Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SNAP benefit levels and enrollment rates by race and place: evidence from Georgia, 2007–2013

ABSTRACT The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) decreases poverty and food insecurity for millions of Americans. Yet not all eligible households participate, and disparities in participation exist by household size, race, ethnicity, and place. We examine the county-level associations between maximum benefit levels and SNAP enrollment by household size, race, ethnicity, and metropolitan status from 2007 to 2013 in the state of Georgia. National county-level data on participation in SNAP by racial or ethnic group are not available, but Georgia features substantial variation by race and ethnicity as well as metropolitan status at the county level that make it well suited for our analysis. Maximum SNAP benefit levels were associated with increases in county-level SNAP enrollment across the board but especially for single-person households, Hispanics, and rural Whites. These findings have implications for future changes to SNAP benefits.
Imaging flow cytometry elucidates limitations of microparticle analysis by conventional flow cytometry

Microparticles (MPs) are submicron vesicles released from cell membranes in response to activation, cell injury, or apoptosis. The clinical importance of MPs has become increasingly recognized, although no standardized method exists for their measurement. Flow cytometry (FCM) is the most commonly used technique, however, because of the small size of MPs, and the limitations of current FCM instrumentation, accurate identification is compromised by this methodology. We decided to investigate whether the use of FCM combined with imaging, such as is possible with the ImagestreamX imaging FC (ISX), would be a more sensitive approach to characterizing MPs. Combining FCM with imaging eliminates some of the limitations demonstrated by conventional FCM, whereas also providing morphological confirmation and the ability to distinguish true single events from aggregates and cell debris. The detection limit of standard nonspecialized FCM is suboptimal when compared to ISX. Evaluating MPs below 0.200 µm and sizing remain a challenge as some MPs remain below the detection limit of ISX. Standardized calibrators, that more closely reflect the physical characteristics of MPs, need further development. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Weaning piglets as a model for studying pathophysiology of diarrhea.

During fifty years weaning age of piglets decreased from, in former days, ten to twelve weeks till, nowadays, three to five weeks. Early weaned piglets frequently have diarrhea. When piglets had diarrhea after weaning, enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC) or rotavirus were generally detected in the faeces; however, they were also detected in faeces of piglets without diarrhea. So, other causal factors must be involved in the occurrence of diarrhea after weaning. Mortality, due to diarrhea, was associated with severe villus shortening and crypt deepening. Furthermore, weaning piglets was also associated with villus shortening and crypt deepening and giving supplementary feed during the suckling period was effective in preventing villus shortening after weaning. Giving piglets sow's milk immediately after weaning is also effective in preventing villus atrophy. As shown with a small intestine segment perfusion test weaning was also associated with a loss of net absorption in both uninfected and ETEC-infected small intestine. The loss of net absorption was less in piglets that were given supplementary feed during the suckling period. Net absorption in the small intestine increased significantly one day after a rotavirus infection and decreased significantly after subsequent infection with ETEC. Function of the large intestine also influences the severity of diarrhea in just weaned piglets. It may be concluded that weaning piglets at an age of three to five weeks changes the flora, the morphology, and the function of the intestine; these changes together result frequently in diarrhea.
Technique of Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy for Chronic Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism infrequently results in severe chronic pulmonary arterial obstruction. However, when it does, affected patients are significantly symptomatic and have shortened survival. Medical management has proven ineffective. In the majority of surgical reports, unilateral thoracotomy with distal pulmonary arteriotomies has been emphasized. The average operative mortality was 22%. In this article, we discuss various preoperative considerations and describe in detail a surgical approach using median sternotomy for bilateral pulmonary thrombo‐endarterectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass, deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest. With this standardized approach in 103 consecutive patients from October 1, 1984, to September 20, 1988, the hospital mortality (death within 30 days or during hospitalization) has been 11.7%.
Nuclear Imaging in Metastatic Paraganglioma

Paragangliomas associated with mutations of the SDHD gene can occasionally result in distant metastasis. Diagnosis can be difficult, and nuclear imaging is used to evaluate the case further. Not all tumors are alike; nuclear avidity may differ. We present a case in which metastatic paraganglioma caused by mutations of the SDHD gene was negative on 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy and positive on 111In-labeled octreotide scintigraphy. This situation presents an opportunity for a novel therapeutic approach toward metastatic paraganglioma using targeted peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.
Repeated Simulated Ischemia and Protection Against Gap Junctional Uncoupling

