% stopping medications altogether. Risk factors for side effects were spironolactone use, dose ≥50mg, duration of treatment ≥1 year, male gender and unilateral PA. Patients with unilateral PA, compared to bilateral PA, used higher median doses of spironolactone, 75mg vs 50mg, P<0.001, but more had persistent hypokalemia, 20.5% versus 6.4%, P=0.007. 44 patients with unilateral PA underwent surgery after initial medical therapy, which further improved systolic and diastolic BP, from 142 to 134mmHg, P<0.001, and from 85 to 79mmHg, P<0.001, respectively. Conclusion: Dose-dependent side effects limit the efficacy of medical therapy in PA. Future prospective studies should assess the best monitoring strategy for biochemical control during long-term medical therapy. In patients with unilateral PA, surgery remains a better option compared to life-long medications.
PTSD and complex PTSD in adolescence: discriminating factors in a population-based cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: Chronic and repeated trauma are well-established risk factors for complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) in adult samples. Less is known about how trauma history and other factors contribute to the development of CPTSD in adolescence. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the potential contribution of trauma history and social factors to CPTSD in adolescents. Method: In a cross-sectional community study of 1299 adolescents aged 12–16 years, PTSD (n = 97) and CPTSD (n = 108) was assessed with the Child and Adolescent version of the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ-CA). Trauma exposure, family functioning, school problems, and social support as potential discriminating factors between the PTSD and CPTSD groups were investigated. Results: Cumulative trauma exposure did not discriminate between PTSD and CPTSD in this sample. CPTSD was associated with family problems (such as financial difficulties and conflicts in the home), school problems (bullying and learning difficulties), and lack of social support. Conclusions: Our study indicates that factors other than cumulative trauma are important for the development of CPTSD in adolescence. Interventions targeting adolescent’s social environment both at home and at school may be beneficial. HIGHLIGHTS Social factors, such as family problems, school problems, and lack of social support are important predictors of complex posttraumatic stress in adolescence following traumatic events.
Rotavirus in Calves and Its Zoonotic Importance

Rotavirus is a major pathogen responsible for diarrheal disease in calves, resulting in loss of productivity and economy of farmers. However, various facets of diarrheal disease caused by rotavirus in calves in the world are inadequately understood, considering that diarrheal disease caused by rotavirus is a vital health problem in calves that interrupts production benefits with reduced weight gain and increased mortality, and its potential for zoonotic spread. The pathological changes made by rotavirus are almost exclusively limited to the small intestine that leads to diarrhea. It is environmentally distributed worldwide and was extensively studied. Reassortment is one of the important mechanisms for generating genetic diversity of rotaviruses and eventually for viral evolution. So, the primary strategy is to reduce the burden of rotavirus infections by practicing early colostrum's feeding in newborn calves, using vaccine, and improving livestock management. Rotaviruses have a wide host range, infecting many animal species as well as humans. As it was found that certain animal rotavirus strains had antigenic similarities to some human strains, this may be an indication for an animal to play a role as a source of rotavirus infection in humans. Groups A to C have been shown to infect both humans and animals. The most commonly detected strains in both human and animals are G2, G3, G4, and G9, P [6]. Therefore, this review was made to get overview epidemiology status and zoonotic importance of bovine rotavirus.
Predictability of COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Intensive Care Unit Admissions, and Respiratory Assistance in Portugal: Longitudinal Cohort Study

Background In the face of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the timely prediction of upcoming medical needs for infected individuals enables better and quicker care provision when necessary and management decisions within health care systems. Objective This work aims to predict the medical needs (hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and respiratory assistance) and survivability of individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection in Portugal. Methods A retrospective cohort of 38,545 infected individuals during 2020 was used. Predictions of medical needs were performed using state-of-the-art machine learning approaches at various stages of a patient’s cycle, namely, at testing (prehospitalization), at posthospitalization, and during postintensive care. A thorough optimization of state-of-the-art predictors was undertaken to assess the ability to anticipate medical needs and infection outcomes using demographic and comorbidity variables, as well as dates associated with symptom onset, testing, and hospitalization. Results For the target cohort, 75% of hospitalization needs could be identified at the time of testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Over 60% of respiratory needs could be identified at the time of hospitalization. Both predictions had >50% precision. Conclusions The conducted study pinpoints the relevance of the proposed predictive models as good candidates to support medical decisions in the Portuguese population, including both monitoring and in-hospital care decisions. A clinical decision support system is further provided to this end.
Analysis of the relationship between geography and body color with the genetic diversity in the Echiura worm Urechis unicinctus based on the mitochondrial COI and D-loop sequences

