Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bcl‐2 is required for the survival of doublecortin‐expressing immature neurons

In the adult brain only a small proportion of the neural stem and progenitor cells (NPCs) and their progeny survive to become mature neurons in the hippocampus. Recent studies have elucidated the roles for members of the B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) family of proteins in regulating the survival of NPCs and their progeny at different stages of maturation, yet the requirement of Bcl‐2 during this process remains unknown. Here we report that inducible removal of Bcl‐2 from nestin‐expressing neural stem/progenitor cells and their progeny resulted in a reduction in the survival of doublecortin‐expressing cells in the absence of changing the number of radial‐glial stem cells or dividing NPCs. The requirement of Bcl‐2 for the survival of maturing NPCs was confirmed by removal of Bcl‐2 through infecting NPCs using a retroviral strategy that resulted in the complete loss of Bcl‐2 null cells by 30‐day post‐viral injection. Furthermore, we observed that the function of Bcl‐2 in the adult‐generated neurons was dependent on the Bcl‐2‐associated X (BAX) protein, since Bcl‐2 null NPCs were rescued in BAX knockout mice. These results indicate that Bcl‐2 is an essential regulator in the survival of doublecortin‐expressing immature neurons through a mechanism that is upstream of BAX. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Executives’ gender, prospect theory bias and insider trading

This study provides evidence that insider trading by female executives is subject to higher behavioural bias than male executives. Using a sample of legal insider trading from year 2000 to 2016, we find that female insider trades are more likely to be affected by prospect theory. These results hold even after we divide our sample into three categories: (i) routine trades, (ii) opportunistic trades, and (iii) non-classified trades. Moreover, our study indicates that the bias is reduced significantly when female executives buy stocks of their own company. This implies that although female insiders’ decision making is influenced by heuristic system of thinking, however the rational brain (System 2) may override their intuitive thinking (System 1) when critical decisions are to be made. The findings are robust to insider and firm characteristics. Our study differentiates from the existing literature on gender disparities among behavioural biases because we consider the setting of insider trading which is originally influenced by the decisions of highly experienced professionals who have access to superior private information of their firms. The findings contribute to the understanding of academics, investors, practitioners and policy makers by explaining that insider trading tends to be either more or less behaviourally biased depending upon the gender of executives.
The Survival of Myoblasts After Intramuscular Transplantation Is Improved When Fewer Cells Are Injected

Background. Myoblast transplantation has long been studied as a potential therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy as the incorporation of donor myoblasts into host muscle allows the production of functional dystrophin protein. However, the clinical feasibility of this approach is limited by the poor survival of the donor cells in the weeks after transplantation. It has recently been determined that the intramuscular transplantation of large numbers of cells can lead to the formation of ischemic necrosis in the center of these cell masses. For this reason, the relationship between donor cell survival and the number of cells transplanted was investigated. Methods. Myoblasts were prepared from the hind limb muscles of male C57BL/10Sn mice and transplanted into the tibialis anterior muscles of female mdx mice at one of the following amounts: 103, 104, 105, or 106 cells. The survival of the transplanted cells was analyzed using a Y chromosome-specific qPCR. Results. It was found that donor cell survival was improved 1 week after transplantation when fewer myoblasts were transplanted, including the observation of donor cell proliferation after the transplantation of 103 myoblasts. However, concentration effects and long-term survival complicate the interpretation of these results. Conclusions. These results indicate that early donor myoblast survival was dependent on the number of cells transplanted and the volume of liquid used to deliver them into the muscle. We believe that this finding has implications for the design and interpretation of future experimentation relating to intramuscular cell therapies.
Bumadizone calcium dihydrate microspheres compressed tablets for colon targeting: formulation, optimization and in vivo evaluation in rabbits

