Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Octodon degus: A Model for the Cognitive Impairment Associated with Alzheimer's Disease

Octodon degus (O. degus) is a diurnal rodent that spontaneously develops several physiopathological conditions, analogous in many cases to those experienced by humans. In light of this, O. degus has recently been identified as a very valuable animal model for research in several medical fields, especially those concerned with neurodegenerative diseases in which risk is associated with aging. Octodon degus spontaneously develops β‐amyloid deposits analogous to those observed in some cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, these deposits are thought to be the key feature for AD diagnosis, and one of the suggested causes of cell loss and cognitive deficit. This review aims to bring together information to support O. degus as a valuable model for the study of AD.
Neuroprotective Properties of Melissa Officinalis L. Extract Against Ecstasy-Induced Neurotoxicity

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Melissa officinalis, a major antioxidant plant, against neuron toxicity in hippocampal primary culture induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy, one of the most abused drugs, which causes neurotoxicity. Materials and Methods: 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2 thiazoyl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to assess mitochondrial activity, reflecting cell survival. Caspase-3 activity assay and Hoechst / propiedium iodide (PI) staining were done to show apoptotic cell death. Results: A high dose of ecstasy caused profound mitochondrial dysfunction, around 40% less than the control value, and increased apoptotic neuronal death to around 35% more than the control value in hippocampal neuronal culture. Co-treatment with Melissa officinalis significantly reversed these damages to around 15% and 20% respectively of the MDMA alone group, and provided protection against MDMA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in neurons. Conclusion: Melissa officinalis has revealed neuroprotective effects against apoptosis induced by MDMA in the primary neurons of hippocampal culture, which could be due to its free radical scavenging properties and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory effects.
Chandra discovery of extended non-thermal emission in 3C 207 and the spectrum of the relativistic electrons

We report on the Chandra discovery of large scale non–thermal emission features in the double lobed SSRL quasar 3C 207 ($z=0.684$). These are: a diffuse emission well correlated with the western radio lobe, a bright one sided jet whose structure coincides with that of the eastern radio jet and an X-ray source at the tip of the jet coincident with the hot spot of the eastern lobe. The diffuse X-ray structure is best interpreted as inverse Compton (IC) scattering of the IR photons from the nuclear source and provides direct observational support to an earlier conjecture (Brunetti et al. [CITE]) that the spectrum of the relativistic electrons in the lobes of radio galaxies extends to much lower energies than those involved in the synchrotron radio emission. The X-ray luminous and spatially resolved knot along the jet is of particular interest: by combining VLA and Chandra data we show that a SSC model is ruled out, while the X-ray spectrum and flux can be accounted for by the IC scattering of the CMB photons (EIC) under the assumptions of a relatively strong boosting and of an energy distribution of the relativistic electrons as that expected from shock acceleration mechanisms. The X-ray properties of the hot spot are consistent with a SSC model. In all cases we find that the inferred magnetic field strength are lower, but close to the equipartition values. The constraints on the energy distribution of the relativistic electrons, imposed by the X-ray spectra of the observed features, are discussed. To this aim we derive in the Appendices precise semi–analytic formulae for the emissivities due to the SSC and EIC processes.
New socio-technical perspectives of IS innovation in organizations

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International Journal of Nanomedicine

Ibuprofen delivered by poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles to human gastric cancer cells exerts antiproliferative activity at very low concentrations Purpose: Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory studies have suggested that ibuprofen, a commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, inhibits the promotion and proliferation of certain tumors. Recently, we demonstrated the antiproliferative effects of ibuprofen on the human gastric cancer cell line MKN-45. However, high doses of ibuprofen were required to elicit these antiproliferative effects in vitro. The present research compared the antiprolifera-tive effects of ibuprofen delivered freely and released by poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) in MKN-45 cells. Methods: MKN-45 human gastric adenocarcinoma cells were treated with ibuprofen-loaded PLGA NPs. The proliferation of MKN-45 cells was then assessed by cell counting. The uptake of NPs was imaged by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The release of ibuprofen from ibuprofen-loaded PLGA NPs in the cells was evaluated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: Dramatic inhibition of cellular proliferation was observed in cells treated with ibuprofen-loaded PLGA NPs versus those treated with free ibuprofen at the same concentration. The localization of NPs was cytoplasmic. The initiation of ibuprofen release was rapid, commencing within 2 hours, and then increased slowly over time, reaching a maximum concentration at 24 hours. The inhibition of proliferation was confirmed to be due to the intracellular release of ibuprofen from the NPs. Using PLGA NPs as carriers, ibuprofen exerted an antiproliferative activity at concentrations. 100 times less than free ibuprofen, suggesting greater efficiency and less cellular toxicity. In addition, when carried by PLGA NPs, ibuprofen more quickly induced the expression of transcripts involved in proliferation and invasiveness processes. Conclusion: Ibuprofen exerted an antiproliferative effect on MKN-45 cells at low concentrations. This effect was achieved using PLGA NPs as carriers of low doses of ibuprofen.
Managing stakeholder ambiguity

