Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisme de l'apolipoprotéine E dans une population marocaine : fréquence allélique et relation avec les paramètres lipidiques plasmatiques

A l'heure actuelle, il n'existe pas de donnees etablissant la relation entre les parametres lipidiques et le polymorphisme de l'apolipoproteine E (apo E) dans une population marocaine. Dans ce travail, nous avons d'abord determine la frequence allelique de l'apo E dans cette population. Nous avons ensuite apprecie l'influence du genotype de l'apo E sur la concentration plasmatique des parametres lipidiques. Le genotype de l'apo E est determine par PCR-RFLP dans 168 echantillons sanguins provenant de Marocains en bonne sante (78 femmes et 90 hommes), âges de 20 a 50 ans (moyenne d'âge 32 ± 9 ans) et residant a Rabat et dans la region. Par ailleurs, le cholesterol total, les triglycerides, les apo E, A1 et B sont egalement mesures. La repartition des differents alleles de l'apo E est : 11 % pour epsilon4, 84 % pour epsilon3 et 5 % pour epsilon2. Il existe une correlation entre les genotypes de l'apo E et la concentration des parametres lipidiques. Ainsi, quand ils sont compares aux sujets E3/E3 pris comme reference, les sujets E2/E3 ont une concentration en apo E significativement plus elevee. Les sujets E4/E3 ont des concentrations plasmatiques en cholesterol total, en triglycerides et en apo B plus elevees. Les concentrations de cholesterol total, d'apo B sont significativement superieures chez la femme mais celles des triglycerides sont plus basses. La concentration de l'apo A1 n'est dependante ni du polymorphisme de l'apo E ni du sexe. Ces resultats mettent en evidence une grande influence des genotypes de l'apo E sur les concentrations du cholesterol total, des apo E et B et des triglycerides dans une population marocaine saine.
Cortical Neurogensis in Adult Brains After Focal Cerebral Ischemia

Stroke ranks as the most common reason to disable adult patients and the second most common reason for mortality. Current treatment of ischemic stroke through trombolysis or trombectomy aims to initiate successful early reperfusion into the ischemic penumbral tissue. If it is promptly and properly performed, it may reverse the ischemic cascade and rescue the ischemic penumbra from being further recruited into infarct and thus improve neurological outcome. Once the infarct is formed, no treatment is currently available to enhance the post stroke brain repair. Under physiological conditions, neurons in the cerebral cortex are terminally differentiated shortly after birth. The phenomenon that a cavity usually forms in the post stroke adult brain elicits the histological postulation that adult brains do not have the capacity to generate new neurons in the cerebral cortex after pathological insults i.e., stroke. Nevertheless, neurological recovery of various degrees is commonly seen in stroke patients with clinical improvement that starts from a week after stroke onset and may last up to 18 months. The underlying mechanisms for this recovery are only sparsely understood, although many factors have been suggested such as deafferentiating, activity-dependent synaptic changes, altered membrane excitability, and outgrowth of axons and dendrites.
Prevalence And Factors Associated With Chronic Diabetic Complications Among Patients Attending Primary Health Care, A Multi-Centric Study In Kuwait

Background: A substantial proportion of patients with diabetes develop long-term macrovascular and microvascular complications. Many risk factors have identified for development and progression of these complications. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of these complications among adult diabetic patients attending primary health care centers in Kuwait and to identify factors that could be associated with especially those factors that can be considered avoidable. Methods: This study was carried out in five primary health care centers representing the five health regions in Kuwait. The sample included 704 adult diabetic patients who had been diabetic for at least 2 years. The first phase of study was a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of chronic diabetic complications. The second one was a case-control study, whereas all patients with chronic diabetic complications (case group, n = 434) were compared to diabetic patients free from chronic complications (control group, n = 270) to determine the associated factors with cases. Analysis was initially carried out based on a series of univariate comparisons followed by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Out of 704 diabetic patients 61.6% n= had one or more chronic diabetic complications. Cardiovascular complications were diagnosed in 30.3%, nephropathy in 12.4%, neuropathy in 32.1%, lower limb complications in 21.9%, and retinopathy in 30.7% of patients. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, nationality, type and duration of diabetes, glycemic control, hypertension, obesity, physical exercises, and compliance with diet recommendations were proved as significant predictors of these complications. Conclusion: The high economic burden raised by diabetes and its complications challenges the Kuwaiti health care system to prevent the development and progression of diabetic complications. The study identified a group of predictor factors as hypertension and hyperglycemia, enhancement of patient’ compliance with regular follow-up visit, the role of health care providers in supplying patients with health information groups of patients who needed priorities of screening programs for development of complication. Keywords: chronic diabetic complications - prevalence - associated factors
Mathematics for first-year success