Ischemic preconditioning increases the heart's tolerance to a subsequent longer ischemic period. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of early and delayed preconditioning on gap junction communication, connexin abundance, and phosphorylation in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. Prolonged ischemia followed 5 minutes after preconditioning in the early protocol, whereas 20 hours separated preconditioning and prolonged ischemia in the delayed preconditioning protocol. Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) was assessed by Lucifer yellow dye transfer. An initial reduction in communication in response to sublethal ischemia was observed. This may be one mechanism whereby neighboring cells are protected from damaging substances produced during the first phase of subsequent regional ischemia in early preconditioning protocols. With respect to delayed preconditioning, the transient decrease in GJIC disappeared prior to prolonged ischemia, indicating that other mechanisms are responsible for delayed protection. Both early and delayed preconditioning preserved intercellular coupling after prolonged ischemia and this correlated with presence of less connexin43 dephosphorylation assessed by immunoblot.
Reversible acetylation of chromatin: Implication in regulation of gene expression, disease and therapeutics

The eukaryotic genome is a highly dynamic nucleoprotein complex that is comprised of DNA, histones, nonhistone proteins and RNA, and is termed as chromatin. The dynamicity of the chromatin is responsible for the regulation of all the DNA‐templated phenomena in the cell. Several factors, including the nonhistone chromatin components, ATP‐dependent remodeling factors and the chromatin‐modifying enzymes, mediate the combinatorial post‐translational modifications that control the chromatin fluidity and, thereby, the cellular functions. Among these modifications, reversible acetylation plays a central role in the highly orchestrated network. The enzymes responsible for the reversible acetylation, the histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), not only act on histone substrates but also on nonhistone proteins. Dysfunction of the HATs/HDACs is associated with various diseases like cancer, diabetes, asthma, cardiac hypertrophy, retroviral pathogenesis and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, modulation of these enzymes is being considered as an important therapeutic strategy. Although substantial progress has been made in the area of HDAC inhibitors, we have focused this review on the HATs and their small‐molecule modulators in the context of disease and therapeutics. Recent discoveries from different groups have established the involvement of HAT function in various diseases. Furthermore, several new classes of HAT modulators have been identified and their biological activities have also been reported. The scaffold of these small molecules can be used for the design and synthesis of better and efficient modulators with superior therapeutic efficacy.
Long-term consumption of plant stanol and sterol esters, vascular function and genetic regulation

Polymorphisms of the ABCG5 and ABCG8 genes interfere with cholesterol absorption and synthesis. We determined whether common polymorphisms of these genes regulate the responses of serum cholesterol and vascular function during long-term inhibition of cholesterol absorption. Mildly to moderately hypercholesterolaemic subjects (n 282) completed a 1-year study consuming plant stanol or sterol ester (2 g stanol or sterol) or control spread. Serum cholesterol and non-cholesterol sterols, markers of cholesterol absorption and synthesis, and variables of vascular function and structure were analysed in relation to common polymorphisms of ABCG5 and ABCG8. At baseline, subjects with the 54K allele of ABCG8 had higher brachial endothelial-dependent flow-mediated dilatation than those without it (5·79 (se 0·31) v. 4·46 (se 0·44) %; P = 0·049), and subjects with the 632V allele of ABCG8 had larger brachial artery diameter than those without it. Polymorphisms of ABCG5 and ABCG8 were neither associated with serum cholesterol reduction nor changes in cholesterol metabolism or in vascular function. However, in subjects with the 400K allele of ABCG8, intima media thickness (IMT) was increased in all groups more than in those without it (P < 0·05). In conclusion, serum cholesterol lowering with absorption inhibition was not associated with polymorphic sites of ABCG5 and ABCG8. However, regulation of baseline cholesterol metabolism and vascular function and structure, and IMT progression during 1 year seemed to share some of the common polymorphic sites of these genes, suggesting a gene-regulated interaction between cholesterol metabolism and vascular function and structure.
Decomposers in disguise: mycorrhizal fungi as regulators of soil C dynamics in ecosystems under global change

