Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elevation of prolactin levels by atypical antipsychotics.

OBJECTIVE Atypical antipsychotics are thought not to elevate prolactin levels. The authors examined data suggesting that atypical antipsychotics do elevate prolactin levels but more transiently than typical antipsychotics. METHOD Prolactin levels in 18 male patients with schizophrenia who were receiving atypical antipsychotics were monitored over the 24-hour period following administration of their daily oral dose of risperidone, olanzapine, or clozapine. RESULTS The baseline prolactin levels in patients receiving risperidone (mean=27 ng/ml, SD=14) were abnormally high, but baseline prolactin levels in patients receiving olanzapine (mean=9 ng/ml, SD=5) and clozapine (mean=9 ng/ml, SD=5) were not high. All three atypical antipsychotics caused a doubling of prolactin levels over baseline levels 6 hours after medication administration. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that these atypical antipsychotics raise prolactin levels, although the increases with olanzapine did not reach statistical significance. This suggests that the differences in the effects on prolactin levels of atypical and typical antipsychotics are not categorical but lie in the degree and duration of dose-induced prolactin elevation, attributable to the differential binding properties of each drug on pituitary dopamine D(2) receptors.
Monophyly of Wolbachia pipientis genomes within Drosophila melanogaster: geographic structuring, titre variation and host effects across five populations

Wolbachia pipientis is one of the most widely studied endosymbionts today, yet we know little about its short‐term adaptation and evolution. Here, using a set of 91 inbred Drosophila melanogaster lines from five populations, we explore patterns of diversity and recent evolution in the Wolbachia strain wMel. Within the D. melanogaster lines, we identify six major mitochondrial clades and four wMel clades. Concordant with past studies, the Wolbachia haplotypes contain an overall low level of nucleotide diversity, yet they still display geographic structuring. Using Bayesian analysis informed with demographic estimates of colonization times, we estimate that all extant D. melanogaster mitochondrial haplotypes coalesce to a Wolbachia‐infected ancestor approximately 2200 years ago. Finally, we measure wMel titre within the infected flies and find that titre varies across populations, an effect attributable to host genetic factors. This demonstration of local phenotypic divergence suggests that intraspecific host genetic variation plays a key role in shaping this model symbiotic system.
Drinking patterns, psychosocial characteristics and alcohol consequences.

AIMS The purpose of this study was to investigate (a) the potential mediating role of alcohol consumption in the relationship between psychosocial variables and adverse consequences of drinking, and (b) the possible moderating role of psychosocial variables in the relationship between alcohol consumption and adverse consequences. DESIGN Multi-stage sampling procedures were used to select households for a general population survey. Interviews were conducted with one member in each of 35, 479 households and self-administered questionnaires were left for all residents aged 12 years and older (N = 49 164, response rate: 77.2%). SETTING Data were collected as part of the Ontario (Canada) Health Survey. PARTICIPANTS The present study included 33, 568 current drinkers aged 18 or older. MEASUREMENTS Analyses included the following variables: alcohol consumption, adverse consequences related to drinking, sex, age, marital status, self-rated health, perceived stress, income, education, employment status and family dysfunction. FINDINGS Alcohol consumption appeared to mediate the relationship of adverse consequences with age, sex, marital status, education, income and employment, but not with health, stress or family dysfunction which were independently associated with adverse consequences. The relationship between alcohol consumption and adverse consequences was moderated by age, marital status, education and employment. CONCLUSIONS These results help to clarify the interrelationship of alcohol consumption and psychosocial characteristics in experiencing adverse consequences related to drinking.
Sedative effects of oral midazolam, intravenous midazolam and oral diazepam.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate and compare the behavioral changes and effect of sedative techniques in pediatric dental patients using Oral Midazolam, Intravenous Midazolam and Oral Diazepam as sedative agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS Triple blind randomized control trial with 40 patients aged between 2-10 years, exhibiting definitely negative behavior was considered Patients were randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups. Group I received midazolam 0.5 mg/kg orally, Group II received 0.5 mg/kg diazepam orally, Group III received 0.06 mg/kg midazolam intravenously and Group IV received oral placebo. Behavioral changes (sleep, crying, movement, and overall behavior) and effect of sedative techniques on pediatric patients were assessed. RESULTS All the patients in group 3 were significantly better in post administrative behavior viz. sleep, crying and movement. Over all behavior scores for group 3 patients were significantly better than other three groups (p < 0.001). Positive behavior of patients in group 2 and 3 did not show significant difference but positive behavior in group 3 was significantly (p < 0.05) more than group 2. Placebo group showed the highest negative behavior. CONCLUSION Sedative effects of oral midazolam and oral diazepam were comparable, where as intravenous midazolam produced more sedation. Anxiolysis was found to be more in both the midazolam groups than the diazepam group. Most number of positive changes were observed in midazolam groups as compared to diazepam group.
Anti-bribery compliance incentives

