Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-traditional international assignments, knowledge and innovation: an exploratory study of women’s experiences

For many multinational corporations (MNCs), sustainable competitive advantage resides in an MNC’s ability to innovate; that is, to create new knowledge, integrate it with an existing knowledge base and exploit the resulting knowledge bundles across national borders. Traditionally, a key mechanism by which knowledge is transferred across borders and recombined works through expatriate assignments. There is, however, a growing trend towards alternative forms of international assignments, such as flexpatriates, commuters, frequent flyers and self-initiated expatriates. We ask how the use of such non-traditional international assignments affects knowledge creation and transfer in MNCs and hence innovation, which we construe as both idea generation and implementation. Our exploratory study draws on the experiences of five women living in Spain who undertook various forms of international assignment in MNCs with differing administrative heritages, working in consultancy and engineering fields. Our findings point to variations in the type and quality of knowledge generated across different forms of international assignments, and draw attention to the socially embedded, informal interactions underpinning much knowledge transfer and recombination. Our findings are also suggestive of a gendered element to knowledge creation and transfer, and how these activities may be perceived by the senior management of MNCs. Our concluding conjecture is that within each form of international assignment, women’s contributions to the innovative efforts of MNCs may have somewhat less to do with formal management practices, and may even, at times, be in spite of them.
Hepatoprotective effect of the extract and isocytisoside from Aquilegia vulgaris

The hepatoprotective effect of the ethanol extract (AvEE) and the main ﬂavonoid compound 4′‐methoxy‐5,7‐dihydroxyﬂavone 6‐C‐β‐glucopyranoside (isocytisoside, ISOC) from the leaves and stems of Aquilegia vulgaris L. were studied using the CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity test.
The concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids and other microflora‐associated characteristics in faeces from children with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes and control children and their family members

Aims The gut flora is quantitatively the most important source of microbial stimulation and may provide a primary signal in the maturation of the immune system. We compared the microflora‐associated characteristics (MACs) in 22 children with newly diagnosed diabetes, 27 healthy controls, and their family members to see if there were differences between the children and if there was a familial pattern.
Distribution of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood group antigens in male type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Hail region of Saudi Arabia: High incidences of diabetes mellitus in males with B+ blood type

Cases of Diabetes II have been rising in Saudi population. The main objective of our study was to analyze the relationship between the inheritance of ABO blood group and Rh factors and the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in male population of Hail region of Saudi Arabia. Random community survey of about 200 local educated youth (under 18) and non-college going adults revealed high prevalence of diabetes II among adult male population (27.5%) as compared to the educated youth population (5.5%). In this study we first looked at the distribution of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood group antigen data of 490 non diabetic control group (283 females (57.7%) and 207 (42.4%) male and compared it with 342 diabetes type 2 patients (214 females and 128 male) who were admitted to the Diabetic clinic of King Khaled Hospital in Hail Saudi Arabia between 2008 and 2015. Out of 342 patients 214 (62.6%) were females and 128 (37.4 %) were males. Our results show that out of 207 control non diabetic individuals (males only) 6 were A(2.89%), 43 were A+ (20.8%), 2 were AB(0.96%), 9 were AB+ (4.3%), 7 were B(3.38%), 44 were B+ (21.2%), 7 were O(3.4%) and 89 were O+ (42.9%). So in control population O+ was the most prevalent blood group (42.9%) and B+ was the second most prevalent blood type (21.2%). Next we wanted to see if the blood group distribution patterns are similar among T2DM patients. Analysis of our results show that 2.3% of T2DM male patients were A-, 22.65% were A+, 0% were AB-, 4.7% were AB+, 0% were Bbut 30.5% were B+ as compared to the 21.2% B+ among control group. Only 0.78% were Oand 39.1% were O+. When we looked at the distribution of Rh antigen in the control population we found 89.4% people to be Rh+ and 10.6% Rhhowever among diabetics 96.9% patients were Rh+ and 3.13% were Rh-. These results suggest a 3.4 fold decrease in Rhindividuals among diabetics (3.13% Rh-) as compared to the control population (10.9% Rh-). So in conclusion percentage of Rhindividuals among T2DM male patients is reduced by 3.4 fold (3.13% Rh-) as compared to the control group (10.6% Rh-). Our results also show that blood group B+ is expressed in much higher percentage in diabetics (30.5%) as compared to the controls (21.2%). Additionally O+ is expressed in 42.9% controls but show a slight yet significant reduction in its distribution (39%) among T2DM patients. These results suggest that B+ offers least resistance to male T2DM patients and O+ provides a slight resistance to diabetes.
Integrating tumor‐initiating cells into the paradigm for melanoma targeted therapy

