Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leadership Style and Perception of Effectiveness: Enlightening Malaysian Managers

In the past, the leadership style of Malaysian managers has been different from our Western counterparts due to strong cultural differences. However, with the advent of knowledge economy and the transformation of workforce, leadership style of Malaysian managers is said to be altered. This research explored the current state of leadership style among Malaysian managers and its effect on the perception of effectiveness. A survey method was employed and the data was drawn from subordinates who were working in private and public sectors in the Klang Valley area. When compared to past literature, the results imply that a shift has taken place primarily with regards to autocratic leadership. Respondents attributed leadership effectiveness to the use of participative and nurturant-task leader behavior. Gender differences were not significantly evident.
Potential Role of microRNAs in Cardiovascular Disease: Are They up to Their Hype?

Abstract: Purpose of Review Cardiovascular diseases remain the foremost cause of mortality globally. As molecular medicine unravels the alterations in genomic expression and regulation of the underlying atherosclerotic process, it opens new vistas for discovering novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutics for limiting the disease process. miRNAs have emerged as powerful regulators of protein translation by regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Recent Findings Overexpression and under-expression of specific miRNAs are being evaluated as a novel approach to diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. This review sheds light on the current knowledge of the miRNA evaluated in cardiovascular disease. Conclusion In this review we summarize the data, including the more recent data, regarding miRNAs in cardiovascular disease and their potential role in future in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
QoS-aware, Optimal and Automated Service Composition with Users' Constraints

In order to address a fundamental issue of automated service composition, this paper presents a novel approach for QoS-aware, optimal and automated service composition with users' constraints. Firstly, we construct the workflow of service composition automatically, according to users' service request. And then, we propose an Enhanced Genetic Algorithm to select the QoS-aware, optimal service composition, considering not only the QoS constraints but also the composing consumption constraints for the first time. With our approach, the result of service composition can meet different users' needs in various scenarios. The experiments validate correctness, significance and scalability of the approach.
Ni(II).Arg-Gly-His-DNA interactions: investigation into the basis for minor-groove binding and recognition.

A study of the minor-groove recognition of A/T-rich DNA sites by Ni(II). L-Arg-Gly-His and Ni(II). D-Arg-Gly-His was carried out with a fluorescence-based binding assay, one- and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) NMR methodologies, and molecular simulations. Fluorescence displacement titrations revealed that Ni(II). L-Arg-Gly-His binds to A/T-rich sequences better than the D-Arg diastereomer, while NMR investigations revealed that both metallopeptides bind to the minor groove of an AATT core region as evidenced by an intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) between each metallopeptide His imidazole C4 proton and the C2 proton of adenine. Results from molecular dynamics simulations of these systems were consistent with the experimental data and indicated that the His imidazole N-H, the N-terminal peptide amine, and Arg side chains of each metallopeptide are major determinants of minor-groove recognition by functioning as H-bond donors to the O2 of thymine residues or N3 of adenine residues.
Interactive roles of NPR1 gene-dosage and salt diets on cardiac angiotensin II, aldosterone and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in mutant mice