Author(s): Talbot, JM; Allison, SD; Treseder, KK | Abstract: 1. In the conventional view of soil carbon (C) cycling, mycorrhizal fungi are primarily considered vectors for plant C input to soils. However, there is accumulating evidence that mycorrhizal fungi may also contribute to the direct loss of soil C by acting as decomposers, that is by producing extracellular lytic enzymes and metabolizing soil C. 2. Most of the evidence that mycorrhizal fungi can act as decomposers comes from studies of ericoid and ectomycorrhizal fungi, although there is increasing experimental evidence for a role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soil C decomposition. Decomposition by mycorrhizal fungi implies that soil C balance is subjected to the ecological factors that affect both plant and fungal symbionts; this interaction has important consequences for how soil C stocks respond to global change. 3. In this synthesis, we propose a new model of soil C cycling, including decomposition of soil C by mycorrhizal fungi, and we evaluate how this new integrative model alters our predictions of soil C feedbacks to global change. We present three hypothetical mechanisms by which mycorrhizal fungi may metabolize significant quantities of soil C. The first hypothesis ('Plan B' hypothesis) is that mycorrhizal fungi metabolize soil C as an alternate C source when supplies of photosynthate from the host plant are low. Our second hypothesis ('Coincidental Decomposer' hypothesis) is that mycorrhizal fungi decompose soil C as a consequence of mining soil for organic nutrients. The third hypothesis ('Priming Effects' hypothesis) is that mycorrhizal fungi decompose soil C when allocation of plant photosynthate to mycorrhizal roots is high, such that plant C 'primes' the growth and activity of mycorrhizal fungi. 4. Further empirical tests of these hypotheses will clarify the role of mycorrhizal fungi in soil C balance and improve our understanding of soil C responses to global change. © 2008 The Authors.
Methotrexate Modulates Tight Junctions Through NF-&kgr;B, MEK, and JNK Pathways

Objectives: Chemotherapy often induces intestinal mucositis, which is associated with an increase in intestinal permeability; however, underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Thus, we aimed to study the regulation of 3 tight junction (TJ) proteins, claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1, after anticancer treatment. Methods: Methotrexate (MTX) was subcutaneously injected for 3 consecutive days in Sprague-Dawley rats to induce intestinal mucositis and was applied on Caco-2 cell monolayers. TJ protein expression and cellular distribution were studied by Western blot and microscopy, respectively. In Caco-2 cells, the paracellular permeability was evaluated by both transepithelial electrical resistance and flux of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran marker. Cytokine production and signaling pathways were also assessed. Results: In MTX-treated rats, the cellular distribution of the 3 TJ proteins was altered and claudin-1 and occludin expression was reduced during the acute phase of mucositis compared with controls. During the recovery phase, these parameters were restored. In vitro, MTX treatment led to an increase in proinflammatory cytokine production at the apical side but did not affect Caco-2 cell apoptosis and necrosis. Increase in paracellular permeability was associated with altered occludin and zonula occludens-1 expression and cellular distribution. All of these alterations were prevented by MEK1 and 2, JNK, and NF-&kgr;B inhibitors. Conclusions: MTX treatment induced an increase in intestinal permeability partially related to alteration of TJs protein expression and cellular distribution that may be mediated by MAPK and NF-&kgr;B pathways. These are potential targets to limit the adverse effects of chemotherapy.
Communication rights from the margins: politicising young refugees’ smartphone pocket archives

Politicising the smartphone pocket archives and experiences of 16 young refugees living in the Netherlands, this explorative study re-conceptualises and empirically grounds communication rights. The focus is on the usage of social media among young refugees, who operate from the margins of society, human rights discourse and technology. I focus on digital performativity as a means to address unjust communicative power relations and human right violations. Methodologically, I draw on empirical data gathered through a mixed-methods, participatory action fieldwork research approach. The empirical section details how digital practices may invoke human right ideals including the human right to self-determination, the right to self-expression, the right to information, the right to family life and the right to cultural identity. The digital performativity of communication rights becomes meaningful when fundamentally situated within hierarchical and intersectional power relations of gender, race, nationality among others, and as inherently related to material conditions and other basic human rights including access to shelter, food, well-being and education.
Dependence between the Global Gold Market and Emerging Stock Markets (E7+1): Evidence from Granger Causality Using Quantile and Quantile‐On‐Quantile Regression Methods

This study examined the dependence between gold and stocks during 2002–18 in seven emerging countries. The study combined the bivariate cross‐quantilogram introduced recently with quantile‐on‐quantile regression (QQR) approaches to conduct comprehensive and complementary analyses. The QQR results for the full sample revealed a weak positive dependence in all the quantiles of gold and stock returns across all the countries selected during mild market conditions. The results for pre and post‐crisis periods largely were consistent with those obtained for the full sample, except for Turkey (pre‐crisis), and China and Indonesia (post‐crisis). The results of the causality test‐in‐mean (return) and that of the causality test‐in‐variance revealed no causal relation between stock and gold in the pre‐crisis period, while causality ran only from gold to some stocks in the post‐crisis period. Further, while there was volatility causality running only from gold to stocks during the pre‐crisis period, the volatility causality between the two markets was very high during the post‐crisis period. Therefore, we suggest that gold may have been a hedge for stocks during the pre‐crisis compared to the post‐crisis period. Further, international risk factors should be considered in optimal investment decisions between domestic and global markets' assets (stocks and gold).
Two-stage Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) Graft Implantation Technique that Avoids the use of a Femoral Bridging Dialysis Catheter