There is growing evidence to suggest that not all cancer cells have similar levels of malignant potential and that tumor progression may be driven by specialized sub‐sets of “tumor initiating” cells. It is likely that as tumor initiating cells have lower proliferation rates and enhanced survival mechanisms they may also drive drug resistance. Melanoma is known to be an exceptionally therapy resistant tumor, with no treatment yet identified to alter the natural progression of the disseminated disease. In the current review, we discuss evidence for the existence of melanoma initiating cells and described possible therapeutic strategies to eradicate this population via the targeting of specific cell‐surface markers or through the disruption of the interaction of the melanoma initiating cells with their local microenvironment. It is hoped that the targeting of melanoma initiating cells may be one approach to overcome the incredible therapy resistance of this tumor. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection on Serologic Surveillance for Johne's Disease in Goats

False-positive results on serologic assays for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) are believed to occur due to cross-reacting antibody produced by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pstb) infection in goats. This issue of compromised specificity was evaluated by testing 771 adult goats from 10 Midwestern goat herds in 2004. Assays for MAP infection included radiometric fecal culture and 2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs); ELISA-positive samples were tested by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID). A synergistic hemolysin inhibition assay (SHI) was used to detect C. pstb antibody. Four infection status categories were evaluated. Category 1 goats (free of both MAP and C. pstb infection) tested negative on all MAP fecal cultures and SHI tests. Five of 181 goats were positive in both ELISAs, and 2 more were positive in ELISA-1 only. For Category 2 (MAP infected; no C. pstb infection), all animals were SHI negative. Six goats were fecal culture positive and strongly positive in both ELISAs; 2 more goats were positive only in ELISA-1. For Category 3 (C. pstb infected or vaccinated; no history of MAP infection), all fecal cultures were negative and 91% were SHI test-positive. In this population, only 2 goats were positive in both MAP ELISAs, while 84 additional goats were test-positive only on ELISA-1. In the absence of C. pstb infection, both ELISAs performed comparably, but when C. pstb infection was present the performance of ELISA-1 was significantly perturbed. Use of the ELISA-2 for goats is an effective and efficient method for Johne's disease surveillance in any goat herd.
Acute and longer-term effects of risperidone in a case of first-episode catatonic schizophrenia

This case report documents the response of a young, first-episode, neuroleptic naive male with severe catatonic schizophrenia to the novel antipsychotic, risperidone. Initial assessments included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scales, Global Assessment of Function and the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale. These were repeated at discharge from hospital and during a 3.5 year outpatient follow-up. Neuroimaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and single photon emission tomography) along with electro encephalogram and laboratory examinations were completed. Response to risperidone was prompt, dramatic and sustained over the follow-up period. Possible neurochemical brain mechanisms resulting in catatonia and the role of serotonin/dopamine antagonists such as risperidone are discussed. No other literature on the effect of risperidone in the treatment of severe catatonic schizophrenia in a first-episode patient has been reported.
Separate and Combined Effects of Hypoxia and Horizontal Bed Rest on Retinal Blood Vessel Diameters.

