Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Baby Immature and Adult Shoots of Aloe Vera on UVB‐Induced Skin Photoaging in vitro

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces photo‐damage of the skin, which in turn causes depletion of the dermal extracellular matrix and chronic alterations in skin structure. Skin wrinkle formations are associated with collagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. The production of type I procollagen is regulated by transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) expression; the activation of MMP is also correlated with an increase of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Aloe barbadensis M. (Aloe vera) is widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. In this study, we examined whether baby aloe shoot extract (BAE, immature aloe extract), which is from the one‐month‐old shoots of Aloe vera, and adult aloe shoot extract (AE), which is from the four‐month‐old shoots of Aloe vera, have a protective effect on UVB‐induced skin photoaging in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). The effects of BAE and AE on UVB‐induced photoaging were tested by measuring the levels of reactive oxygen species, MMP‐1, MMP‐3, IL‐6, type I procollagen, and TGF‐β1 after UVB irradiation. We found that NHDF cells treated with BAE after UVB‐irradiation suppressed MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and IL‐6 levels compared to the AE‐treated cells. Furthermore, BAE treatment elevated type I procollagen and TGF‐β1 levels. Our results suggest that BAE may potentially protect the skin from UVB‐induced damage more than AE. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Access Patterns to Analyze the Performance of Optimistic Synchronization Algorithms in Simulations of MAS

We present a detailed analysis of the performance of the Decision Theoretic Read Delay (DTRD) optimistic synchronization algorithm for simulations of multi-agent systems (MAS). We develop an abstract characterization of the access patterns found in MAS simulations based on the simulation's degree of coupling and skew. Using this characterization, we generated stereotypical test cases which we used to compare the performance of the DTRD algorithm with that of Time Warp and time windows. To determine if the test cases reliably predict performance in a real agent simulation, we compared the predictions made by the test cases with performance results from the Boids agent simulation benchmark for a range of simulation parameters. The results indicate that the test cases are useful predictors of performance in real agent simulations, that DTRD adapts to the mixtures of coupling cases found in real agent simulations and is capable of tracking changes in coupling during the simulation.
Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections with Vaccinium Products

Cranberries exert a dose‐dependent inhibition of the adherence of E. coli fimbriae to uroepithelial cells. This was demonstrated in vitro but also ex vivo in vitro with urine from cranberry consumers. The active principle has not been identified in detail but type‐A proanthocyanidins (PAC) play an important role in the mechanism of action. Since the three species, American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), European cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus) and/or lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis‐idaea), have different patterns of type‐A PACs, results from one species cannot be transferred to the others. It seems likely that most of the studies with monopreparations from V. macrocarpon were underdosed. Whereas photometric PAC quantification may overestimate the true content on co‐active compounds, reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatograpy may underestimate them. Recent studies with PAC doses in the upper range (DMAC method) or declared type‐A PAC content in the daily dose reveal a dose‐dependent trend of clinical effectiveness, however, with a possible ceiling effect. In order to clarify this, future three‐arm studies should investigate Vaccinium preparations with higher type‐A PAC doses than previously used. We analysed two popular European vitis‐idaea products, a mother juice and a proprietary extract. Both preparations may be appropriate to confirm the Vaccinium urinary tract infection‐preventive effect beyond doubt. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinico-laboratory study on filarial lymphoedema

Context: Lymphatic filariasis is considered the second leading cause of permanent physical disability in humans next to mood disorder. Aims: To evaluate filarial lymphoedema as a considerable burden to patients and the community. Settings and Design: This study was conducted on 45 patients with filarial lymphoedema among 2,350 patients with lower limb edema and 22 age- and sex-matched controls, from May 2005 to May 2008. Materials and Methods: Subjects were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, Doppler ultrasound on the affected leg, laboratory tests for filariasis. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) for windows 7.5. (SPSS Inc, Chicago, USA). Results: Male to female ratio was approximately 1:1.8. The age group 21-30 years was more affected (42%). The majority of cases of filarial lymphoedema in the present study were diagnosed in advanced irreversible stages. Five patients had hydrocele. Four cases (8.9%) were detected to be microfilaremic, 60% of cases were positive for Immunoglobulin (Ig) G, 4.44% were IgM positive and positive cases for filarial antigenemia were 64.4%. Conclusion: The majority of cases in the present study were detected in advanced irreversible stages with patient disability and serious socioeconomic impact.
β‐Sitosterol Enhances Cellular Glutathione Redox Cycling by Reactive Oxygen Species Generated From Mitochondrial Respiration: Protection Against Oxidant Injury in H9c2 Cells and Rat Hearts

