Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Importance of Human Resources in a Globalised Economy: A Conceptual Framework

The role of human resource management in contemporary competitive industry is critical to the survival of all firms. Yet most of the response to the financial crisis has focused on macroeconomic aspects and there is relatively little research on the role of human resources. Secondly, the issue of globalization has been addressed predominantly in, and with respect to, the developed economies of Western Europe, North America and Japan. This review attempts to address these two limitations. Since the human factor is the key in the new era of globalization the primary objective of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for effective management of human resources as a response to the growing interaction of globalization and business performance
Genetic diversity and population structure of the African catfish , Clarias gariepinus ( Burchell , 1822 ) in Kenya : implication for conservation and aquaculture

African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, is an important species in aquaculture and fisheries in Kenya. Mitochondrial D-loop control region was used to determine genetic variation and population structure in samples of C. gariepinus from 10 sites including five natural populations (Lakes Victoria (LVG), Kanyaboli (LKG), Turkana (LTA), Baringo (LBA) and Jipe (LJP), and five farms (Sangoro Aquaculture Center (SAN), Sagana Aquaculture Centre (SAG), University of Eldoret Fish Farm (UoE), Kibos Fish Farm (KIB), and Wakhungu Fish Farm (WKU)) in Kenya. Similarly, samples from eight localities (four natural populations: LVG/LKG, LTA, LBA, and four farmed: SAN, SAG, KIB, UoE) were genotyped using six microsatellite DNA loci. For the D-loop control region, samples from natural sites exhibited higher numbers of haplotypes and haplotype diversities compared to farmed samples, and 88.2% of haplotypes were private. All except LJP and LTA shared haplotypes, and the highest number of shared haplotypes (8) was detected in KIB. The 68 haplotypes we found in 268 individuals grouped into five phylogenetic clades: LVG/LKG, LTA, LBA, LJP and SAG. Haplotypes of farmed C. gariepinus mostly have haplotypes typical of LVG/LKG, and some shared haplotypes of the LBA population. Microsatellite analysis showed farmed samples have higher numbers of alleles than natural samples, but higher observed and expected heterozygosity levels were found in samples of natural Belg. J. Zool. 147 (2): 105–127 (2017) 106 populations. Fifteen pair-wise comparisons had significantly different FST values. All samples were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Samples from the eight localities grouped into four genetic clusters (LVG/ LKG, LTA, LBA and SAG), indicating genetically distinct populations, which should be considered for aquaculture and conservation.
T cell derived cytokines in psoriatic arthritis synovial fluids

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of T cell derived cytokines in the synovial fluids (SFs) of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in comparison with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS Th1 type cytokines (interleukin 2 (IL2), tumour necrosis factor β (TNFβ), and interferon γ (INFγ)) and Th2 type cytokines (IL4, IL10) were measured by means of enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS IL2 was usually not detectable in any of the disease groups. TNFβ was found in 3 of 31 PsA SFs (mean (SEM) 11.1 (2.3) pg/ml) and in a significantly lower concentration than in 20 of the 40 RA SFs (42.2 (15.6) pg/ml; p < 0.002). INFγ was measurable in 2 of 10 PsA and 6 of 16 RA SFs (p > 0.05). IL4 was present at low concentrations in 4 of 22 PsA SFs (0.41 (0.8) pg/ml), and in 15 of 20 RA SFs (0.63 (0.09) pg/ml; p < 0.01). IL10 was found in 4 of 27 PsA SFs (12.3 (0.9) pg/ml) and in 27 of 32 RA SFs (37.3 (4.9) pg/ml; p < 0.0001). In all OA SFs cytokine concentrations were below the limit of detection. CONCLUSION The pattern of T cell derived cytokines in PsA SFs was similar to that of RA SFs. However, both the frequency and the concentrations of cytokines were lower in PsA SFs than in RA SFs, while OA SFs generally lacked any detectable T cell cytokines altogether. The presence of Th1 and Th2 cell derived cytokines in PsA SFs suggests the presence of activated T cells in the inflamed joint tissues and their participation in the immunoinflammatory events.
ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY ANTIPSEUDOMONAL ANTIBIOTICS

