Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age‐dependent vascular endothelial growth factor expression and angiogenic capability of bladder smooth muscle cells: implications for cell‐seeded technology in bladder tissue engineering

Cell seeding technology is commonly used in the field of tissue engineering to enhance the performance of bioscaffolds and promote tissue regeneration. The age of cells used for ex vivo seeding to achieve maximal tissue regeneration has not been defined. Since rapid angiogenesis is the most critical step for tissue graft survival and success, we evaluated passage‐dependent vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in cultured smooth muscle cells (SMCs) obtained from urinary bladder and endothelial cell response to bladder SMCs. Levels of various VEGF isoforms mRNA expression and total VEGF secretion were determined by a semi‐quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis, respectively. In vitro endothelial cell migration in Transwell® and capillary‐like tube formation in Matrigel™ were used to predict the ability of bladder SMCs to promote angiogenesis. VEGF produced by cultured bladder SMCs increased from passages 4 to 7, and decreased from passages 7 to 12 at both mRNA and protein levels. Endothelial cell migration as well as capillary‐like tube formation correlated with levels of VEGF expression by bladder SMCs. Pre‐incubation of endothelial cells with a VEGF receptor 1/2 inhibitor, SU5416, significantly reduced the number of capillary‐like tubes in SMC‐endothelial cell Matrigel™ co‐culture, and confirmed the involvement of VEGF in endothelial cell tube formation. Our results demonstrate that cell passage number is related to levels of VEGF production, which may translate to angiogenesis in engineered tissues. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reputation and Hedge Fund Activism

We show activist hedge fund reputation is a critical determinant of the success of their campaigns. We model reputation as target managers' belief about the activist's willingness to initiate a proxy fight. Our model predicts activists incur the large cost of proxy fights as an investment in their reputation, and managers settle with high reputation activists without a proxy fight. Our empirical evidence supports these predictions: costs often exceed direct benefits for activists in proxy fights, and target companies settle with high reputation activists by increasing payouts, changing management, engaging in a merger or acquisition, or otherwise reorganizing.
Airport level of service: A model according to departing passengers’ perceptions at a small-sized airport

Purpose: This study proposes a conceptual model of level of service evaluation to a small-sized airport with a focus on departing passengers. Design/Methodology: The variables selected to compose the model were chosen according to their adequacy to departing passengers and the airport’s characteristics. A survey was conducted, and, posteriorly, exploratory factor analysis was used in order to verify the adequacy of the conceptual model proposed and also to improve it according to the results obtained. Findings: The results show that the level of service of the airport is composed of three dimensions: airport characteristics, passenger processing, and prices. The relative importance of the dimensions according to their contribution to the composition of the airport’s overall level of service was also determined. Originality/value: The paper combines theoretical and practical findings in a model for level of service evaluation to a small-sized airport from an air transportation management perspective.
Segregation of APO‐1/Fas antigen‐ and tumor necrosis factor receptor‐mediated apoptosis

The cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and the APO‐1/Fas ligand represent typical inducers of apoptosis, i.e. programmed cell death. A limited sequence homology between the TNF receptor TR60 (p55) and the APO‐1/Fas (CD95) antigen in their intracellular domains suggests overlapping signaling pathways. The TNF‐sensitive cell line KYM‐1, which expresses high numbers of both TNF receptors and the APO‐1/Fas antigen, is highly sensitive towards triggering of apoptosis by each of the TNF receptors, but resistant to APO‐1/Fas stimulation. The opposite response pattern was obtained using the B lymphoid line SKW 6.4, which also co‐expresses all three cell surface molecules. Furthermore, no co‐modulation of APO‐1/Fas by down‐regulation of cell surface expressed TR60 and/or TR80 receptors, and vice versa, was found. These data argue against a physical interaction of TNF receptors with APO‐1/Fas and, in addition, demonstrate cell specific control of induction of apoptosis and usage of distinct signaling pathways by these receptor molecules.
A Systematic Review of Interventions to Reduce Maternal Mortality among HIV-Infected Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Background: In high-prevalence populations, HIV-related maternal mortality is high with increased mortality found among HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women compared to their uninfected peers. The scale-up of HIV-related treatment options and broader reach of programming for HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women is likely to have decreased maternal mortality. This systematic review synthesized evidence on interventions that have directly reduced mortality among this population. Methods: Studies published between January 1, 2003 and November 30, 2014 were searched using PubMed. Of the 1,373 records screened, 19 were included in the analysis. Results: Interventions identified through the review include antiretroviral therapy (ART), micronutrients (multivitamins, vitamin A, and selenium), and antibiotics. ART during pregnancy was shown to reduce mortality. Timing of ART initiation, duration of treatment, HIV disease status, and ART discontinuation after pregnancy influence mortality reduction. Incident pregnancy in women already on ART for their health appears not to have adverse consequences for the mother. Multivitamin use was shown to reduce disease progression while other micronutrients and antibiotics had no beneficial effect on maternal mortality. Conclusions: ART was the only intervention identified that decreased death in HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women. The findings support global trends in encouraging initiation of lifelong ART for all HIV-infected pregnant and breastfeeding women (Option B+), regardless of their CD4+ count, as an important step in ensuring appropriate care and treatment. Global Health Implications: Maternal mortality is a rare event that highlights challenges in measuring the impact of interventions on mortality. Developing effective patient-centered interventions to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as corresponding evaluation measures of their impact, requires further attention by policy makers, program managers, and researchers.
Motywy decyzji o zadłużeniu przedsiębiorstw. Wyniki badań polskich spółek giełdowych