Herba Cistanches (Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma) is a ‘Yang‐invigorating’ tonic herb in Chinese medicine. Preliminary chemical analysis indicated that β‐sitosterol (BS) is one of the chemical constituents in an active fraction of Herba Cistanches. To investigate whether BS is an active ingredient of Herba Cistanches, the effects of BS on H9c2 cells and rat hearts were examined. The results indicated that BS stimulated the mitochondrial ATP generation capacity in H9c2 cells, which was associated with the increased production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. BS also stimulated mitochondrial state 3 and state 4 respiration, with the resultant decrease in coupling efficiency. BS produced an up‐regulation of cellular glutathione redox cycling and protected against hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells. However, the protective effect of BS against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury was seen in female but not male rats ex vivo. The cardioprotection afforded by BS was likely mediated by an up‐regulation of mitochondrial glutathione redox cycling in female rat hearts. In conclusion, the ensemble of results suggests that BS is an active ingredient of Herba Cistanches. The gender‐dependent effect of BS on myocardial protection will further be investigated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal utilization of the terminal for bulk cargo unloading

This paper analyses the capacity of a bulk cargo unloading river terminal, i.e. the existing terminal configuration with two unloading devices (operation without a help strategy and under a complete help strategy between unloading devices) and the predicted future terminal configuration with three unloading devices operating under a partial help strategy. The optimization procedure to determine unloading terminal optimal utilization, for each terminal configuration and operation strategy (existing and future situation) is also shown, due to the fact that ports (terminals) operation under an optimal capacity provides prompt accommodation of vessels with the minimum port waiting time and maximum use of berth facilities. For the purpose of a comprehensive analysis, three different river terminal simulation models have been developed due to the number of unloading devices and their operation strategy. Some of the obtained results have been applied and verified on the existing system.
A formal mathematical framework for modeling and simulation of wireless sensor network environments utilizing the hill-building behavior of termites

The current practice in modeling and simulation of wireless sensor network (WSN) environments is to develop functional WSN systems for event gathering and optimize the necessary performance metric using heuristics and intuition. The evaluation and validation of the WSN system is mostly done using simulation approaches and practical implementations. Simulation studies, despite their wide use and merits for network systems and algorithms validation, have some drawbacks such as long simulation times, and some results reported by several prominent protocols cannot be repeated and are inconsistent. We, therefore, argue that simulation-based validation of WSN systems and environments should be further strengthened through mathematical analysis. To this end, we developed our modeling framework based on energy consumption for WSN topology and information extraction in a grid-based and line-based, randomly distributed sensor network. We strengthen the work with a model of the mobility impact on routing energy consumption by deriving the expected energy consumption of an agent-based reactive routing protocol for a WSN system as a function of packet arrival rate and topology change rate, using a termite hill routing algorithm. The results of our mathematical analysis were also compared with the simulation results.
Alkali‐Soluble Polysaccharide, Isolated from Lentinus edodes, Induces Apoptosis and G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest in H22 Cells Through Microtubule Depolymerization

The aim of the study was to evaluate the pro‐apoptotic effects of polysaccharides derived from Lentinus edodes and further elucidated the mechanisms of this action. Our results demonstrated that marked morphological changes of apoptosis were observed after treatment of L. edodes polysaccharides [Lentinan (LTN)]. Moreover, LTN‐induced cell apoptosis was characterized by a rapid stimulation of reactive oxygen species production, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in intracellular concentration of Ca2+. In addition, the results of the haematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL assay further confirmed that LTN‐induced apoptosis in vivo. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed that LTN could arrest the cell cycle at G2/M phase, and immunofluorescence showed LTN caused disruption of microtubule. These results suggest that disruption of cellular microtubule network, arrest of the cell cycle at G2/M phase and induction of apoptosis may be one of the possible mechanisms of anti‐tumour effect of LTN. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Lipopolysaccharide‐induced Anhedonic Depressive‐like Behavior in Male Rats

