Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationships between activators and inhibitors of plasminogen, and the progression of small abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE plasmin is a common activator of the known proteolytic systems involved in the aneurysmal degradation, and is reported to be associated with the expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The aim of this study was to study the activating pathways of plasminogen as predictors of the progression of AAA. MATERIALS AND METHODS one hundred and twelve of 122 male patients with a small AAA (def.: +3cm) were interviewed, examined, had blood samples taken at diagnosis, and scanned annually for 1-5 years (mean 3.5 years), and referred for surgery if the AAA exceeded 5cm in diameter.A random sample of 70 of the 112 cases had plasma levels of urokinase-like-plasminogen activator (uPA), tissue-type-plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen-activator-inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), macrophage inhibiting factor (MIF), tumour-growth-factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), homocysteine, and serum levels of IgA-antibodies against Chlamydia pneumoniae (IgA-CP) and Cotinine (a nicotine metabolite) measured. Spearmans correlation analysis was used for statistics. RESULTS the annual expansion rate correlated positively with tPA, IgA-CP and S-Cotinine; r =0.37 (p=0.002), 0.29 (p=0.006) and 0.24 (p=0.038), while PAI1, uPA, TGF-beta1, homocysteine, and MIF did not. S-Cotinine did also correlate positively with tPA, r=0.24 (p=0.049). CONCLUSION the aortic matrix degradation in AAA may be partly caused by an activation of plasminogen by tPA, but apparently not by uPA, which usually dominates matrix degradation. Smoking seems to be a factor for this pathway, while the pathways of IgA-CP and MIF, a new marker of aneurysmal progression, seem different. The latter observations suggest that other proteolytic pathways are involved in the aortic wall degradation in AAA.
Prioritizing interventions to improve rates of thrombolysis for ischemic stroke

Background: Thrombolytic treatment has been shown to be effective in the treatment of ischemic stroke when initiated within 3 hours of symptom onset, yet few patients receive thrombolytics. Objective: To estimate expected increases in use of thrombolytics for ischemic stroke given the following interventions: educating patients to present earlier, optimizing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) response/transport times, optimizing hospital systems, and extending the treatment window. Methods: As part of a Centers for Disease Control–sponsored Coverdell Acute Stroke Pilot Registry, the authors prospectively identified all patients with an initial diagnosis of ischemic stroke at 11 hospitals in California over a 3-month period. Timing of symptom onset, EMS response, hospital arrival, treatment, and reasons for nontreatment were evaluated, and hypothetical treatment rates for thrombolysis for interventions on the stroke-care continuum were derived based on observed rates of eligibility and treatment. Results: Of 374 patients with ischemic stroke, 88 (23.5%) arrived at the emergency department within 3 hours of symptom onset, of whom 16 (4.3%) received thrombolysis. If all patients with known onset times had called 911 immediately, the expected overall rate of thrombolytic treatment within 3 hours would have increased from 4.3 to 28.6%. Expected rates of thrombolysis were lower for other interventions: instantaneous prehospital response 5.5%, perfect hospital care 11.5%, and extension of time window to 6 hours 8.3%. If all patients with known onset had arrived within 1 hour and been optimally treated, 57% could have been treated. Conclusion: Campaigns that educate patients to seek treatment sooner should be major components of system-wide interventions to increase rates of thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke.
Both FGF23 and extracellular phosphate activate Raf/MEK/ERK pathway via FGF receptors in HEK293 cells

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a phosphaturic hormone produced by bone and exerts its function in the target organs by binding the FGF receptor (FGFR) and Klotho. Since recent studies suggested that extracellular inorganic phosphate (Pi) itself triggers signal transduction and regulates gene expression in some cell types, we tested the notion that extracellular Pi induces signal transduction in the target cells of FGF23 also and influences its signaling, utilizing a human embryonic kidney cell line HEK293. HEK293 cells expressed low levels of klotho, and treatment with a recombinant FGF23[R179Q], a proteolysis‐resistant mutant of FGF23, resulted in phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and induction of early growth response‐1 (EGR1) expression. Interestingly, increased extracellular Pi resulted in activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway and expression of EGR1, which involved type III sodium/phosphate (Na+/Pi) cotransporter PiT‐1. Since the effects of an inhibitor of Na+/Pi cotransporter on FGF23 signaling suggested that the signaling triggered by increased extracellular Pi shares the same downstream cascade as FGF23 signaling, we further investigated their convergence point. Increasing the extracellular Pi concentration resulted in the phosphorylation of FGF receptor substrate 2α (FRS2α), as did treatment with FGF23. Knockdown of FGFR1 expression diminished the phosphorylation of both FRS2α and ERK1/2 induced by the Pi. Moreover, overexpression of FGFR1 rescued the decrease in Pi‐induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in the cells where the expression of PiT‐1 was knocked down. These results suggest that increased extracellular Pi triggers signal transduction via PiT‐1 and FGFR and influences FGF23 signaling in HEK293 cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1210–1221, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Augmented Feedback Presented in a Virtual Environment Accelerates Learning of a Difficult Motor Task.