Cel – Przedstawienie wynikow badan empirycznych dotyczących motywow decyzji finansowych w zakresie wielkości i struktury zadluzenia w polskich spolkach gieldowych oraz porownanie otrzymanych rezultatow z wynikami podobnych badan przeprowadzonych za granicą. Skonfrontowanie wnioskow z badan empirycznych z glownymi teoriami struktury finansowania przedsiebiorstw. Metodologia badania – Badania ankietowe dyrektorow finansowych polskich spolek gieldowych (z wylączeniem bankow i ubezpieczycieli) na podstawie autorskiego kwestionariusza. Ankieta zostala zrealizowana metodą CATI (komputerowo wspomagane wywiady telefoniczne). Przeprowadzono 200 takich wywiadow. Wyniki – Glowne motywy decyzji finansowych dotyczących ksztaltowania wielkości i struktury zadluzenia w polskich spolkach gieldowych to utrzymanie elastyczności finansowej i niewystarczające wewnetrzne źrodla finansowania. Uzyskane wyniki są w duzej mierze zgodne z wynikami podobnych badan ankietowych przeprowadzonych w Stanach Zjednoczonych i Europie Zachodniej. Wnioski z badan nie są natomiast w pelni spojne z rozwazaniami teoretycznymi w zakresie struktury finansowania przedsiebiorstw. Oryginalnośc/wartośc – Jest to, jak sie wydaje, pierwsze badanie motywow decyzji finansowych w polskich przedsiebiorstwach. Osiągniete wyniki umozliwiają weryfikacje na gruncie polskim (rynek kapitalowy jest nadal rynkiem rozwijającym sie) wnioskow wynikających z teorii struktury kapitalu.
Hedgehog Signaling Induces Cardiomyogenesis in P19 Cells*

Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is a critical signaling factor for a variety of developmental pathways during embryogenesis, including the specification of left-right asymmetry in the heart. Mice that lack Hedgehog signaling show a delay in the induction of cardiomyogenesis, as indicated by a delayed expression of Nkx2-5. To further examine a role for Shh in cardiomyogenesis, clonal populations of P19 cells that stably express Shh, termed P19(Shh) cells, were isolated. In monolayer P19(Shh) cultures the Shh pathway was functional as shown by the up-regulation of Ptc1 and Gli1 expression, but no cardiac muscle markers were activated. However, Shh expression induced cardiomyogenesis following cellular aggregation, resulting in the expression of factors expressed in cardiac muscle including GATA-4, MEF2C, and Nkx2-5. Furthermore, aggregated P19 cell lines expressing Gli2 or Meox1 also up-regulated the expression of cardiac muscle factors, leading to cardiomyogenesis. Meox1 up-regulated the expression of Gli1 and Gli2 and, thus, can modify the Shh signaling pathway. Finally, Shh, Gli2, and Meox1 all up-regulated BMP-4 expression, implying that activation of the Hedgehog pathway can regulate bone morphogenetic protein signals. Taken together, we propose a model in which Shh, functioning via Gli1/2, can specify mesodermal cells into the cardiac muscle lineage.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase‐Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) Regulation of Sympathetic Neuron Neuropeptide Y and Catecholamine Expression