Abstract The objective of this study was the development of a colon-targeted microspheres which were compressed into tablets containing the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory bumadizone calcium dihydrate. A 32 full factorial design was adopted for the evaluation of the prepared microspheres. The effect of two independent variables namely polymer type (Eudragit RS100, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate), and drug: polymer ratio (1:1, 9:1 and 18:1) was studied on the entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release for 12 h. Colon targeting aims to minimize the release of the drug off target area (pH 1.2 and 6.8) and to maximize the release of the drug in target area (pH 7.4). Candidate formulae were compressed into core tablets and colon targeting was achieved using the enzyme-dependent polymer (pectin) as coat in three different concentrations 50, 75 and 90%. Candidate formula F15 (microspheres prepared using BDZ:CAB in a ratio of 18:1 and compressed into tablets using 50% pectin and 50% Avicel in the coat) was able to adequately modulate drug release avoiding drug release in the gastric ambient, and reaching the colonic targeting where 99.7% release was achieved within 12 h following zero-order model. In vivo studies showed that F15 achieved significant decrease in myeloperoxidase activity and inflammation with delayed Tmax (4 h) and lower Cmax (2700 ng/ml) when compared to marketed product.
Serum ECP levels in asthmatic patients: comparison with other follow-up parameters.

In recent years, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) has been considered as a useful eosinophilic activation marker in asthmatic patients. In this study, serum ECP levels in different stages of bronchial asthma were evaluated. We studied 123 patients suffering from asthma, which was classified as mild (n = 49), moderate (n = 49), severe asthma (n = 25), and also 31 healthy controls. Serum ECP levels were 13.22 +/- 1.11 ng/mL (mean +/- s.e.m.) in controls, and 30.15 +/- 2.38 ng/mL in asthmatic patients. By subgroups, ECP levels were 24.23 +/- 3.37 ng/mL, 31.69 +/- 4.21 ng/mL and 37.61 +/- 4.52 ng/mL, in mild, moderate and severe asthmatic patients, respectively, being the differences among the three groups statistically significant (P < 0.01-P < 0.001). Peripheral blood eosinophil numbers were 157 +/- 20 eos/mm3 in controls, and 334 +/- 35 eos/mm3, 510 +/- 87 eos/mm3, and 658 +/- 72 eos/mm3, in mild, moderate, and severe asthmatic patients, respectively, with significant differences among all groups (P < 0.05-P < 0.001). The serum ECP levels as well as the eosinophil numbers were higher in symptomatic patients than in the asymptomatic ones (P < 0.01). Moderate negative correlations, although highly significant (P < or = 0.001), were found between serum ECP levels and forced vital capacity (FVC) (rs = -0.27), FEV1, MEF25-75 (rs = -031), and MEF50 (rs = -0.32). There was also a good positive correlation between ECP levels and peripheral blood eosinophil numbers (rs = 0.67, P < 0.001).
Use of complementary and alternative medicine among persons with diabetes mellitus: results of a national survey.

OBJECTIVES This study sought to characterize the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among persons with diabetes mellitus residing in the United States. METHODS Data from a 1997-1998 national survey (n = 2055) on CAM use were examined. RESULTS Ninety-five respondents reported having diabetes, of whom 57% reported CAM use in the past year; fewer respondents (35%) reported use specifically for diabetes. Therapies used for diabetes included solitary prayer/spiritual practices (28%), herbal remedies (7%), commercial diets (6%), and folk remedies (3%). Excluding solitary prayer, only 20% of respondents used CAM to treat diabetes. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of CAM therapy use among persons with diabetes is comparable to that among the general population. Use of CAM therapies specifically to treat diabetes, however, is much less common.
TLR7 Stimulation of APCs Results in Inhibition of IL-5 through Type I IFN and Notch Signaling Pathways in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