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible not only for infections associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in the immunocompromised host, but also serious nosocomial infections, particularly in the intubated intensive care unit (ICU) patients. [43] P. aeruginosa bacteremia carries a high mortality rate exceeding 50%, indicating the intrinsic virulence of the microorganism. [41] Despite the availability of several antipseudomonal antimicrobials, steadily increasing resistance rates are reported worldwide, rendering the end of antibiotics for P. aeruginosa an approaching reality. [5] [8] [23] [24] [25] [39] [43] [44] This article focuses mainly on newer antipseudomonal agents and on more recent information for the older compounds.
Using a Phage Display Library to Identify Basic Residues in A-Raf Required to Mediate Binding to the Src Homology 2 Domains of the p85 Subunit of Phosphatidylinositol 3′-Kinase*

Src homology 2 (SH2) domains are found in a variety of cytoplasmic proteins involved in mediating signals from cell surface receptors to various intracellular pathways. They fold as modular units and are capable of recognizing and binding to short linear peptide sequences containing a phosphorylated tyrosine residue. Here we show that each of the SH2 domains of the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase selects phage displayed peptide sequences containing the core (L/I)-A-(R/K)-I-R. The serine/threonine kinase A-Raf, containing the sequence LQRIRS, is associated with the p85 protein in both quiescent and growth factor stimulated cells. This suggests that p85 and A-Raf exist in a protein complex in cells and that complex formation does not require growth factor stimulation. We also show that p85 and A-Raf can bind directly to each other in vitro and that this interaction is mediated in part by the p85 SH2 domains. Further, the p85 SH2 domains require at least one of four distinct basic-X-basic sequence motifs within A-Raf for binding. This is the first description of a phosphotyrosine-independent SH2 domain interaction that requires basic residues on the SH2 ligand.
Compact LTCC bandpass 180° hybrid using lumped single-to-differential and single-to-common bandpass filters

A compact LTCC (low temperature co-fired ceramic) bandpass 180° hybrid is proposed. By incorporating the properly designed lumped single-to-differential (S-D) and single-to-common (S-C) bandpass filters into a four-port device with their output ports connected back-to-back, a novel 180° hybrid with desired bandpass characteristic may be realized. The corresponding lumped S-D and S-C filters are realized based on the symmetric coupled resonator structures. To demonstrate the design concept, the bandpass 180° hybrid is designed to possess a 2nd-order Butterworth response with 10% fractional bandwidth. Specifically, the implemented bandpass 180° hybrid shows the desired performances with low insertion-loss (≪3+2.27dB), good amplitude-/phase-balances (Δ≪0.5dB and θ ≪2°), high isolation (≫43dB), and compact size (7.8mm*4.3mm). Good agreement between measured and simulated results is also obtained.
a 2 b 1 Integrin Signalling Enhances Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are linked to an increased risk of developing colon cancer, by inflammatory mediators and alterations to the extracellular matrix (ECM). The events induced by inflammatory mediators lead to dysregulated activation and induction of inflammatory genes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid to biologically active prostanoids and is highly upregulated in colon cancer. Since inflammation-induced changes to the extracellular matrix could affect integrin activities, we here investigated the effect of integrin signalling on the level of COX-2 expression in the non-transformed intestinal epithelial cell lines, Int 407 and IEC-6. Adhesion of these cells to a collagen Ior IV-coated surface, increased surface expression of a2b1 integrin. Activation of integrins with collagen caused an increased cox-2 promoter activity, with a subsequent increase in COX-2 expression. The signalling cascade leading to this increased expression and promoter activity of cox-2, involves PKCa, the small GTPase Ras and NFkB but not Erk1/2 or Src activity. The integrin-induced increase in cellular COX-2 activity is responsible for an elevated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased cell migration. This signalling pathway suggests a mechanism whereby inflammation-induced modulations of the ECM, can promote cancer transformation in the intestinal epithelial cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 950–958, 2006. 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Inner Ear Autoantibodies and their Targets in Patients with Autoimmune Inner Ear Diseases

Immunological mechanisms are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of some cochleo-vestibular diseases. This study attempts to present further evidence of autoantibodies reactive against guinea pig inner ear proteins found in patients with autoimmune inner ear diseases (AIED) and specifically identifies the main target antigens of these antibodies. Sera from 110 patients with a clinical diagnosis of either rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss (n=32), Ménière's disease (n=41), sudden deafness (n=26) or other aetiologies of hearing loss (n
The pharmacokinetics of ondansetron after intravenous injection in healthy volunteers phenotyped as poor or extensive metabolisers of debrisoquine.

