Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Progesterone for preventing pre-eclampsia and its complications.

BACKGROUND In the past, progesterone has been advocated for prevention of pre-eclampsia and its complications. Although progestogens are not used for this purpose in current clinical practice, it remains relevant to assess the evidence on their possible benefits and harms. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of progesterone during pregnancy on the risk of developing pre-eclampsia and its complications. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (April 2006), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 2), and EMBASE (1974 to August 2005). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials evaluating progesterone or any other progestogen during pregnancy for prevention of pre-eclampsia and its complications were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS Two trials of uncertain quality were included (296 women). These trials compared progesterone injections with no progesterone. There was insufficient evidence to demonstrate any clear differences between the two groups on the risk of pre-eclampsia (one trial, 128 women; relative risk (RR) 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03 to 1.77), death of the baby (two trials, 296 women; RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.21 to 2.51), preterm birth (one trial, 168 women; RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.33 to 3.66), small-for-gestational-age babies (one trial, 168 women; RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.19 to 3.57) or major congenital defects (one trial, 168 women; RR 1.65, 95% CI 0.28 to 9.62). There were no reported cases of masculinisation of female babies (one trial, 128 women). Long-term follow up for the children has been reported in one trial, but the data are excluded from the review as 54% were lost to follow up at one year and 80% at 16 years. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence for reliable conclusions about the effects of progesterone for preventing pre-eclampsia and its complications. Therefore, progesterone should not be used for this purpose in clinical practice at present. Unless new and plausible hypotheses emerge for the role of progesterone in development of pre-eclampsia, further trials of progesterone are unlikely to be a priority.
Comparison of PCR, (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan and galactomannan assays in sera of rats with experimental invasive aspergillosis

We compared PCR, galactomannan detection assay using a latex agglutination test and (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan detection assay in detecting infection in rats experimentally infected with Aspergillus fumigatus. On day 2 after inoculation, (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan and nested PCR were positive for 80%, while galactomannan detection assay was positive for 60%. In addition, the positive result of nested PCR (87.5%) was higher than those of galactomannan detection assay (75%) and (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan (71.4%) on day 3 after inoculation. The sensitivity of nested PCR was superior to those of galactomannan detection assay and (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan detection assay. The three diagnostic tests were compared with histopathological findings, and the sensitivity of three diagnostic tests was correlated with histopathological changes. In addition, the elevated levels of (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan paralleled the development and progression of pulmonary aspergillosis. Our results indicate that a combination of two or three of these tests seems to provide a rapid diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis and assist in the evaluation of the development and severity of invasive aspergillosis. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 12:257–262, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Collaborative translation by monolingual users

This paper describes a research effort to support collaborative translation by monolingual speakers, or people that speak only the source or target language. I hypothesize that sharing knowledge across the language barrier is possible with a combination of automated (but poor quality) machine translation, language-independent communication, and existing background knowledge. I demonstrate this possibility with proof-of-concept experiments.
The Effect of Corticosterone on Reactivity to Spatial Novelty is Mediated by Central Mineralocorticosteroid Receptors

Corticosterone, secreted by the adrenal glands, binds to central mineralocorticoid receptors with high affinity and to glucocorticoid receptors with a tenfold lower affinity. In previous studies we have shown that the selective activation of either mineralocorticoid receptors or glucocorticoid receptors exerts distinctly different behavioural effects. In this study we examined in particular the mineralocorticoid receptor‐mediated effect of corticosterone on the control of the behavioural response of male Wistar rats to spatial novelty. This analysis was based on our observation that in adrenal‐intact rats the presence of an object in the centre of an open field alters the time spent and distance walked in the centre compared to the peripheral area, i.e. the pattern of reactive locomotor activity is changed. Using this paradigm we found that 1 day after removal of the adrenals the rats increased their behavioural reactivity towards the object. Treatment of adrenalectomized rats with a low dose of corticosterone (50 μg/kg s.c.) 1 h prior to testing restored the behavioural reactivity to the level of sham‐operated, intact rats. Surprisingly, a high dose of corticosterone (1000 μg/kg s.c.) also increased the rat's reactivity towards the object. The same high dose of corticosterone given to adrenal‐intact rats also increased behavioural reactivity. Pretreatment of these rats with an intracerebroventricular injection of the selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist RU28318 (100 ng/μl) prevented the corticosterone‐induced increase in behavioural reactivity, while the blockade of glucocorticoid receptors with the antagonist RU38486 (100 ng/μl) was not effective. Administration of the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist without corticosterone to adrenal‐intact rats also increased behavioural reactivity, but this increase did not reach statistical significance. General locomotor activity was not affected by either treatment. In conclusion, we found a U‐shaped relationship between the pattern of behavioural reactivity in a novel environment and the circulating plasma corticosterone level. The response to spatial novelty appeared to be sensitive with respect to the activation and blockade of central, presumably hippocampal mineralocorticoid receptors.
Biotechnologies and agrifood strategies: opportunities, threats and economic implications