TLR7 agonists modulate Th2 immune responses through mechanisms that have not been fully elucidated. Suppression of IL-5 production from Ag- or phytohemagglutinin-stimulated human PBMCs by the TLR7 antedrug AZ12441970 was mediated via type I IFN–dependent and type I IFN–independent mechanisms through TLR7 activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, B cells, and monocytes. The type I IFN–dependent inhibition of T cell–derived IL-5 was mediated by IFN-α acting directly on activated T cells. IL-10 was shown not to be involved in the type I IFN–independent inhibition of IL-5 and the mechanism of inhibition required cell–cell interaction. Notch signaling was implicated in the inhibition of IL-5, because addition of a γ-secretase inhibitor blocked the type I IFN–independent suppression of IL-5. Accordingly, AZ12441970 induced high levels of the notch ligands Dll1 and Dll4 mRNA, whereas immobilized DLL4 resulted in the suppression of IL-5 production. Therefore, we have elucidated two mechanisms whereby TLR7 agonists can modulate IL-5 production in human T cells. The suppression of Th2 cytokines, including IL-5, would be of benefit in diseases such as atopic asthma, so we assessed TLR7 function in PBMC from asthmatics and showed equivalent activity compared with healthy volunteers. Demonstrating this function is intact in asthmatics and knowing it links to suppression of Th2 cytokines support the case for developing such compounds for the treatment of allergic disease.
Impact of a five-day short course on integration of health promotion into practice in north Queensland.

ISSUE ADDRESSED Workforce development is one element of health promotion capacity building. This paper describes the extent to which participants in a five-day short course in health promotion, delivered three times in north Queensland during 2007, reported greater adoption of health promotion within their work roles, and the factors that affected the level of adoption. METHODS Out of 54 course attendees, 39 completed a post-course survey five to nine months after completing the course (72% response rate). Additionally, 11 course attendees participated in a focus group or phone interview to explore survey findings. RESULTS The courses succeeded in providing knowledge, skills, confidence and enthusiasm to undertake health promotion work. Eighty per cent of participants stated they had incorporated health promotion into their work frequently or all of the time since undertaking the course. Lack of understanding of health promotion from co-workers and managers, lack of organisational support and commitment, lack of resources, competing clinical priorities, and lack of time were cited as the main barriers for undertaking health promotion. CONCLUSIONS The course met participant training needs. However, similar training across all levels of staff including management may help to develop organisational capacity, thereby building a more knowledgeable workforce that is supported to undertake health promotion as a core part of an organisation's business.
Delays in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in Coahuila, Mexico.

OBJECTIVE To determine diagnostic delay in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases and analyse associated factors. METHODS New PTB cases were studied in Coahuila, Northern Mexico, between 2008 and 2009. We obtained census data and data on residential address, symptoms and diagnosis from the national patient database; sociodemographic variables were obtained during home visits. Bivariate analyses used the Kaplan-Meier method; multivariate analysis consisted of modelling survival. RESULTS We studied 458 subjects (median age 48 years), who were predominantly males (56.1%); the median years of schooling was 6.0 years, 83.4% were urban residents, 50.3% were unemployed, and 87.7% suffered from food poverty. The median delay between the onset of symptoms and the first medical consultation was 53.5 days. Lack of formal education (P = 0.050) and living ≥5 km from a health unit (P = 0.034) were associated with longer delays and consequently with severe symptoms (cough ≥2 weeks, P = 0.001; chest pain, P = 0.032; malnutrition, P = 0.003). Mean health system delay (between first consultation and smear test result) was 18.5 days, and was significantly longer when the first consultation was with a private physician (P < 0.001) and when patient age was ≥46 years (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In Coahuila, lack of formal education, living ≥5 km from a health unit, first consultation with a private physician, and being aged ≥46 years contributed to delays in PTB diagnosis.
Validation of Detect2000-Based PetDetSim by Simulated and Measured Light Output of Scintillator Crystal Pins for PET Detectors

A new Monte Carlo simulation tool, called PetDetSim and its experimental validation is presented. The simulation environment aims to model PET detectors and applies the Detect2000 code. Light output of LYSO and GSO crystal pins of different size and surface finish, covered with diffuse or specular reflectors was experimentally determined and compared with the results of the simulations. By improving the model concerning the pin and reflector geometry and the wavelength dependent reflection of the photocathode, the figure of merit could be considerably improved. The initially 34% deviation between simulation and measurements decreased below 11% for all LYSO crystal configurations.
GaInN/GaN - Ni/Au transparent conducting oxide Schottky barrier solar cells