Purpose To assess the separate and combined effects of exposure to prolonged and sustained recumbency (bed rest) and hypoxia on retinal microcirculation. Methods Eleven healthy male subjects (mean ± SD age = 27 ± 6 years; body mass index [BMI] = 23.7 ± 3.0 kg m-2) participated in a repeated-measures crossover design study comprising three 21-day interventions: normoxic bed rest (NBR; partial pressure of inspired O2, PiO2 = 133.1 ± 0.3 mm Hg); hypoxic ambulation (HAMB; PiO2 = 90.0 ± 0.4 mm Hg), and hypoxic bed rest (HBR; PiO2 = 90.0 ± 0.4 mm Hg). Central retinal arteriolar (CRAE) and venular (CRVE) equivalents were measured at baseline and at regular intervals during each 21-day intervention. Results Normoxic bed rest caused a progressive reduction in CRAE, with the change in CRAE relative to baseline being highest on day 15 (ΔCRAE = -7.5 μm; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -10.8 to -4.2; P < 0.0001). Hypoxic ambulation resulted in a persistent 21-day increase in CRAE, reaching a maximum on day 4 (ΔCRAE = 9.4 μm; 95% CI: 6.0-12.7; P < 0.0001). During HBR, the increase in CRAE was highest on day 3 (ΔCRAE = 4.5 μm; 95% CI: 1.2-7.8; P = 0.007), but CRAE returned to baseline levels thereafter. Central retinal venular equivalent decreased during NBR and increased during HAMB and HBR. The reduction in CRVE during NBR was highest on day 1 (ΔCRVE = -7.9 μm; 95 CI: -13.3 to -2.5), and the maximum ΔCRVE during HAMB (24.6 μm; 95% CI: 18.9-30.3) and HBR (15.2 μm; 95% CI: 9.8-20.5) was observed on days 10 and 3, respectively. Conclusions The diameters of retinal blood vessels exhibited a dynamic response to hypoxia and bed rest, such that retinal vasodilation was smaller during combined bed rest and hypoxia than during hypoxic exposure.
Nonmonosexual Partnerships: Information, Motivation and Self-Efficacy Among Methamphetamine-Using Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Also Have Sex with Women or Transgender Persons

ABSTRACT Sex with more than one gender is associated with higher substance use and sexual HIV risk. The authors examined knowledge, motivation, and self-efficacy to engage in safer substance use and sexual behavior among methamphetamine-using U.S. men who have sex with more than one gender (N = 343). Almost half (46.2%) of the men reported having sex with a man (MSM) and a woman or transgender partner in the last 30 days. Compared to monosexual MSM, nonmonosexual MSM reported greater condom use self-efficacy however, they reported more sexual partners who inject drugs. The authors observed distinct differences between men who do or do not have sex with more than one gender.
High Excretion of Etheno Adducts in Liver Fluke–Infected Patients: Protection by Praziquantel against DNA Damage

Chronic infection by Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) is a strong risk factor for developing cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). To clarify the involvement of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation (LPO)–derived DNA damage, the excretion of LPO-derived etheno DNA adducts was measured in urine samples collected from healthy volunteers and OV-infected Thai subjects. 1,N6-etheno-2′-deoxyadenosine (εdA) and 3,N4-etheno-2′-deoxycytidine (εdC) levels were quantified by immunoprecipitation/high-performance liquid chromatography/fluorescence detection and 32P-postlabeling TLC. Excreted etheno adduct levels were related to indicators of inflammatory conditions [malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrate/nitrite levels in urine and plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity]. Mean εdA and εdC levels were 3 to 4 times higher in urine of OV-infected patients; MDA, nitrate/nitrite, and ALP were also increased up to 2-fold. MDA and ALP were positively related to εdA excretion. Two months after a single dose of the antiparasitic drug Praziquantel, εdA and εdC concentrations in urine of OV-infected subjects were decreased; MDA, nitrate/nitrite, and ALP were concomitantly lowered. We conclude that chronic OV infection through oxidative/nitrative stress leads to increased urinary excretion of the etheno-bridged deoxyribonucleosides, reflecting high LPO-derived DNA damage in vivo. These promutagenic DNA etheno adducts in bile duct epithelial cells may increase the risk of OV-infected patients to later develop CCA. Urinary εdA and εdC levels should be explored (a) as noninvasive risk markers for developing opisthorchiasis-related CCA and (b) as promising biomarkers to assess the efficacy of preventive and therapeutic interventions. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(7):1658–64)
In vivo evidence for benzomorphan-selective receptors in rats.