The pharmacokinetics of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron following an 8 mg i.v. dose were investigated in 12 subjects previously phenotyped with debrisoquine. Six subjects were poor metabolisers (debrisoquine metabolic ratios 29-131) and six were extensive metabolisers (debrisoquine metabolic ratios 0.45-3.4). There was no significant difference in AUC, Cmax, CL or t1/2 between the poor and extensive metabolisers. It is concluded that ondansetron clearance is not mediated exclusively by cytochrome P-450 2D6.
Predominance of heavily calcified coccolithophores at low CaCO3 saturation during winter in the Bay of Biscay

Coccolithophores are an important component of the Earth system, and, as calcifiers, their possible susceptibility to ocean acidification is of major concern. Laboratory studies at enhanced pCO2 levels have produced divergent results without overall consensus. However, it has been predicted from these studies that, although calcification may not be depressed in all species, acidification will produce “a transition in dominance from more to less heavily calcified coccolithophores” [Ridgwell A, et al., (2009) Biogeosciences 6:2611–2623]. A recent observational study [Beaufort L, et al., (2011) Nature 476:80–83] also suggested that coccolithophores are less calcified in more acidic conditions. We present the results of a large observational study of coccolithophore morphology in the Bay of Biscay. Samples were collected once a month for over a year, along a 1,000-km-long transect. Our data clearly show that there is a pronounced seasonality in the morphotypes of Emiliania huxleyi, the most abundant coccolithophore species. Whereas pH and CaCO3 saturation are lowest in winter, the E. huxleyi population shifts from <10% (summer) to >90% (winter) of the heavily calcified form. However, it is unlikely that the shifts in carbonate chemistry alone caused the morphotype shift. Our finding that the most heavily calcified morphotype dominates when conditions are most acidic is contrary to the earlier predictions and raises further questions about the fate of coccolithophores in a high-CO2 world.
Prehospital Intubations and Mortality: A Level 1 Trauma Center Perspective

BACKGROUND: Ryder Trauma Center is a Level 1 trauma center with approximately 3800 emergency admissions per year. In this study, we sought to determine the incidence of failed prehospital intubations (PHI), its correlation with hospital mortality, and possible risk factors associated with PHI. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted evaluating trauma patients who had emergency prehospital airway management and were admitted during the period between August 2003 and June 2006. The PHI was considered a failure if the initial assessment determined improper placement of the endotracheal tube or if alternative airway management devices were used as a rescue measure after intubation was attempted. RESULTS: One-thousand-three-hundred-twenty patients had emergency airway interventions performed by an anesthesiologist upon arrival at the trauma center. Of those, 203 had been initially intubated in the field by emergency medical services personnel, with 74 of 203 (36%) surviving to discharge. When evaluating the success of the intubation, 63 of 203 (31%) met the criteria for failed PHI, all of them requiring intubation, with only 18 of 63 (29%) surviving to discharge. These patients had rescue airway management provided either via Combitube® (n = 28), Laryngeal Mask Airway® (n = 6), or a cricothyroidotomy (n = 4). An additional 25 of 63 patients (12%) had unrecognized esophageal intubations discovered upon the initial airway assessment performed on arrival. We found no difference in mortality between those patients who were properly intubated and those who were not. Several other variables, including age, gender, weight, mechanism of injury, presence of facial injuries, and emergency medical services were not correlated with an increased incidence of failed intubations. CONCLUSION: This prospective study showed a 31% incidence of failed PHI in a large metropolitan trauma center. We found no difference in mortality between patients who were properly intubated and those who were not, supporting the use of bag-valve-mask as an adequate method of airway management for critically ill trauma patients in whom intubation cannot be achieved promptly in the prehospital setting.
Postchallenge Administration of Brincidofovir Protects Healthy and Immune-Deficient Mice Reconstituted with Limited Numbers of T Cells from Lethal Challenge with IHD-J-Luc Vaccinia Virus

