Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II receptor blocker provides pancreatic beta-cell protection independent of blood pressure lowering in diabetic db/db mice.

AIM Several epidemiological studies have suggested that treatment with angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker provided a risk reduction of developing type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how chronic candesartan treatment can attenuate the deleterious influence of the hyperactive local intra-islet renin-angiotensin system in the diabetes state. METHODS Eight-week-old db/db mice were randomized to candesartan 1 mg/kg, candesartan 10 mg/kg, manidipine 10 mg/kg, or placebo via gavage for 6 weeks. Their age-matched nondiabetic littermates db/m mice were treated with placebo and acted as nondiabetic controls. After 6 weeks' treatment, an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, immunohistochemical staining of oxidative stress markers, insulin, CD31, azan staining and an electron microscopy observation were performed. RESULTS Chronic candesartan treatment provided an improvement of glucose tolerance, and greatly rescued islet beta-cell mass. Candesartan treatment also notably decreased staining intensity of oxidative stress markers, as well as attenuating intra-islet fibrosis and improving blood supply in the islet. In the electron microscopy observation, candesartan-treated animals exhibited improved granulation and less remarkable endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies; furthermore, candesartan treatment greatly relieved the swelling of mitochondria to nearly normal. Both the benefits of reducing oxidative stress and ultrastructure protection were in a dose-dependent and blood pressure-independent manner. CONCLUSION After diabetes was initiated, candesartan treatment could not reverse the state of diabetes, but it effectively improved glucose tolerance and protected beta-cell function by attenuating oxidative stress, islet fibrosis, sparsity of blood supply and ultrastructure disruption in a dose-dependent and blood pressure-independent manner.
Patient participation in patient safety and nursing input - a systematic review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This systematic review aims to synthesise the existing research on how patients participate in patient safety initiatives. BACKGROUND Ambiguities remain about how patients participate in routine measures designed to promote patient safety. DESIGN Systematic review using integrative methods. METHODS Electronic databases were searched using keywords describing patient involvement, nursing input and patient safety initiatives to retrieve empirical research published between 2007 and 2013. Findings were synthesized using the theoretical domains of Vincent's framework for analysing risk and safety in clinical practice: "patient", "healthcare provider", "task", "work environment", "organisation & management". RESULTS We identified 17 empirical research papers: four qualitative, one mixed-method and 12 quantitative designs. All 17 papers indicated that patients can participate in safety initiatives. CONCLUSIONS Improving patient participation in patient safety necessitates considering the patient as a person, the nurse as healthcare provider, the task of participation and the clinical environment. Patients' knowledge, health conditions, beliefs and experiences influence their decisions to engage in patient safety initiatives. An important component of the management of long-term conditions is to ensure that patients have sufficient knowledge to participate. Healthcare providers may need further professional development in patient education and patient care management to promote patient involvement in patient safety, and ensure that patients understand that they are 'allowed' to inform nurses of adverse events or errors. A healthcare system characterised by patient-centredness and mutual acknowledgement will support patient participation in safety practices. Further research is required to improve international knowledge of patient participation in patient safety in different disciplines, contexts and cultures. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Patients have a significant role to play in enhancing their own safety while receiving hospital care. This review offers a framework for clinicians to develop comprehensive practical guidelines to support patient involvement in patient safety.
AlphaCor: Clinical Outcomes

