Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Controlled Clinical Trials of Hypericum Extracts in Depressed Patients - an Overview

In Germany, hypericum extracts are among the most widely prescribed antidepressants. Additionally, many preparations of St. John's wort are sold on the free market and one extract is even the best selling antidepressant in the country. In contrast to synthetic antidepressants, the approval procedures are not so strict, which implies that the pharmaceutical industry is not forced to conduct clinical trials suitable for licensing. Nevertheless, numerous studies on hypericum extracts including depressed patients have been published in the last 20 years. The purpose of this paper is to review these investigations in respect of methodological considerations and to draw conclusions pertaining to the proof of antidepressant efficacy. To this effect, a computer-assisted literature research was performed and manufacturers were asked to supply the author with study results. A total of 12 placebo-controlled trials with hypericum extracts were performed, mostly with positive results. Also in comparison with synthetic antidepressants (3 studies published), a similar reduction of depressive symptomatology was seen, although the comparators were not adequately dosed. No trials in severely depressed patients have been published yet. Since most studies on hypericum have methodological flaws, further studies are warranted.
Endotoxin and interleukin-1 alpha in the cervical mucus and vaginal fluid of pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to determine the concentrations of endotoxin and interleukin-1 alpha in the cervical mucus and vaginal fluid of pregnant women who either did or did not have bacterial vaginosis. STUDY DESIGN Samples of cervical mucus and vaginal fluid were collected from women in early pregnancy who had signs of bacterial vaginosis and from healthy control subjects. The samples were analyzed for the concentrations of endotoxin and interleukin-1 alpha. In addition, wet mounts were examined for signs of inflammation indicated by increased numbers of leukocytes. RESULTS Both endotoxin and interleukin-1 alpha occurred in much higher concentrations (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0002) in both the cervical mucus and the vaginal fluid of women with signs of bacterial vaginosis than they did in healthy control subjects. A correlation was found between the interleukin-1 alpha concentrations in the vaginal fluid and the number of leukocytes as judged by a semi-quantitative evaluation of wet mounts (p = 0.0365). The concentrations of endotoxin correlated with those of interleukin-1 alpha in both fluids (vaginal fluid, p < 0.01; cervical mucus, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Our study shows that concentrations of endotoxin and interleukin-1 alpha in cervical mucus and vaginal fluid of women in early pregnancy who have bacterial vaginosis are significantly higher than the corresponding levels in control subjects.
Assessing maturity development of purchasing management in construction

Purpose – Prime contractors spent a substantial part of their turnover on purchasing. The management of the purchasing function therefore has a large influence on the overall performance of a prime contractor. The more developed the purchasing function is, the greater its contribution to success of the companies. The purpose of this paper is to measure and explain the development in maturity of the purchasing function in construction firms. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a literature review, a theoretical framework for the assessment of purchasing maturity is provided first. Then a longitudinal multiple case study is executed in order to assess the maturity development of the purchasing function in seven construction companies. Results are compared with a historical baseline assessment. Findings – The results demonstrate an increase in the maturity of the purchasing function in general and in particular in the management of strategic relations. The case companies have reached a maturity in which they start to coordinate activities in their supply chains. Increased use of IT solutions enables a more integrated approach of the construction process. Practical implications – IT and in particular Building Information Modelling pave the path towards an integrated supply chain, which in turn enables the reduction of waste in the processes. Nevertheless, companies still struggle with the tension between project-based flexibility and long-term relations with suppliers. Originality/value – The development of purchasing maturity was measured in a baseline measurement and in a second assessment performed five years later by using the exact same model and exact same case companies.
Comparison of serum maternal adiponectin concentrations in women with isolated intrauterine growth retardation and intrauterine growth retardation concomitant with pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare serum maternal adiponectin concentrations in pregnant women with isolated intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and in pregnant women with IUGR concomitant with pre-eclampsia (IUGRcwPE). MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty patients with isolated IUGR (group 1), 20 patients with IUGRcwPE (group 2), and 30 healthy controls (group 3) between age 18-40 were included into the study. Venous blood samples of those patients were obtained in the starving state. Adiponectin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum obtained after centrifugation. To find the differences between the groups, student t-test and one-way ANOVA statistical methods were used. RESULTS There were no differences between the groups in terms of age, body mass index, gestational age, and parity (p>0.05). The values of amniotic fluid index (p<0.001) and weight gained during pregnancy (p=0.017) were significantly different when compared among the three groups. The mean concentrations of adiponectin were 94.041 pg/mL in the IUGR group, 55.717 pg/mL in the IUGRcwPE group, and 51.831 pg/mL in the control group. Both of the differences between the IUGR and IUGRcwPE groups (p value; <0.05) and IUGR and control groups were statistically significant (p value; <0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the IUGRcwPE group and control group (p>0.05). CONCLUSION We found that IUGR increased maternal serum adiponectin concentrations; however, this rise does not occur in pregnant women with IUGRcwPE.
Manipulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase/nuclear factor‐κB‐signaling cascades during intracellular Toxoplasma gondii infection

