Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of active and quiescent adipose vascular stromal cells.

BACKGROUND AIMS Recent studies have demonstrated the existence of both active and quiescent stem cells in bone marrow, hair follicle and intestine. We attempted to identify active and quiescent vascular stromal cells (VSC) in adipose tissue. METHODS For identification of active VSC, adult rats were injected intraperitoneally with thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) and their subcutaneous tissue harvested 3 days later. For identification of quiescent VSC, newborn rats were injected intraperitoneally with EdU and their subcutaneous tissue harvested 9 weeks later. The harvested adipose tissues were examined for the co-localization of EdU with VSC marker CD34, smooth muscle marker SMA, endothelial marker RECA and pericyte marker CD140b. RESULTS In adult rat adipose tissues harvested 3 days after EdU injection, there were 28.80 ± 8.70 (mean ± SD) EdU+ cells/100 × microscopic field, and approximately 6.2% of cell nuclei were labeled with EdU. The percentages of EdU+ cells expressing the following markers were approximately: 84 for CD34, 5.6 for RECA (rat endothelial marker), 3.7 for SMA and 14.8 for CD140b. In the adipose tissues of newborn rats that were harvested 9 weeks after EdU injection, the percentages of EdU+ cells expressing the following markers were approximately: 76 for CD34, 1.8 for RECA, 0 for SMA and 12.9 for CD140b. In both the short-term (active) and long-term (quiescent) EdU-labeled adipose tissues, the EdU label was consistently co-localized with CD34 and in the proximity of CD140b stain or in the adventitia. CONCLUSIONS Both active and quiescent VSC expressed CD34 and localized to capillaries and the adventitia of larger blood vessels.
Market Returns to Education in Pakistan, Corrected for Endogeneity Bias

This paper estimates the Mincer wage model for Pakistan’s labor market, using a relatively recent dataset and new independent variables. We employ instrumental variables and two-stage least squares to address the problem of the endogeneity of education. Our results show that the returns to education are biased downward due to endogeneity, with significant wage gaps emerging among different regions, between genders and between urban and rural job markets. The study’s choice of instruments has conceptual as well as empirical grounds. Our findings establish that the wage determination process is different for males and females across provincial labor markets.
Base-transit-time model considering field dependent mobility for BJTs operating at high-level injection

An analytical model for the base transit time taub for an exponentially doped base is developed assuming a small change in electron concentration in the base of a bipolar junction transistor at high injection from its low injection value. The model is valid in all levels of injection before the onset of the Kirk effect. In this analysis, bandgap-narrowing effect, high-injection effect, and carrier velocity saturation at the base edge of the base-collector junction, and also doping and field dependence of mobility, are incorporated. The base transit time calculated analytically is compared with simulation and numerical results, and also with experimental data in order to demonstrate the validity of the assumptions made in deriving the expression. The base transit time is found to be different if the field dependent mobility is considered
Intravenous paracetamol and dipyrone for postoperative analgesia after day-case tonsillectomy in children: a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study

Tonsillectomy is associated with severe postoperative pain for which, several drugs are employed for management. Objective In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous paracetamol and dipyrone when used for post-tonsillectomy analgesia in children. Method 120 children aged 3-6 yr, undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy and/ or ventilation tube insertion were randomized to receive intraoperative infusions of paracetamol (15 mg/kg), dipyrone (15 mg/kg) or placebo (0.9% NaCl). Evaluation was carried out at 0.25, 0.50, 1, 2, 4, 6h postoperatively. Pethidine 0.25 mg/kg was utilized as rescue analgesic. Cumulative pethidine requirement was the primary outcome. Pain intensity measurement, pain relief, sedation level, nausea and vomiting, postoperative bleeding and any other adverse effects were noted. Results No significant difference was found in pethidine requirement between paracetamol and dipyrone groups. Cumulative pethidine requirement was significantly less in paracetamol and dipyrone groups vs. placebo. No significant difference was observed between groups in postoperative pain intensity scores throughout the study. Conclusion Intravenous paracetamol is found to have a similar analgesic efficacy as intravenous dipyrone and they both help to reduce the opioid requirement for postoperative analgesia in pediatric day-case tonsillectomy.
Teacher Attitude towards Use of Chatbots in Routine Teaching

Teacher's attitude towards some particular technology influences their willingness to use that technology in their instructional processes, and consequently the attitude and responses of students to the technology that they observe teachers using. This has a direct bearing on whether or not such technology will successfully be integrated into routine classroom practice and whether benefits of using such technology for teaching-learning purposes will be realized. This study sought to ascertain the attitude of teachers towards use of chatbot technology for teaching and learning purposes, chatbots being yet an emerging educational technology within a majority of developing countries including Kenya.
Homozygous variant rs2076530 of BTNL2 and familial sarcoidosis.