The scratching caused by a standard, submaximal dose of bombesin (0.10 microgram i.c.v.) in rats is antagonized in a stereospecific and dose-related manner by systemically (but not centrally) administered benzomorphan analgesics; other commonly used opioids and opioid peptides are ineffective at behaviorally nondepressent doses. Naloxone attenuates the antibombesin effect of ethylketocyclazocine in a stereospecific, potent and dose-related manner. Tolerance develops to the inhibitory action of ethylketocyclazocine (and phenazocine). Multiple injections of morphine do not influence the ability of ethylketocyclazocine or of phenazocine to antagonize bombesin. Furthermore, when mu opiate receptors are occluded by buprenorphine, ethylketocyclazocine and phenazocine can still antagonize bombesin-induced scratching. Benzomorphan-selective binding sites have previously been postulated; we suggest that this test provides evidence of such sites in vivo. The model affords a simple, yet novel, behavioral endpoint that can be used when defining the pharmacological profile of new benzomorphans and their antagonists.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Litsea elliptica Blume and Litsea resinosa Blume (Lauraceae).

OBJECTIVE To investigate antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of two plant species, Litsea elliptica (L. elliptica) and Litsea resinosa (L. resinosa). METHODS In vitro method-2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay was conducted for antioxidant activity determination while antimicrobial assay consisted of agar well diffusion assay and mycelial radial growth assay. RESULTS Methanol extracts of root and stem of L. elliptica and L. resinosa exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with EC50 of 23.99, 41.69, 11.22 and 35.48 mg/L respectively. All methanol extracts of L. resinosa as well as root extracts from L. elliptica showed significant scavenging activity. Hexane extract from stem of L. resinosa presented the largest inhibition zone in Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli while chloroform extract from inner bark of L. resinosa showed major inhibition towards Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis. Essential oils from the root of both species showed significant antifungal activities which are 80.11% and 66.85% respectively. CONCLUSIONS Overall, methanol extracts from root and stem of both species showed antioxidant activity comparable to standard butylated hydroxytoluene. Extracts from L. resinosa demonstrated stronger antimicrobial properties compared to that from L. elliptica.
Is routine histopathology of tonsil specimen necessary?

BACKGROUND Tonsillar diseases are common in paediatric and adult otolaryngological practice. These diseases require tonsillectomy. Specimens are subjected to histopathology routinely in my institution for fear of infections and tumour without consideration for risk factors. The financial burden is on the patients and waste of histopathologist's man hour because other specimens are left un-attended. This study aims to find out the necessity of routine histopathology of tonsil specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 2 year retrospective review of the histopathological results of two (paediatric and adult) groups of 61 patients managed for tonsillar diseases at the ENT UNIT of Jos University Teaching Hospital from July 2005 to June, 2007. Data extracted included biodata, clinical features and histopathological diagnosis. RESULT The 61 patients comprise 35 children and 26 adults. The youngest and oldest paediatric patients were 1 year and 3 months and 16 years respectively, a range of 1 year 3 months to 16 years. The youngest and oldest adults were 17 and 50 years with a range of 17-50 years. Groups mean ages were 5.1 and 28.5 years. The gender ratios were 1:2.7 and 1:1.9 respectively. One adult was HIV positive. The histopathological diagnosis were chronic nonspecific tonsillitis in 10(16.6%), follicular tonsillitis in 23(38.3%), chronic suppurative tonsillitis in 10(16.6%), lymphoid hyperplasia in 18(30.0%) and lymphoma in 1(1.0%) respectively. CONCLUSION Histopathologic request for tonsillectomy specimens should be based on certain risk factors with consideration of the cost to patients and to spare the histopathologist's man hour.
Protective effects of compound FLZ on β-amyloid peptide-(25–35)-induced mouse hippocampal injury and learning and memory impairment