The production of food employs different kinds of biotechnologies, some of which are more controversial than others. The public and the agrifood sector have developed a number of responses to address their concerns about biotechnologies considered controversial. In this contribution the different strategies chosen by the agrifood sector in the EU in response to the introduction of new biotechnologies in the agrifood complex will be discussed. The contribution concentrates on the example of the introduction of genetically engineered crops and the strategic responses by the EU food industry, namely food processors and food retailers. The contribution concludes with an outlook on the future of the EU agrifood complex.
The East African Community Integration Process and Economic Growth of Member Countries

This study investigated the effects of East African Community integration process on economic growth of member countries. A panel data was used and generalized least square technique employed. The results show that trade within the East African Community has no significant impact on the economic growth of the member countries. However, the Community trade with the rest of the World and foreign direct investment has a significant effect on growth. The finding, therefore, suggests that for the East African Community member countries to benefit fully from the integration process, they need to streamline their custom clearance procedures and standards and establish a single custom territory.
Nitric Oxide Modulation of Pulmonary Vascular Resistance Is Red Blood Cell Dependent in Isolated Rat Lungs

Nitric oxide (NO) or endothelium-derived relaxing factor may play an important role in modulating pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), although previous studies have produced conflicting results. Endogenous NO inhibition causes an increase in PVR in intact animals but not in saline-perfused isolated lungs. We hypothesized that blood is essential for NO to serve as a modulator of PVR. Therefore, the effects of endogenous NO inhibition (Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME]) were determined in isolated rat lungs as related to the presence of different blood components under normoxic conditions and after 1 wk of hypoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen [FIO2] = 10%). Exogenously administered inhaled NO was evaluated in isolated lungs from normoxic and hypoxic rats. In normoxic rats, L-NAME (10-100 micro M) caused a dose-dependent increase in PVR in whole (hematocrit [Hct] 40%) and diluted (Hct 12%) blood-perfused lungs. L-NAME (10-800 micro M) had no effect in isolated lungs perfused with a modified salt solution of equal viscosity to blood either alone, or containing plasma (50%) or free oxyhemoglobin (10 micro M). In whole blood perfused lungs, L-NAME (100 micro M) increased PVR more in hypoxic versus normoxic isolated lungs (141% vs 100%). Inhaled NO decreased PVR in isolated lungs from hypoxic rats and partially reversed the effects of L-NAME, but had no effect in normoxic lungs. In conclusion, endogenous and inhaled NO modulate PVR in isolated rat lungs and this role is increased by prolonged hypoxia. The response to inhibition of endogenous NO is dependent on the presence of red blood cells and is independent of the changes in viscosity or the presence of oxyhemoglobin or plasma. (Anesth Analg 1996;83:1212-7)
The persistence of Taiwan's output fluctuations: an empirical study using innovation regime-switching model

In this article we examine the persistence nature of Taiwan's aggregate output fluctuations by using the ‘innovation regime-switching’ (IRS) model in which the effect of an innovation may be permanent or transitory, depending on an unobservable state variable that follows a first order Markov chain. By applying the IRS model to Taiwan's real GDP data, we find that during the 1961 to 2000 period 61% (39%) of the real output shocks are likely to have permanent (transitory) effects. Moreover, the innovations in the officially identified expansion (contraction) are more likely to have a permanent (transitory) effect. These results are similar to those found in many studies of US real output fluctuations, e.g. Beaudry and Koop (1993), Kim and Nelson (1999) and Kuan et al. (2005). However, we also find that Taiwan's output dynamics have changed drastically ever since year 2000. In particular, the shocks to real GDP have become more likely to have only transitory effect, even during the period of post-2001:IV expansion.
Elevated circulating tissue factor procoagulant activity, factor VII, and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 in childhood obesity: evidence of a procoagulant state

Childhood obesity is rapidly increasing in prevalence. We compared circulating membrane‐bound tissue factor (FIII, F3) procoagulant activity (TF‐PCA) and plasma markers of coagulation, fibrinolysis and endothelial dysfunction in 21 obese (10·1 ± 1·5 years, mean ± standard deviation) and 22 healthy weight children (9·9 ± 1·6 years), classified by Body Mass Index (BMI). TF‐PCA and factor VII coagulant activity (FVII:C), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI‐1, SERPINE1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM1) were higher in obese children. BMI correlated positively with TF‐PCA, FVII:C, and PAI‐1. Childhood obesity is associated with a procoagulant state and endothelial dysfunction. Studies are needed to assess whether weight reduction reverses these abnormalities.
Higher IL‐10 levels are associated with less effective clearance of Plasmodium falciparum parasites

