Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Effects of α-Tocopherol and γ-Tocotrienol against Oxidative Stress in Two Different Neuronal Cultures (Perbandingan Kesan α-Tokoferol dan γ-Tocotrienol Terhadap Tekanan Oksidatif Pada Dua Kultur Neuron Yang Berlainan)

Tocopherols and tocotrienols have been shown in previous studies to protect neurons from oxidative injuries, especially from hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) induced oxidative stress. In this study, we compared two vitamin E isomers, γ-tocotrienol (GTT) and α-tocopherol (ATF) in their neuroprotective effects against H 2 O 2 -induced apoptosis in primary rat cortical neurons and human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. Cytotoxicity screening of H 2 O 2 , GTT and ATF was done to determine the IC 50 levels. To screen for neuroprotective effects, cortical neurons and SH-SY5Y cell cultures were pre-incubated with GTT or ATF, respectively at different concentrations for 1 hour before concurrent treatment of H 2 O 2 at IC 50 . Results of these treatments were compared to cells treated with H 2 O 2 only and control cells. Cytotoxicology screening showed that IC 50 of H 2 O 2 for cortical neuron is at 50 µM while SH-SY5Y have higher IC 50 of 100 µM. GTT is cytotoxic to cortical neurons at ≥50 µM and SH-SY5Y at ≥100 µM while ATF did not show any toxicity within the range of concentration tested (1-750 µM). Results from neuroprotection screening showed that GTT and ATF were able to protect both cortical neurons and SH-SY5Y from H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress at concetration of ≤10 µM. Cellular uptake of GTT is higher in both cortical neurons and SH-SY5Y as compared to ATF when both cortical neuron and SH-SY5Y were incubated with 10 µM GTT or ATF, respectively for 24 hour. Although primary rat cortical neurons and human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y were different culture system, the effects of GTT and ATF are similar in both H 2 O 2 –induced culture which strongly suggest that both GTT and ATF act as free radical scavenger to exert their neuroprotective effects.
Creative Self-Efficacy: An Exploration of Its Antecedents, Consequences, and Applied Implications

ABSTRACT Creativity and innovation are at the core of important outcomes such as economic and sales growth, production of articles and students' learning. Thus, it is not surprising to find research articles on creativity and innovation across different disciplines such as business, psychology, and education. Given the importance of understanding creativity and innovation, we reviewed the empirical literature examining the antecedents and consequences of creative self-efficacy in the work domain. Our review used the theory of individual creative action and social cognitive theory as guiding frameworks to place creative self-efficacy in the creativity and innovation process, define creativity and innovation, explore how creative self-efficacy has been measured, examine the antecedents and consequences of creative self-efficacy, point out gaps in knowledge and offer suggestions for future research and provide some applied implications. One important finding was that creative self-efficacy has made a significant contribution as a process variable explaining how several organizational and personal factors influence creative outcomes via their influence on creative self-efficacy.
Alternative substrates in the production of lettuce seedlings and their productivity in the field

Based on the hypothesis that alternative substrates should improve the yield of lettuce crops by producing better quality seedlings, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different substrates on the production of seedlings of this species, and their growth in the field. The study was in two stages. The first consisted of the production of lettuce seedlings, and the second assessed their development in the field. Four alternative substrates were tested, obtained by mixing together a sieved vermicompost from which all clumps had been removed, sterilized sand, charred rice husks and basalt powder. The commercial substrate, Plantmax HA®, was also tested. In the first phase, which was conducted in a completely randomised design with four replications, the height, root length, number of leaves, leaf area and dry weight of the seedlings were all evaluated 28 days after sowing. In the second phase, which was carried out in the field in a randomised block design with four replications, the plants were harvested 50 days after transplanting and the head diameter, fresh weight, number of leaves and leaf and stem dry weight were evaluated. The alternative substrates produced larger seedlings in less time than the commercial substrate, resulting in a reduction of 10 days in the total crop cycle. The reduction in the time between sowing and harvesting, together with those aspects relating to sustainability, are the main advantages of the use of alternative substrates, since in the field crop production did not differ between treatments.
CONCENTRATIONS OF SOME METABOLITES IN THE AQUEOUS HUMOUR OF HUMAN SENILE CATARACTOUS EYES