RATIONALE Despite extensive studies, the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis is largely unknown. Although multiple environmental and putative infectious agents have been proposed, none was retained as a major contributor to the disease occurrence. Genetic predisposition to sarcoidosis was considered as a significant factor and numerous candidate genes have been reviewed. This last point was reinforced since the discovery of a pathogenic polymorphism (rs2076530 or G > A) of the BTNL2 gene, leading to an early truncation of the protein, which increases the relative risk of the disease. BTNL2 is known to act as a co-stimulatory molecule, inducing a negative signal to T-lymphocyte activation and the mutated gene is responsible for a truncated protein and disruption of membrane localization. OBJECTIVES Our work attempted to confirm this observation in a highly penetrant familial form of sarcoidosis. RESULTS In this family, the disease was diagnosed in 5 members through 3 generations. Despite individual clinical specificities, all displayed severe forms of the disease. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 3 patients and 2 additional healthy children of the fourth generation. Analysis of the BTNL2 gene confirmed the presence of the pathogenic variant of BTNL2 on both alleles (A/A homozygous genotype) in all subjects tested. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the absence of a membrane anchored BTNL2 protein may increase genetic susceptibility to sarcoidosis and familial occurrence of the disease. This observation assessed the putative pathogenic involvement of the rs2076530 variant of BTNL2 in the development of this granulomatosis disease.
The impact of an empowering Internet-based Breast Cancer Patient Pathway program on breast cancer patients' clinical outcomes: a randomised controlled trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of the Breast Cancer Patient Pathway program on breast cancer patient's empowerment process. BACKGROUND The results of earlier studies indicate that the use of tailored Internet-based patient education programs increased patient's knowledge level; however, other outcome measures differed. DESIGN This randomised control trial studied the effect of the Internet-based patient educational program on breast cancer patients' empowerment. In this study, we measured the quality of life, anxiety and managing with treatment-related side effects as the outcomes of breast cancer patients' empowering process. METHODS Breast cancer patients who were Internet users in one Finnish university hospital during 2008-2010 were randomised to the control group (n=43) and the intervention group (n=47). Baseline data were collected first in the hospital and the following data seven times during the treatment process, the last time one year after breast cancer diagnosis. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in the quality of life, anxiety or side effects of treatment between the groups. The amount of treatment-related side effects was connected to both physical and psychological well-being. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the Breast Cancer Patient Pathway program did not decrease anxiety level or treatment-related side effects among breast cancer patients or improve subscales of quality of life when compared with controls. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE There is a need to relieve the side effects caused by patients' care with the help of patient education. Internet-based patient education programs need more focus when developing new patient education methods.
Impact of congenital heart disease on cerebrovascular blood flow dynamics in the fetus

Neurological abnormalities are present in some children after repair of congenital heart disease (CHD). Recently, structural brain abnormalities have been identified in infants prior to cardiac surgery. By altering in utero blood flow patterns, the type of CHD may impact upon cerebrovascular flow dynamics prior to birth. We sought to determine whether left‐ and right‐sided obstructive congenital heart lesions modify cerebrovascular flow dynamics in the fetus.
The Antioxidant Effect of Curcumin on Cochlear Fibroblasts in Rat Models of Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of curcumin as an antioxidant to increase the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in fibroblasts of the cochlear lateral wall in rat models of diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats Rattus norvegicus were randomly divided into six groups: group 1 as the control group; group 2 as the diabetic group; group 3 and 4 as the diabetic groups that received curcumin therapy of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. for 3 days, respectively; and group 5 and 6 as the diabetic groups that received curcumin therapy of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. for 8 days, respectively. All rats underwent termination and necropsy procedure on their temporal bones for immunohistochemical assay to determine the expression of SOD. Results: The decreased expression of SOD was detected in the diabetic group (without curcumin treatment). The treatment of curcumin at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. for 3 and 8 days led to significant differences (P<0.05) in the expression of the SOD compared to diabetic group (without curcumin treatment). No significant differences were found in terms of dose and duration of curcumin administration on the expression of SOD. Conclusion: Curcumin may act as an antioxidant against oxidative stress due to diabetes mellitus via increased expression of SOD on cochlear fibroblasts in rat models of diabetes mellitus.
Glioma Grade Is Associated with the Accumulation and Activity of Cells Bearing M2 Monocyte Markers