Objective: The objective of the present study was to elucidate the interactive roles of guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPRA) gene (Npr1) and salt diets on cardiac angiotensin II (ANG II), aldosterone and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in Npr1 gene-targeted (1-copy, 2-copy, 3-copy, 4-copy) mice. Methods: Npr1 genotypes included 1-copy gene-disrupted heterozygous (+/−), 2-copy wild-type (+/+), 3-copy gene-duplicated heterozygous (++/+) and 4-copy gene-duplicated homozygous (++/++) mice. Animals were fed low, normal and high-salt diets. Plasma and cardiac levels of ANG II, aldosterone and pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined. Results: With a high-salt diet, cardiac ANG II levels were increased (+) in 1-copy mice (13.7 ± 2.8 fmol/mg protein, 111%) compared with 2-copy mice (6.5 ± 0.6), but decreased (−) in 4-copy (4.0 ± 0.5, 38%) mice. Cardiac aldosterone levels were increased (+) in 1-copy mice (80 ± 4 fmol/mg protein, 79%) compared with 2-copy mice (38 ± 3). Plasma tumour necrosis factor alpha was increased (+) in 1-copy mice (30.27 ± 2.32 pg/ml, 38%), compared with 2-copy mice (19.36 ± 2.49, 24%), but decreased (−) in 3-copy (11.59 ± 1.51, 12%) and 4-copy (7.13 ± 0.52, 22%) mice. Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1&agr; levels were also significantly increased (+) in 1-copy compared with 2-copy mice but decreased (−) in 3-copy and 4-copy mice. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that a high-salt diet aggravates cardiac ANG II, aldosterone and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in Npr1 gene-disrupted 1-copy mice, whereas, in Npr1 gene-duplicated (3-copy and 4-copy) mice, high salt did not render such elevation, suggesting the potential roles of Npr1 against salt loading.
Effects of a Couple Communication Program on Marital Adjustment

Background: Couples are usually advised to improve their communication skills to increase harmony and avoid conflicts. However, studies aimed at increasing marital adjustment in primary care are limited. Methods: A Couple Communication Program was announced at the Ondokuz Mayis University Permanent Education Center, and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale was administered to 67 couples who volunteered. Twenty-eight persons (14 couples) with the lowest test scores were randomized into study and control groups. At the end of the program (post-test), the scale was again administered to the study group. Afterward, the pretest and post-test scores of the study and control groups were compared. The study group’s pretest, post-test, and follow-up test scores were also examined. Results: No difference in marital adjustment was found between the study and control groups before the start of the program (P > .05). The post-test scores of the couples attending the Couple Communication Program proved to be higher in total than the scores of those who did not attend (P < .001). The post-test and follow-up scores of the study group were significantly higher than their pretest scores (P < .001). There was no significant difference between the post-test and follow-up scores of the study group (P = 1.0). Conclusion: This program may have a positive effect on marital adjustment levels by improving communication skills and may lead to long-term behavioral modifications in couples.
A scorecard for assessing functionality of community health unit in Kenya

Introduction In 2005, Kenya’s Ministry of Health (MOH) in its quest to improve health outcomes developed the Community Health Strategy (CHS) as a key approach. The MOH and partners grappled with the challenge of managing the functionality of the Community Health Units (CHUs). Amref Health Africa in Kenya developed a replicable CHUs Functionality Scorecard for measuring and managing the functionality of CHUs. Methods We designed and piloted the CHU Functionality Scorecard at 114 CHUs in Rift valley province in Kenya. The scorecard categorized CHUs as Functional, Semi-functional, or Non-Functional. We used before and after design to assess the functionality of the CUs. Results Over seven quarters (January 2012 to September 2013). The proportion of functional CHU increased from 3.5% to 82.9%, Semi-Functional reduced from 39% to 13% while Non-Functional reduced from 58% to 4%. The greatest improvements were noted in Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) receiving stipends, CHVs with referral booklets, monthly dialogue days, actions planning, chalk boards, and CHVs reporting rates. Conclusion The CHU functionality scorecard is a valuable tool for the management of performance, resource allocation, and decision making. We recommend the adoption of the Functionality Scorecard by the Kenya Government for country-wide application. We recommend: further work in defining Advanced Functionality and incorporating the same into the scorecard; and implementation research on long term sustainability of CHUs.
Cell‐cycle regulation of T‐cell responses – novel approaches to the control of alloimmunity