The peripheral administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces depressive‐like behavior. Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression, defined as a loss of the capacity to experience pleasure. The present study used the sucrose preference test to investigate the influence of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on LPS‐induced anhedonia in male rats. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: (I) vehicle + saline, (II) vehicle + LPS, (III) EGb 761 + saline, and (IV) EGb 761 + LPS. Saline or LPS (100 µg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 2 h before the sucrose preference test. Sucrose consumption was recorded 2, 4, 6, 13, and 24 h after 100 µg/kg of LPS or saline injection in the dark phase of the light/dark cycle. Dopamine and serotonin levels in the nucleus accumbens were measured. Our results indicated that the vehicle + LPS group exhibited a significant decrease in sucrose intake compared with the vehicle + saline group. The EGb 761 + LPS group showed more sucrose and food consumption than the vehicle + LPS group. Additionally, compared with the EGb 761 + LPS group, the vehicle + LPS group had less dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens. Treatment with EGb 761 had no effect on water intake. Our results suggest that EGb 761 may be useful for reducing anhedonic depressive‐like behavior. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Malaria Transmission and Its Preventive Measures among Households in Urban Areas of Assosa Zone, Western Ethiopia

Background: Knowledge about the modes of transmission and preventive measures of malaria are important preceding factors for the acceptance and use of proven control tools by the community. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) about modes of malaria transmission and preventive methods in the study areas. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three urban areas of Assosa zone, Western Ethiopia from January to February, 2006. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS for windows version 12.0. 1. Adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were employed to test the strength of association. Results: About 48% of the study participants were aware that malaria can be transmitted by mosquito bites. Thirty percent (30%), of respondents were aware that mosquitoes carry disease causing microorganism, 95% were aware that mosquitoes bite during night, and 61% were aware that mosquitoes rest at dark places inside the house. Sleeping under a mosquito net and eliminating mosquito-breeding sites were identified by 58% and 52% of respondents, respectively, as major malaria preventive measures. Respondents' education and wealth status were associated with comprehensive knowledge on malaria preventive measures (OR= 2.42, 95% CI: 1.09, 5.4 and OR= 3.89, 95% CI: 1.99, 7.6, respectively). Conclusion: Knowledge of the role of mosquitoes in malaria transmission and comprehensive knowledge about malaria prevention strategies among the study population were observed to be lower than 50%. Comprehensive behavioral change and communication is required to improve the knowledge of the mode of malaria transmission and its preventive and control measures. The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development Vol. 21 (2) 2007: pp. 157-165
Anti‐Platelet Activity of Water Dispersible Curcuminoids in Rat Platelets

Curcuminoids are active principle of turmeric with plethora of health beneficial properties. In this study, we have evaluated for the first time the effect of water dispersible curcuminoids on rat platelet aggregation. Curcuminoids (10–30 µg/mL) significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by agonists viz., collagen, ADP and arachidonic acid. Curcuminoids were found to be two‐fold more potent than curcumin in inhibiting platelet aggregation. Intracellular curcuminoid concentration was relatively higher than curcumin in rat platelets. Curcuminoids significantly attenuated thromboxane A2, serotonin levels in rat platelets which play an important role in platelet aggregation. Curcuminoid treatment increased nitric oxide (NO) levels in platelets treated with agonists. Curcuminoids inhibited free radicals such as superoxide anion released from activated platelets, which ultimately inhibits platelet aggregation. Further, curcuminoids inhibited 12‐lipoxygenase activity and formation of 12‐hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12‐HPETE) in activated rat platelets which regulates platelet aggregation. The results suggest that curcuminoids have remarkable anti‐platelet activity by modulating multiple mechanisms involved in platelet aggregation. Thus curcuminoids may have a therapeutic potential to prevent platelet activation related disorders. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Korean Red Ginseng Extract Enhances the Anticancer Effects of Imatinib Mesylate Through Abrogation p38 and STAT5 Activation in KBM‐5 Cells

