Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Counteracting the sympathetic nervous system in essential hypertension

Purpose of reviewThis paper will provide an up-to-date overview of the adrenergic effects of the different classes of antihypertensive drugs in uncomplicated hypertension, as well as in hypertension associated with obesity, renal failure, diabetes or congestive heart failure. Recent findingsAnimal and human studies unequivocally show that sympathetic activation characterizes the hypertensive state and participates in the development, maintenance and progression of elevated blood pressure values. Evidence has also been provided that elevated sympathetic cardiovascular influences are involved in the pathogenesis of left ventricular hypertrophy, vascular hypertrophy and atherogenesis, as well as in the occurrence of metabolic disarray (i.e. metabolic syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance), which frequently accompany the hypertensive state. Antihypertensive drugs with confirmed sympathoinhibitor effects are represented by beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers. In the case of the latter two classes of antihypertensive compounds the sympathoinhibitory effects have been shown to be associated with beneficial metabolic and cardiovascular effects, a finding that supports the use of these drugs in complicated hypertension. SummaryInvestigation of the adrenergic effects of antihypertensive drugs has had a significant impact on cardiovascular pharmacology and hypertension treatment. Although remarkable progress has been made on this topic in recent years, future studies aimed at assessing the sympathetic effects of combination drug treatment will be helpful in improving the clinical use of the association of two or more drugs in hypertension treatment.
Factors that influence ethical and legal practice of competitive intelligence in the property sector a conceptual model

In spite of ethical concerns surrounding the practice of competitive intelligence (CI), firms in the property sector practise CI ethically and legally. No research has been conducted to establish the factors that influence firms in the property sector to practice CI ethically and legally. This research aimed to explore the literature to establish factors that may influence property practitioner firms to practise CI legally and ethically. The research was qualitative in nature and used content analysis to analyze the collected data. The research established eight factors that may influence property practitioner firms to practise CI ethically and legally.
Chemometric Determination of Blood Parameters Using Visible—Near-Infrared Spectra

Visible and near-infrared (NIR) integrating sphere spectroscopy and chemometric multivariate linear regression were applied to determine hematocrit (HCT) and oxygen saturation (SatO2) of circulating human blood. Diffuse transmission, total transmission, and diffuse reflectance were measured and the partial least squares method (PLS) was used for calibration considering different wavelength ranges and selected optical measurement parameters. HCT and SatO2 were changed independently. Each parameter was adjusted to different levels and four designs with blood from different donors were carried out for the calibration with PLS. The calibration included the changes in hemolysis as well as inter-individual differences in cell dimensions and hemoglobin content. At a sample thickness of 0.1 mm the HCT and SatO2 were predicted with a root mean square error (PRMSE) of 1.4% and 2.5%, respectively, using transmission and reflectance spectra and the full Vis-NIR range. Using only diffuse NIR reflectance spectroscopy and a sample thickness of 1 mm, HCT and SatO2 could be predicted with a PRMSE of 1.9% and 2.8%, respectively. Prediction of hemolysis was also possible for one blood sample with a PRMSE of 0.8% and keeping HCT and SatO2 stable with a PRMSE of 0.03%.
Economic disintegration of the European Union: Not unavoidable, but probable

It is argued that European integration has not fulfilled its chief economic promises. Output growth has been increasingly weak and unstable. Productivity growth has been following a decreasing trend. Income inequalities, both within and between the EU member states, have been rising. This sorry state of affairs is likely to continue — and likely to precipitate further exits, or eventually, the dissolution of the Union. However, this outcome is not unavoidable. A better integration in the EU is possible, at least in theory. Also, the negative consequences implicit in the existence of the common currency could be neutralised. However, the basic paradigms of the economic policies to be followed in the EU would have to be radically changed. First, the unconditional fiscal consolidation provisions still in force would have to be repelled. Second, “beggar-thy-neighbour” (or mercantilist) wage policies would have to be “outlawed”.
Wait times for diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer: a single-centre experience.