Purpose This paper aims to discuss an innovative approach to eliminating bribery in multinational corporations. In particular, the concept of using incentive systems to fight corruption is assessed. Design/methodology/approach Based on the analysis of ten formal and ten informal expert interviews with both prevention experts and corrupt employees, a combination of bonus-malus payments is developed. Findings A performance matrix could be used to incentivize both compliance and productivity. Research limitations/implications This study’s findings are limited to the perspectives of 20 interviewees. Hence, it is possible that a study with a larger sample conducted in different countries or at a different time would have led to different results. Practical implications The identification of gaps in existing anti-bribery compliance mechanisms is meant to provide compliance officers and legislators with valuable insights into how undesirable behavior could be prevented. Originality/value It is found that eliminating the wrong incentives and establishing the right ones could make significant strides in advancing the fight against bribery.
Recombinant antibodies with MHC‐restricted, peptide‐specific, T‐cell receptor‐like specificity: new tools to study antigen presentation and TCR–peptide–MHC interactions

The advent in recent years of the application of tetrameric arrays of class I peptide–MHC complexes now enables us to detect and study rare populations of antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells. However, available methods cannot visualize or determine the number and distribution of these TCR ligands on individual cells or detect antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) in tissues. Here we describe a new approach that enables study of human class I peptide–MHC ligand‐presentation as well as TCR–peptide–MHC interactions. Such studies are facilitated by applying novel tools in the form of peptide‐specific, HLA‐A2‐restricted human recombinant antibodies directed toward a large variety of tumor‐associated as well as viral T‐cell epitope peptides. Using a large human antibody phage display library, a large panel of recombinant antibodies that are specific for a particular peptide–MHC class I complex in a peptide‐dependent, MHC‐restricted manner was isolated. These antibodies were used to directly visualize the specific MHC–peptide complex on tumor cells, antigen‐presenting cells or virus‐infected cells by flow cytometry. They enabled direct quantitation of the number of MHC–peptide complexes as well as in situ detection of the complex on the surface of APCs after naturally occurring active intracellular processing of the cognate antigen. These studies will enable also the development of a new class of targeting molecules to deliver drugs or toxins to tumor or virus‐infected cells. Thus, we demonstrate our ability to transform the unique fine specificity but low intrinsic affinity of TCRs into high‐affinity soluble antibody molecules endowed with a TCR‐like specificity toward human tumor or viral epitopes. These molecules may prove to be crucial useful tools for studying MHC class I antigen presentation in health and disease as well as for therapeutic purposes in cancer, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluación de las competencias del docente bajo la percepción de los estudiantes de la escuela profesional de Administración de la Universidad Nacional Santiago Antúnez de Mayolo, 2016