Summary: The intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii exerts profound effects on nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB)‐ and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)‐signaling cascades in macrophages. During early infection, nuclear translocation of NF‐κB is blocked, and later, the cells display defects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced MAPK phosphorylation after undergoing initial activation in response to Toxoplasma itself. Infected macrophages that are subjected to triggering through Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) with LPS display defective production of tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐12 (IL‐12) that likely reflects interference with NF‐κB‐ and MAPK‐signaling cascades. Nevertheless, T. gondii possesses molecules that themselves induce eventual proinflammatory cytokine synthesis. For interleukin‐12, this occurs through both myeloid differentiation factor 88‐dependent and chemokine receptor CCR5‐dependent pathways. The balance between activation and interference with proinflammatory signaling is likely to reflect the need to achieve an appropriate level of immunity that allows the host and parasite to maintain a stable interaction.
Excitotoxicity and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Since its description by Charcot more than 130 years ago, the pathogenesis of selective motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains unsolved. Over the years, many pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed. Amongst others these include: oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, aggregate formation, inflammation, growth factor deficiency and neurofilament disorganization. This multitude of contributing factors indicates that ALS is a complex disease and also suggests that ALS is a multifactorial disorder. Excitotoxicity is not the newest and most spectacular hypothesis in the ALS field, but it is undoubtedly one of the most robust pathogenic mechanisms supported by an impressive amount of evidence. Moreover, the therapeutic efficacy of riluzole, the only drug proven to slow disease progression in ALS, is most likely related to its anti-excitotoxic properties. In this review, we will give an overview of the arguments in favor of the involvement of excitotoxicity in ALS and of the possible mechanisms leading to motor neuron death. We will also summarize the intrinsic properties of motor neurons that render these cells particularly vulnerable to excitotoxicity and could explain the selective vulnerability of motor neurons in ALS. All this information could help to develop new and better therapeutic strategies that could protect motor neurons from excitotoxicity.
An empirical examination of the reasons governing multiple unit franchise adoption in Australia

This study examines reasons why multiple unit franchising arrangements are adopted from a franchisor perspective. Based on the resource constraints and agency literatures a set of seven hypothesis explaining the choice of multiple unit franchising from a franchisor's perspective are derived and subjected to empirical assessment. The analysis is carried out using a sample of 114 Australian franchisors. Significant differences between prior explanations of the motivational incentives governing multiple unit adoption and practice within the Australian franchising sector were found. Results indicate that franchisors appear to approach the selection, recruitment and management of multiple unit franchisees in an ad hoc fashion that may have a deleterious effect upon the ongoing management of the franchising relationship. Implications for managerial action and future research direction are discussed.
Trends in the frequency of original research in acne vulgaris, rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis, skin cancer, and skin infections, 1970-2010.

CONTEXT Medical journals have allowed researchers to share their latest discoveries, especially in the most common diseases affecting patients worldwide. OBJECTIVE To analyze trends in the frequency of original research into common dermatologic diseases from 1970 to 2010. DESIGN A retrospective review of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Archives of Dermatology was performed using the MEDLINE database. All original research articles published between 1970 and 2010, by quinquennium, dealing with acne vulgaris, rosacea, skin cancer, dermatitis, psoriasis, or skin infections were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Total number of publications dealing with each dermatologic topic considered. RESULTS The frequency of research into acne vulgaris and rosacea decreased from 24% in 1970 to 5.1% in 2010. Psoriasis research increased in frequency from 17.6% to 26.5% from 2000 to 2010, and skin cancer research increased from 4% in 1970 to 48% in 2010. CONCLUSIONS Topics that experienced early advancements in research, such as acne vulgaris and rosacea, demonstrated a decreasing trend in the frequency of publication. Published psoriasis research has increased in frequency since 2000, most likely because of the discovery of biologics. Finally, skin cancer research has continued to increase in frequency of publication, paralleling the increasing incidence of skin cancer.
The Value Creation Process in Family Firms. A Dynamic Capabilities Approach