Summary: Alloreactive T cells undergo clonal expansion before they participate in allograft rejection. Current estimates suggest that roughly 1 in 20 peripheral T cells are alloreactive, and these cells may expand at least 20–50‐fold during an alloimmune response in vivo. The majority of immunosuppressive drugs currently used to facilitate graft survival in experimental models and in the clinic act to inhibit T‐cell proliferation. This review focuses on 1) recent advances in monitoring alloreactive T‐cell proliferation during alloimmune responses, 2) the link between cell division, anergy avoidance, and effector T‐cell differentiation, and 3) an overview of growth factor receptor‐coupled signal transduction pathways, with emphasis on key cell‐cycle regulators that may serve as potential targets for novel immunosuppressive or tolerance‐inducing strategies.
The Effect and Duration of Prophylactic Platelet Transfusions Before Insertion of a Central Venous Catheter in Patients with Bone Marrow Failure Evaluated with Point-of-Care Methods and Flow Cytometry

BACKGROUND:Patients with bone marrow failure and severe thrombocytopenia are frequently given prophylactic platelet transfusion before interventions. The clinical effects of such transfusions, however, are poorly defined. We performed a prospective observational study on patients with bone marrow failure scheduled for prophylactic platelet transfusion before the insertion of a central venous catheter. The objectives were to evaluate the effect and duration of prophylactic platelet transfusions on central venous catheter insertion in thrombocytopenic patients with bone marrow failure. METHODS:Thirty-nine adult patients with bone marrow failure and platelet counts below 50 × 109/L were consecutively enrolled before prophylactic platelet transfusion for subclavian central venous catheter insertion. Blood samples were drawn from the patients before platelet transfusion, 1 hour, and 4 hours after completion of the transfusion. The coagulation profile was assessed by conventional hematological tests, thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) assays (EXTEM® and FIBTEM®), multiple electrode aggregometry (Multiplate®) assays including adenosine diphosphate, collagen, and thrombin receptor agonist peptide, and by flow cytometry for the platelet expression of P-selectin (CD62P) and activated glycoprotein IIb–IIIa (PAC-1). Bleeding complications were classified with a 5-grade scale, according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. RESULTS:Seventeen women and 22 men were included in the study. Platelet count was increased from 24 × 109/L (18–32) before to 42 × 109/L (31–50) 1 hour after transfusion (P < 0.0001) and was not significantly different 4 hours after transfusion (40 × 109/L (29–50), P = 0.047). Maximal clot firmness EXTEM was increased from 38 mm (32–45) before to 46 mm (41–52) 1 hour after transfusion (P < 0.0001) and did not change 4 hours after transfusion. Clotting time EXTEM was decreased from 58.5 seconds (50–78) beforehand to 53 seconds (45–61) 1 hour after transfusion (P = 0.0006) and was not significantly different 4 hours after transfusion (57 seconds (52–70, P = 0.025). FIBTEM results were all unchanged after transfusion. All Multiplate analyses were significantly increased after 1 hour and were not diminished 4 hours after transfusion. Four grade 1 bleeding episodes occurred, but no grade 2 to 5 bleeding could be detected. Flow cytometry analyses showed mixed results with no overall trend. CONCLUSIONS:Prophylactic platelet transfusions in thrombocytopenic patients with bone marrow failure improve hemostatic parameters on ROTEM and Multiplate by increasing the number of platelets, and not through enhancement of platelet function. Improved clotting parameters on ROTEM and platelet aggregation on Multiplate appear to persist between 1 and 4 hours after transfusion.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor activity is associated with raised lactate levels after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass*