Determinar la percepcion que tienen los alumnos sobre las competencias del docente de la Escuela de Administracion de la Universidad Nacional Santiago Antunez de Mayolo, segun los factores de planificacion, interaccion didactica del proceso de ensenanza aprendizaje y valoracion del proceso de ensenanza aprendizaje. El diseno de la investigacion es no experimental, transversal y descriptivo, la muestra equivale a 219 alumnos de la escuela de Administracion del semestre 2016-II, seleccionados mediante el muestreo aleatorio simple. Los resultados del presente estudio muestran que los alumnos en un 57% han percibido las competencias de los docentes a nivel general como bueno, lo que significa una aproximacion significativa del proceso de ensenanza/aprendizaje de la escuela profesional de Administracion, de acuerdo a las exigencias de la Superintendencia Nacional de Educacion Superior Universitaria, en el marco del sistema de aseguramiento de la calidad y en aras de lograr el licenciamiento en la escuela profesional de Administracion.
Variation in the use of breast-conserving therapy for Medicare beneficiaries in Virginia: clinical, geographic, and hospital characteristics.

BACKGROUND Treatment for early-stage breast cancer has evolved significantly in recent years. Breast-conserving therapy (BCT) has been shown to offer equivalent survival compared to traditional mastectomy. However, there is marked variation in the performance of BCT which may not reflect clinical appropriateness or patient preference. Little is known about the factors related to variation in BCT performance in older women with early-stage breast cancer. METHODS Retrospective claims analysis of 1,512 Medicare patients using part-A data for the years 1992 to 1993, with additional explicit chart review. A clinical algorithm was developed to categorize patients according to their candidacy for BCT and compare this to their treatment. Demographic, clinical, and geographic variables were included in the model. RESULTS The overall BCT rate in Virginia was 20%, with marked variation among providers of all types. BCT rates ranged from 0% to 44% among hospitals caring for more than 12 cases per year. Twenty-six percent of patients considered good candidates for BCT by current guidelines received this option. Large urban hospitals had significantly higher rates of BCT than smaller hospitals, regardless of the presence of radiation oncology capability. Distance from radiation oncology facilities was a factor in low BCT rates of rural populations, but low BCT rates also were present even in facilities with access to radiation oncology services. CONCLUSIONS These data present a detailed analysis of the patterns of BCT for Virginia Medicare beneficiaries with early-stage breast cancer. Clinical contraindications to BCT for confirmed early-stage disease were uncommon. Despite similar patient profiles and hospital-reported range of cancer services, marked variation in BCT rates exists. A large number of patients chose traditional mastectomy over BCT due to fears of radiation, but few received radiation oncology consultation. BCT rates were highest in hospitals with radiation oncology facilities on grounds; hospitals with facilities nearby had rates similar to those without access to radiation facilities. Patient preferences are documented poorly. This study provides further evidence that many women are receiving BCT in patterns that may not reflect clinical appropriateness for BCT nor access to necessary facilities.
Traumatic basilar aneurysm after endoscopic third ventriculostomy: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE This case illustrates that although endoscopic third ventriculostomy for patients with aqueductal stenosis is successful and minimally invasive, it can have severe, life-threatening complications. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 3-year-old girl presented with hydrocephalus and aqueductal stenosis. She underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy with laser fenestration of the third ventricular floor. During the procedure, she developed a severe intraventricular hemorrhage that required prolonged external ventricular drainage and ultimately ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Despite having a negative angiogram after the procedure, she presented 1 month later with a subarachnoid hemorrhage and a traumatic basilar tip aneurysm. INTERVENTION The patient underwent a right subtemporal approach with clip ligation of the aneurysm and subsequently had a good recovery. CONCLUSION Hemorrhagic complications after endoscopic third ventriculostomy are rare. The formation of a traumatic basilar tip aneurysm after this procedure has not been reported in the literature. Laser fenestration of the third ventricular floor may increase the risk of this event.
Negotiating Unfreedom: An (Auto-) Ethnography of Life at the Forefront of Academic Knowledge Production