Abstract Urechis unicinctus is the only Echiurini species distributed in Bohai Gulf of China. The wild populations of this species have sharply declined in China due to overfishing. Over 150 samples from Bohai Gulf were collected in the present study, which were classified into five populations according to their geographic areas and body colors. The genetic diversity and population structure of these populations were investigated by mitochondiral COI and D-loop sequences. The haplotype diversity of U. unicinctus based on COI and D-loop sequences were still high. In addition, the evolution rate of D-loop region could faster than the COI gene of U. unicinctus. Meanwhile, over 99% genetic diversity was contributed by different individuals within populations. Moreover, phylogenetic trees did not show clear geographic or color cluster. Our findings indicated that this species in Bohai Gulf of China should be treated as a whole population.
NOTES D’ÉTUDES ET DE RECHERCHE-LEADING INDICATORS OF CURRENCY CRISES IN EMERGING ECONOMIES-Olivier Burkart and Virginie Coudert-May 2000-NER # 74

This study identifies common features of currency crises in 15 emerging countries over the period 1980-1998. By analyzing such features, we build an early-warning system aimed at predicting looming crises in probabilistic terms. This work departs from the existing literature in several ways. First, we use quarterly data, in contrast to other studies, which are based on monthly or annual data. This allows us to characterize crises more accurately and also to analyze the behavior of leading indicators as actual crises approach. Second, the overvaluation of currencies is assessed by using real effective exchange rates, instead of the usual bilateral rates. In addition, capital control dummies are included in the set of explanatory variables and contagion indicators are constructed. Finally, we use the Fisher linear discriminant analysis technique. The model yields a relatively good and unbiased ratio of correct predictions: four out of five crises are predicted correctly and only one out of five non-crises is predicted as a crisis. These results compare favorably to those of other models. For early warning systems, there is a fundamental trade-off based on the Bayes’ formula in a context of rare events: to a certain extent, one has to choose between a high ratio of good classifications of crises and a low ratio of false alarms. Furthermore, using Bayes’ formula allows us to calculate the posterior probability that a given emerging economy will be in a period of currency crisis within a one-year horizon. JEL classification: F31, F47
Surveillance of the Second Wave of COVID-19 in Europe: Longitudinal Trend Analyses

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted Europe, resulting in a high caseload and deaths that varied by country. The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has breached the borders of Europe. Public health surveillance is necessary to inform policy and guide leaders. Objective This study aimed to provide advanced surveillance metrics for COVID-19 transmission that account for weekly shifts in the pandemic, speed, acceleration, jerk, and persistence, to better understand countries at risk for explosive growth and those that are managing the pandemic effectively. Methods We performed a longitudinal trend analysis and extracted 62 days of COVID-19 data from public health registries. We used an empirical difference equation to measure the daily number of cases in Europe as a function of the prior number of cases, the level of testing, and weekly shift variables based on a dynamic panel model that was estimated using the generalized method of moments approach by implementing the Arellano-Bond estimator in R. Results New COVID-19 cases slightly decreased from 158,741 (week 1, January 4-10, 2021) to 152,064 (week 2, January 11-17, 2021), and cumulative cases increased from 22,507,271 (week 1) to 23,890,761 (week 2), with a weekly increase of 1,383,490 between January 10 and January 17. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom had the largest 7-day moving averages for new cases during week 1. During week 2, the 7-day moving average for France and Spain increased. From week 1 to week 2, the speed decreased (37.72 to 33.02 per 100,000), acceleration decreased (0.39 to –0.16 per 100,000), and jerk increased (–1.30 to 1.37 per 100,000). Conclusions The United Kingdom, Spain, and Portugal, in particular, are at risk for a rapid expansion in COVID-19 transmission. An examination of the European region suggests that there was a decrease in the COVID-19 caseload between January 4 and January 17, 2021. Unfortunately, the rates of jerk, which were negative for Europe at the beginning of the month, reversed course and became positive, despite decreases in speed and acceleration. Finally, the 7-day persistence rate was higher during week 2 than during week 1. These measures indicate that the second wave of the pandemic may be subsiding, but some countries remain at risk for new outbreaks and increased transmission in the absence of rapid policy responses.
Apoptosis-Inducing Factor, Protein Expression, and Apoptosis Changes with Glutamine in Podocytes Cells Exposed with Cisplatin