One can use a number of techniques (e.g., from videotaping to computer enhancement of the environment) to augment the feedback that a subject usually receives during training on a motor task. Although some forms of augmented feedback have been shown to enhance performance on isolated isometric tasks during training, when the feedback has been removed subjects have sometimes not been able to perform as well in the "real-world" task as controls. Indeed, for realistic, nonisometric motor tasks, improved skill acquisition because of augmented feedback has not been demonstrated. In the present experiments, subjects (Experiment 1, N = 42; Experiment 2, N = 21) performed with a system that was designed for teaching a difficult multijoint movement in a table tennis environment. The system was a fairly realistic computer animation of the environment and included paddles for the teacher and subject, as well as a virtual ball. Each subject attempted to learn a difficult shot by matching the pattern of movements of the expert teacher. Augmented feedback focused the attention of the subject on a minimum set of movement details that were most relevant to the task; feedback was presented in a form that required the least perceptual processing. Effectiveness of training was determined by measuring their performance in the real task. Subjects who received the virtual environment training performed significantly better than subjects who received a comparable amount of real-task practice or coaching. Kinematic analysis indicated that practice with the expert's trajectory served as a basis for performance on the real-world task and that the movements executed after training were subject-specific modifications of the expert's trajectory. Practice with this trajectory alone was not sufficient for transfer to the real task, however: When a critical component of the virtual environment was removed, subjects showed no transfer to the real task.
Euro, Firm Size and Export Behavior

The goal of this paper is to assess the impact of the euro on the relationship between firm size and exports. We follow previous new-new trade theory models to derive some hypotheses that are tested using a representative sample of Spanish manufacturing firms. The results indicate that the introduction of the euro has remarkably weakened the role of firm size in the decision to export to the Eurozone. Moreover, the change in the proportion of exports to the Eurozone is negatively related to firm size. Our results suggest that the euro adoption has reduced the threshold size in order to export to
Albanian consumer preferences for the use of dry milk in cheese-making: A conjoint choice experiment

his paper analyses consumer preferences for white cheese in Tirana, Albania, ap- plying conjoint choice experiment. Consumer segments were identified based on prefer- ences for selected product attributes, including price, origin, milk type and the use of powder (dry) milk to produce cheese. Result s indicate that the importance of cheese attributes and preferences vary across cons umer classes. The most important factor driving consumer preferences is the type of milk used for cheese-making, which is dominant in two of the four classes identifie d. All consumer classes prefer cheese made without powder milk but rather produced only with fresh raw milk. The use of milk powder is presumably perceived as a non-natural or non-traditional method of produc- ing cheese. On the basis of these findings, food policy makers and law enforcement in- stitutions could consider the introduction of specific cheese labelling rules that guaran- tee quality and transparency, ensuring complete information about production technol- ogy and raw materials, including also the use of dry milk.
A critical review on tablet disintegration

Abstract Context: Tablet disintegration is an important factor for drug release and can be modified with excipients called tablet disintegrants. Tablet disintegrants act via different mechanisms and the efficacy of these excipients is influenced by various factors. Objective: In this review, the existing literature on tablet disintegration is critically reviewed. Potential disintegration mechanisms, as well as impact factors on the disintegration process will be discussed based on experimental evidence. Methods: Search terms for Scopus and Web of Science included “tablet disintegration”, “mechanism tablet disintegration”, “superdisintegrants”, “disintegrants”, “swelling force”, “disintegration force”, “disintegration mechanisms”, as well as brand names of commonly applied superdisintegrants. References of identified papers were screened as well. Results: Experimental data supports swelling and shape recovery as main mechanisms of action of disintegrants. Other tablet excipients and different manufacturing techniques greatly influence the disintegration process. Conclusion: The use of different excipients, experimental setups and manufacturing techniques, as well as the demand for original research led to a distinct patchwork of knowledge. Broader, more systematic approaches are necessary not only to structure the past but also future findings.
Compliance and Conflict of Value in Public Policy Implementation: Comparison between the New Order and the Reformation Era