Background Multiple clinical practice guidelines recommend rapid evaluation of patients with suspected lung cancer. It is uncertain whether delays in diagnosis and management have a negative effect on outcomes. Methods This retrospective study included 551 patients diagnosed with lung cancer through the diagnostic assessment program at the Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec between September 2013 and March 2015. Median wait times between initial referral, diagnosis, and first treatment were calculated and compared with recommended targets. Analyses were performed to evaluate for specific factors associated with longer wait times and for the effect of delays on the outcomes of progression-free survival (pfs), relapse-free survival (rfs) after primary surgical resection, and overall survival (os). Results Most patients were investigated and treated within recommended targets. Of the entire cohort, 379 patients were treated at our institution. Of those 379 patients, 311 (82%) were treated within recommended targets. In comparing patients within and outside target times, the only statistically significant difference was found in the distribution of treatment modalities: patients meeting targets were more likely to be treated with surgery or chemotherapy rather than with radiation. The pfs on first treatment modality was influenced by clinical stage, but not by time to therapy [hazard ratio (hr): 1.10; p = 0.65]. The os for the entire cohort was also influenced by stage, but not by delays (hr: 1.04; p = 0.87). For the 209 patients treated by surgery with curative intent, a significant reduction in rfs was associated with male sex and TNM stage, but not with delays (hr: 1.11; p = 0.83). The os after primary surgical resection was also associated with TNM stage, but not with delays (hr: 1.82; p = 0.43). Conclusions Recommended targets for wait times in the investigation and treatment of lung cancer can be achieved within a diagnostic assessment program. Compared with radiation treatment, treatment with surgery or chemotherapy is more likely to be completed within targets. Delays in investigation and treatment do not appear to negatively affect the clinical outcomes of os, rfs, and pfs. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether efficient work-up and treatment influence other important variables, such as quality of life, cost of care, and access to therapies while performance status is adequate.
Capability, social capital and opportunity-driven graduate entrepreneurship in Tanzania

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the reasons why most Tanzanian graduates do not consider entrepreneurship as an attractive career option despite dire labor market conditions, while a small number of them are able to benefit from local opportunities. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing insights from capability and social capital perspectives, a qualitative investigation based on interviews, group discussions and document analysis was undertaken to explore how this phenomenon can be explained and remedied. Findings This study shows that many graduates value entrepreneurship as a potential career but many find their way to be act upon these aspirations blocked. Indeed, actual entrepreneurial capability is only available to a minority of graduates with access to powerful connections who are able to benefit from technological and financial conversion factors. Most graduates cannot benefit from these conversion factors due to the lack of the necessary social capital to break through to the legal, tax, financial and cultural systems. Hence, the authors argue that social capital itself is actually a critical conversion factor toward developing entrepreneurial capability. Research limitations/implications The insight formulated in this study are based on a qualitative analysis of the Tanzanian context and formulated specifically for this particular context. At the same time, the country shares many characteristics with other countries in Africa, many of which are struggling to move toward a more entrepreneurial society. Hence, the recommendations may partially be transferable beyond the specific Tanzanian situation. Theoretically, the notion that social capital should be considered as a key conversion factor enabling aspiring entrepreneurs in translating valued functionings into actualized functionings and thus toward enhancing entrepreneurial capability opens up novel avenues for empirical research into how entrepreneurship can be stimulated. Social implications This study searches for conversion factors from the actual “functioning” toward the real “capability” allowing to succeed as a new graduate and find that social capital itself might act as the critical conversion factor. That brings the authors to the recommendations for policy makers, educators and media, argued in such a way that the entrepreneurial capability of young graduates and their ability to tap into relevant social capital can be enhanced. Originality/value The combination and integration of the Sen’s capability approach with social capital perspectives offers a novel way to explain difference in responses to the Tanzanian institutions and their ability to act upon a valued functioning such as opportunity-driven entrepreneurship.
First in family students – what they say about being at university

Exploring what students say in semi-structured, open-ended interviews provides a rich and personal understanding of their encounters with the university. The opportunity to discuss the experiences of First in Family (FiF) students as they progress through their degree or reach its end allows us to gain insight into their reasons for attending university, their determination to stay and what they believe helped them succeed. This paper discusses the three main themes related to the FiF student experience we uncovered as a result of a detailed literature review and through our interviews. These themes are, their ‘journey’ into and through higher education; their position as ‘student’ which includes the demographic aspects as well as their own concepts of themselves as students; and, the ‘networks’ they have used and developed to succeed at university. The students’ insights may be used to encourage and help future FiF students to complete their studies.
Activation of a Subset of Lumbar Spinothalamic Neurons after Copulatory Behavior in Male But Not Female Rats