The implications of high levels of the immune regulatory cytokine IL‐10 in Plasmodium falciparum malaria are unclear. IL‐10 may down‐regulate pro‐inflammatory responses and also exacerbate disease by inhibiting anti‐parasitic immune functions. To study possible inhibiting effects on parasite clearance, IL‐10 plasma levels were determined in 104 Tanzanian children, 1 to 4 years old, with acute uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, and analysed for association with parasite densities during 3 days of anti‐malarial treatment. Higher baseline IL‐10 plasma levels were associated with statistically significantly higher parasite densities after 24, 48 and 72 h of treatment. These associations could not be explained by differences in initial parasitaemia, temperature, age, sex or type of treatment. Induction of high IL‐10 production might be a direct or indirect mechanism whereby the parasite evades the immune response.
Bringing Ethical Investment to Account

As the ethical investment industry in Australia matures there is a need for greater scrutiny and understanding of the potential investor's personal beliefs, the investment products on offer and the processes by which the investment universe is determined. The recent introduction of regulation requiring additional information in product disclosure statements is a step in the right direction. However, further disclosure by funds and public exposure is necessary to create a transparent and accountable investment industry.
Denied, deferred, triumphant? Climate change, carbon trading and the Greens in the Australian federal election of 21 August 2010

In November 2007, the Labor party won a convincing victory and, in a symbolic break with the past, the new Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, immediately announced his government’s intention to sign the Kyoto protocol (Rootes 2008). The introduction of a greenhouse gas reduction strategy was a key priority of the government. Yet, less than three years later, despite Australia’s having come relatively unscathed through the global financial crisis, the proposed emissions trading scheme (ETS) had been deferred indefinitely, Rudd had been deposed by his own party, and Labor, which had been riding high in the polls only a few months earlier, had lost its parliamentary majority and was able to cling to power only with the support of the Greens and three independent members of parliament (MPs). The Greens, meanwhile, enjoyed their best electoral results on record, increasing their vote by some 50%, and for the first time at a general election, gained a seat in the House of Representatives as well as record representation in the Senate.
Explaining gender differences in tax evasion: the case of Tirana, Albania

Abstract Recently, a considerable amount of research has focused on the evidence of gender differences in corruption. Research conducted on another predatory activity, tax evasion, similarly shows strong differences between women's and men's behaviors. This paper tests this finding in a transition country using a unique data set collected from a field survey of households in Tirana, Albania in 2000. Acknowledging that scholars generally explain gender differences in economic behavior either as biological or by social/psychological role theory, this paper examines a broader range of explanations for gender differences in tax evasion. Taking new institutional theory as a starting point to explain the differences in men's and women's tax behaviors, this paper discusses the relative importance of education, income, age, and number of children, among other factors. Finally, it explores the explanations provided by feminist theory and to what extent these can be integrated into the new institutional theoretical framework.
Efficient Short-Term Control of Hypercortisolaemia by Low-Dose Etomidate in Severe Paediatric Cushing’s Disease

Background: Paediatric Cushing’s disease (CD) is rare, but is associated with considerable morbidity and requires effective treatment. Control of hypercortisolaemia is recommended prior to definitive therapy by transsphenoidal pituitary surgery with selective adenomectomy. We describe a 6.2-year-old male with severe hypercortisolaemia and life-threatening complications of Cushing’s disease. Control of cortisol with metyrapone and ketoconazole was ineffective, and due to his deteriorating condition, the decision was taken to proceed to bilateral adrenalectomy. Methods: Low-dose IV infusion of etomidate, with dose titration according to serum cortisol levels, was administered. Results: Etomidate infusion (3.0 mg/h i.v.) decreased serum cortisol from 1,250 to 250 nmol/l within 24 h. Combined etomidate and hydrocortisone therapy was maintained to provide stable serum cortisol levels within the desired range for 12 days prior to successful bilateral adrenalectomy. Conclusion: In our experience, etomidate was effective and safe for short-term control of severe hypercortisolaemia in a severely ill child.
B7 but not intercellular adhesion molecule-1 costimulation prevents the induction of human alloantigen-specific tolerance