ABSTRACT Protection from lethality by postchallenge administration of brincidofovir (BCV, CMX001) was studied in normal and immune-deficient (nude, nu/nu) BALB/c mice infected with vaccinia virus (VACV). Whole-body bioluminescence imaging was used to record total fluxes in the nasal cavity, lungs, spleen, and liver and to enumerate pox lesions on tails of mice infected via the intranasal route with 105 PFU of recombinant IHD-J-Luc VACV expressing luciferase. Areas under the flux curve (AUCs) were calculated for individual mice to assess viral loads. A three-dose regimen of 20 mg/kg BCV administered every 48 h starting either on day 1 or day 2 postchallenge protected 100% of mice. Initiating BCV treatment earlier was more efficient in reducing viral loads and in providing protection from pox lesion development. All BCV-treated mice that survived challenge were also protected from rechallenge with IHD-J-Luc or WRvFire VACV without additional treatment. In immune-deficient mice, BCV protected animals from lethality and reduced viral loads while animals were on the drug. Viral recrudescence occurred within 4 to 9 days, and mice succumbed ∼10 to 20 days after treatment termination. Nude mice reconstituted with 105 T cells prior to challenge with 104 PFU of IHD-J-Luc and treated with BCV postchallenge survived the infection, cleared the virus from all organs, and survived rechallenge with 105 PFU of IHD-J-Luc VACV without additional BCV treatment. Together, these data suggest that BCV protects immunocompetent and partially T cell-reconstituted immune-deficient mice from lethality, reduces viral dissemination in organs, prevents pox lesion development, and permits generation of VACV-specific memory. IMPORTANCE Mass vaccination is the primary element of the public health response to a smallpox outbreak. In addition to vaccination, however, antiviral drugs are required for individuals with uncertain exposure status to smallpox or for whom vaccination is contraindicated. Whole-body bioluminescence imaging was used to study the effect of brincidofovir (BCV) in normal and immune-deficient (nu/nu) mice infected with vaccinia virus, a model of smallpox. Postchallenge administration of 20 mg/kg BCV rescued normal and immune-deficient mice partially reconstituted with T cells from lethality and significantly reduced viral loads in organs. All BCV-treated mice that survived infection were protected from rechallenge without additional treatment. In immune-deficient mice, BCV extended survival. The data show that BCV controls viral replication at the site of challenge and reduces viral dissemination to internal organs, thus providing a shield for the developing adaptive immunity that clears the host of virus and builds virus-specific immunological memory.
A role for endothelin in the maintenance of post‐ischaemic renal failure in the rat.

1. Endothelin (ET) has been shown to reduce glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (RBF) and may therefore be a possible mediator of the reduction of GFR and RBF observed in post‐ischaemic acute renal failure. 2. We infused a specific ET antibody, i.v. , for 1 h before and 1 h after a 60 min period of renal ischemia by clamping the renal artery, and observed the changes in renal function (acute clearance and long‐term metabolic cage studies) compared with rats infused with non‐immune rabbit serum. 3. In acute and long‐term studies, better renal function, as judged by GFR and RBF was observed in rats treated with the ET antibody. Furthermore, ischaemic rats showed higher levels of plasma immunoreactive ET (7.02 +/‐ 1.17 pg ET (ml plasma)‐1; mean +/‐ S.E. M. ) than normal rats where it was undetected. 4. We previously reported that glomeruli and renal platelet‐activating factor (PAF) production were increased after renal ischaemia. So, we studied the possible relationship between ET and glomeruli or renal PAF production in post‐ischaemic acute renal failure. 5. Glomeruli from ischaemic rats produced greater amounts of PAF than glomeruli from normal or anti‐ET antibody‐treated ischaemic rats. In addition, total renal PAF production was higher in ischaemic‐untreated than in non‐ischaemic or anti‐ET‐treated rats. Glomeruli incubated with 10(‐7) M‐endothelin produced much more PAF than those incubated in control conditions (138.4 +/‐ 10.5 vs. 80.2 +/‐ 9.4 pg PAF (mg protein)‐1; means +/‐ S.E. M. ; n = 10). 6. In conclusion, the present study suggests that endothelin plays a role in the persistent renal vasoconstriction that characterizes post‐ischaemic acute renal failure. In addition, the observed increase in glomerular PAF production after renal ischaemia may be due to the action of endothelin.
Running Head: WORKING MEMORY AND LONG-TERM MEMORY TEMPLATES The control of single-colour and multiple-colour visual search by attentional templates in working memory and in long-term memory