In this article, the authors review various streams of research suggesting that although companies are increasingly under pressure to manage conflicting or difficult-to-reconcile stakeholder demands, managers are still largely behind the curve in recognizing, justifying and developing the capabilities to do so. In contrast to primary stakeholders such as customers, suppliers and shareholders, secondary stakeholders are often difficult to identify beforehand, or they may not be willing or able to engage, negotiate, compromise or clearly articulate their positions ? a phenomenon the authors refer to as stakeholder ambiguity. Citing examples involving companies such as Monsanto, Conoco-Philips, Texaco and the French oil company Perenco, the authors present research indicating that managers are often ill-prepared to deal with the idiosyncratic and context-specific nature of stakeholder ambiguity and typically revert to formulaic decision-making frameworks, such as discounted cash flow and cost-benefit analysis, which misrepresent the challenges. Some research indicates that stakeholder ambiguity may actually erode the competitive advantage of large multinationals. Although such companies possess significant competencies, technological capabilities and economies of scale, they may be at a disadvantage when trying to determine and align the interests of secondary stakeholders.
The Revenues Driven Resource Allocation Algorithm for Cluster-based Web Server*

In order to optimize the revenues attained in the cluster based Web server by dynamically allocating the pool's size of each service class under QoS constraints, the R-PSA (revenue driven pools' sizes allocation) scheme is provided. In this scheme, the pool's sizes allocation of different service classes is linked with the revenues in cluster based Web server under QoS requirement constraints, and the revenues target function is formulized according to queue theory, and the problem of maximizing revenues of system is solved by dynamic programming algorithm combining heuristic schemes. The simulated experimentations show the efficiency of R-PSA under different workload
Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor without Atlantoaxial Subluxation or Rheumatic Arthritis

We present a case of retro-odontoid pseudotumor (ROP) without rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS). A 76-year-old woman presented with paresthesia and weakness of both lower and upper extremities. She had no laboratory or physical findings of RA. Dynamic X-ray showed no AAS and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a retro-odontoid mass compressing the spinal cord. Transdural mass debulking and biopsy were performed via minimal left suboccipital craniectomy and C1 hemilaminectomy. Two months after surgery, her symptoms were aggravated. Follow-up MRI visualized mass re-growth and spinal cord compression due to the mass and AAS. Posterior C1-2 fixation was performed without further decompression. Twelve months after posterior fixation, no symptoms were apparent and follow-up MRI showed complete resolution of the ROP with C1-2 bony fusion. The ROP with C1-2 instability might be completely resolved only C1-2 fusion without decompression. Furthermore, we speculated that osteoarthritis of C1-2 itself causes a partial tear or degradation of the transverse ligament, that induced formation of ROP.
A class of Möbius invariant function spaces

We introduce a class of Mobius invariant spaces of analytic functions in the unit disk, characterize these spaces in terms of Carleson type measures, and obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for a lacunary series to be in such a space. Special cases of this class include the Bloch space, the diagonal Besov spaces, BMOA, and the so-called $Q_p$ spaces that have attracted much attention lately.
Controlled rehabilitative and supportive care intervention trials in patients with high-grade gliomas and their caregivers: a systematic review