Purpose: To study the outcomes of AlphaCor implantation. Methods: The AlphaCor artificial cornea is indicated for corneal blindness not treatable by donor grafting. Prospective preoperative and follow-up data were collected. Data were evaluated using SPSS for statistical analysis of outcomes, trends, and associations. Results: This report includes data returned through February 28, 2006, for all 322 devices implanted, with mean follow-up in situ of 15.5 months and a maximum of 7.4 years. The probability of AlphaCor retention at 6 months and 1 and 2 years for protocol cases was 92%, 80%, and 62%, respectively, and off-label cases were at higher risk (P = 0.010), as were cases not prescribed medroxyprogesterone (MPG; P = 0.001). Currently, the most common complications were stromal melting, fibrous reclosure of the posterior lamellar opening, and white intraoptic deposits, with incidences in 2005 of 11.4%, 5.1%, and 2.6%, respectively. MPG seems to protect against melts, and eyes with a history of herpetic keratitis were not at increased risk. A history of glaucoma or the presence of tubes did not affect device retention. Complications culminated in loss of an eye in 1.3%. Mean preoperative visual acuity (VA) was hand movements. The VA achieved postoperatively (light perception to 20/20) was affected by previous pathology and postoperative course, with a mean improvement of 2 lines. Conclusion: AlphaCor provides a treatment option where a donor tissue graft would not succeed in severe corneal conditions, while being reversible to a donor graft in the event of complications for anatomic integrity. Surgical technique and adjunctive therapies are evolving with experience. Continued data collection is important for a fuller understanding of AlphaCor's role.
Structure and function of the hearts of lizards and snakes

With approximately 7000 species, snakes and lizards, collectively known as squamates, are by far the most species‐rich group of reptiles. It was from reptile‐like ancestors that mammals and birds evolved and squamates can be viewed as phylogenetically positioned between them and fishes. Hence, their hearts have been studied for more than a century yielding insights into the group itself and into the independent evolution of the fully divided four‐chambered hearts of mammals and birds. Structurally the heart is complex and debates persist on rudimentary issues such as identifying structures critical to understanding ventricle function. In seeking to resolve these controversies we have generated three‐dimensional (3D) models in portable digital format (pdf) of the anaconda and anole lizard hearts (‘typical’ squamate hearts) and the uniquely specialized python heart with comprehensive annotations of structures and cavities. We review the anatomy and physiology of squamate hearts in general and emphasize the unique features of pythonid and varanid lizard hearts that endow them with mammal‐like blood pressures. Excluding pythons and varanid lizards it is concluded that the squamate heart has a highly consistent design including a disproportionately large right side (systemic venous) probably due to prevailing pulmonary bypass (intraventricular shunting). Unfortunately, investigations on rudimentary features are sparse. We therefore point out gaps in our knowledge, such as the size and functional importance of the coronary vasculature and of the first cardiac chamber, the sinus venosus, and highlight areas with implications for vertebrate cardiac evolution.
The Work-Employment Distinction Among New Mothers

CPS data for 1979 to 1988 are used to examine the determinants of employment, actual work, and maternity leave for women in the year following childbirth. Women with better market skills (higher expected wages, older, more education) are more likely than other new mothers to have a job and to work. Among employed women, paid leave is also positively related to market skills. Work responds to childbirth more than employment does, with the greatest differences in the first three months following childbirth. Therefore, most women working when their child was one year old had returned to work within three months of childbirth.
Der Wechsel vom konventionellen zum ökologischen Landbau: Eine investitionstheoretische Betrachtung

The objective of this paper is to explore the potential of the real options approach for analyzing farmersâ€™ choice to switch from conventional to organic farming. Understanding the determinants of this decision is relevant in particular for agricultural policy makers when predicting the response of farmers to support programs. After a brief review of the existing literature on barriers to the adoption of organic farming a theoretical model is presented that allows one to incorporate two main features of the adoption decision, namely irreversibility and uncertainty of the returns. The real options model quantifies investment multiples that trigger the adoption of organic farming. Compared with neoclassical models it suggests an inertia of the respective farming type, i.e. economic hysteresis. In order to find some empirical evidence for that hypothesis we utilize a switching regression model has originally been developed to test for market integration. The econometric model is then applied to aggregated data of conventional and organic farms in Germany and Austria spanning the period from 1982 until 2002. The empirical analysis confirms the reluctance to adopt organic farming due to option-like effects. We conclude that the incentives for adoption of organic farming (e.g. higher prices, direct payments or income stabilization) have to be increased if a higher share of this production type seems desirable.
Encephalomyopathy and optic atrophy with tall stature and mitochondrial dysfunction: a new syndrome.