ObjectiveTo investigate the pathophysiology underlying raised lactate levels after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). DesignProspective observational study. SettingMedical and surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. PatientsA total of 40 patients undergoing first-time coronary artery bypass grafting with CPB. InterventionsThe prothrombotic response to cardiac surgery with CPB was assessed by measuring plasma levels of prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity. The hemodynamic responses to cardiac surgery with CPB were also measured using standard techniques. Measurements and Main ResultsAfter cardiac surgery, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 levels increased 6-fold and PAI activity increase 2- to 3-fold (p < .0001). Lactate levels were not associated with prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 and PAI activity levels after CPB. Lactate levels were associated with baseline PAI activity (p = .006), a history of hypertension (p = .02), raised baseline lactate levels (p = .02), an early increase in body temperature after CPB (p = .05), a late increase in oxygen consumption after CPB (p = .03), and a raised white cell count after CPB (p = .06). Lactate levels were inversely associated with the maximum activated clotting time level reached during CPB (p = .02). Multivariate linear regression demonstrated lactate levels were independently associated with baseline PAI activity. ConclusionWe found cardiac surgery with CPB was associated with a marked prothrombotic response. Lactate levels were associated with elevated baseline PAI activity and evidence of an amplified inflammatory response to cardiac surgery with CPB. Our findings implicate aspects of the inflammatory response, including microvascular thrombosis, in the development of raised lactate levels after cardiac surgery with CPB.
Prevalence of Obesity among Adolescents in Senior Secondary Schools in Oyo State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to examine the prevalence of obesity among adolescents in Oyo state. A total of 821 [male (383) and female (438)] aged 12–18 years were selected from 10 public and private secondary schools using multi-stage sampling techniques. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics. Results showed that majority (73.3%) of the respondents were between 15-18 years. Prevalence of obesity among the respondents using BMI-for-Age percentile shows that majority (82.5%) of the respondents were between 5th-85th percentiles (normal), 2.2% were between 85th95th percentiles (overweight), while 2.6% percentile were above 95th percentile (obese). Both sexes show a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in anthropometric measurement [height, body mass index (BMI-for-Age), triceps, biceps, waist circumference, hip circumference and percentage body fat]. Therefore, the study concluded that the prevalence of obesity among adolescents is relatively low and highlights the need for larger population-based studies to ascertain the overall prevalence within the state.
Epidemiological evaluation of release of monocyte TNF-alpha as an exposure and effect marker in pneumoconiosis: a five year follow up study of coal workers.

OBJECTIVES--To determine (a) reproducibility with previous cross sectional findings, and (b) the predictive value of initial release of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) towards later progression of coalworkers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). METHODS--Release of monocyte TNF-alpha after in vitro stimulation with coal mine dust, silica, and endotoxin was measured in 104 retired miners and was related to stage of CWP (chest radiograph) and cumulative exposure. A subgroup of 46 miners was screened by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Prospective analysis of TNF-alpha (40 out of 104 miners involved in the previous TNF-alpha study) was done by relating initial TNF-alpha to five year progression of CWP measured by comparison of paired chest radiographs. RESULTS--As observed previously, dust stimulated release of TNF-alpha was increased in miners, especially in the early stages of pneumoconiosis. Cumulative exposure was related to pneumoconiotic stage but not to release of TNF-alpha. This excluded TNF-alpha as an exposure marker. Initial concentrations (1987) of TNF-alpha were related to later progression of CWP. Miners who showed abnormally high dust stimulated release of TNF-alpha had an increased risk of progression in CWP (relative risk 8.1). CONCLUSIONS--These results show (a) the significant involvement of TNF-alpha in pneumoconiosis in humans induced by coal dust and (b) that this routine test possibly constitutes a powerful tool to estimate individual prognosis of pneumoconiotic disease, even after the end of occupational exposure.
Single Patch Antenna With Monopulse Patterns

A dual probe-fed single microstrip patch antenna for the monopulse tracking applications is proposed. The monopulse antenna, consisting of a slot-embedded patch, two symmetric probe feeds and a 180° directional coupler is fabricated in a normal PCB process with a size of only 0. 63λ × 0. 69λ. The sum or difference patterns are achieved with out-of-phase or in-phase feeding mechanism. A prototype shows that the measured -10-dB impedance bandwidth is 345MHz (2.11GHz-2.455GHz), and the measured port-isolation is higher than 15dB at the frequency band 2.12GHz-2.50GHz. The measured sum gain and difference null at boresight are 7.54dBi and -32.7dBi, respectively.
Hydrodynamics near a chiral critical point