Glucose, pyruvate, 1‐lactate, and citrate concentrations of the aqueous humour were examined in 51 patients aged 54–87 years with senile cataracts, and in one patient with a clear lens. Furthermore, the ratios of glucose in aqueous/glucose in plasma and citrate in aqueous/citrate in plasma were investigated.
Issues of Consent for Regional Analgesia in Labour: A Survey of Obstetric Anaesthetists

Anaesthetists are legally obliged to obtain consent and inform patients of material risks prior to administering regional analgesia in labour. We surveyed consultant members of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists with a special interest in obstetric anaesthesia, in order to identify and compare which risks of regional analgesia they report discussing with women prior to and during labour. We also asked about obstetric anaesthetists’ beliefs about informed consent, the type of consent obtained and its documentation. Of 542 questionnaires distributed, 291 responses (54%) were suitable for analysis. The five most commonly discussed risks were post dural puncture headache, block failure, permanent neurological injury, temporary leg weakness and hypotension. Obstetric anaesthetists reported discussing a mean of 8.0 (SD 3.8) and 10 (SD 3.8) risks in the labour and antenatal settings respectively. Nearly 20% of respondents did not rank post dural puncture headache among their top five most important risks for discussion. Seventy percent of respondents indicated that they believe active labour inhibits a woman's ability to give ‘fully informed consent’. Over 80% of respondents obtain verbal consent and 57 (20%) have no record of the consent or its discussion. Obstetric anaesthetists reported making a considerable effort to inform patients of risks prior to the provision of regional analgesia in labour. Verbal consent may be appropriate for labouring women, using standardized forms that serve as a reminder of the risks, and a record of the discussion. Consensus is required as to what are the levels of risk from regional analgesia in labour.
Protective Effects of Antimuscarinics on the Bladder Remodeling After Bladder Outlet Obstruction

Background/Aims: Overactive bladder associated with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is a highly prevalent condition, which is usually treated with antimuscarinics. However, the potential effects of antimuscarinics on the structure and function of bladder have not been investigated thus far. Methods: Sprague-Dawley(R) rats accepted bladder neck obstruction surgery or sham surgery, and then received treatment of three different antimuscarinics (Solifenacin, Darifenacin, and Tolterodine) or vehicle. After 3, 6 and 12 weeks, the bladder function and structure were measured. The effect of antimuscarinics on cellular alteration in vitro was observed under mechanical stimulation. Bladder morphology were examined by immunohistochemistry, and the bladder function were investigated by cystometry and strip contractility test. The expression of muscarinic receptors and inflammatory cytokines were measured by PCR and Western blotting. Results: Here we demonstrate, both in vitro and in vivo, that antimuscarinics are protective regulators for the bladder structure and function. Antimuscarinics decrease the weight of bladders with BOO. Antimuscarinics improve the voiding parameter and enhance the contraction of bladder smooth muscle. The results also show that antimuscarinics inhibit the proliferation of bladder smooth muscle cells both in vivo and in vitro, it can reduce the collagen deposition and inflammatory cytokines in bladders with BOO. During this process, the expression of M2 and M3 receptors was altered by antimuscarinics. Conclusion: Antimuscarinics could reverse the structural and functional changes of BOO bladder wall at cellular and tissue level, and the alteration of M2 and M3 receptors may be involved in this biological process.
Late‐onset myasthenia gravis: A review when incidence in older adults keeps increasing