Abstract: Two forms of pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP), the 38‐ and 27‐amino‐acid forms (PACAP38 and PACAP27, respectively), which share amino acid sequence homology with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), were evaluated for their abilities to regulate sympathetic neuron catecholamine and neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression. PACAP38 and PACAP27 potently and efficaciously stimulated NPY and catecholamine secretion in primary cultured superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons; 100‐ to 1,000‐fold higher concentrations of VIP were required to modulate secretion, suggesting that SCG neurons express the PACAP‐selective type I receptor. PACAP38 elicited a sustained seven‐ to ninefold increase in the rate of NPY secretion and three‐fold stimulation in the rate of catecholamine release. PACAP38 and PACAP27 produced parallel neuronal NPY and catecholamine release, but cellular levels of NPY and catecholamines were differentially regulated. Sympathetic neuron NPY content was decreased, whereas cellular total catecholamine levels were elevated by the PACAP peptides; total NPY and catecholamine levels (secreted plus cellular content) were increased. In concert with the increased total peptide and transmitter production, pro‐NPY and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA levels were elevated. Furthermore, PACAP38 was more efficacious than PACAP27 in regulating pro‐NPY and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA. SCG neuronal expression of mRNA encoding the type I PACAP receptor further supported the studies demonstrating that sympathetic neuronal levels of NPY and catecholamine content and secretion and mRNA are differentially regulated by the PACAP peptides.
Integrative and Translational Physiology : Inflammation and Immunity in Organ System Physiology Hypertension in an experimental model of systemic lupus erythematosus occurs independently of the renal nerves

Mathis KW, Venegas-Pont M, Flynn ER, Williams JM, MaricBilkan C, Dwyer TM, Ryan MJ. Hypertension in an experimental model of systemic lupus erythematosus occurs independently of the renal nerves. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 305: R711–R719, 2013. First published August 7, 2013; doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00602. 2012. —Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with prevalent hypertension and renal injury. In this study, we tested whether the renal nerves contribute to the development of hypertension in an established mouse model of SLE (NZBWF1). Female SLE and control (NZW/LacJ) mice were subjected to either bilateral renal denervation or a sham procedure at 32 wk of age. Two weeks later, blood pressure was assessed in conscious mice using carotid artery catheters. Blood pressure was higher in SLE mice compared with controls, as previously reported; however, blood pressure was not altered in the denervated SLE or control mice. The development of albuminuria was markedly blunted in denervated SLE mice; however, glomerulosclerosis was increased. Renal denervation reduced renal cortical expression of monocyte-chemoattractant protein in SLE mice but did not significantly alter renal monocyte/macrophage infiltration. Renal cortical TNFexpression was also increased in sham SLE mice, but this was not impacted by denervation. This study suggests that the renal nerves do not have a significant role in the pathogenesis of hypertension, but have a complex effect on the associated renal inflammation and renal injury.
Parents' Views About Infant Pain in Neonatal Intensive Care

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe parents' perceptions and feelings about their infant's pain experience and pain care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Method: Thematic content analysis was used to encode the qualitative information contained in parents' written comments on a questionnaire about their views on infant pain and pain care. The questionnaire was completed by 257 parents from 9 neonatal units in the United Kingdom (n = 196) and 2 neonatal units in the United States (n = 61). Results: Parents' comments indicated that they saw medical procedures as the major source of their infant's pain, wanted more information, and generally desired more involvement in this aspect of their infant's care. Parents' comments indicated that their infant's pain affected them emotionally and that they worried about their future relationship with their infant. Parents also articulated specific ways in which health care professionals could assist them and their infants in coping with neonatal intensive care unit-related pain. Discussion: The findings from this study expand knowledge about how parents understand and respond to the difficult situation in which their newborn infant is subjected to essential but painful procedures. The findings provide direction for research and clinical practice interventions aimed at: 1) helping parents to gain knowledge and correct their misperceptions; 2) engaging parents in meaningful dialog about their concerns and preferences for involvement; and 3) helping parents to develop effective coping strategies to reduce psychologic distress related to their infant's pain.
Oscillatory Neuronal Responses in the Visual Cortex of the Awake Macaque Monkey

An important step in early visual processing is the segmentation of scenes. Features constituting individual objects have to be grouped together and segregated from those of other figures or the background. It has been proposed that this grouping could be achieved by synchronizing the fine temporal structure of responses from neurons excited by an individual figure. In the cat visual cortex evidence has been obtained that responses of feature‐selective neurons have a distinctive oscillatory structure and can synchronize both within and across cortical areas, the synchronization depending on stimulus configuration. Here we investigate the generality of oscillatory responses and their synchronization and specifically whether these phenomena occur in extrastriate areas of the visual cortex of the awake behaving primate. We find in the caudal superior temporal sulcus of the macaque monkey (Macaca fascicularis) that adjacent neurons can synchronize their responses, in which case their discharges exhibit an oscillatory temporal structure. During such periods of local synchrony spatially separated cell groups can also synchronize their responses if activated with a single stimulus. These findings resemble those described previously for the cat visual cortex, except that in the awake monkey the oscillatory episodes tend to be of shorter duration and exhibit more variability of oscillation frequency.
Divesting on Time: How Decision-Making Processes Influence Divestiture Outcomes

