Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective potential of combination of resveratrol and 4-amino 1,8 naphthalimide in experimental diabetic neuropathy: Focus on functional, sensorimotor and biochemical changes

The present study investigated whether combination of resveratrol and 4-amino 1,8 naphthalimide (4-ANI) is effective in the development of diabetic neuropathy (DN). After 6 weeks of diabetes induction, rats were treated for 2 weeks with resveratrol and 4-amino 1,8 naphthalimide (4-ANI) either alone or in combination. Experimental end points included functional, behavioural and biochemical parameters along with PAR immunohistochemistry and were performed at the end of treatment. Combination of resveratrol (10 mg/kg) and 4-ANI (3 mg/kg) attenuated conduction and nerve blood flow deficits and resulted in amelioration of diabetic neuropathic pain. Significant reversal of biochemical alterations (peroxynitrite, MDA and NAD levels) were also observed, as well as PAR accumulation in the sciatic nerve. This study suggests the beneficial effect of combining resveratrol and 4-ANI in experimental diabetic neuropathy.
The Ukraine conflict, economic–military power balances and economic sanctions

Abstract The evolution and outcomes of conflicts in Europe, including the current one in Ukraine, have been influenced by the dynamics of economic, technological and military balances, which in turn are affected by the economic warfare and sanctions that have been used to alter them. This article reviews defence economic concepts of relevance to the Ukraine conflict and then draws out lessons for the present concerning power balances, military capabilities, conventional deterrence, economic warfare and counter-measures against sanctions from experiences in Europe in the twentieth century. An evaluation is made of the impacts of economic sanctions on Russia and Ukraine in 2014–2016.
Ensuring restaurant quality and guests’ loyalty: an integrative model based on marketing (7P) approach

Previous studies have highlighted the importance of several quality attributes in determining guests’ assessment of restaurant quality and their influence on building guests’ loyalty towards the restaurant service provider. However, no previous study has investigated which marketing quality dimensions (7P) really matter in assessing the quality of the dining experience and influencing the development of guests’ loyalty. The present study was, therefore, designed to develop an understanding of the relationships among these variables. An integrative marketing-oriented model was developed and tested using data collected from guests in the restaurant industry. Results reveal that guests perceive restaurant quality according to three marketing quality dimensions – (1) people, (2) placement, and (3) product (food) and physical evidences – while only the people dimension significantly influences post-purchase behaviour. Research results show that no other marketing dimensions are statistically significant in determining restaurant quality perception and guests’ loyalty development. Implications of the findings and areas for future research are discussed.
Tumor Necrosis Factor- -converting Enzyme (TACE/ADAM- 17) Mediates the Ectodomain Cleavage of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1)*

Ectodomain shedding has emerged as an important regulatory step in the function of transmembrane proteins. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), an adhesion receptor that mediates inflammatory and immune responses, undergoes shedding in the presence of inflammatory mediators and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The shedding of ICAM-1 in ICAM-1-transfected 293 cells upon PMA stimulation and in endothelialcellsupontumornecrosisfactorstimulationwasblockedby metalloproteinase inhibitors, whereas serine protease inhibitors were ineffective. p-Aminophenylmercuric acetate, a mercuric compound that is knowntoactivatematrixmetalloproteinases,up-regulatedICAM-1shedding. TIMP-3 (but not TIMP-1 or -2) effectively blocked cleavage. This profile suggests the involvement of the ADAM family of proteases in the cleavage of ICAM-1. The introduction of enzymatically active tumor necrosis factor-converting enzyme (TACE) into ICAM-1-expressing cells up-regulated cleavage. Small interfering RNA directed against TACE blockedICAM-1cleavage. ICAM-1transfected intoTACE / fibroblasts didnotshowincreasedsheddingoverconstitutivelevels inthepresenceof PMA,whereas cleavagedidoccur in ICAM-1-transfectedTACE / cells. TheseresultsindicatethatICAM-1sheddingismediatedbyTACE.Blocking the shedding of ICAM-1 altered the cell adhesive function, as ICAM1-mediatedcelladhesionwasup-regulatedinthepresenceofTACEsmall interfering RNA and TIMP-3, but not TIMP-1. However, cleavage was found to occur at multiple sites within the stalk domain of ICAM-1, and numerouspointmutationswithin the regiondidnot affect cleavage, indicating that TACE-mediated cleavage of ICAM-1 may not be sequence-specific.
Political connections, institutional investors and dividend payouts in Malaysia