This article analyses the negotiated and contingent nature of research access and limitations in a cooperative research project in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. It argues that even technically and legally ‘free’ academic research is often subject to a number of restrictions emanating from the politicization of research at the so-called frontiers of the global political economy of academic knowledge production. This frontier status and contested nature of knowledge and research is especially marked in Kyrgyzstan, where recent revolutions and social conflict have created a tense climate amidst authorities’ attempts to reassert their epistemic dominance. Against this background, the article analyses how the ‘politics of sovereignty’ employed in state actors’ attempts to curb intrusive research are equally present in the realization of cooperative research projects with different national and international (non-governmental) organizations/networks, whose members enact the research cooperation or hamper it in different ways, sometimes in ambiguous, sometimes in obvious manner. Further reflection is provided on the emotional and psychological factors which playing a role in the negotiation of access and the shaping of the overall research project. In conclusion, it is argued that the decisions, views and behaviour of people at the forefront of knowledge production in the global periphery cannot be subjected to moral binaries but need to be understood in terms of the role played by spontaneous reactions, inter-subjective sense-making processes and evaluations of people and projects over time.
DoA Estimation Based on a ULA of Commercial Antennas in Semi-urban Passive Radar Scenario

Direction of Arrival (DoA) estimator based on Uniform Linear Array (ULA) is designed and validate in a semi-urban DVB-T passive radar scenario. Commercial UHF antennas (Televes 4G NOVA) were considered as individual array elements taking into account the requirement of using COTS components in order to provide a low-cost surveillance solution. A ULA of five elements was designed and deterministic beamformers were applied in two stages: the first one in centered in a CFAR detection at the output of the spatial filtering to obtain velocity and range estimation of targets and the second stage corresponds to a Doa estimator based on ESPRIT (Estimation of Signal Parameter via Rotational Invariance Techniques) algorithm to include azimuth information to the target 2-D localization. Results are validated using IDEPAR (DVB-T passive radar system) confirming its capabilities as a terrestrial traffic monitoring tool.
Foreign Workers and Productivity in an Emerging Economy: The Case of Malaysia

Many developed and developing countries are experiencing large and growing levels of international migration of labor. However, the large majority of research on the economic impact of inflows of migrant workers on host economies focuses exclusively on developed countries. In this paper, we address this gap in the literature by examining migrantâ€ induced productivity effects in the emerging economy of Malaysia. Importantly, the Malaysian case is typical for many Asian economies where, next to high skilled foreign workers, large numbers of migrants consist of low skilled workers that are employed in host economies on a temporary basis. Using detailed industry level data for the period 2005 to 2009, we find that both high skilled and low skilled foreign workers generate positive productivity effects in Malaysian manufacturing industries. Furthermore, our results identify a strong presence of industry heterogeneity, as the effects of foreign workers, in general, and low skilled foreign workers, in particular, are pronounced in labor and assembly intensive modern industries with a strong export focus. This indicates the importance of foreign workers for the contemporary international competitiveness of the Malaysian manufacturing sector. As such, our findings provide important new input to the debate on the role of low skilled foreign workers in processes of development of the Malaysian economy.
Of mice and the ‘Age of Discovery’: the complex history of colonization of the Azorean archipelago by the house mouse (Mus musculus) as revealed by mitochondrial DNA variation

Humans have introduced many species onto remote oceanic islands. The house mouse (Mus musculus) is a human commensal and has consequently been transported to oceanic islands around the globe as an accidental stowaway. The history of these introductions can tell us not only about the mice themselves but also about the people that transported them. Following a phylogeographic approach, we used mitochondrial D‐loop sequence variation (within an 849‐ to 864‐bp fragment) to study house mouse colonization of the Azores. A total of 239 sequences were obtained from all nine islands, and interpretation was helped by previously published Iberian sequences and 66 newly generated Spanish sequences. A Bayesian analysis revealed presence in the Azores of most of the D‐loop clades previously described in the domesticus subspecies of the house mouse, suggesting a complex colonization history of the archipelago as a whole from multiple geographical origins, but much less heterogeneity (often single colonization? ) within islands. The expected historical link with mainland Portugal was reflected in the pattern of D‐loop variation of some of the islands but not all. A more unexpected association with a distant North European source area was also detected in three islands, possibly reflecting human contact with the Azores prior to the 15th century discovery by Portuguese mariners. Widening the scope to colonization of the Macaronesian islands as a whole, human linkages between the Azores, Madeira, the Canaries, Portugal and Spain were revealed through the sharing of mouse sequences between these areas. From these and other data, we suggest mouse studies may help resolve historical uncertainties relating to the ‘Age of Discovery’.
The effects of alcohol on ambulatory blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes: a randomized intervention