Existing research on corporate divestitures focuses on the antecedents and outcomes of divestiture events. The impact of the divestiture decision-making process is still largely under-investigated. This paper uses an in-depth qualitative research approach based on multiple case studies to analyze how the process by which divestiture decisions are made influences their outcome. The findings indicate that the context and configuration of process parameters such as analytical comprehensiveness, formalization, and level of stakeholder involvement can explain differences in divestiture outcomes. One key result is that the impact of these process parameters differs considerably between the informal and formal decision-making phases.
Economic Analysis of the Latent Factors Related to the Nursing Shortage

The aim of the study was, to economically analyze o the latent factors related to nursing shortage at Cairo University Hospitals. Research design: A descriptive, methodological design was utilized. Research Questions: 1) Is the economic analysis of nursing shortage related to the actual auditing records of nursing data at Cairo University Hospitals (2011-2015). 2) What are the contributing factors leading to the nursing shortage at Cairo University Hospitals. 3) What are the economic recommendations for the present concerns related to nursing shortage. Tools of data collection: The researchers used auditing records related to nursing staff at mentioned area (2011-2015) and Questionnaire. Random sample of (N= 179). Cronbach's Alpha was 0.885. The finding revealed that nurses supply, mostly from Secondary School (84%). A critical demand for more nurses 30%-40% in certain units due to high work load. Most of the nurses were not satisfied about monitory compensation, participation in decision making and inadequate supplies.
In Vitro and In Vivo Experimental Activities of Antifungal Agents against Fusarium solani

ABSTRACT In the treatment of disseminated Fusarium infections, amphotericin B either alone or in combination with flucytosine and rifampin is the drug therapy most frequently used. The efficacy of these antifungal drugs was evaluated in a murine disseminated-infection model, with five strains of Fusarium solani. All the treatments were clearly ineffective.
Clinical features of women with chronic lower abdominal pain and pelvic congestion

Summary. The clinical features of 35 women with pelvic pain and demonstrable congestion on pelvic venography have been characterized by comparing their symptoms and signs with those of 22 women with pelvic pain due to classical pathology. Women with pelvic pain and congestion had a mean age of 32·4 years, were more often multiparous and had had symptoms for 6 months to 20 years. The pain was dull and aching with sharp exacerbations. In individual women it commonly occurred on one side of the abdomen but unlike the pain due to‘classical pathology’, it could occur on the other side. The pain was exacerbated by postural changes, and walking. Congestive dysmenorrhoea, deep dyspareunia and postcoital ache were common findings in women with pelvic congestion and 60% had evidence of significant emotional disturbance. The combination of tenderness on abdominal palpation over the ovarian point and a history of postcoital ache was 94% sensitive and 77% specific for discriminating pelvic congestion from other causes of pelvic pain.
Fibroblast growth factor signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans

Growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), play a major role in how cells communicate with their environment. FGFR signaling is crucial for normal development, and its misregulation in humans has been linked to developmental abnormalities and cancer. The precise molecular mechanisms by which FGFRs transduce extracellular signals to effect specific biologic responses is an area of intense research. Genetic analyses in model organisms have played a central role in our evolving understanding of these signal transduction cascades. Genetic studies in the nematode C. elegans have contributed to our knowledge of FGFR signaling by identifying genes involved in FGFR signal transduction and linking their gene products together into signaling modules. This review will describe FGFR‐mediated signal transduction in C. elegans and focus on how these studies have contributed to our understanding of how FGFRs orchestrate the assembly of intracellular signaling pathways. BioEssays 23:1120–1130, 2001. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
THE IMPACT OF HEALTH PROGRAMMES ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA

This study focused on the impact of health programmes on economic growth in Nigeria. It also examined the impact of health programmes on human capital development in Nigeria Data were obtained from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin from the period 1981 to 2012. Ordinary Least Square method and computer software were used to estimate the parameters of two models which were developed for the study. The results obtained showed that there was a positive relationship between health programmes and economic growth in Nigeria as well as a significant impact of health programmes on economic growth. Also, there was a positive and significant impact of health programmes on human capital development in Nigeria. The paper recommends, among other things, the need for an increase in government expenditure on health from the ten percent proffered by the national plan to the twenty percent benchmark recommended by UNESCO.
An Examination of the Relationships between Leadership Development Approaches, Networking Ability, and Social Capital Outcomes.

Participants in leadership development programs take part in multiple developmental experiences that can influence the composition of their social network and enhance social capital. However, further investment in such practices may be limited because little is known about the relationship between leadership development approaches, networking ability, and social capital. This study explores how common developmental approaches may contribute to social capital, taking into consideration the role networking ability plays in this relationship. This descriptive, correlational study included a sample of graduates (N= 231) from 15 statewide agricultural-based leadership development programs. Our findings reveal that: 1) Networking is an antecedent to social capital, 2) skill building and personal growth approaches to leadership development are significant predictors of networking ability, and 3) networking ability is a significant predictor of social capital.