Successful completion of tertiary courses within Health Sciences and Biomedical Sciences relies on competency in mathematics. Competency, and, confidence with mathematics, is innately connected. Most students enter University courses by obtaining the requisite Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score for their chosen course. However, increasingly, students also enter via “alternative entry pathways”. Such students could be at a disadvantage compared to those who have studied mathematics throughout high school. To test this idea we implemented a diagnostic assessment pilot study for literacy (n = 269) of midyear entry students across six Schools and a low cognitive mathematics test on a smaller cohort of students (n = 31) who had completed the literacy test and were enrolled in courses within the School of Health Sciences on the University of Notre Dame Australia’s Fremantle campus. The data shows that in contrast to expectations the “alternative entry pathway” students that had completed the bridging course scored better in the reading test compared to ATAR or Cert IV graduates. In addition, Cert IV and TEP graduates performed comparably in the mathematics test compared to ATAR students but the overall performance of all student groups in the mathematics test was well below expectation. As universities move towards Post Entrance Literacy Assessments (PELA), the need for parallel Post Entrance Numeracy Assessments (PENA) warrants further research, based on the results of this study. Theoretical underpinnings In some university courses, mathematics is an overt and important requirement for success (e.g. Bachelor of Biomedical Science). Mathematics skills are also important within many courses in which mathematics may appear a less obvious component (e.g. Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation). Referring to higher education students, Lau (2003, p. 2) notes: “Students who lack the basic and fundamental skills, especially in mathematics and writing, are finding it difficult to cope with the normal course workload”. Furthermore, Waycaster (2001) found, in a study of five community colleges, that developmental mathematics was positively associated with student retention. Mathematics skills are important for higher education students (Hall and Ponton, 2005) for a wide range of reasons, including computational skills, data handling, problem solving, reading research reports and critical thinking skills. Fike and Fike (2008, p. 81) note: “All basic academic skills (reading, writing, and mathematics) are essential for college-level success. ” Whilst at times the terms ‘academic literacy’ and ‘academic literacies’ (Henderson & Hirst, 2006) are used with a focus on reading and writing, mathematics is as important for student success in higher education. The traditional entry point to university was an upper school suite of subjects, linked to the area of future study. For many years university courses had stated ‘prerequisite subjects’, whereas most universities now list ‘recommended’ subjects, rather than prerequisites.
Role of oxidation‐triggered activation of JNK and p38 MAPK in black tea polyphenols induced apoptotic death of A375 cells

Theaflavins (TF) and thearubigins (TR) are the major polyphenols of black tea. Our previous study revealed that TF‐ and TR‐induced apoptosis of human malignant melanoma cells (A375) is executed via a mitochondria‐mediated pathway. In our present study we observed the role of the three most important MAPK (ERK, JNK, and p38) in TF‐ and TR‐induced apoptosis. TF and TR treatment of A375 cells led to sustained activation of JNK and p38 MAPK but not ERK, suggesting that JNK and p38 are the effector molecules in this polyphenol‐induced cell death. This idea was further supported by subsequent studies in which JNK and p38 activation was inhibited by specific inhibitors. Significant inhibition was found in TF‐ and TR‐treated A375 cell death pretreated with JNK‐ or p38‐specific inhibitors only. Further, we have found that TF and TR treatment induces a time‐dependent increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species generation in A375 cells. Interestingly, treatment with the antioxidant N‐acetyl cystein inhibits TF‐ and TR‐induced JNK and p38 activation as well as induction of cell death in A375 cells. We also provide evidence demonstrating the critical role of apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 in TF‐ and TR‐induced apoptosis in A375 cells. Taken together our results strongly suggest that TF and TR induce apoptotic death of A375 cells through apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1, MAPK kinase, and the JNK–p38 cascade, which is triggered by N‐acetyl cystein intracellular oxidative stress. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1971–1978)
Pharmacological mechanisms in the cardiovascular effects of DCLHb, a hemoglobin based blood substitute