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the agency problem of expropriation using dividends in politically connected firms and the relevance of institutional investors in limiting this problem. The growing presence of this group of shareholders offers a unique opportunity to test their importance in the context of dividends payments and expropriation. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the Tobit regression to test the association between political connection, institutional investors and dividend payouts. The results are also robust to the three-stage-least squares regressions method. Findings The study is based on a random sample of 2,458 Malaysian firms-year observations for the period of 2004-2009. The results reveal that politically connected firms have an inclination to pay lower dividends, while institutional ownership is associated with higher dividend payouts. Furthermore, the findings reveal that higher levels of institutional ownership moderates the negative relationship between politically connected firms and dividends. Research implications The findings have an important implication to regulators as it suggests that the institutional investors can influence the dividend payouts in politically connected firms through active monitoring, thus alleviating agency problems. This also provides a positive feedback on the regulators’ governance initiatives that quest to strengthen the roles of institutional investors. Originality/value This study is the first to examine the effectiveness of the monitoring role of institutional investors in the context of expropriation by politically connected firms from the perspective of dividend payouts.
Can I Do Everything?: Time Management in Neonatal Unit

This paper presents the findings of a study which explored the lived experience of 'managed time' for new graduate nurses working in a neonatal unit in the public health system in Australia. Information was collected through conducting in-depth focused interviews with six nurses. The data generated was analysed using Colaizzi's (1978) method of data analysis. Five themes emerged including: knowing, planning, support, fulfilment, adapting and being flexible. These exhaustive themes were integrated into a fundamental structure of 'managed time'. The findings of this study have revealed detailed insight into the phenomenon of managed time for new graduate nurses working in a neonatal unit.
The E. coli monothiol glutaredoxin GrxD forms homodimeric and heterodimeric FeS cluster containing complexes.

Monothiol glutaredoxins (mono-Grx) represent a highly evolutionarily conserved class of proteins present in organisms ranging from prokaryotes to humans. Mono-Grxs have been implicated in iron sulfur (FeS) cluster biosynthesis as potential scaffold proteins and in iron homeostasis via an FeS-containing complex with Fra2p (homologue of E. coli BolA) in yeast and are linked to signal transduction in mammalian systems. However, the function of the mono-Grx in prokaryotes and the nature of an interaction with BolA-like proteins have not been established. Recent genome-wide screens for E. coli genetic interactions reported the synthetic lethality (combination of mutations leading to cell death; mutation of only one of these genes does not) of a grxD mutation when combined with strains defective in FeS cluster biosynthesis (isc operon) functions [Butland, G. , et al. (2008) Nature Methods 5, 789-795]. These data connected the only E. coli mono-Grx, GrxD to a potential role in FeS cluster biosynthesis. We investigated GrxD to uncover the molecular basis of this synthetic lethality and observed that GrxD can form FeS-bound homodimeric and BolA containing heterodimeric complexes. These complexes display substantially different spectroscopic and functional properties, including the ability to act as scaffold proteins for intact FeS cluster transfer to the model [2Fe-2S] acceptor protein E. coli apo-ferredoxin (Fdx), with the homodimer being significantly more efficient. In this work, we functionally dissect the potential cellular roles of GrxD as a component of both homodimeric and heterodimeric complexes to ultimately uncover if either of these complexes performs functions linked to FeS cluster biosynthesis.
Effect of methyl testosterone administration on plasma viscosity in postmenopausal women

background Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of mortality in women, with an incidence that increases after menopause, hence suggesting a cardioprotective role of oestrogen. Menopause also results in a decline in androgen levels with resulting symptoms of decreased libido and sexual dysfunction. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the treatment of postmenopausal women with androgens. However, no data are available on plasma viscosity and fibrinogen levels in postmenopausal women on combined oestrogen/androgen therapy.
First report on the occurrence of SHV-12 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the Philippines.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Soon after the introduction of extended-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria that were resistant to the existing beta-lactams, resistant strains quickly emerged. This study investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, conjugative transferability, and molecular characterization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the Philippines. METHODS ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae were collected from patients at the Philippine General Hospital from June 2000 to August 2001. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined using the standard disk diffusion assay. ESBL production was confirmed using the double-disk synergy assay and the E-test, while the ESBLs were characterized for type using polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and isoelectric focusing. Conjugation studies were conducted in vitro on solid medium. RESULTS All of the ESBL-producing isolates were also resistant to most other classes of antimicrobials studied. The ESBL genes on conjugative and non-conjugative plasmids were bla(SHV-12). Fifteen isolates also carried bla(TEM-1). None of the isolates were positive for the CTX-M type of ESBL. Plasmids from cefoxitin-resistant isolates did not produce amplified products using CMY primers for the AmpC gene. CONCLUSIONS SHV-12 is the dominating ESBL among the Enterobacteriaceae studied. The gene bla(SHV-12) is carried together with genes for multiple resistance to other classes of antimicrobials in conjugative and nonconjugative plasmids.
Fundamental Properties of Local Anesthetics. II. Measured Octanol: Buffer Partition Coefficients and pKa Values of Clinically Used Drugs

Because local anesthetic molecules interact with ion channel proteins embedded in membranes to effect impulse blockade, and because their clinical potency often depends on both vascular absorption and distribution into the tissue surrounding the site of deposition, the ability to partition into these various compartments is an important determinant of local anesthetic action. Therefore, the hydrophobic nature of local anesthetics used clinically was characterized by the octanol:bufer partition coefficients of their charged (P+) and neutral (P0) species. This was accomplished by previously described optical methods in which direct spectrophotometric measurement of both the pH-dependent distribution coefficient (Q) and of the ionization permit calculation of the pKa and partition coefficients. The rates of alkaline hydrolysis of ester-linked molecules also were measured to assess potential interference of such hydrolysis with the physicochemical assays. Results indicate that the hydrophobicity of a local anesthetic is increased by manipulation of the molecular structure at three sites: (a) the aromatic ring; (b) the intermediate linking group; and (c) the tertiary amine. P0 for the agents studied was 103-105 times greater than P+. Although there is no systematic relationship between hydrophobicity and pKa, the latter is greater with ester-linked (pKa = 8.59−9.30) than with amide-linked (pKa = 7.92−8.21) local anesthetics. All of the charged species, with the exception of bupivacaine, selectively partition into the aqueous environment (P+ < 1.0). The temperature dependence of partitioning of the local anesthetics, measured at 25 and 36°C, indicates an entropy-driven hydrophobic uptake. Solutions bufered with bicarbonate and including 5% CO2 showed the same local anesthetic partitioning as that of CO2-free solutions, suggesting that potentiation of impulse blockade by CO2 is not due to increased membrane uptake. Correlations of physicochemical properties of local anesthetics with potencies on isolated nerve confirm that the more potent local anesthetics have greater octanol:buffer partition coefficients, and that the ester-linked local anesthetics are more potent than their amide-linked counterparts having the same hydrophobicities. The correlations of structure with potency also suggest that the extracellular protonated species may contribute to impulse blockade.
From Birth Till Death: Neurogenesis, Cell Cycle, and Neurodegeneration