Although imatinib mesylate (IM) in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) remains the best example of successful targeted therapy, majority of patients with CML suffer its toxicity profile and develop chemoresistance to existing therapeutic agents. Thus, there is a need to develop novel alternative therapies for the treatment of CML. Here, we investigated whether Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) could suppress the proliferation and induce chemosensitization in human CML cells. Also, we used a human phospho‐antibody array containing 46 antibodies against signaling molecules to examine a subset of phosphorylation events after treatment. Korean red ginseng extract broadly suppressed the proliferation of five different cell lines, but KRGE was found to be the most potent inducer of apoptosis against KBM‐5 cells. It also abrogated the expression of Bcl‐2 (B‐cell lymphoma 2), Bcl‐xL (B‐cell lymphoma‐extra large), survivin, inhibitors of apoptosis protein 1/2, COX‐2 (Cyclooxygenase‐2), cyclin D1, matrix metalloproteinase‐9, and VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor), as well as upregulated the expression of pro‐apoptotic gene products. Interestingly, KRGE also enhanced the cytotoxic and apoptotic effect of IM in KBM‐5 cells. The combination treatment of KRGE and IM caused pronounced suppression of p38 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 phosphorylation and induced phosphorylation of p53 compared with the individual treatment. Our results demonstrate that KRGE can enhance the anticancer activity of IM and may have a substantial potential in the treatment of CML. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
University of Alberta Undergraduate Student and Alumni Pharmacist Mentorship Pilot Project

Background: The value of mentoring is recognized in many fields, including pharmacy, as a means for one person (mentor) to help another person (protegé) enhance his or her growth, knowledge and skills. The University of Alberta Faculty of Pharmacy and the Pharmacy Alumni Association conducted an 8-month mentorship pilot project involving pharmacy undergraduate students and alumni pharmacists. The focus was to assist students transitioning into the pharmacy workforce by providing guidance and advice from pharmacist mentors. Methods: A prototype mentorship model was developed. The model consisted of recruitment and matching processes and multiple structured and unstructured communication sessions (education and relationship-building). Seven student protegés and 7 licensed Alberta pharmacists participated in the pilot throughout the 2007–08 academic year. The formal evaluation was based on document reviews and participant interviews. Results: The key findings included: participants were very positive about the pilot program activities; both protegés and mentors would recommend participation to colleagues; the ideal year for participation was the third year in the pharmacy undergraduate program; the most beneficial pieces of advice were about change associated with early career development; 5 of 7 mentor/protegé pairs planned to continue or were actually continuing communications; e-mail was the most efficient communication; finding the time to communicate was the major barrier. Discussion: The results from the pilot provided preliminary evidence that pharmacy students have similar mentorship needs as students in other disciplines and that a formal mentorship model can address these needs. The students had career-related and personal questions and interests that were addressed by the alumni pharmacist mentors. The mentorship model had sufficient processes and structure to build and maintain relationships and to satisfy mentorship needs. Conclusion: The pilot demonstrated that a pharmacy mentorship model can be successfully established and be of benefit to participants and potentially to pharmacy practice. Based on the findings, an expanded version of the program was implemented in the fall 2009 academic term.
Lumbar Disc Herniation

Open access refers to unrestricted access via the Internet to articles published in scholarly journals such as “Orthopedics and Muscular System”. OMICS Publishing Group strongly supports this open access initiative and all articles published by OMICS Publishing Group are freely accessible to everyone immediately after publication. Some of the special features of OMICS group journals include digital formatting, audio listening, language translation and ability to share views on articles via social networking. There are many benefits of open access model where the end users including researchers, patients, students, clinicians and policy makers can have immediate access to latest research findings throughout the world. Open Access articles are cited much more than the non open access articles [1] and have greater visibility in the scientific community and public. Most of the orthopaedic research performed in North America is publicly funded by agencies such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) or the (US) National Institutes of Health (NIH) [2]. In recent years the question that was asked repeatedly was“if the public is paying for this work, why cannot the public see the results? ” The advocates of open access model have now persuaded governments across the world that if the public pays for the research then the public has a right to see the results.
Tracing a Linearly Moving Node From Asynchronous Time-of-Arrival Measurements

We address the problem of estimating the position and velocity of a radio transmitter moving with constant (unknown) velocity from packet arrival timestamps collected by a set of anchor nodes in fixed known positions. The considered system is completely asynchronous: no assumption is made about node clock synchronization nor about timing of transmitted packets. A distinguishing feature of the proposed model is that it relies exclusively on reception timestamps, with no need to measure nor control transmission times. Because of that, transmitters do not need to cooperate to the tracing process, enabling the opportunistic exploitation of packets that were generated for communication (not localization) purposes. We consider a batch processing approach, where all the measurements collected within a given observation window are jointly processed. Different generalized least squares formulations are provided for the problem at hand and their equivalence is proved.