textabstractThe search for a clinically useful blood substitute has been stimulated by the inherent limitations of the homologous blood transfusion system, particularly its sufficiency, safety and costs. Blood has been described as the "most complicated fluid in animals" (Winslow, 1992). An attempt to forulUlate a blood substitute is misguided because blood is composed of a complex mixture of fluids, cells, salts, proteins and numerous other molecules having various functions and characteristics. The hemorrhage or loss of blood foremost results in a hypovolemic state and ultimately leads to depletion of oxygen delivering capability (Dracker, 1995). Biologically significant hemorrhage may be defined as a blood loss sufficient to impair oxygen transport (Shoemaker et al., 1973; Bassin et al., 1971; Hauser and Shoemaker, 1982). The major physiological effect of hemorrhage is anemia and hypovolemia leading to drastic aIterations in blood flow to the vital organ systems (Prough et al., 1991). The persistent hypoperfusion to organ systems is responsible for ultimate organ failure even after reperfusion (Knaus et al., 1985). The infusion of large volume of Ringer's lactate in the resuscitation of hemorrhaged patients is associated with several disadvantages. In addition, problems associated with blood transfusion necessitate the development of an alternative resuscitative solution which can be administered in small volumes and is effective in combating the comprom.ised hemodynamics. Haemoglobin-based blood substitutes (oxygen carriers) have been proposed to be effective in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock. The major categories of blood substitutes include the (I) perfluorocarbon solutions and (2) haemoglobin based compounds.
Survey of Pharmacist Activities and Attitudes in Diabetes Management

Background: With the epidemic of diabetes in our population, pharmacists must become more actively involved in the management of this chronic illness. This study was designed to examine the relationship between diabetes-specific training and pharmacists' activities in and attitudes toward diabetes management. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of licensed pharmacists in Alberta. Respondents were grouped according to diabetes-specific training: Certified Diabetes Educator, completion of one or more diabetes-specific continuing education courses or no diabetes-specific training. A list of 67 activities related to diabetes management was generated through a review of the literature describing activities related to pharmacist involvement in diabetes management, national guideline recommendations, indicators for best practice and discussions with pharmacists specializing in diabetes management. Survey respondents were asked how frequently they provided each of these activities. Attitudes were measured using the Diabetes Attitude Scale. Results: Certified Diabetes Educators reported conducting significantly more activities related to diabetes management, especially in the areas of patient education in self-monitoring of blood glucose, hypoglycemia management, sick-day management, diabetes drug therapy and management of comorbid diseases. Pharmacists who had completed diabetes-specific continuing education courses and pharmacists with no diabetes-specific training reported similar levels of activities. There was a significant and graded relationship between attitudes and diabetes-specific training. Conclusion: Pharmacists with more advanced, experiential-based training and national certification consistently reported providing more activities related to diabetes practice and generally held more positive attitudes toward the disease and its management, compared to other pharmacists.
The development of molecular tools for the expression of prodrug converting enzymes in Clostridium sporogenes.

Despite intensive research, cancer remains one of the major causes of worldwide morbidity. It is widely believed, however, that if currently available anti-cancer drugs could be delivered specifically to tumours then the disease would have been mastered. The delivery of prodrug converting enzymes by clostridial spores specifically to the anoxic centres of tumours is one potential delivery mechanism. This is due to the extreme selectivity of spores to germinate solely in the hypoxic regions of tumours. Once germinated, the expression of a prodrug converting enzyme converts a systemical1y administered prodrug to a highly toxic drug only in the tumour. Previous studies using Clostridium acetobutylicum and Clostridium beijerinckii as the delivery vehicle highlighted that prodrug converting enzyme expression is only found in tumours. However, no significant anti-tumour affect was observed. Two possible reasons were evolved. Firstly, expression of the prodrug converting enzyme may be low, and/or, secondly, the tumours may not be colonised sufficiently to promote an antitumour effect. Preliminary studies identified that Clostridium sporogenes NCIMB 10696 may represent a more suitable host. Higher spore titres could be prepared and, once administered, higher cell counts are found in the colonised tumours. Prodrug converting enzymes with improved kinetics over pre-existing enzymes have also been identified. Once effective gene transfer systems and expression systems had been developed, suitably high levels of several different prodrug converting enzymes, in particular nitroreductases, were obtained. Initial in vivo studies on one of the early recombinant strains identified a definite anti-tumour effect. Since those initial studies, further improvements to expression have been made. It is hoped that a more significant anti-tumour affect would result from using these improved strains. It is the ultimate aim of CDEPT to have the prodrug converting enzymes integrated into the host genome so as to negate the use of antibiotics. Towards this, studies on the use of both classical and novel integrative technologies have been investigated.
LAPTM4B‐35, a novel tetratransmembrane protein and its PPRP motif play critical roles in proliferation and metastatic potential of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Lysosomal protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B) was originally identified as a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)‐associated gene. This gene and its protein product LAPTM4B‐35, are both overexpressed in a variety of human cancers. However, its specific role in cell transformation and malignancy has remained elusive. In the present study we investigated the effects of LAPTM4B‐35 overexpression on the malignant phenotypic features in the HLE cell line. Our data show that overexpression of LAPTM4B‐35 promotes cell proliferation, exogenous growth‐stimulating factor‐independent and anchorage‐independent growth, and enhances metastatic potential, including promotion of both cell migration and invasion. Study of the underlying mechanisms demonstrated alterations of molecular events involved in these processes, which included upregulation of proliferation‐promoting transcription factors such as c‐Myc, c‐Jun, and c‐Fos, and cell cycle‐promoting proteins such as cyclin D1 and cyclin E. In addition, mutagenesis study showed that the PPRP motif in the N‐terminal region of LAPTM4B‐35 plays a critical role in promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as in the upregulation of the oncoproteins noted above. These data offer insight into the mechanism by which this novel tetratransmembrane protein contributes to the pathogenesis of liver cancer, and suggest that it may be a potential target for cancer therapy. (Cancer Sci 2009)
Improving the eating behaviours of primary schoolchildren