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Platelet-rich plasma contains high levels of platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta and modulates the proliferation of periodontally related cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a fraction of plasma, in which platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) are thought to be concentrated. It is plausible that topically-applied PRP up-regulates cellular activity and subsequently promotes periodontal regeneration in vivo. However, the concentrations of these growth factors in PRP have not been specifically determined and the biological effects of PRP at the cellular and molecular levels have not been determined. METHODS PRP obtained from 20 healthy subjects was prepared from plasma by centrifugation. These PRP preparations were immediately subjected to an evaluation for PDGF-AB and TGF-beta1 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The biological effects of the PRP preparations were evaluated on osteoblastic, epithelial, fibroblastic, and periodontal ligament cells. Cellular mitogenic activity was evaluated by counting cell numbers or evaluating 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was immunocytochemically evaluated. RESULTS In the PRP preparations, platelets were concentrated up to 70.9 x 10(4) cells/microl (283.4% of the unconcentrated plasma). The levels of PDGF-AB and TGF-beta1 were also concentrated up to 182.0 ng/ml (440.6%) and 140.9 ng/ml (346.6%), respectively. Scatter plots revealed significant correlations between platelet counts and levels of these growth factors. PRP stimulated osteoblastic DNA synthesis and cell division (138% of control), with simultaneous down-regulation of ALP, but suppressed epithelial cell division (80% of control). PRP also stimulated DNA synthesis in gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrated that both PDGF-AB and TGF-beta1 were highly concentrated in the PRP preparations. It is suggested PRP modulates cell proliferation in a cell type-specific manner similar to what has been observed with TGF-beta1. Since synchronized behavior of related cell types is thought to be required for successful periodontal regeneration, it is further suggested these cell type-specific actions may be beneficial for periodontal regenerative therapy.
CD 4 T Cell Count and Opportunistic Infections in HIV-AIDS Patients

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus pandemic is among the greatest health problem ever faced by humanity. AIDS is characterized by a number of opportunistic infections which are responsible for mortality and morbidity. The spectrum of opportunistic infections is everexpanding. As the disease progresses there is deterioration of immune system of the patient which causes decline in CD4 T cell count. Aim: The aim of the present study was to document the correlation of opportunistic infections and CD4 T cell count in HIV infected patients. Material and Methods: 40 symptomatic HIV infected patients admitted in various departments at IGMC Shimla were included in the study to find the correlation between CD4 cell count and opportunistic infections. Result: It was observed that maximum no. of patients were in the age group of 31-40 years (47.5%) It was found that there were 75% males and 25% were females. Male to female ratio was 3:1. Mean age of the study group was 33.47 (SD 9.577) years. The most common mode of transmission was heterosexual transmission (95%) The commonest opportunistic infection was tuberculosis (50%) followed by oral candidiasis, herpes zoster, oral hairy leukoplekia, cryptosporodium, toxoplasmosis, 30%, 5%, 2.5%, 2.5% and 2.5% respectively. CD4 T cell count of all the patients was done and there was significant decrease in CD4 T cell count in patients with opportunistic infections. CD4 T cell count was between 50-500/cmm. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that tuberculosis, oral candidiasis were the most common opportunistic infection in HIV patients. As CD4 T cell count decreases chances of getting opportunistic infection increases. Appearance of opportunistic infections can be used a predictive tool for CD4 T cell count and to start antiretroviral therapy/prophylaxis for opportunistic infections.