Purpose: This study is directed at identifying the cell source(s) of immunomodulatory cytokines in high-grade gliomas and establishing whether the analysis of associated markers has implications for tumor grading. Experimental Design: Glioma specimens classified as WHO grade II–IV by histopathology were assessed by gene expression analysis and immunohistochemistry to identify the cells producing interleukin (IL)-10, which was confirmed by flow cytometry and factor secretion in culture. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) and mixture discriminant analysis (MDA) were used to investigate associations between expressed genes and glioma grade. Results: The principle source of glioma-associated IL-10 is a cell type that bears phenotype markers consistent with M2 monocytes but does not express all M2-associated genes. Measures of expression of the M2 cell markers CD14, CD68, CD163, and CD204, which are elevated in high-grade gliomas, and the neutrophil/myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) subset marker CD15, which is reduced, provide the best index of glioma grade. Conclusions: Grade II and IV astrocytomas can be clearly differentiated on the basis of the expression of certain M2 markers in tumor tissues, whereas grade III astrocytomas exhibit a range of expression between the lower and higher grade specimens. The content of CD163+ cells distinguishes grade III astrocytoma subsets with different prognosis. Clin Cancer Res; 19(14); 3776–86. ©2013 AACR.
The experience of older people living independently in Singapore.

BACKGROUND Globally, older people are living independently either alone or with their spouse, population continues to age. In Singapore, some may live with an unrelated older person in a public rental apartment. In Asia, these older people are associated with increased risks of poor health and social isolation, have poorer social support and a poor quality of life. Few studies have explored why these older people choose such living arrangements, the challenges they encountered and what has helped or may help them overcome these challenges. AIM To explore older people's experiences of living independently or with an unrelated older person. METHODS This descriptive qualitative study involved face-to-face interviews with 25 informants, 65 years or older in Singapore. Thematic analysis was adopted. RESULTS Five themes emerged: (1) making own choice--participants decided to live apart from their families, (2) contending with concerns--the availability of external resources for participants was shrinking, (3) coping with the available assistance--depending on available external resources from the community, (4) holding on to their values--participants rely on their internal resources to manage, and (5) preparing for the inevitable--participants were planning for their final years of life and for their death. CONCLUSION Older people have such living arrangements for many reasons. They attain well-being and quality of life by devising strategies, tapping on their limited external resources and relying on their values to manage their diminishing resources and the foreseeable death. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND/OR HEALTH POLICY Understanding older people's experiences may help nurses and health professionals to develop health promotion programmes that support older people's everyday needs and help them to stay healthy. Public health policy must support older people to live in a safe environment near their extended family to reduce their need to relocate.
NMDA receptor–dependent signaling pathways that underlie amyloid β‐protein disruption of LTP in the hippocampus

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease in the elderly population, is characterized by the hippocampal deposition of fibrils formed by amyloid β‐protein (Aβ), a 40‐ to 42‐amino‐acid peptide. The folding of Aβ into neurotoxic oligomeric, protofibrillar, and fibrillar assemblies is believed to mediate the key pathologic event in AD. The hippocampus is especially susceptible in AD and early degenerative symptoms include significant deficits in the performance of hippocampal‐dependent cognitive abilities such as spatial learning and memory. Transgenic mouse models of AD that express C‐terminal segments or mutant variants of amyloid precursor protein, the protein from which Aβ is derived, exhibit age‐dependent spatial memory impairment and attenuated long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG) regions. Recent experimental evidence suggests that Aβ disturbs N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor–dependent LTP induction in the CA1 and DG both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, these studies suggest that Aβ specifically interferes with several major signaling pathways downstream of the NMDA receptor, including the Ca2+‐dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin, Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), protein phosphatase 1, and cAMP response element–binding protein (CREB). The influence of Aβ on each of these downstream effectors of the NMDA receptor is reviewed in this article. Additionally, other mechanisms of LTP modulation, such as Aβ attenuation of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor currents, are briefly discussed. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detrimental Complications Of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome And Their Impact On Outcome.

BACKGROUND Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is respiratory distress in an infant born through meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) whose signs cannot be otherwise explained. MAS is associated with different complications. Many studies have been conducted in developed world to find the outcome associated with MAS but data from developing countries is lacking. Present study was conducted to determine the impact of chemical pneumonitis, pulmonary hypertension (PHN) and air leak on outcome of new-borns with MAS. METHODS This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary care Neonatology unit. The babies diagnosed with MAS were included in the study. All patients were monitored for development of complications. Outcome in terms of mortality was recorded. Outcome was compared by chisquare test and p-value <0.05 is considered significant. RESULTS Seventy two babies were included in the study. Mean gestation was 37±0.56 weeks and birth weight was 2.87±0.49 kg. Male to female ratio was 1.57:1 and mean age of admission was 9.59±5.27 hours. Chemical pneumonitis, PHN and chemical pneumonitis with PHN were observed in 23.6%, 20.8% and 26.4% neonates respectively. Mortality rate was 19.44%. The mortality was highest in babies having chemical pneumonitis with PHN (p-value=0.013) followed by chemical pneumonitis group (p-value=0.02) and PHN group (p-value=0.032). CONCLUSIONS About three fourth babies with MAS developed one or more complications. Mortality is significantly increases with the development of complications so as more the complications more is the mortality.
rAAV‐mediated combined gene transfer and overexpression of TGF‐β and SOX9 remodels human osteoarthritic articular cartilage