Objective: Although prospective studies suggest light-to-moderate chronic alcohol intake protects against coronary artery disease in type 2 diabetic patients, the balance of effects on individual cardiovascular risk factors needs further assessment. We examined the effects of alcohol consumption on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and glycaemic control in well controlled type 2 diabetes. Methods: Twenty-four participants aged 49–66 year were randomized to a three-period crossover study with women drinking red wine 230 ml/day (∼24 g alcohol/day) and men drinking red wine 300 ml/day (∼31 g alcohol/day), or equivalent volumes of dealcoholized red wine (DRW) or water, each for 4 weeks. Ambulatory BP and HR were monitored every 30 min for 24 h at the end of each period. Home blood glucose monitoring was carried out twice weekly throughout. Results: Red wine increased awake SBP and DBP relative to water by 2.5 ± 1.2 /1.9 ± 0.7 mmHg (P = 0.033, P = 0.008, respectively), with a similar nonsignificant trend relative to DRW. Asleep DBP fell with red wine relative to DRW (2.0 ± 0.8 mmHg, P = 0.016) with a similar nonsignificant trend relative to water. Red wine increased 24-h, awake and asleep HR relative to water and DRW. Relative to DRW, red wine did not affect glycaemic control or any other cardiovascular risk factor. Conclusion: In well controlled type 2 diabetic individuals 24–31 g alcohol/day (∼2–3 standard drinks) raises awake BP and 24-h HR and lowers asleep BP but does not otherwise favourably or adversely modify cardiovascular risk factors.
[Toxicity of preserved and unpreserved beta-blocker eyedrops in an in vitro model of human conjunctival cells].

PURPOSE To compare the toxicity of a short-time application of timolol with benzalkonium chloride (timolol-BAC+) and unpreserved timolol (timolol-BAC-) in an in vitro model of human conjunctival cells. METHODS Chang's conjunctival cell line (ATCC CCL 20.2) was treated for 15min. with 0.1%, 0.25% or 0.4% timolol-BAC(+) or BAC(-) and then examined immediately or 24h later. Cell viability, chromatin condensation, mitochondrial mass and activity, free radicals production were studied by microplate cold light cytometry. Moreover, relative cell number was evaluated by crystal violet colorimetric test. In addition, cell size and the expression of an apoptotic marker Apo2.7 were studied by flow cytometry. RESULTS Timolol-BAC(+) induced a rapid decrease in cell viability ranging from 40% immediately after treatment to 85% 24h later. A small, significantly less important decrease in cell viability was also observed with all tested concentrations of timolol-BAC(-). 24h after treatment with 0.25% timolol-BAC(+), the relative cell number was reduced by 55% whereas it did not vary after 0.25% timolol -BAC(-) treatment. Only timolol-BAC(+) induced chromatin condensation, decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and cell size reduction. Moreover, cells treated with timolol-BAC(+) overexpressed the apoptotic marker Apo2.7. Also reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was significantly more important after cell exposure to timolol-BAC(+). CONCLUSION In our model of conjunctival cells in vitro, timolol-BAC(+) induced irreversible cytotoxic damage with some characteristics of apoptosis. The active compound of timolol-BAC(-) could be responsible for ROS production and for cell viability variations. Oxidative stress could also play a role in timolol-BAC(+)-induced toxicity. In vitro toxic effects of antiglaucoma drugs could, in part, explain some ocular surface disorders in long-term treated patients.