We define late‐onset myasthenia gravis (LOMG) when symptoms appear at ≥65 years of age. There has been a continuous increase in the incidence of LOMG with a clear male predominance. Commonly, patients present with focal (ocular or bulbar) weakness. A high index of suspicion required to achieve early diagnosis and to improve prognosis. Management options include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, steroids, and immunosuppressants. The most controversial issue in treatment is thymectomy, because not enough data are available. Successful treatment is associated with improved survival, and death is often secondary to comorbidities. Muscle Nerve 48:705–710, 2013
Ordering and dynamics of the central tetrahedron in the 1/1 Zn6Sc periodic approximant to quasicrystal

Periodic approximants to quasicrystals offer a unique opportunity to better understand the structure, physical properties and stabilizing mechanisms of their quasicrystal counterparts. We present a detailed study of the order–disorder phase transition occurring at about 160 K in the Zn6Sc cubic approximant to the icosahedral quasicrystal i-MgZnSc. This transition goes along with an anti-parallel ordering of the tetrahedra located at the centres of large atomic clusters, which are packed on a bcc lattice. Single crystal x-ray diffuse scattering shows that the tetrahedra display pre-transitional short range ordering above Tc (Yamada et al 2012 in preparation). Using quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) we clearly evidence this short range order to be dynamical in nature above Tc. The QENS data are consistent with a model of tetrahedra ‘jumping’ between almost equivalent positions, which is supported by molecular dynamics simulations. This demonstrates a unique dynamical flexibility of the Zn6Sc structure even at room temperature.
Sample-Spacings-Based Density and Entropy Estimators for Spherically Invariant Multidimensional Data

While the sample-spacings-based density estimation method is simple and efficient, its applicability has been restricted to one-dimensional data. In this letter, the method is generalized such that it can be extended to multiple dimensions in certain circumstances. As a consequence, a multidimensional entropy estimator of spherically invariant continuous random variables is derived. Partial bias of the estimator is analyzed, and the estimator is further used to derive a nonparametric objective function for frequency-domain independent component analysis. The robustness and the effectiveness of the objective function are demonstrated with simulation results.
Reliability and validity of goal orientation in exercise measure (GOEM) — Turkish version

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Goal Orientation in Exercise Measure (GOEM). There were 408 participants who were regularly exercising and their age ranged from 17 to 61 years old. The psychometric characteristics of the scale were investigated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity, internal consistency, and test–retest. EFA results showed that GOEM had a two-factor structure (ego and task orientation). CFA confirmed this structure (χ 2/df = 1.83; AGFI = .95; GFI = .97; CFI = .98; NFI = .97; TLI = .98; RMSEA = .045, SRMR = .049). Cronbach’s Alpha values were found as . 90 for ego orientation and . 87 for task orientation. Test–retest coefficient for GOEM was . 88 for ego orientation and . 87 for task orientation. Furthermore, correlations between the goal orientations and behavioral regulations served to provide initial evidence for the convergent validity of the measure. These results indicated that GOEM is a reliable and valid scale in Turkish context.
Commitment to the underserved: evaluating the effect of an extracurricular medical student program on career choice.

BACKGROUND This study was conducted to compare the practice locations and characteristics of physicians who participated as medical students in an extracurricular program to foster interest in careers of service to medically underserved populations with those of their classmates who did not participate in the program. METHODS Using a mailed questionnaire, we conducted a cross-sectional study of graduates from the classes of 1983-1987 at one southwestern, public medical school. All Commitment to Underserved People (CUP) participants (n = 94) and a random sample of nonparticipating classmates (n = 188) were surveyed. CUP is an extracurricular project with components in each of 4 years of medical school that provides peer and faculty support, curriculum enrichment, and direct service to medically underserved populations. Outcome measures included the size of community of practice, practice type, and practice patient characteristics. RESULTS Sixty seven (71%) of CUP participants and 126 (67%) of nonparticipants responded. CUP participants were more likely to be women, to specialize in family practice, to practice in the Indian Health Service (IHS) or overseas, to be located in a community of 25,000 or less, and to have participated in the state, service-payback loan program. In multiple regression, the specialty of family practice was associated with practice in a small community, the IHS, and a community health center; CUP participation was correlated with practice in small communities, the IHS, and a foreign country. CONCLUSIONS Participation in the CUP program was associated with the specialty choice of family practice and with practice in settings associated with medically underserved populations. The CUP program has been successful in sustaining entering medical students' interests in underserved practice.
Radiopharmaceuticals for assessing ABC transporters at the blood–brain barrier