Schottky barrier solar cells made from two different GaInN/GaN material structures combined with Ni/Au transparent conducting oxide films are demonstrated herein. The GaInN/GaN multiple quantum well structure has a short-circuit current density of 0.062 mA/cm2, open-circuit voltage of 0.468 V, and fill-factor of 69.8%. The GaInN/GaN double-heterostructure exhibits a 51% reduction in short-circuit current density, 47% lower open-circuit voltage, and 27% smaller fill-factor. Preliminary computer simulations indicate that a 10-fold increase in short-circuit current density should be possible for the GaInN/GaN multiple quantum well structure. The Ni/Au layer is responsible for some of this shortfall as its optical transparency varies from a low of 46.4% at 300 nm to a high of 76.8% at 500 nm. There is also evidence that photo-generated carriers are not being collected from the entire illuminated device area. The Ni/Au bi-layer has an electrical resistivity of 2.9 × 10-5 Ωcm, but it is very thin and no effort has been made to trade-off its electrical behavior against its optical properties. Work is now underway to increase the open-circuit voltage of these devices by adopting “barrier height enhancement” schemes.
The Atlantic–Mediterranean watershed, river basins and glacial history shape the genetic structure of Iberian poplars

Recent phylogeographic studies have elucidated the effects of Pleistocene glaciations and of Pre‐Pleistocene events on populations from glacial refuge areas. This study investigates those effects in riparian trees (Populus spp.), whose particular features may convey enhanced resistance to climate fluctuations. We analysed the phylogeographic structure of 44 white (Populus alba), 13 black (Populus nigra) and two grey (Populus x canescens) poplar populations in the Iberian Peninsula using plastid DNA microsatellites and sequences. We also assessed fine‐scale spatial genetic structure and the extent of clonality in four white and one grey poplar populations using nuclear microsatellites and we determined quantitative genetic differentiation (QST) for growth traits in white poplar. Black poplar displayed higher regional diversity and lower differentiation than white poplar, reflecting its higher cold‐tolerance. The dependence of white poplar on phreatic water was evidenced by strong differentiation between the Atlantic and Mediterranean drainage basins and among river basins, and by weaker isolation by distance within than among river basins. Our results suggest confinement to the lower river courses during glacial periods and moderate interglacial gene exchange along coastlines. In northern Iberian river basins, white poplar had lower diversity, fewer private haplotypes and larger clonal assemblies than in southern basins, indicating a stronger effect of glaciations in the north. Despite strong genetic structure and frequent asexual propagation in white poplar, some growth traits displayed adaptive divergence between drainage and river basins (QST > FST), highlighting the remarkable capacity of riparian tree populations to adapt to regional environmental conditions.
Parents’ and Staff’s Perceptions of Parental Needs During a Child’s Admission to Hospital: an English Perspective

The aim of this research was to compare perceptions of parental needs held by parents of hospitalized children and the staff caring for them, so that potential communication breakdown could be avoided. A well-trialled tool was used with a convenience sample in paediatric facilities in a National Health Service trust in north-east England. Some differences were found between parents and staff for scores for perceived importance of the 51 needs that were included in the questionnaire, and whether or not they were being satisfactorily met during the child’s hospital admission, but there were no consistent patterns, so it is difficult to draw conclusions. Parents declared themselves more independent than the staff perceived them to be. Such findings facilitate improvements in communication between parents and staff and can be included in education programmes for both.
Thickening of the somatosensory cortex in migraine without aura