Neurogenesis in the embryo involves many signaling pathways and transcriptional programs and an elaborate orchestration of cell cycle exit in differentiating precursors. However, while the neurons differentiate into a plethora of different subtypes and different identities, they also presume a highly polar structure with a particular morphology of the cytoskeleton, thereby making it almost impossible for any differentiated cell to re‐enter the cell cycle. It has been observed that dysregulated or forced cell cycle reentry is closely linked to neurodegeneration and apoptosis in neurons, most likely through changes in the neurocytoskeleton. However, proliferative cells still exist within the nervous system, and adult neural stem cells (NSCs) have been identified in the Central Nervous System (CNS) in the past decade, raising a great stir in the neuroscience community. NSCs present a new therapeutic potential, and much effort has since gone into understanding the molecular mechanisms driving differentiation of specific neuronal lineages, such as dopaminergic neurons, for use in regenerative medicine, either through transplanted NSCs or manipulation of existing ones. Nevertheless, differentiation and proliferation are two sides of the same coin, just like tumorigenesis and degeneration. Tumor formation may be regarded as a de‐differentiation of tissues, where cell cycle mechanisms are reactivated in differentiated cell types. It is thus important to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying various brain tumors in this perspective. The recent Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) hypothesis also suggests the presence of Brain Tumor Initiating Cells (BTICs) within a tumor population, although the exact origin of these rare and mostly elusive BTICs are yet to be identified. This review attempts to investigate the correlation of neural stem cells/precursors, mature neurons, BTICs and brain tumors with respect to cell cycle regulation and the impact of cell cycle in neurodegeneration. Anat Rec, 292:1953–1961, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phytoestrogens and their Potential Role in Prostate Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Prostate cancer is the most common visceral cancer and the third leading cause of death in the United States [1]. The prevalence of this latent disease is uniform world-wide and microscopic cancerous changes in the prostate gland occur universally as men age [2]. However, the incidence of prostate cancer is lower in the Asian population [3]. The incidence of prostate cancer in Asian immigrants who migrated to United States was comparable to the Western population and positively correlated with the age at immigration. Early life immigrants incidence of prostate cancer was nearly similar to the incidence of prostate cancer in the United States born residents. [4]. The results emphasized that diet and life-style factors were major components of the effects of geographic localization. Hormonally active compounds like phytoestrogens in Asian vegetarian and semivegetarian diets were hypothesized as the possible cause of the lower incidence of hormonally dependent tumors in Asian populations [5]. Phytoestrogens are biologically active phytochemicals with estrogenic and/or anti-estrogenic effects in the human body [6]. They are further classified into isoflavonoids, flavonoids, stilbenes, lignans and others on the basis of their chemical structure [7] See Figure 1. Isoflavone intake in Asian countries is approximately 25-50 mg/day, which is tenfold higher than the intake in Western countries [8]. Phytoestrogens are being studied extensively for their potential roles in hormonallysensitive cancers such as prostate, breast and colon cancers [9]. Most of the evidence thus far on the possible protective role of phytoestrogens is from epidemiologic, observational studies, in vitro and cell culture studies and small, randomized clinical trials with less than 100 patients. To date, the results have been inconsistent with possible benefits in some trials versus no benefits of phytoestrogens on prostate cancer in other trials. To our knowledge, there have been no final reports of large, randomized, controlled trials evaluating the benefits of phytoestrogens in prevention or treatment of prostate cancer. Hence, our goal is to review the current evidence on the potential role of phytoestrogens in prostate cancer. These compounds are of increasing interest to both the general population and to health care providers for cancer prevention and stabilization, given their availability in plant foods and in overthe-counter dietary supplements. We postulate that the evidence for a protective role of phytoestrogens is not conclusive enough for physicians to recommend them routinely as dietary supplements to prostate cancer patients or to men at high risk for prostate cancer, but their use can be considered for therapeutic use in prostate cancer patients under certain circumstances.
The Day of the Week Effect of Stock Returns: Empirical Evidence from Five Selected Arab Countries