While most family-business research has focused on studies related with trans-generational value creation, a gap still exists in understanding how this value is generated across generations, especially in dynamic markets. The present research offers new insights through the lens of dynamic capabilities, which are generated by knowledge and in turn generate entrepreneurial performance for value creation in family business. Family inertia is considered to be a factor preventing the creation of dynamic capabilities. It depends on the familybusiness culture, where paternalism and entrepreneurial drive influence family inertia positively and negatively, respectively. Four family firms from Switzerland and Italy are part of this research.
Service loyalty: The effects of service quality and the mediating role of customer satisfaction

Service loyalty, with its final effect on repurchasing by customers, appears to have received relatively little attention. This study starts by first delineating the concept of service loyalty and proceeds to distinguish between service quality and customer satisfaction. A mediational model that links service quality to service loyalty via customer satisfaction is proposed. Appropriate measures are identified and a postal survey is undertaken among 1,000 retail banking customers. A response rate of 20.5 per cent is obtained. Results indicate that customer satisfaction does play a mediating role in the effect of service quality on service loyalty. The effects of a number of demographic indicators on service loyalty are also reported. Implications are discussed, limitations of the study are noted and possible areas for further research are indicated.
Effects of Warning Explicitness on Product Perceptions

A common assumption of manufacturers is that explicit warning labels will deter consumers from purchasing products. This study explored people's reactions to explicit and nonexplicit warning labels, where explicitness refers to how specifically the potential injury consequences were described. 108 subjects completed a 12-item questionnaire for each of nine familiar consumer products. The questions covered the severity of potential injury, product familiarity, product hazards and dangerousness, manufacturer's concerns, and potential purchasing decisions. Results suggest that products are perceived as more dangerous and related injuries as more severe when warnings are explicit. Also, with explicit warnings subjects report that they better understand the hazards, that they are being provided with all the necessary safety information, and that manufacturers are more concerned about safety. There was no clear indication that more explicit warnings either deter people from purchasing a product or increase the likelihood of a purchase.
Pharmacokinetics and concentration-effect relationship of adalimumab in rheumatoid arthritis.

AIMS This study aimed at describing adalimumab pharmacokinetics (PK) and the concentration-effect relationship of adalimumab using pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modelling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Adalimumab PK and PK-PD data were obtained from a multicentric observational study. Adalimumab (40 mg) was administered subcutaneously every other week, and its pharmacokinetics was described using a one-compartment model. The relationship between adalimumab concentration and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration was described using an indirect response model with inhibition of CRP input, whereas the relationship between adalimumab concentration and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) was described using a direct inhibition model. Dose regimens that included a loading dose of adalimumab were simulated. RESULTS Thirty patients treated for RA were analysed. The following pharmacokinetic and PK-PD parameters were estimated (interidividual coefficient of variation): apparent volume of distribution (Vd /F) = 10.8 l (92%); apparent clearance (CL/F) = 0.32 l day(-1) (17%); first-order absorption rate (ka ) = 0.28 day(-1) ; CRP input (kin ) = 22.0 mg l(-1) day(-1) (65%); adalimumab concentration leading to a 50% decrease in kin (C50 ) = 3.6 mg l(-1) (88%); baseline DAS28 (DAS0 ) = 5.5 mg l(-1) (11%); and adalimumab concentration leading to 50% decrease of DAS0 (IC50 ) = 11.0 mg l(-1) (71%). Simulations showed that a 160 mg loading dose should reduce the time to reach efficacy in terms of both CRP and DAS28 after the first injection. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to describe adalimumab pharmacokinetics and the concentration-effect relationship in RA. A 160 mg loading dose may lead to an increased benefit from treatment in RA patients.
Industry Screening: Evidence from Seasoned Equity Offerings

Investors may rely on industries to judge the quality of seasoned equity Offerings. In this paper, we propose an industry screening hypothesis where poorer industrial growth prospects deter lower-quality firms from issuing equity. We expect issuer quality to be negatively associated with industry growth opportunities. Our empirical evidence shows that low-growth industry issuers outperform those from high-growth industries in their announcement period cumulative abnormal returns and post-issue operating performance. These results are robust against alternative explanations. We interpret these findings as evidence for the existence of the industry screening eect.
Essays on Auction Theory