ABC transporters protect the brain by transporting neurotoxic compounds from the brain back into the blood. P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is the most investigated ABC (efflux) transporter, as it is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Altered function of P‐gp can be studied in vivo, using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). To date, several radiopharmaceuticals have been developed to image P‐gp function in vivo. So far, attempts to image expression levels of P‐gp using radiolabeled P‐gp inhibitors have not been successful. Improved knowledge of compound behavior toward P‐gp from in vitro studies should increase predictability of in vivo outcome.
The Effects of Occupational Stress, Work-Centrality, Self-Efficacy, and Job Satisfaction on Intent to Quit Among Long-Term Care Workers in Korea

ABSTRACT A large and growing population of elderly Koreans with chronic conditions necessitates an increase in long-term care. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of occupational stress, work-centrality, self-efficacy, and job satisfaction on intent to leave among long-term care workers in Korea. We tested the hypothesized structural equation model predicting the intention to quit among long-term care workers in Korea. Survey data were collected from 532 long-term care workers in Seoul, Korea. Results showed that occupational stress was positively associated with intention to leave the job. The study also identified several possible mediators (self-efficacy, work-centrality, job satisfaction) in the relationship between stress and intent to quit. Evidence-based stress management interventions are suggested to help the workers better cope with stressors. Mentoring programs should also be considered for new workers.
El sistema nacional de innovación y la competitividad del sector manufacturero en México

A pesar de que desde hace casi 40 anos se han desarrollado politicas explicitas de ciencia y tecnologia e instituciones para instrumentarlas, persisten serios problemas para que la adopcion de innovacion por las empresas responda a esas politicas, lo cual, lejos de corresponder a un modelo sistemico, lleva a la desarticulacion. En esta situacion, la aparicion de ventajas competitivas basadas en tecnologia es un hecho aislado que se da generalmente en el nivel de empresas individuales lo cual provoca que los encadenamientos tecnologicos en el espacio nacional sean mas bien excepcionales. Es claro que la competitividad de la industria mexicana es aun baja y que el entorno no es suficientemente favorable. Por ello, es urgente realizar un esfuerzo nacional para mejorar la gestion de la innovacion como condicion de soberania, de construccion del futuro del pais, de la competitividad de sus empresas y del bienestar de su sociedad. En esta obra se hace una contribucion al analisis de sistemas sectoriales de innovacion, a partir del concepto de sistemas de innovacion y el estudio de casos de ramas manufactureras especificas. El trabajo constituye un esfuerzo por participar en la discusion con especialistas y estudiosos de la generacion de riqueza en la actividad productiva en Mexico y por analizar las interrelaciones de los diversos actores sociales de la innovacion, tales como las empresas, los centros generadores de conocimiento y el Estado. Asimismo, se aspira a que el analisis sirva a la labor de los disenadores de la politica de apoyo a la innovacion tecnologica.
Cardiovascular and neuroendocrine responses to extended laboratory challenge.

&NA; The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 2‐hour laboratory challenge on heart rate, blood pressure, catecholamines, and cortisol; and investigate the contribution of the physical act of speaking on both neuroendocrine and cardiovascular measures. Using a within‐subjects design, 14 subjects were tested individually during two separate laboratory sessions. During one session, subjects engaged in two cognitively demanding tasks for 2 hours. During the other session, subjects executed the verbal demands of the tasks for 2 hours, but cognitive demands were absent. During both sessions, blood pressure and heart rate were measured and arterialized blood samples were obtained for the measurement of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol. Subjects demonstrated significantly greater increases in systolic blood pressure diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, epinephrine, and cortisol during the cognitively challenging session than during the control session. It is concluded that sustained elevations in cardiovascular and neuroendocrine measures can be achieved in the laboratory, and that the effects of such tasks cannot be attributed solely to the physical demands of speaking. Implications for the measurement of circulating catecholamines and cortisol during laboratory studies are discussed.
Predictors of Severe Haematological Toxicity Secondary to Pegylated Interferon plus Ribavirin Treatment in HIV-HCV-Coinfected Patients