AbstractAim:To study the protective effects of compound FLZ, a novel synthetic analogue of natural squamosamide, on learning and memory impairment and lesions of the hippocampus caused by icv injection of β-amyloid25–35 (Aβ25–35) in mice.Methods:Mice were icv injected with the Aβ25–35 (15 nmol/mouse), and then treated with oral administration of 75 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg of FLZ once daily for 16 consecutive days. The impairment of learning and memory in mice were tested using step-down test and Morris water maze test. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the expressions of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Bax, and Bcl-2 in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus were measured by biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. The pathological damages of hippocampus were observed using a microscope.Results:FLZ (75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg) significantly attenuated Aβ25–35-induced impairment of learning and memory in the step-down test and Morris water maze test. FLZ also reduced pathological damages to the hippocampus induced by Aβ25–35. Furthermore, FLZ prevented the increase of AChE and Bax, and the decrease of Bcl-2 immunoreactive cells in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, and reduced the increase of MDA content in the hippocampus in mice injected with Aβ25–35.Conclusion:FLZ has protective action against the impairment of learning and memory and pathological damage to the hippocampus induced by icv injection of Aβ25–35 in mice.
Transcriptional Control of the Hydrogen Cyanide Biosynthetic Genes hcnABC by the Anaerobic Regulator ANR and the Quorum-Sensing Regulators LasR and RhlR inPseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT Virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa include hydrogen cyanide (HCN). This secondary metabolite is maximally produced at low oxygen tension and high cell densities during the transition from exponential to stationary growth phase. The hcnABCgenes encoding HCN synthase were identified on a genomic fragment complementing an HCN-deficient mutant of P. aeruginosaPAO1. The hcnA promoter was found to be controlled by the FNR-like anaerobic regulator ANR and by the quorum-sensing regulators LasR and RhlR. Primer extension analysis revealed two transcription starts, T1 and T2, separated by 29 bp. Their function was confirmed by transcriptional lacZ fusions. The promoter sequence displayed an FNR/ANR box at −42.5 bp upstream of T2 and alux box centered around −42.5 bp upstream of T1. Expression of the hcn genes was completely abolished when this lux box was deleted or inactivated by two point mutations in conserved nucleotides. The lux box was recognized by both LasR [activated byN-(oxododecanoyl)-homoserine lactone] and RhlR (activated by N-butanoyl-homoserine lactone), as shown by expression experiments performed in quorum-sensing-defective P. aeruginosa mutants and in the N-acyl-homoserine lactone-negative heterologous host P. fluorescens CHA0. A second, less conserved lux box lying 160 bp upstream of T1 seems to account for enhanced quorum-sensing-dependent expression. Without LasR and RhlR, ANR could not activate the hcnpromoter. Together, these data indicate that expression of thehcn promoter from T1 can occur under quorum-sensing control alone. Enhanced expression from T2 appears to rely on a synergistic action between LasR, RhlR, and ANR.
Laparoscopic pancreatic resection without advanced laparoscopic devices.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Laparoscopic pancreatic resection has been slow to develop because of the high degree of technical difficulty and generally expensive laparoscopic devices required. We evaluate our experience with laparoscopic resections for pancreatic pathologies without expensive and advanced laparoscopic devices. METHODOLOGY A prospective evaluation was carried out of consecutive laparoscopic pancreatic resections performed between July 2003-June 2011. RESULTS Laparoscopic pancreatic resections were attempted in 13 and performed in 10 patients: 6 laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy and 4 laparoscopic enucleation. Pathological diagnoses: four insulinomas, two serous cystadenoma, two pancreatic pseudocyst, one microcystic serous cystadenoma, two non-functioning neuroendocrine tumors, one leiomyosarcoma, and one case of solid-pseudopapillary tumor. In the laparoscopic operations the mean operative time was 195min and no blood transfusions were required. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.7 days. There were three pancreatic fistulas. No patients required a second operation. There were no deaths. Follow-up was available for all patients. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic pancreatic resection is feasible and relatively safe without advanced laparoscopic devices. As with open resections, pancreatic fistula is the dominant morbidity. The best indications for a laparoscopic approach are benign pancreatic tumors that are not inside the neck of the pancreas and do not require pancreaticoenteric reconstruction.