This study examines the presence of one of the prominent anomalies which is the day of the week effect anomaly in five of Arab stock exchanges which are (Qatar, Amman, Palestine, Egypt, and Bahrain stock exchanges) cover the period from May 2010 to April 2014. By using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis and Post Hoc Tests, the study indicates that there is no existence of the day of the week effect in each of (Qatar, Amman, Egypt, and Bahrain stock exchange) while it is presence in Palestine stock exchange where the lowest return is in Sunday (the first trading day of the week) and the highest return is in Tuesday.
New formulations of tacrolimus and prevention of acute and chronic rejections in adult kidney-transplant recipients

ABSTRACT Introduction: As tolerance is not yet achievable, the kidney-transplanted-patients have to take on a daily-basis immunosuppressive drugs in order to avoid acute rejection-AR-. The cornerstone of immunosuppression relies on tacrolimus-therapy which is potentially nephrotoxic. Areas Covered: We identified from the studies published in the recent years those who were reporting on AR in de novo kidney-transplant recipients under tacrolimus-based therapy, as well as those who reported on the attempt to minimize tacrolimus-therapy. Results: There are many formulations of tacrolimus: immediate-release (Prograf®), slow-release (Advagraf®), or extended-release (Envarsus®). All demonstrate a very good efficacy in preventing AR episodes. Studies in which tacrolimus was minimized or even weaned-off have shown that it was unsafe, i.e. in resulting in AR episode and/or de novo donor-specific alloantibodies. Recent data show that Tacrobell®, a generic of tacrolimus, was as efficient as Prograf® in the short- and long-term. Expert-opinion: Tacrolimus-based immunosuppression is very effective in preventing rejection in kidney-transplant recipients. It might be associated with nephrotoxicity, that can be reduced by avoiding tacrolimus trough levels too high in the long-term. Conversely, tacrolimus ultraminimization should not be attempted.
Effect of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy on Pathologic Stage and Survival in Patients with Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer

Volume 3 | Issue 1 Effect of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy on Pathologic Stage and Survival in Patients with Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer Karapetyan L1, Burtness B2, Forastiere A3, Heitmiller RF4, Heath E5 and Gibson MK*1 1University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cleveland, Ohio, United States 2Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Oncology, New Haven, Connecticut, United States 3The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University, Division of Medical Oncology, Baltimore, United States 4Medstar Union Memorial Hospital, Department of General Surgery, Baltimore, United States 5Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Department of Medical Oncology, Detroit, Michigan, United States
Polyandry produces sexy sons at the cost of daughters in red flour beetles

Female mating with multiple males within a single fertile period is a common phenomenon in the animal kingdom. Female insects are particularly promiscuous. It is not clear why females mate with multiple partners despite several potential costs, such as expenditure of time and energy, reduced lifespan, risk of predation and contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Female red flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum) obtain sufficient sperm from a single insemination to retain fertility for several months. Nonetheless they copulate repeatedly within minutes with different males despite no direct fitness benefits from this behaviour. One hypothesis is that females mate with multiple partners to provide indirect benefits via enhanced offspring fitness. To test this hypothesis, we compared the relative fitness of F1 offspring from females mated with single males and multiple males (2, 4, 8, or 16 partners), under the condition of relatively high intraspecific competition. We found that a female mating with 16 males enhanced the relative fitness of F1 males (in two out of three trials) but reduced F1 female's fitness (in two independent trials) in comparison with singly mated females. We also determined whether several important fitness correlates were affected by polyandry. We found that F1 males from mothers with 16 partners inseminated more females than F1 males from mothers with a single partner. The viability of the eggs sired or produced by F1 males and females from highly polyandrous mothers was also increased under conditions of low intra–specific competition. Thus, the effects of polyandry on F1 offspring fitness depend on environmental conditions. Our results demonstrated a fitness trade–off between male and female offspring from polyandrous mothers in a competitive environment. The mechanisms and biological significance of this unique phenomenon are discussed.