Departments of Pediatrics, Human Genetics, Child Neurology, Nijmegen Centre for Mitochondrial Disorders, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Department of Human Genetics, University Biocenter Am Hubland, Wurzburg, Germany Correspondence to Eva Morava, Department of Pediatrics, Nijmegen Centre for Mitochondrial Disorders, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands Tel: + 31 243619470; fax: + 31 243611600; e-mail: E.Morava@cukz.umcn. nl
On being accountable: Risk-consciousness and the doctoral supervisor

This paper analyses the imperative to greater accountability for doctoral supervisors as the effect of a regime of truth (Foucault, 1980) that we call risk management. It draws on new sociological theorising of risk to argue that risk management works as a moral climate that offers academics new ways of being properly professional by being more risk-conscious. Risk-conscious academics are increasingly on guard against student failure, declining standards and waste of resources. Thus they come to regulate themselves and their students in ways that are closely aligned to the ethos of the post-millennial university as a risk-conscious organisation. The paper considers the implications of this greater accountability for doctoral supervisors.
What Do We Know About Variance in Accounting Profitability?

In this paper, we analyze the variance of accounting profitability among a broad cross-section of forms in the American economy from 1981 to 1994. The purpose of the analysis is to identify the importance of year, industry, corporate-parent, and business-specific effects on accounting profitability among operating businesses across sectors. The findings indicate that industry and corporate-parent effects are important and related to one another. As expected, business-specific effects, which arise from competitive positioning and other factors, have a large influence on performance. The analysis reconciles the results of previous studies by exploring differences in method and data. We also identify the broad contributions and limitations of the research, and suggest avenues for further study. New approaches are necessary to generate significant insights about the relationships between industry, corporate-parent, and business influences on firm profitability.
Transoral endoscopic CO2 laser microsurgery for early laryngeal cancers.

BACKGROUND The impact of transoral endoscopic CO(2) laser microsurgery (TLM) for the treatment of Tis, T1, and T2 glottic cancer on local disease control, survival, and laryngeal preservation was investigated. METHODS From October 1999 to February 2008, 48 patients with a previously untreated early laryngeal malignant tumor who had been treated with TLM were enrolled in this study. Overall survival, primary and ultimate local control, and larynx preservation rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The impact of anterior commissure involvement on the local control rate after primary TLM was performed was analyzed by the log-rank test. Functional results for postoperative voice were analyzed by patient telephone intelligibility. RESULTS The overall 5-year survival rate was 97% (95% CI, 94%-100%), the primary 5-year local control rate was 72% (95% CI, 66%-92%), the local control rate exclusively for TLM was 85% (95% CI, 79%-99%), and the ultimate 5-year local control rate was 100%. Larynx preservation rate was 97% (95% CI, 94%-100%). Anterior commissure involvement in glottic cancer showed no statistically significant difference in primary local control rate (p = 0.9). Regarding the post-operative voice function, 47 patients (97.9%) were able to maintain adequate telephone intelligibility. CONCLUSION In terms of long-term survival and locoregional control, TLM is an optimal primary treatment modality for early laryngeal cancer. With TLM treatment, involvement of the anterior commissure is not a poor prognostic indicator.
Single Mothers and Their Children: A New American Dilemma

Selected by Choice magazine as an Outstanding Academic Book of 1987-88. The proportion of children living in households headed by single women in more than one in five. There is concern (and some evidence) that children of single parents are less likely to be successful adults. The book discusses the trends in public debate about this problem. In particular, it examines the issue of providing public assistance to such families and whether doing so fosters long-term welfare dependency.
Preliminary results of a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of fluoroscopic lumbar interlaminar epidural injections in managing chronic lumbar discogenic pain without disc herniation or radiculitis.