Background Haematological adverse events related to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) therapy could affect the patients’ quality of life; however, the risk factors for severe haematological toxicity associated with this therapy in patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV are unclear. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of severe haematological toxicity among HIV-HCV-coinfected patients treated with PEG-IFN plus RBV. Methods This retrospective multicentric study included 237 HIV-HCV-coinfected patients on PEG-IFN plus RBV. Predictors of severe anaemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and overall haematological toxicity were analyzed. Results Eighty (34%) individuals showed an episode of severe haematological toxicity. Severe anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 32 (13%), 42 (18%) and 26 (11%) patients, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, zidovudine use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6–10; P=0.001), baseline body weight <65 kg (AOR 2.5; 95% CI 1.1–5; P=0.024), cirrhosis (AOR 5; 95% CI 1.6–16.6; P=0.006), PEG-IFN-α2a (AOR 2.7; 95% CI 1.1–6.6; P=0.029) and pretreatment haemoglobin level <14 g/dl (AOR 2.7; 95% CI 1.3–5.5; P=0.005) were associated with any kind of severe haematological toxicity. Likewise, haemoglobin level <13 g/dl, neutrophil counts <2,500 cells/mm3 and platelet counts <175,000 cells/mm3 were independent predictors of severe anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, respectively. Conclusions Zidovudine treatment, cirrhosis, baseline low body weight, use of PEG-IFN-α2a, and baseline haemoglobin level <14 g/dl are predictors of overall severe haematological toxicity secondary to PEG-IFN plus RBV in HIV-infected individuals. Low pretreatment levels of each haematological series predict a significant decrease of their values during therapy.
Progressive proximal spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy of late onset. A sex-linked recessive trait.

Neurology 1968;18:671-680 Progressive spinal muscular atrophy, juvenile proximal spinal muscular atrophy (Kugelberg-Welander), and infantile muscular atrophy (Werdnig-Hoffman) comprise a group of diseases by virtue of their pathological similarity. Chronic degeneration of the lower motor neurons and neurogenic atrophy of the skeletal muscle are common to all. The diseases differ in mode of inheritance, age of onset, distribution of muscular atrophy, and prognosis. Some investigators have considered them as a continuum of the same disease, underscoring the pathological similarity, while others have emphasized the clinical differences and prefer to regard them as distinct entities. This report describes 2 families in which 11 members, all male, were affected by an unusual, slowly progressive spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. This disease, apparently inherited as a sex-linked recessive trait, becomes manifest clinically in the fourth and fifth decades and initially involves proximal muscles. The proximal weakness gave a clinical picture similar to muscular dystrophy in some patients. A full description is made of the prepositus of each family, but only the more striking features or unusual aspects are mentioned in the other cases. Case 1 (V-9). A 57-year-old white meat packer first noted the onset of low back pain at age 30 (Fig. 2). Five years later, he began to experience muscle cramps and fasciculations. He was able to wield a heavy meat cleaver until age 37 when increasing weakness of the shoulder and pelvic girdle muscles forced him to retire. A neurological examination at that time revealed weakness and fasciculations of the proximal limb and girdle muscles. Fig. 2. ( Left ) Case 1 (V-9). Member of B family. Weakness and atrophy of muscles in extremities, with maximal involvement in girdle musculature. Fig. 3. ( Right ) Case 7 (V-29). Member of B family. Progressive bulbar and limb weakness. He was first examined at the University of …