This work is composed of three essays on auction theory. In the first essay, we analyze the optimal auction of multiple non-identical objects when buyers are risk averse. We show that the auction forms that yield the maximum revenue in the risk neutral case are no longer optimal. In particular, selling the goods independently does not maximize the seller's revenue. On the other hand, the optimal auction remains weakly efficient. The optimal auction has the following properties: The seller perfectly insures all buyers against the risk of losing the object(s) for which they have high valuation. While the buyers who have high valuation for both objects are compensated if they do not win either object, the buyers who have low valuation for both objects incur a positive payment in the same event.In the second essay, we question whether, in the all-pay auction, the seller's commitment to the reserve price is beneficial if she has the chance of repeating the auction, possibly with a different reserve price, in case there is no sale in the first period. We show that, for any number of potential buyers, non-commitment is preferable only if the seller is relatively more patient than the buyers. Moreover, as the number of potential buyers increases, the seller's incentive to commit increases if she maximizes the average bid, whereas it decreases if she maximizes the highest bid. A possible explanation is that if the seller maximizes the average (highest) bid then screening high types (highest type) becomes costlier (less costly) as more buyers participate in the auction.The third essay studies collusive behavior in the Ausubel auction in an environment with incomplete information. The Ausubel auction is vulnerable to collusion due to two main reasons: First, the mechanism has a dynamic nature that allows the bidders to detect and punish those that deviate from the agreed collusive strategy. Second, in case a bidder strategically reduces his demand to signal his intention to collude, the mechanism allows the opponents to correctly interpret the signal.
Appraiisall Poll iiciies to Motiivate Teachiing – A Case Study iin a Viietnamese Uniiversiity

The extent of teachers’ motivation to improve the quality of teaching triggered by appraisal policies in The University of Pedagogy in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (hereafter referred as The University) is explored in this paper. The paper reports on a study of the attitudes of department heads and teachers in The University towards appraisal policies that are one of those used to motivate teachers to improve their teaching quality. It is argued that if those appraisal policies could provide greater incentives to promote teaching, the quality of teaching in The University would be improved.
Global Factors in the Hermann Grid Illusion

Most explanations of the Hermann grid illusion are local in nature. For example, in Baumgartner's model the effect is generated by the response of cells having concentric on—off or off—on receptive fields. Such models predict that the magnitude of the illusion at a given intersection should be the same whether that intersection is viewed in isolation or in conjunction with other intersections in a grid. Two experiments are reported. The first demonstrates that illusion magnitude grows with the number of intersections. The second shows that this growth is seen when the intersections are arranged in an orderly grid but not when they are placed irregularly. These results suggest that a purely local model for the Hermann grid illusion is not a complete explanation. Global factors must be involved.
Corporate Strategy and the Small Firm

There is very little known about the interplay between the management development and strategic issues associated with the birth and growth of the firm.1 Indeed, most of the advice, teaching, and other schemes tend to focus on relatively easy technical problems such as taxation, legislation or accounting procedures, and on solving problems rather than on the more difficult conceptual area of developing a total strategy.2
Service Loyalty

Marketing academics and practitioners generally agree that customer loyalty is vital to business success. There is less agreement on the factors that determine customer loyalty, particularly in service contexts. Research on the determinants of service loyalty has taken three distinct paths: quality/value/satisfaction, relationship quality, and relational benefits. The authors coalesce these paths to derive a model that links dimensions of customer loyalty (cognitive, affective, intention, and behavioral) with a system of determinants. The model is tested with data from varied services (airlines, banks, beauty salons, hospitals, hotels, mobile telephone) and 3,500 customers in China. Results are consistent across contexts and support a multidimensional view of customer loyalty. Key loyalty determinants are customer satisfaction, commitment, service fairness, service quality, trust, and a construct new to service loyalty models—commercial friendship. The research contributes to the literature by providing a more complete, integrated view of customer loyalty and its determinants in services contexts.
Guide to the identification of interstitial cells of Cajal

The interstitial cell of Cajal, abbreviated ICC, is a specific cell type with a characteristic distribution in the smooth muscle wall throughout the alimentary tract in humans and laboratory mammals. The number of publications relating to ICC is rapidly increasing and demonstrate a rich variation in the structure and organization of these cells. This variation is species‐, region‐, and location‐dependent. We have chosen to define a “reference ICC,” basically the ICC in the murine small intestine, as a platform for discussion of variability. The growing field of ICC markers for light and electron microscopy is reviewed. Although there is a rapidly increasing number of approaches applicable to bright field and fluorescence microscopy, the location of markers by electron microscopy still suffers from inadequate preservation of ultrastructural detail. Finally, we summarize evidence related to ICC ultrastructure under conditions differing from those of the normal, adult individual (during differentiation, in pathological conditions, transplants, mutants, and in cell culture). Microsc. Res. Tech. 47:248–266, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.