BACKGROUND Low back pain without disc herniation is the most common problem among chronic pain disorders. Epidural injections are commonly used interventions in managing chronic low back pain without disc herniation. However, little evidence exists regarding the effectiveness, indications, and medical necessity of lumbar epidural injections in managing axial low back pain without disc herniation or radiculitis. STUDY DESIGN A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. SETTING An interventional pain management practice, a specialty referral center, a private practice setting in the United States. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the ability to provide effective and long-lasting pain relief with lumbar interlaminar epidural injections with local anesthetic with or without steroids in managing chronic low back pain not caused by disc herniation or radiculitis. METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups with Group I patients receiving local anesthetic only, whereas Group II patients received local anesthetic mixed with non-particulate betamethasone. Seventy patients were included in this analysis. Randomization was performed by computer-generated random allocation sequence by simple randomization. OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT Outcome measures included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Oswestry Disability Index 2.0 (ODI), employment status, and opioid intake. The assessments were done at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-treatment. Significant pain relief and/or improvement in disability were defined as at least 50% improvement. RESULTS Significant pain relief (> or = 50%) was demonstrated in 74% of patients in Group I and 63% in Group II. Functional status improvement (reduction of > or = 50%) in the ODI scores was seen in 71% of patients in Group I and 60% of patients in Group II. The overall average procedures per year were approximately 4. LIMITATIONS The results of this study are limited by the lack of a placebo group and a preliminary report of 35 patients in each group with a total of 70 patients. CONCLUSION Lumbar interlaminar epidural injections of local anesthetic with or without steroids was effective in 63% and 74% of patients with chronic function-limiting low back pain without facet joint pain, disc herniation, and/or radiculitis.
Regional Distribution of Potassium Currents in the Rabbit Pulmonary Arterial Circulation

The response of pulmonary arteries to hypoxia varies as a function of vessel diameter. Small intrapulmonary resistance arteries are thought to be the main site of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV), with hypoxia causing minimal contraction or even dilatation in large, conduit vessels. This has been proposed to reflect a differential distribution of morphologically and electrophysiologically distinct pulmonary artery smooth muscle (PASM) cells. We investigated longitudinal heterogeneity in smooth muscle cells isolated from five regions of the rabbit pulmonary vasculature and could find no evidence of morphological heterogeneity at the level of the light microscope. PASM cells from main (8 mm outer diameter) and branch (5 mm) arteries and large (400 m) intrapulmonary arteries (IPA) were similar in shape and size, as indicated by cell capacitance (25 pF). PASM cells from medium (200‐400 m) and small (200 m) IPA were significantly smaller (15 pF), but had the same classical spindle shape. Cells from all five regions also had similar resting membrane potentials and displayed voltage‐activated K+ currents of similar amplitude when recorded in standard physiological solution. Longitudinal heterogeneity in K+ current became apparent when tetraethylammonium ions (TEA; 10 mM) and glibenclamide (10 M) were added. The remaining delayed rectifier current (IK(V)) doubled in amplitude upon moving down the pulmonary arterial tree from the main artery (9 pA pF‐1 at 40 mV) to the large IPA (17 pA pF‐1), but remained constant throughout the intrapulmonary vasculature. The O2‐sensitive, non‐inactivating K+ current (IK(N)) showed a similar trend, but was significantly reduced in the smallest IPA, where its amplitude was comparable with the main artery. Thus the IK(N)/IK(V) ratio was relatively constant, at around 0.14, from the main pulmonary artery to medium IPA, but fell by 50% in the smallest vessels. The amplitude of the TEA‐sensitive K+ current was similar (16 pA pF‐1 at 40 mV) at all levels of the pulmonary arterial tree, except in the medium sized vessels where it was 50% smaller. These variations in K+ current expression correlate with reported variations in sensitivity to hypoxia and may contribute to the regional heterogeneity of HPV in the rabbit lung.
Proximity to Trails and Retail: Effects on Urban Cycling and Walking