The precise pathways that convey copulation-related information to forebrain regions activated during male and female sexual behavior are poorly understood. Previous work from our laboratory and others has demonstrated the existence of a spinothalamic pathway that is a candidate to relay information to these areas. This pathway originates from a population of spinothalamic neurons in the lumbar spinal cord containing several neuropeptides including galanin, located in laminas 7 and 10 of the lumbar segments 3 and 4. To investigate the involvement of these lumbar spinothalamic neurons in conveying copulation-related information, we tested the hypothesis that these cells are activated after ejaculation in male rats and vaginocervical stimulation in female rats. This was assessed using galanin or cholecystokinin as a marker for this subset of spinothalamic neurons and Fos-immunoreactivity as a marker for neuronal activation. The results demonstrated that activation of these spinothalamic neurons is triggered by stimuli associated with ejaculation. Fos induction was specifically associated with ejaculation, because mounts or intromissions did not trigger expression. Moreover, these spinothalamic neurons were not activated by vaginocervical stimulation in female rats. Spinothalamic neurons have generally been associated with signaling pain and temperature information. The present findings demonstrate that a specific subpopulation of spinothalamic neurons signals information associated with ejaculation.
Depressed systolic function after a prolonged and strenuous exercise.

INTRODUCTION Prolonged and strenuous exercise (PSE) induces transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Although a consensus exists regarding the decrease in diastolic function, the existence of a decrease in systolic function by a PSE remains controversial, probably due to the transient tachycardia and changes in loading conditions observed upon the completion of exercise. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate LV systolic function before and after a PSE using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography not only at rest but also during incremental tests to adjust heart rates (HR). METHODS AND RESULTS Sixteen healthy young men (23 ± 3 yr old) performed a 3-h period of intensity-controlled upright cycling. LV strain (S), systolic strain rate (SR), rotation, and systolic rotational rate were evaluated by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography before and after a 3-h period of PSE at rest and during incremental tests. Posttest evaluation was performed once the HR had returned to the pretest value. Under resting conditions, parameters of systolic function were either unchanged or increased after the PSE. However, during the incremental test, all LV systolic SR and apical rotational rates were decreased after PSE (radial SR at workload 3 (W3): 2.21 ± 0.12. s(-1) vs 1.87 ± 0.10. s(-1), P < 0.01 and apical rotational rate at W3: 128 ± 28 deg.s(-1) vs 105 ± 26 deg.s(-1), P < 0.05). Regression analyses between LV systolic SR and HR showed lower y-intercepts without differences in slopes, suggesting a decrease of both global and regional systolic functions irrespective of HR after the PSE. CONCLUSION Our findings based on LV S and SR data during incremental tests demonstrate that the 3-h period of PSE induces LV systolic dysfunction.
Comparative study of musculoskeletal injuries in transport aircrew.

INTRODUCTION Musculoskeletal (MS) injuries causally associated with aircraft or aircrew positions pose a threat to safety and readiness. The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast MS injury rates between C-5 and C-17 aircrew members at Travis Air Force Base. METHODS Data were collected retrospectively from the Duties Not to Include Flying (DNIF) log maintained at the Flight Medicine Clinic. Active duty C-5 and C-17 aircrew MS injuries documented in the log from May 2008 to May 2009 were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 63 injuries were identified in a 12-mo period that resulted in DNIF status. Of the total, 12 (19.1%) were pilots, 13 (20.6%) were flight engineers, 37 (58.7%) were loadmasters; 58 (92.1%) were men and 5 (7.9%) were women. C-5 aircrew represented 57.1% of the reported injuries; C-17 aircrew represented 42.9% of the reported injuries. The findings did not indicate a difference between C-5 and C-17 aircrew MS injuries; however, loadmasters were at an increased risk. Increased age and body mass index also correlated to an increased risk of MS injuries in the C-5 and C-17 community. DISCUSSION C-5 and C-17 loadmasters are at an increased risk of MS injury based on aircrew position. However, 67.6% of loadmaster's injuries were reported as not duty-related, suggesting that off-duty actions are potentially affecting mission readiness and safety. These findings supported the importance of maintaining good physical condition as a preventative safety measure against MS injuries.
Targeted therapy for short QT syndrome

Identified in 2000, short QT syndrome is an electrical disease of the heart characterised as a channelopathy. At first considered extremely rare, families with this disease have been found in Brazil, Finland, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Turkey, Italy and the US. The focus of the paper is to present a current review of short QT syndrome, as well as providing an overview upon the potential molecular target-based strategies for management of this very deadly disease. Abnormalities in three different potassium channels have been recognised as the cause of the disease and targets for therapy will be discussed for each potassium channel individually. In addition to pharmacological strategies, gene therapy with transfer of genes coding for specific ion channel subunits or regulatory proteins are discussed.
Chronic migraine