This research aims to examine diﬀerences in the relationship of bureaucratic and political oﬃcials during the New Order (Soeharto’s era) and the Reformation (post-Soeharto) era within the arena of public policy implementation. This is a matter of importance given that there is a change in relations between the two from integration in the New Order to bureaucratic impartiality in the Reformation Era. This study attempts to answer the question: How were the relations of bureaucratic and political oﬃcials in the implementation of local level public policy during the New Order and the Reformation Era? A qualitative research has been conducted in Tegal Municipality using the following data collection techniques: interview, focus group discussion, documentation, and observation. Tegal Municipality was selected as the study location because of the unique relationship shown between the mayor and the bureaucracy. Its uniqueness lies in the emergence of bureaucratic oﬃcials who dare to oppose political oﬃcials, based on their convictions that bureaucratic/public values should be maintained even if it means having to be in direct conflict with political oﬃcials. This research indicates that the relationship between bureaucratic and political oﬃcials in the arena of local level policy implementation during the New Order was characterized as being full of pressure and compliance, whereas during the Reformation Era bureaucrats have the audacity to hinder policy implementation. Such audacity to thwart policies is considered to have developed from a stance that aims to protect public budget and values in policies. The occurring conflict of values here demonstrates a dichotomy of political and bureaucratic oﬃcials that is diﬀerent from the prevailing definition of politics-administration dichotomy introduced at the onset of Public Administration studies.
A framework for comparative institutional research on HRM

Abstract This article argues that awareness of institutional context has been singularly lacking in the most influential areas of HRM. This lack of attention to external context has resulted in findings that fail to reflect reality. We offer a layered contextual framework embedded in economic institutional theory. We propose that it forms the basis of a comparative research agenda for HRM. We validate the framework using extant publications on institutionally based comparative HRM, drawing on findings from the Cranet research network published in the decade 2007–2017.
Improving compliance with hospital antibiotic guidelines: a time-series intervention analysis.

OBJECTIVES This study investigated the impact of a combined intervention strategy to improve antimicrobial prescribing at University Hospital Groningen. For the intervention, the antimicrobial treatment guidelines were updated and disseminated in paperback and electronic format. The credibility of the guidelines was improved by consultation with users. In a second phase, academic detailing (AD) was used to improve specific areas of low compliance with the guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prescribing data were prospectively collected for 2869 patients receiving 7471 prescriptions for an antimicrobial for an infection covered by the guidelines between July 2001 and September 2003. After collection of baseline data, the guidelines were actively disseminated in February 2002. Next, after a 5 month interval, a second intervention, i.e. an AD approach, addressed suboptimal prescribing of ciprofloxacin and co-amoxiclav. Segmented regression analysis was used to analyse the interrupted time-series data. RESULTS At baseline, compliance with the drug choice guidelines was 67%. The first intervention showed a significant change in the level of compliance of +15.5% (95% CI: 8%; 23%). AD did not lead to statistically significant additional changes in already high levels +12.5% (95% CI:-3%; 28%) of compliance. Post-intervention compliance was stable at 86%. CONCLUSIONS Updating the guidelines in close collaboration with the specialists involved followed by active dissemination proved to be an efficient way to improve compliance with guideline recommendations. An 86% compliance level was achieved in this study without compulsory measures. A ceiling effect may have limited the added value of AD.
Leukotriene B4 production in human atherosclerotic plaques.

We evaluated the hypothesis that leukotriene (LT) B4, a potent chemotactic and endothelium-permeabilizing autacoid, may be a factor in the progression of the atherosclerotic lesion. Human vascular fragments, freshly obtained at vascular surgery from saphenous veins, atrial appendages, normal aortas and atherosclerotic lesions (histologically classified as fibrous plaques, fatty plaques and complicated lesions) were incubated at 37 degree C with mechanical agitation, for various times ranging between 5 and 60 minutes, sequentially, with buffer (basal), ionophore A23187 (IONO), and arachidonic acid (AA). After each step medium was assayed for LTB4 production by radioimmunoassay. Incubations were also performed in a chamber allowing selective exposure of the endothelial surface to the medium. Basal production (15 minute incubation, ng/g, mean +/- SD) was lowest for fibrous plaques (0.9 +/- 0.2, n = 38) and saphenous veins (1.0 +/- 0.3, n = 32) and much higher (P less than 0.01) for fatty plaques (7.3 +/- 2.2, n = 35) and complicated lesions (5.3 +/- 3.0, n = 28). A virtual abolition of production was observed after boiling of the vascular fragment. Production was increased in the presence of AA and IONO (in atheromas: 11.5 +/- 4.2 AND 14.3 +/- 5.3, respectively, with 15 minutes incubation), and decreased after incubation with 5-lipooxigenase inhibitors. Peak of ionophore or arachidonic acid-stimulated production in kinetic studies was reached at 20 minutes. LTB4 production was able to reach the luminal surface in both basal and stimulated conditions. There was no relationship with concomitantly measured prostacyclin production (mainly endothelial), while a correlation was found between LTB4 levels and degree of white cell infiltration in the tissue. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of 5-Thio-D-glucose on Hexose Transport and Metabolism in the Mouse Small Intestine