Background Patients diagnosed with high-grade gliomas experience a varying and complex symptom burden, and face a high mortality rate. As a consequence, patients with high-grade gliomas and their caregivers have imminent and changing rehabilitative and supportive care needs. Objectives To give a detailed overview of non-pharmacological rehabilitative and supportive care interventions for patients with high-grade gliomas and/or their caregivers, and provide an appraisal of the methodological quality of these studies. Method PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Embase were searched for literature published from 1995 to May 2013. Data from eight studies were reviewed for substantive methods and results. Methodological quality was described and assessed using the scoring system for appraising mixed methods research and concomitantly appraising qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods primary studies in mixed study reviews. Results The search yielded 914 unique publications, of which 9 were classified eligible for this review. There is preliminary evidence that cognitive group therapy improves memory skills in patients with high-grade gliomas, early physical training improves functional outcome and massage therapy reduces stress. Patients and caregivers found that telephone follow-up and a specialist nurse function was an effective and useful way to achieve information and support. Finally, psycho-education increased feelings of mastery among caregivers. Conclusions As evidence is beginning to emerge, there is a need for well-designed longitudinal and randomised controlled trials of non-pharmacological interventions in high-grade glioma patients and their caregivers in order to develop clinical guidelines for supportive and rehabilitative approaches in this unique population.
Mateu-Andrés and de Paco — Contrasted Patterns of Diversity in Antirrhinum 1055

Background and Aims Seven related species of Antirrhinum (A. siculum, A. majus, A. latifolium, A. linkianum, A. litigiosum, A. cirrhigherum and A. tortuosum) were studied in order to compare levels of genetic variation and its partitioning in them, and to check relationships between genetic patterns and the reproductive system. Methods Eight hundred and fifty-one plants were screened for variability at 13 allozyme loci by means of horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. Parameters of genetic diversity and its partitioning, the inbreeding coefficient as well as an indirect estimate of gene flow based on the equation: Nm = (1 GST)/4GST, were calculated. Key Results Genetic variability in A. siculum was found to be the lowest known in the genus. Mean values of FIT and FIS were mostly positive and not significantly different from zero. Population differentiation (FST) ranged between 6 1 in A. tortuosum and 17 6 in A. linkianum. The inbreeding coefficient within populations ranged between FIS = 0 5 in A. tortuosum and FIS = 1 in A. siculum. Estimates of gene flow ranged between Nm = 15 in A. majus (considered as very high) to Nm = 0 42 in A. siculum (considered as low). Conclusions Correlation was found between levels of diversity and differentiation on one hand, and the reproductive system of the studied taxa on the other. Striking differences among species in the inbreeding coefficient (FIS) show different reproductive systems, which mostly support previous reports. Strategies for the conservation of A. siculum are recommended, such as preservation of natural populations as well as ex situ preservation of seeds from different populations.
Factors Affecting Patient Safety Culture In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Sri Lanka

Purpose Patient safety is an important component of the quality of health care. As health care organizations improve their quality of care, importance of establishing patient safety culture arises. According to WHO, rate of adverse incidents of healthcare system is very high in developing countries. Sri Lanka, being a developing country, may encounter adverse events in healthcare system due to lack of infrastructure and equipment, quality and supply of drugs, poor performance of health care staff and severe shortage of essential financial investments. This will be helpful in patient safety improvements and developmental studies. Methodology This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out to assess the current patient safety culture in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. This study was carried out using a self administered questionnaire with eleven dimensions of patient safety culture, on with 389 respondents including Administrators, Consultants, and Postgraduate trainees, Medical Officers, House officers and Nursing Officers. Pearson‘s correlation was used to assess the patient safety culture in the hospital by measuring correlation between overall patient safety and other independent variables. Findings This survey showed there is a positive response towards patient safety culture within the organization. Correlation between the overall patient safety and other variables are found to be significant. Prevailing patient safety culture seems to be in a reactive stage but, with strong ―blame Culture‘. Originality/value This is a patient safety culture assessment, which was done in Sri Lanka, for the first time in government sector hospitals under developing country setting.
Employee Perceptions of Intended and Unintended Work Experience Outcomes in the On-the-Job Development of Work Expertise.

This study surveyed the perceived differences in the learning potential of different work experiences, and sought to determine if these differences were reflected primarily in the type of experience, the nature of the experience, or the type of outcome associated with the experience. Research has shown that employees acquire the largest portion of their work knowledge and skills through their work experiences, suggesting that work experiences should be utilized as a primary learning tool.
Effects of Self-Efficacy and Locus of Control on Future Preconception Counseling Plans of Adult Women With Type 1 Diabetes