Cisplatin is a well-known chemotherapeutic drug. It is one of the most effective anticancer agents and is widely used for the treatment of several types of tumors. However, side effects in normal tissues and organs, such as nephrotoxicity that induces apoptosis in epithelial cells in the kidney, limit the use of cisplatin. Glutamine is a substrate for the synthesis of glutathione as an antioxidant and promotes HSP70 release, protecting cells from apoptosis induced by different stimuli. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of glutamine on cisplatin nephrotoxicity in the kidney. Mice were divided into three groups such as a group of control (P0), a group of intraperitoneal injection of a single dose cisplatin 20 mg/kg BW at 7th day (P1), and a group of intravenous glutamine injection 100 mg/kg BW at days 1–7 and given an intraperitoneal injection of single dose cisplatin 20 mg/kg BW at 7th day (P2). Measurement of AIF expression and apoptotic cells was carried out by immunohistochemical methods. The number of AIF expressions and apoptotic cells is expressed in the Allred score. AIF expression result is as follows: P0: 3.29 ± 0.79, P1: 5.32 ± 0.68, and P2: 4.49 ± 0.47. Apoptosis result is as follows: P0: 3.04 ± 0.70, P1: 5.26 ± 0.53, and P2: 4.44 ± 0.41. There is a decreased expression of AIF on intravenous glutamine administration, followed by a decrease in apoptosis in the podocyte. In conclusion, glutamine administration might represent the treatment of nephrotoxic-induced cisplatin.
A considerable body of academic literature provides evidence that shareholders’ wealth increases around cross-listings [Alexander, Eun and Janakiramanan (1987), Foerster and Karolyi

This study evaluates the relationship between international cross-listings and shareholders’ wealth across different host markets and across time. For a sample of cross-listings by European companies in the US, in the UK, and within Europe, the findings show that US and UK crosslistings, on average, result in positive cumulative abnormal returns around the announcement of cross-listing. No such evidence exists for the rest of European cross-listings. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002 affects negatively the wealth benefits of US cross-listings, while wealth creation around UK cross-listings is primarily concentrated in Alternative Investment Market listings rather than Main Market listings. There is no evidence that the introduction of the Euro affects the wealth effects of cross-listings within the Eurozone. Finally, this study provides evidence on the relative importance of alternative theories on the wealth effects of cross-listing, including market segmentation, legal bonding, liquidity, investor recognition, proximity preference, market timing and business strategy theories, after considering the effect of the introduction of the Euro and the adoption of SOX. The results show that significance of the alternative theories varies across host markets and over time.
Exploring the Relationship of Bone Turnover Markers and Bone Mineral Density in Community-Dwelling Postmenopausal Women

Aims To explore the relationships of procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and β cross-linked C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (β-CTX) with bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. Methods All postmenopausal women were selected from a community-based case-control study. The anteroposterior L1-L4 and left proximal femur BMD were measured. P1NP and β-CTX were also collected and tested. The main correlation analysis was applied to explore the relationships of BMD, P1NP, and β-CTX. Results The total 1055 postmenopausal women were enrolled. The BMD at all sites kept a decrease continually with age (P < 0.01). In addition, the level of β-CTX increased significantly from 45 to 50 years old and remained at a high level in the later stage, while the level of P1NP changed little or even decreased with age. Logistic regression model showed that β-CTX has better ability to predict BMD than P1NP, as demonstrated by an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.63. Conclusion P1NP and β-CTX are important markers to monitor bone metabolism. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-SOC-17013090. The date of registration is Oct. 23, 2017.