Purpose The purpose of this study is to report a novel two-stage Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) graft implantation technique that avoids the use of a femoral bridging hemodialysis catheter in internal jugular vein (IJV) catheter-dependent patients with contralateral central venous occlusion. Methods The first stage is to implant the ePTFE component and consists of: 1) performing two to three incisions in the upper arm ipsilateral to the preexisting IJV catheter, 2) tunneling the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) component through these incision sites, and 3) placing the ePTFE component in the subcutaneous tissue without anastomosing it to the target artery. The preexisting IJV catheter is maintained to provide continuous dialysis access. The second stage is initiated in 4 weeks and includes: 1) thrombectomy and anastomosing the ePTFE component arterial end to the target artery, 2) insertion of the venous outflow component using the preexisting IJV catheter access site, and 3) connecting the venous outflow component to the ePTFE component in the standard fashion. Results The HeRO graft was successfully implanted in two stages without using a femoral bridging catheter. Immediate postimplant cannulatabilty was achieved upon completion of the second stage procedure. Conclusion This novel two-stage HeRO implantation technique is simple, yet allows immediate cannulation upon completion of the second stage procedure while avoiding the need of a femoral bridging catheter in IJV catheter-dependent patients with contralateral central venous occlusion, and thus lowering the risk of infection related to a femoral bridging catheter.
Defect in CEACAM family member expression in Crohn's disease IECs is regulated by the transcription factor SOX9

Background: CEACAM1, CEACAM5, and CEACAM6 represent 3 of the CEACAM (carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule) subfamily members expressed on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Deficiency in their expression, as seen in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), results in the lack of activation of CD8+ regulatory T cells in the mucosa. Since CEACAM expression was shown to be regulated by the transcription factor SOX9, we sought to determine whether the defect in CEACAM expression in IBD was related to aberrant SOX9 expression. Methods: IECs and lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs) were freshly isolated from colonic tissues. T84 and HT29 16E cells were cocultured with LPLs. SOX9 and CEACAM subfamily member expression was assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Results: In Crohn's disease (CD) but not in ulcerative colitis (UC), a significant reduction in mRNA and protein expression for CEACAM1 and 5 was noted; in contrast, no difference in SOX9 mRNA expression was seen. However, nuclear SOX9 immunostaining was increased in CD IECs. Furthermore, SOX9 protein was reduced in the cytoplasm of LPL‐stimulated T84 and HT29 16E cells, while CEACAM5 expression was increased. Conclusions: The defect in CEACAM family members in CD IECs appears to be related to the aberrant nuclear localization of SOX9. Changes in SOX9 expression in the CD mucosa relate to the local microenvironment and altered IEC:LPL crosstalk. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009
The incidence of childhood cancer in Jordan: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND Marked variations in the incidence of particular types of childhood cancer exist between countries. We report on the geographic variation in the occurrence of childhood cancer in Jordan. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cases were identified from the Jordan National Cancer Registry. We collected data on age, sex, type, primary site, and stage of cancer. Tumor topography and morphology were coded according to the accepted international standard. For all cases registered, 95.2% were histologically diagnosed. Incidence rates were calculated as annual rates per million population. The denominator is the 1997 estimate of the childhood population at ages 0-4, 5-9, and 10-14 years. RESULTS There were 646 registered primary malignant neoplasms during the three-year study period (1996-1998). The annual incidence rate for all types of cancer combined was 113 per million children. The rate among children less than 5 years of age was 134.5 per million, for 5-9 years it was 97.8 per million, and for 10-14 years it was 104.1 per million. Overall, the age-standardized annual incidence rate was 113.8 per million. The most common diagnostic group was leukemia, accounting for more than a third of all cases, followed by brain tumors and lymphoma. The highest rate was in the capital, Amman. CONCLUSION The pattern of childhood cancer in Jordan seems to be generally similar to other countries in the region, particularly the observed excess of lymphoma. Geographical variations in childhood cancer exist in Jordan and could be partly explained on the basis of lower detection or reporting, or both, in certain locations.
The Female Life Course: Life Situations and Perception of Control

The adult life course can be divided into socially defined age status periods differentiated not only by members' chronological age, but also by their experience within the family and work life cycles and degree of socially accorded rights, power, and privilege. The effects of individuals' social age status (adolescence, adulthood, retired adulthood) and gender on subjective perception of control and personal efficacy in familiar life situations from three domains (work, home, school) are examined within a multivariate cohort study. Results indicate that the adults, regardless of gender, perceived the greatest direct personal control or indirect control through the ability to influence powerful others. The adult females perceived a greater degree of influence on powerful others than adolescent or retired females, but the same as males of any age status period. The implications of these results for the female life course are discussed.