Presentation of antigen by the major histocompatibility complex to T lymphocytes without the requisite costimulatory signals does not induce an immune response but rather results in a state of antigen-specific unresponsiveness, termed anergy. To determine which costimulatory signals are critical for the T cell commitment to activation or anergy, we developed an in vitro model system that isolated the contributions of alloantigen and each candidate costimulatory molecule. Here, we show that transfectants expressing HLA-DR7 and either B7 or intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) deliver independent costimulatory signals resulting in alloantigen-induced proliferation of CD4-positive T lymphocytes. Although equivalent in their ability to costimulate maximal proliferation of alloreactive T cells, B7 but not ICAM-1 induced detectable interleukin 2 secretion and prevented the induction of alloantigen-specific anergy. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that blockade of the ICAM-1:lymphocyte function-associated 1 pathway results in immunosuppression, whereas blockade of the B7:CD28/CTLA4 pathway results in alloantigen-specific anergy. This approach, using this model system, should facilitate the identification of critical costimulatory pathways which must be inhibited in order to induce alloantigen-specific tolerance before human organ transplantation.
Strategic issue management as change catalyst

Purpose – Under high turbulence conditions, a company's periodic planning cycle needs to be supplemented with a dynamic, real‐time, strategic‐issue‐management system. This paper aims to investigate this issue.Design/methodology/approach – A case study of a prominent Australian healthcare organization shows the eight steps for how its management used the strategic issue management (SIM) process to identify, rank and address strategic issues in a rapidly changing business environment.Findings – The paper finds that, for companies entering a period of turbulence, the tracking, monitoring, and management of strategic issues become s imperative so that the corporate, strategy, and capability do not fall out of alignment.Practical implications – The company's survival may well depend on having a well‐developed process for decision‐makers to rapidly put forth critical rebalancing responses.Originality/value – In the SIM approach, external issues are manifest as opportunities and threats, and internal issues as s.
Gain enhancement of microstrip antenna using parasitic metallic patch bar

The characteristics of a microstrip patch antenna with stacked parasitic elements, metallic strips, and superstrate have been investigated in terms of antenna gain. To enhance the antenna gain, it is important to suppress undesirable surface waves. In this paper, we propose a new parasitic metallic bar to reduce the propagation of a surface wave. Simple and analytic solutions of the surface wave scattering from a metallic bar on a grounded dielectric-slab are obtained using the mode-matching method.
The energetic consequences of dietary specialization in populations of the garter snake, Thamnophis elegans

SUMMARY We investigated the intraspecific variation in digestive energetics between dietary specialist and generalist populations of the Western Terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) in northern California. Coastal populations have a specialized diet of slugs and inland populations have a generalized diet of fish, anurans, mice and leeches. The difference in prey preference between the two populations is congenital, heritable and ontogenetically stable. To examine energetic specializations and trade-offs in these populations, we measured the net assimilation efficiency of each snake population on both slug (Ariolimax columbianus) and fish (Rhinichthys osculus) diets. The net assimilation efficiency was measured during digestion of a meal and continued until metabolic rate re-attained prefeeding levels. Coastal snakes were able to utilize 62% more of the ingested energy towards production from slug diets through both increased assimilation of nutrients and reduced digestive costs. For fish, assimilation and digestive costs were the same in both coastal and inland populations. These results support the hypothesis that snakes with specialized diets can evolve physiological traits to extract nutrients more efficiently. However, there was no apparent trade-off on the more generalized diet that was associated with this specialization.
Total loss of MHC class I is an independent indicator of good prognosis in breast cancer

Tumours can be recognised by CTL and NK cells. CTL recognition depends on expression of MHC Class I loaded with peptides from tumour antigens. In contrast, loss of MHC Class I results in NK activation. In our study a large set of samples from patients with primary operable invasive breast cancer was evaluated for the expression of MHC Class I heavy and light by immunohistochemical staining of 439 breast carcinomas in a tissue microarray. Forty‐seven percent (206 of 439) of breast carcinomas were considered negative for HLA Class I heavy chain (HC10), whereas lack of anti‐β2m‐antibody staining was observed in 39% (167 of 424) of tumours, with only 3% of the β2m‐negative tumours expressing detectable HLA Class I heavy chain. Correlation with patient outcome showed direct relationship between patient survival and HLA‐negative phenotype (log rank = 0.004). A positive relationship was found between the intensity of expression of MHC Class I light and heavy chains expression and histological grade of invasive tumour (p < 0.001) and Nottingham Prognostic Index (p < 0.001). To investigate whether HLA Class I heavy and light chains expression had independent prognostic significance, Cox multivariate regression analysis, including the parameters of tumour size, lymph node stage, grade and intensity of HC10 and anti‐β2m staining, was carried out. In our analysis, lymph node stage (p < 0.001), tumour grade (p = 0.005) and intensity of MHC Class I light and heavy chains expression were shown to be independent prognostic factors predictive of overall survival (p‐values HC10 = 0.047 and β2m = 0.018). © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.