Abstract This study used multivariate modeling techniques to estimate the effect of household proximity to retail and bicycle facilities on the odds of walking and cycling in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. We analyzed these relationships employing detailed GIS data and individual-level travel diary data. We found that distances to retail and bicycle facilities are statistically significant predictors of choosing active modes of transport at close distances, but the relationships do not appear to be linear.
EVALUATION OF SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF TRIPLE DRUG FIXED DOSE COMBINATION OF VOGLIBOSE, GLIMEPIRIDE AND METFORMIN IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS A. A. FARUQUI*, HUSSAIN NULWALA1, C. PADMAVATHI DEVI2, P. MEHER N. PRASAD3 AND PRIYAMVADA S. RANE4

Anti-diabetic therapy initiated should be directed towards the target, both fasting and as well as postprandial hyperglycaemia. Despite the introduction of new agents efforts for better management of diabetes are disappointing and the control of blood glucose levels remains unsatisfactory. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of triple drug fixed dose combination (FDC) of Voglibose, Glimepiride and Metformin in type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study was post marketing surveillance (PMS) non-randomized, open, non-comparative and multi centric study. The above mentioned FDC was administered to 118 type 2 diabetic patients once daily for 3 months. Baseline values were recorded for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and post prandial blood glucose/hyperglycaemia (PPHG) level. There was significant decrease in HbA1c value (8.69 ± 1.81 % vs. 6.475± 0.39 %, P<0.0001); FPG (206.5±73.76 mg/dl vs. 112.7 ± 25.73mg/dl, P<0.0001) and PPHG level (244.7 ± 69.95 mg/dl vs. 141.7 ± 22.64 mg/dl, P<0.0001) after 3 month of the treatment from the baseline. The triple drug FDC of Voglibose, Glimepiride and Metformin significantly decreased the HbA1c, FPG and PPHG levels at the end of the treatment. Investigators observed good clinical effectiveness without any adverse effect reported.
Why outsource and what makes it work? Alternative arrangements for work in the health sector

Why outsource and what makes it work? Alternative arrangements for work in the health sector Suzanne Young Deakin University This paper addresses the question: In the health sector why have managers outsourced some functions in preference to others? The research specifi cally uncovers a reason for outsourcing which has not been highlighted in the literature; that being a desire to improve department management. The research has shown the importance of power, as illustrated in the use of outsourcing to improve department management and their associated resistance to change, and the importance of trust and loyalty between management and internal staff in retaining services in-house.
Do Budget Deficits Cause Inflation? Evidence from Albania

The basic purpose of this paper is to analyze this relationship among budget deficit and inflation for Albania. As many cases in history have shown that fiscal imbalances result in inflation problems. Empirical studies indicate strong evidence that budget deficits financed through monetarism and a rising money supply lead to higher inflation. The effect of budget deficits to cause inflation is depended on the means by which it is financed and the impact on aggregate demand. In this paper, the budget deficits and inflation relationships are studied by using data’s of Consumer Price Indexes and Budget Deficits of Albania. Data for the time period 1996-2008 are taken for into consideration. The dependent variable is CPI. To find the empirical evidence on these data regression analysis is used. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013. v2n9p764
FIXED VS. FLOATING: UNDER WHICH EXCHANGE RATE REGIMES PPP HOLDS-AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON TURKISH ECONOMY

Exchange rates are among the important indicators that affect the economic activities. It is well known that sharp changes occurring in the exchange rates affect severely the course of economic activities. In Turkey throughout 1990s, exchange rate policy is especially used as a tool to balance the Turkish economy. After severe costs of fixed exchange rate system, Turkey has adopted floating system in 2001. This study provides new empirical evidence regarding the impact of alternative exchange rate regimes on Turkish economy. The methodology that is used is EG cointegration and Johansen VAR techniques. The evidence points out PPP held under the floating exchange rate regime.