Chronic migraine is a disabling neurologic condition that affects 2% of the general population. Patients with chronic migraine have headaches on at least 15 days a month, with at least eight days a month on which their headaches and associated symptoms meet diagnostic criteria for migraine. Chronic migraine places an enormous burden on patients owing to frequent headaches; hypersensitivity to visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli; nausea; and vomiting. It also affects society through direct and indirect medical costs. Chronic migraine typically develops after a slow increase in headache frequency over months to years. Several factors are associated with an increased risk of transforming to chronic migraine. The diagnosis requires a carefully performed patient interview and neurologic examination, sometimes combined with additional diagnostic tests, to differentiate chronic migraine from secondary headache disorders and other primary chronic headaches of long duration. Treatment takes a multifaceted approach that may include risk factor modification, avoidance of migraine triggers, drug and non-drug based prophylaxis, and abortive migraine treatment, the frequency of which is limited to avoid drug overuse. This article provides an overview of current knowledge regarding chronic migraine, including epidemiology, risk factors for its development, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and guidelines. The future of chronic migraine treatment and research is also discussed.
General Care in Stroke: Relevance of Glycemia and Blood Pressure Levels

Introduction: Several studies have highlighted that the appropriate control of blood pressure, glycemia, body temperature and oxygen saturation is correlated with the clinical evolution of acute stroke when each of these variables is analyzed separately. However, within a biological system all these parameters can be interrelated and can influence the process. Recent studies demonstrate the importance of appropriate maintenance of these variables in what is termed nonpharmacological brain protection. Methods: We conducted a review of the published studies that analyze the influence of the control of these physiological variables in acute stroke, not only in isolation, with specific attention to glycemia and blood pressure, but also in combination. Homeostasis was considered the normalization of these variables. Results: Over the past few years several studies have demonstrated the influence of hyperglycemia and blood pressure changes in the acute phase of stroke on the prognosis of the patients. Recent studies highlight that glucose values >150 mg/dl and systolic blood pressure >180 mm Hg indicate poorer prognosis. However, there are insufficient data on whether pharmacological correction of the variables influences the prognosis. Nevertheless, when these variables are analyzed in combination, the patients in whom the variables are maintained within normality (homeostasis) have a better prognosis. Stroke units are the ideal locations for the application of these treatments. Conclusions: Nonpharmacological brain protection, with the appropriate maintenance of homeostasis, constitutes the basis for optimum treatment of acute stroke.
Student-Generated Content: Enhancing learning through sharing multiple-choice questions

The relationship between students' use of PeerWise, an online tool that facilitates peer learning through student-generated content in the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and achievement, as measured by their performance in the end-of-module examinations, was investigated in 5 large early-years science modules (in physics, chemistry and biology) across 3 research-intensive UK universities. A complex pattern was observed in terms of which type of activity (writing, answering or commenting on questions) was most beneficial for students; however, there was some evidence that students of lower intermediate ability may have gained particular benefit. In all modules, a modest but statistically significant positive correlation was found between students' PeerWise activity and their examination performance, after taking prior ability into account. This suggests that engaging with the production and discussion of student-generated content in the form of MCQs can support student learning in a way that is not critically dependent on course, institution, instructor or student.
Technical efficiency of smallholder wheat farmers: The case of Welmera district, Central Oromia, Ethiopia

Increasing productivity through enhancing efficiency in cereal production in general and in wheat production in particular could be an important pace towards achieving food security. However, the strategic conceptual and empirical analysis in the context of the efficiency, which would guide policy makers and development practitioners in their efforts to revamp cereal productivity, is sparse. This study was undertaken to assess the technical efficiency and factors affecting efficiency of wheat production in Welmera district of Oromia region, Ethiopia. The primary data pertaining to farm production, input usage, and socioeconomic and institutional factors were collected during 2012/13 cropping year through a structured questionnaire from randomly selected 180 wheat farmers. The stochastic frontier and translog functional form with a one-step approach were employed to assess efficiency and factors affecting efficiency in wheat production. The maximum likelihood estimates for the inefficiency parameter depicted that most farmers in the study area were not efficient. The mean technical efficiency was found to be 57%. Factors such as sex, age and education level of the household head, livestock holding, group membership, farm size, fragmentation, tenure status and investment in inorganic fertilizers affect efficiency positively and distance to all weather roads negatively. The finding implies that there is an opportunity to improve technical efficiency among the farmers by 43% through gender-sensitive agricultural intervention, group approach extension, and attention to farmers’ education, scaling out of best farm practices. Key words: Smallholder wheat farms, translog production function, technical efficiency.