Objective We aimed to explore cortical thickness abnormalities in a homogeneous group of patients with migraine without aura and to delineate possible relationships between cortical thickness changes and clinical variables. Methods Fifty-six female migraine patients without aura and T2-visible white matter hyperintensities and 34 female controls were scanned on a 3T magnetic resonance imager. Cortical thickness was estimated and compared between patients and controls using a whole-brain vertex-by-vertex analysis. Correlation analysis was conducted between cortical thickness of significant clusters and clinical variables. Results Compared to controls, migraine patients had cortical thickening in left rostral middle frontal gyrus and bilateral post-central gyri. Region-of-interest analysis revealed cortical thickening of bilateral post-central gyri in migraine patients relative to controls. The average thickness of bilateral post-central gyri positively correlated with disease duration as well as estimated lifetime headache frequency. Conclusions We have provided evidence for interictal cortical abnormalities of thickened prefrontal cortex and somatosensory cortex in female migraine patients without aura. Our findings of greater thickening of the somatosensory cortex in relation to increasing disease duration and increasing headache frequency suggest that repeated migraine attacks over time may lead to structural changes of the somatosensory cortex through increased noxious afferent input within the trigemino-thalamo-cortical pathway in migraine.
Does Motivation and Trust Important for Tourists’ Loyalties? A Quantitative Perspective from Golf Tourism in Bali of Indonesia

Golf is one of several sport tourist attractions that are increasingly demanding by domestic and foreign tourists during their visit to Bali. Unlike the others type of tourist attractions, golf tourism could be classified as a quality attraction. Tourists who play golf spend more money than other sport activities. Refers to this fact, golf tourism could be an alternative to realizing the establishment of quality tourism in Bali. This work aims to study the significance of the determinants of tourists' satisfaction as well as their loyalty in visiting Bali as a destination that offers golf attractions. Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation from golfers are positioned as the antecedent of the level of satisfaction with their trust to the golf providers acts as the mediation of the causal relationship occured. Using 5-scale Likert questionnaire, the opinions of 113 foreign tourists who played golf in Bali were used to examine the structural equation models that were built. The results of the analysis show that both types of motivation have positive influences on tourist trust in golf operators, and through the trust mediation, these motivations positively influence the level of tourist loyalties. The results of the analysis also showed that tourists’ trust to the golf operators had a significant effect on tourist loyalty. The main findings of this research conclude the vital role of tourists’ trust to the golf operators in Bali in increasing their loyalty to play golf while visiting Bali. Keywords : golf, trust, satisfaction, loyalties, motivation, SEM.
Effectiveness of Distribution of Multimicronutrient Supplements in Children and in Women and Adolescent Girls of Childbearing Age in Chiclayo, Peru

Background There is a need to better understand the coverage of scaled-up multimicronutrient supplementation programs. Objective The coverage of the distribution of multimicronutrient supplements in 26 urban communities among women and adolescent girls 12 through 44 years of age and children under 5 years of age was evaluated for purposes of scaling-up. Methods Formative research and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the distribution of supplements. Results Despite a delayed memorandum of understanding with the health sector and delayed delivery by the producer of the supplement, a high coverage rate of supplement distribution to the children (88% on average during the 3 months of supplementation) was still achieved as a result of the strong commitment of the community and the Integrated Food Security Program. The lower coverage rate among women and adolescent girls (47% on average) was the result of too short a period of enrollment in the program. There was no decrease of coverage during the 3 months of supplementation in both groups. Conclusions Effective, sustainable, large-scale micronutrient supplementation programs require broad partnerships with commitments of governmental and nongovernmental organizations, communities, and the private sector. Availability of the supplements and communication materials must be secured well ahead of the supplementation campaign and distribution of the supplement.
Platelet‐activating factor receptor‐deficient mice are protected from experimental sleep apnea‐induced learning deficits

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) during sleep, a hallmark of sleep apnea, is associated with neurobehavioral impairments, regional neurodegeneration and increased oxidative stress and inflammation in rodents. Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) is an important mediator of both normal neural plasticity and brain injury. We report that mice deficient in the cell surface receptor for PAF (PAFR–/–), a bioactive mediator of oxidative stress and inflammation, are protected from the spatial reference learning deficits associated with IH. Furthermore, PAFR–/– exhibit attenuated elevations in inflammatory signaling (cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase activities), degradation of the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway and apoptosis observed in wild‐type littermates (PAFR+/+) exposed to IH. Collectively, these findings indicate that inflammatory signaling and neurobehavioral impairments induced by IH are mediated through PAF receptors.