Abstract 5-Thio-D-glucose (5TG) elicits a time-dependent effect on net D-glucose transport and metabolism in the mouse small intestine. When incubation periods were less than 45 min, 5TG inhibited net D-glucose transport. As incubation periods were lengthened to 60 min or greater, net D-glucose transport was potentiated by 5TG, with a concomitant inhibition of lactate production from exogenous D-glucose. Furthermore, D-glucose inhibited 5TG transport at every time point studied. Initial velocity profiles done with 5TG and D-glucose, respectively, resulted in a KT of 6.3 mM and a T max of 18.5 μmole/g/30 min for 5TG; while for D-glucose the KT was 11.7 mM and the T mix was 43.4 μmole/g/30 min. Competitive inhibition between 5TG and D-glucose was demonstrated. The apparent Kt 's for 5TG and D-glucose were 3.0 mM and 9.3 mM, respectively. These findings indicated that 5TG has a lower affinity for the hexose-transport carrier than D-glucose. 5TG was also found to inhibit 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3MG) and D-galactose transport in a dose-dependent manner. Basal levels of lactate production were not affected by 5TG nor did 5TG affect lactate levels in the presence of 3MG. These results suggest that 5TG decreases intestinal utilization of D-glucose via glycolysis to partially account for the observed increase in net transmural transport of D-glucose.
Lumbar facet joint orientation and osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The association between facet orientation, tropism (asymmetry of the facet angles) and facet joint osteoarthritis (OA) has been previously reported, however, it is necessary to confirm the association in other samples. Our aim was to evaluate the association between facet orientation, tropism, and facet joint OA in an Israeli sample. METHODS One hundred and fifty low back and abdominal CTs of 82 males (mean age 61.74 ± 12.99) and 68~females (mean age 59.51 ± 11.74,) were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. Facet joint OA was evaluated at the L4-L5 spinal level using a 4-graded scale. The association between facet joint OA, facet orientation and tropism was examined using multiple logistic regressions adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS Facet orientation showed a statistically significant association with facet joint OA on the right side (p=0.009) and in a model where both sides were combined (p=0.003). Facet joints with OA were more sagittally oriented. Tropism was not associated with facet joint OA on either side (p=0.251 for right and 0.609 for the left side), or in a combination of both sides (p=0.482). CONCLUSIONS We confirm a significant association between sagittal orientation and OA of the lumbar facet joints at level L4-L5. Facet tropism was not associated with facet joint OA. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to understand the causal relationship between facet joint orientation and OA.
The role of education in the intersection of partnership transitions and motherhood in Europe and the United States

Background: Previous research has shown that partnership status at first birth is associated with education across Europe and the United States. Most research has indicated that first births within cohabitation have a negative educational gradient. However, the pathway to a first birth in different partnership types can be complex and may vary across countries. Objective: We study whether any educational differences observed at the time of a first birth are produced upon entrance into cohabitation, during the transition from cohabitation to marriage, or during the transition to first birth. Methods: Using data from the Harmonized Histories we estimate multi-state event history models to examine how educational differences in patterns of early family formation emerge among women born between 1950 and 1969 in 16 European countries and the United States. Results: The results highlight three main findings. First, the educational gradient of entry into cohabitation is inconsistent across countries. Second, regardless of the educational gradient of entry into cohabitation, the transition to a first birth among cohabiting women has a consistent negative educational gradient across countries. Last, the transition from cohabitation to marriage has a consistent positive educational gradient across countries. Contribution: Across Europe and the United States, educational differences matter the most during the transition from cohabitation to marriage and the transition to first birth once women are in a cohabiting union. Entrance into cohabitation is common, but key educational distinctions emerge upon childbearing. Disadvantaged women are less likely to marry before having a baby, while highly educated women marry before childbearing.
Contractility of vascular smooth muscle: maximum ability to contract in response to a stimulus.

The reactivity of vascular smooth muscle observed under the usual steady-state conditions (termed the usual reactivity) is generally relatively labile to changes in the external environment (e.g., to changes in PO2 or [K]o). However, reactivity during brief exposure to ouabain is nearly always greater than the usual reactivity and is relatively stable. It is demonstrated that for any given stimulus (i.e., a given concentration of a particular agonist), this latter reactivity is always the maximum that can be produced under any given set of conditions. Accordingly, it is proposed that the usual reactivity may be expressed as the algebraic sum of two properties of vascular smooth muscle: contractility, relatively stable property, which is defined as the maximum ability to contract in response to a stimulus, and electrogenesis, a relatively labile property, which produces a sometimes dominating electrical influence that modulates reactivity by opposing contractility. It is further proposed that because of the fundamental importance of these two properties it is useful to categorize all changes in reactivity, depressing or enhancing, according to whether they involve changes in contractility or electrogenesis.