Direct administration of therapeutic candidate gene sequences using the safe and effective recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) vectors is a promising strategy to stimulate the biologic activities of articular chondrocytes as an adapted tool to treat human osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage. In the present study, we developed a combined gene transfer approach based on the co‐delivery of the pleiotropic transformation growth factor beta (TGF‐β) with the specific transcription factor SOX9 via rAAV to human normal and OA chondrocytes in vitro and cartilage explants in situ in light of the mitogenic and pro‐anabolic properties of these factors. Effective, durable co‐overexpression of TGF‐β and SOX9 significantly enhanced the levels of cell proliferation both in human normal and OA chondrocytes and cartilage explants over an extended period of time (21 days), while stimulating the biosynthesis of key matrix components (proteoglycans, type‐II collagen) compared with control conditions (reporter lacZ gene transfer, absence of vector treatment). Of further note, expression of hypertrophic type‐X collagen significantly decreased following co‐treatment by the candidate vectors. The present findings show the value of combining the transfer and expression of potent candidate factors in human OA cartilage as a means to re‐establish essential features of normal cartilage and counteract the pathological shift of homeostasis. These observations support the concept of developing dual therapeutic rAAV gene transfer strategies as future, adapted tools for the direct treatment of human OA. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:2181–2190, 2016.
Phenformin and 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide‐1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside (AICAR) activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase inhibits transepithelial Na+ transport across H441 lung cells

Active re‐absorption of Na+ across the alveolar epithelium is essential to maintain lung fluid balance. Na+ entry at the luminal membrane is predominantly via the amiloride‐sensitive Na+ channel (ENaC) down its electrochemical gradient. This gradient is generated and maintained by basolateral Na+ extrusion via Na+,K+‐ATPase an energy‐dependent process. Several kinases and factors that activate them are known to regulate these processes; however, the role of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the lung is unknown. AMPK is an ultra‐sensitive cellular energy sensor that monitors energy consumption and down‐regulates ATP‐consuming processes when activated. The biguanide phenformin has been shown to independently decrease ion transport processes, influence cellular metabolism and activate AMPK. The AMP mimetic drug 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide‐1‐β‐d‐ribofuranoside (AICAR) also activates AMPK in intact cells. Western blotting revealed that both the α1 and α2 catalytic subunits of AMPK are present in Na+ transporting H441 human lung epithelial cells. Phenformin and AICAR increased AMPK activity in H441 cells in a dose‐dependent fashion, stimulating the kinase maximally at 5–10 mm (P= 0.001, n= 3) and 2 mm (P < 0.005, n= 3), respectively. Both agents significantly decreased basal ion transport (measured as short circuit current) across H441 monolayers by approximately 50% compared with that of controls (P < 0.05, n= 4). Neither treatment altered the resistance of the monolayers. Phenformin and AICAR significantly reduced amiloride‐sensitive transepithelial Na+ transport compared with controls (P < 0.05, n= 4). This was a result of both decreased Na+,K+‐ATPase activity and amiloride‐sensitive apical Na+ conductance. Transepithelial Na+ transport decreased with increasing concentrations of phenformin (0.1–10 mm) and showed a significant correlation with AMPK activity. Taken together, these results show that phenformin and AICAR suppress amiloride‐sensitive Na+ transport across H441 cells via a pathway that includes activation of AMPK and inhibition of both apical Na+ entry through ENaC and basolateral Na+ extrusion via the Na+,K+‐ATPase. These are the first studies to provide a cellular signalling mechanism for the action of phenformin on ion transport processes, and also the first studies showing AMPK as a regulator of Na+ absorption in the lung.
Efficacy of botulinum toxin A in children with cerebral palsy in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV and V: a systematic review

Aim Previous studies have shown the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) in the management of ambulant individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). There is little evidence on its use in non‐ambulant children with CP. This review aimed to investigate indications and efficacy for BoNT‐A use in managing pain, care, and comfort, and improving function in children with CP in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV and V.