We introduce a model for the real-time evolution of a relativistic fluid of quarks coupled to non-equilibrium dynamics of the long wavelength (classical) modes of the chiral condensate. We solve the equations of motion numerically in 3+1 space-time dimensions. Starting the evolution at high temperature in the symmetric phase, we study dynamical trajectories that either cross the line of first-order phase transitions or evolve through its critical endpoint. For those cases, we predict the behavior of the azimuthal momentum asymmetry for high-energy heavy-ion collisions at nonzero impact parameter.
The effect of use of pyridostigmine and requirement of vecuronium in patients with myasthenia gravis.

CONTEXT Patients with myasthenia gravis receive pyridostigmine, an anticholinesterase agent, as a part of therapy. These patients demonstrate a heightened sensitivity towards non-depolarising muscle relaxants. Continuing pyridostigmine till the day of the surgery or omitting it on the night before surgery could provide variable results with regards to the effect of vecuronium. AIMS Myographic evaluation of a dose of vecuronium in patients with myasthenia gravis on pyridostigmine therapy. SETTING AND DESIGN A randomised, double-blind, clinical study conducted in a teaching hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Medically (oral pyridostigmine) well-controlled adult patients with myasthenia gravis who were posted for thymectomy, were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in Group 1 received their last dose of pyridostigmine on the night before surgery while those in Group 2 received even the morning dose of the drug on the day of surgery. Neostigmine (1-2 mg) intravenously was used as rescue medication. Vecuronium (0.01 mg/kg) was used for intubation and muscle relaxation during trans-sternal thymectomy and its effect was reversed using neostigmine and atropine. RESULTS Fourteen patients (7 in each group) belonging to both sexes were enrolled in the study. The intubating dose of vecuronium showed quicker onset time (155 sec or 2.7 min approx.) and peak effect (99% T1 suppression) in patients belonging to Group 1, and 3/7 (43%) complained of respiratory discomfort while waiting for surgery. By giving the morning dose of pyridostigmine (Group 2), an identical intubating dose of vecuronium showed relative resistance (peak effect-97% T1 suppression) and delayed onset time (198 sec approx.). However, the reversal was complete at the end of surgery in both the regimens. CONCLUSIONS Omission of the pyridostigmine dose on the day of surgery predisposed patients with myasthenia gravis to the possibility of respiratory discomfort and sensitivity to vecuronium. Continued administration significantly prolonged the onset time of vecuronium and the patients required a higher dose of vecuronium.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of reproductive behavior in Iranian minor thalassemia couples.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of reproductive behavior in Iranian minor thalassemia couples in Ghaemshahr City, Mazandaran, Iran. METHODS This is a cross-sectional descriptive survey conducted in 2006. Birth rates from 1997-2005 and the number of newly registered patients from at risk couples was recorded. Tools for data collection were a valid questionnaire containing epidemiologic characteristics of couples, knowledge (20 questions), attitude 20 statements, and practice by studying the family file in health centers. Questionnaires were completed by husband and wife separately. Actual versus expected numbers of patients born in that period were compared. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 13.00, and p<0.05 was interpreted as significant. RESULTS Of the 240 at risk couples, 100 were studied. Of them, 82% had good knowledge of thalassemia, and 68.5% had a positive attitude toward thalassemia prevention program. Correlations of knowledge with attitude were significant (p<0.001), and 50% of the couples had unfavorable practice including unplanned pregnancy, fetal abortion without prenatal diagnosis (PND), delivery without PND, and having a child affected by thalassemia major (TM). Without PND, 4 TM patients were born. Ninety-eight episodes of unfavorable practice were reported. Meanwhile, the contraceptive method used by 12% of couples was unsafe. Suspected TM patients with no prevention program were 25; thus, the birth of 2 TM was prevented (92% reduction). CONCLUSION We achieved great success during the last 9 years in the region, and TM prevention program improved knowledge, attitude, and practice in high-risk couples and carrier families.