Socio-ecological health improvement approaches, such as Health Promoting Schools, emphasise the dynamic inter-relationships between individuals and environments, such as children's experiences with food in school. Evaluating previous school-based nutritional interventions from a socio-ecological perspective suggests areas where macro policy is ineffective in influencing children's eating behaviour (e.g., some children remain unwilling to consume healthier food). On the other hand, promising results have been obtained from interventions based on the social interactions between children and school meal staff. The aim of this thesis is to explore how school-based nutritional policies might realise health improvements through understanding the policy and environmental contexts associated with school dining halls, together with the influences on children's eating behaviour of the feeding strategies employed by school meal staff. A qualitative case study was conducted in one Welsh Local Education Authority (LEA). Observations were carried out in eleven primary school dining halls, supplemented by interviews with participants at multiple socio-ecological levels. LEA and school policies reflected national objectives with respect to nutritional guidelines, but were influenced by multiple, competing interests including pupil's food preferences, and organisational objectives such as protecting school meal uptake. Some dining hall features (e.g., accommodation, negative teacher modelling) had an adverse influence on eating behaviour and many children failed to select and/or consume nutritionally balanced meals. The feeding strategies used by school meal staff were used naturally but inconsistently and were subject to contextual constraints (e.g., time pressures). Higher level policy interventions may have limited effectiveness if undermined by lack of attention to lower level factors compromising their effectiveness. Behavioural approaches based on repeated taste exposure to encourage children to taste the nutritionally balanced meals made available by school meal policies are recommended. As utilising teachers during lunchtimes may be problematic, enrichment of the feeding interactions between school meal staff and children is suggested.
The Absence of Urease Enzymatic Activity of Helicobacter pylori Coccoid Form

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram negative and pleomorphic bacteria that able to change its morphology according to the environment. The objective of the study was to determine the biochemical and some genetic characteristic of coccoid form of H. pylori induced by starvation, aerobiosis and antibiotic. Method: The material of the study is an isolate of spiral form of CagA positive H. pylori grown from gastric biopsy specimen of a patient with chronic gastritis. The CagA positive isolate was subcultured in liquid media containing the sheep sera. The sample was divided into three groups each group consist of 27 tube. Each tube contained 109 CFU of H. pylori bacteria/ml in 4 ml liquid media. So the experiment was performed in 3 replicates. In the first group of sample, coccoid form was induced by a prolonged culture under microaerophilic condition without the addition of fresh media, in the second group by aerobiosis, while in the third group by addition of 0.1 µg amoxycillin/ml cultured in microaerophilic condition. Periodic sampling was done every day to calculate the percentage of coccoid form, to observe the possibility to regrow the spiral form and for serial electron microscopic observation. One tube is picked up in every periodic sampling. In tubes containing antibiotic the periodic sampling was done one hourly. Detection of cagA and ureA gene was done by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with appropriate primers. Results: The time needed for the development of coccoid form: Length of time from the start of the experiment needed to reach 100% coccoid form was: 49 days in microaerophilic with starvation, 28 days in aerobiosis with starvation, and 13.5 days in antibiotic. result of biochemical test: Urease enzymatic activity was only positive in spiral form. All samples of coccoid form due to all the 3 stressors did not show any urease enzymatic the activity. PCR of ureA gene: All samples of spiral and coccoid form showed positive band of ureA gene and cagA gene. Western blot of protein CagA, urease A and urease B: Western blot analysis showed that in spiral form and all coccoid form band of urease A and urease B is clearly seen,while cagA in Western blot only clearly seen in spiral form but it is absent in cocoid form. Conclusion: Troughout the cycle of coccoid form the urease gene responsible for the production of urease and cagA gene responsible for virulence was in intact condition. However, despite the presence of urease protein in coccoid form the urease enzymatic activity was absent. This fact has several diagnostic and clinical implications. Keywords: urease enzymatic activity, coccoid form, Helicobacter pylori