Objective. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that women with diabetes attend preconception counseling and improve blood glucose levels before pregnancy to decrease risks of adverse outcomes. However, two-thirds of women with diabetes do not plan their pregnancies. Research has examined views regarding preconception counseling of pregnant women with diabetes, but perceptions of women with diabetes who have never been pregnant have not been explored. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between women’s locus of control, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations of preconception counseling. Design and Methods. A sample of 147 nulligravid women with type 1 diabetes (mean age 25.9 years) was recruited online to complete a self-report survey. Measures included a sociodemographics form, a study-specific questionnaire regarding diabetes management and education, the Reproductive Health Attitudes and Behaviors instrument, and the Diabetes-Specific Locus of Control measure. Results. A standard multiple linear regression analysis indicated that self-efficacy was positively associated with expectations of preconception counseling (P <0.001), whereas self-blame was negatively associated (P = 0.001). Three-fourths of the women reported not receiving preconception counseling from health care providers. Conclusion. Self-efficacy was positively associated with women’s expectation of preconception counseling usefulness, whereas self-blame for poor disease management was inversely related. The low reported rates of preconception counseling demonstrate that ADA recommendations for starting preconception counseling at puberty have not been followed uniformly. Women with diabetes should be provided education to increase their belief that they have control over their disease, which may lead to positive perceptions of preconception counseling and healthier pregnancies.
Analysis of wave heights and wind speeds in the Adriatic Sea

The study aims to determine mean annual wave heights and wind speeds in the Adriatic Sea. The Adriatic serves as a shipping route towards central Europe and a food and energy source for surrounding countries. Wave and wind climate information can serve as basis for design, research and policy making regarding ship safety and operability, potential renewable energy exploitation, design of off-shore installation etc. Mean annual wave height and wind speed values have been statically derived based on 43,274 ship sea state observations reported by the Hydrographical Institute of Republic of Croatia. This data has been digitalized and processed resulting in mean annual observed wave heights and corresponding wind speed values. Calm sea and no wind time percent periods have been calculated and wind-speedto-wave-height correlations presented. The obtained results are discussed for accuracy, significant effects are listed and future work guidelines are given. of the Mediterranean Sea, located in its north, central, part and interconnected to it by the Strait of Otranto on the south east side. For the major part the Adriatic Sea is categorized as the Mediterranean climate type (sub type Csa—Mediterranean climate with dry and hot summers, Favro & Saganic, 2007). The surface of the Adriatic Sea reads 138,595 sq. km, or 4.6% of the Mediterranean Sea area. It is of elongated, rectangular shape, stretching from the north-west to the south-east, between the Dinaric and Apennine mountain ranges that influence the dominant winds and consequent wave patterns. Surface wind waves in the Adriatic are limited by fetch and wind duration. Average width, across the Adriatic, from the north-east to the southwest is about 200 km. Furthermore, there are more than 1300 islands along the east coast that locally change the wind and wave characteristics. Sea depths are of such scale that cannot be neglected in the greater part of the basin. The shallowest area is in the north, in the Gulf of Trieste, and deepest is in the South-Adriatic pit (1233 m). Overall, more than 2/3 of the Adriatic basin is not deeper than 200 meters (Pilot book for boats, 2002). Dominant wind events that cause surface waves are bura (N-NE to E-NE, italian bora) and jugo (E-SE to SS-E, sirocco family) in the winter and maestral (W-NW to NW) in the summer (Favro & Saganic, 2007). Bura and jugo reach storm conditions and can cause extreme wave occurrences while meastral is of milder character. Maximum recorded wave in the Adriatic was during an event
Avascular necrosis after oral corticosteroids in otolaryngology: Case report and review of the literature

Objective In this report, we present a rare case of avascular necrosis (AVN) in an otherwise healthy 42-year-old male patient treated with low dose oral corticosteroids for his bronchitis. A systematic review of the literature related to AVN and corticosteroids was performed. Case Report Forty-two-year-old male with no underlying conditions predisposing him to AVN who had been treated four years before for chronic bronchitis with two courses of oral prednisone therapy presented with bilateral AVN of the hips. Methods An OVID database search of the terms “low total dose,” “corticosteroids,” and “avascular necrosis” was performed. Two PubMed searches of various permutations of “low-dose,” “corticosteroids,” “avascular necrosis,” and “osteonecrosis” were also performed. Results were then narrowed to relevant articles. Results Median total dose of oral corticosteroids in patients with AVN in reviewed articles was 981 mg, with lowest reported association at 105 mg. Median duration of therapy was 16 days with shortest course of six days. Conclusion There is emerging data linking AVN with corticosteroid doses previously thought to be safe. After reviewing the relevant literature, it is our consensus to inform all patients regarding AVN before oral corticosteroid use.