Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory effects of quinolone antibacterial agents on eucaryotic topoisomerases and related test systems

In summary, the available data indicate that most quinolones examined are not highly inhibitory for eucaryotic topoisomerases or other enzymes involved in DNA replication. Although a number of positive in vitro genotoxicity test results have been documented with several different 4-quinolones, the effective concentrations would be clinically achieved predominantly in the urinary tract (4, 5). It has been suggested that in vitro genotoxicity test results should not be of concern, since corroborating positive in vivo test results have not been observed with these antimicrobial agents. It appears that future research in the area of topoisomerases will be helpful in understanding these issues
DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Discontinuous Patterns of Change in Cognitive Therapies for Depression: A Review LITERATURE REVIEW

Depression is a significant source of suffering for many people and a major public health concern. Cognitive therapies are widely applied to treat depression and are efficacious. However, a significant proportion of people do not respond to treatment. Despite intensive research the processes underlying therapeutic change are not well understood. Literature has highlighted nonlinear and rapid periods of symptom change in therapy that may help to identify causal processes of change. This review examines the literature on discontinuous patterns of change in cognitive therapies for depression. There is growing evidence to suggest that the course of therapeutic change is non-linear and supplies opportunities to test theories of change. In particular, sudden gains in depression during one therapy session interval have emerged as a robust phenomenon with prognostic significance. The evidence suggests that they reflect meaningful shifts in therapy that precipitate further therapeutic change. However, methodological limitations restrict the field and uncertainty remains about their mechanisms, antecedents and consequences. Ways forward are suggested, including for more concerted research to consider the therapeutic process from the perspectives of client, therapist and the interaction between them. Studying change in treatment-resistant populations may also offer opportunity to shed light on inhibitors and facilitators of change.
Sacroiliac Joint Injections Performed With Sonographic Guidance

Objective. To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of sonographic guidance for therapeutic intra‐articular sacroiliac joint injections in patients with sacroiliitis. Methods. Thirty‐four consecutive patients with sacroiliitis were enrolled in this study. The synovial portions of 60 sacroiliac joints received injections under sonographic guidance. For treatment, a mixture of a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic was injected intra‐articularly. Fluoroscopic spot images were obtained to assess the accuracy of the sonographically guided technique. Results. Of the 60 sonographically guided injections, 46 (76.7%) were successful (i.e., intra‐articular), and 14 (23.3%) were missed. The successful intra‐articular injection rate was 60% in the first 30 injections, and it gradually improved, reaching 93.5% in the last 30 injections. The mean procedure time was 9 minutes. Conclusions. Our initial experience suggests that sonographically guided therapeutic injections to sacroiliac joints could be valuable alternatives to other guidance modalities in patients with sacroiliitis. In the hands of experienced radiologists, this technique is safe, rapid, and reproducible.
An evidence synthesis approach to estimating Hepatitis C Prevalence in England and Wales

In England and Wales, routine monitoring has been consistently showing an increase in mortality and morbidity due to infection with the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). However, the magnitude of the underlying epidemic is still the subject of debate. In this paper we present estimates of the number of individuals aged 15—59 chronically infected with HCV in 2003, derived from a Bayesian synthesis of information available from multiple sources on the size of the groups at risk for HCV and the risk specific anti-HCV prevalence. Results show that the number of chronic infections is of the order of 142,000 (95% CrI: 90,000, 231,000), with the majority (85%, 95% CrI: 74%, 93%) in injecting drug users and about 80% (95% CrI: 74%, 84%) in the age group 15—44.
Purification and characterization of eight glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes of hamster. Comparison of subunit composition of enzymes from liver, kidney, testis, pancreas and trachea.

Eight dimeric isoenzymes of glutathione S-transferase (GST) were purified from liver, kidney and testis of the Syrian golden hamster, using S-hexylglutathione affinity chromatography and chromatofocusing. The isoenzymes were characterized according to their substrate selectivity, physical properties and amino acid sequence analysis. Thus a classification into Alpha, Mu and Pi classes was made in analogy with GSTs of other species. Two Alpha-class GSTs were purified, termed A1A1 (pI 8.9) and A1A2 (pI 8.6). Four Mu-class subunits were detected (M1-M4), all forming homodimers, with M2 and M3 also forming a heterodimer. The isoelectric points ranged from 5.9 to 8.6. One Pi-class isoenzyme was purified and termed P1P1 (pI 6.8). Using h.p.l.c. analysis, the subunit composition was determined in a number of organs. The major subunits in liver were A1 and M1. Subunit A1 was also the major subunit in the kidney. Subunit M1 was not detected in kidney, while subunit P1 was not found in the liver. Pancreas and trachea contained predominantly the Pi-class subunit, P1. GST in the testis was mostly of the Mu class. The major subunit was M4, and subunits M2 and M3 were exclusively detected in the testis.
Economic crisis, women entrepreneurs and bank loans: some empirical evidence from Italy

Abstract This paper presents the main findings from an empirical research project, whose aim was to answer the following research questions: (1)Did men and women entrepreneurs ask for new bank loans during the crisis? (2) Did they obtain required bank loans at the same conditions? (3) Which variables, other than gender, influence access to bank credit? Data show that firms were very cautious in access to finance during the crisis and female-led firms asked for bank loans more rarely than male-led ones. Entrepreneurs’ gender, age and education, banking history and industry only slightly affected access to credit during the crisis.
Direct Action of Melatonin on Hen Ovarian Granulosa Cells to Lower Responsiveness to Luteinizing Hormone

Abstract The presence of a melatonin-binding component in the membrane fraction of the ovarian granulosa cells of hens that has characteristics of a receptor such as high affinity, limited capacity, reversible binding, and binding specificity was demonstrated by radioligand binding assays. When the cells were incubated in vitro with various concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the presence and absence of melatonin (1 and 5 nM), the dose-response curve for the LH-stimulated progesterone production was shifted to a higher concentration of LH: ED50 of LH was approximately two times greater in the presence of melatonin. The results suggest a direct action of melatonin on the ovarian granulosa cells of the hen to lower the responsiveness to LH for progesterone production.
Where We Have Gone Before: Star Trek Into and Out of Darkness

Star Trek functions as a religion though its universe is explicitly humanistic and secular. Star Trek Into Darkness offers an interpretation of 9/11 and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the creators may not have intended the film as a religious text, it offers an analysis of what happened, a set of responses, pointing to a path forward, incorporating those events into the Star Trek (and ultimately our own) universe. I will offer a close reading of Star Trek Into Darkness that explores the negotiation of what it means to be human and our place in the post- 9/11 world. My thesis is that the film can be read as implicitly religious in two senses. First, it offers a vision of what is human in the face of questions of terrorism and preemptive strikes, duty and honor, life and death. Second, it offers viewers a reflection on possible responses to 9/11 and the aftermath, pointing forward. It is a secular homily on being human in the past, present, and future.
The individual and social dynamics of knowledge sharing: an exploratory study

Purpose – This paper aims to examine how knowledge sharing behavior is influenced by three sets of dynamics: a rational calculus that weighs the costs and benefits of sharing; a dispositional preference that favors certain patterns of sharing outcomes; and a relational effect based on working relationships.Design/methodology/approach – Concepts from social exchange theory, social value orientation, and leader‐member exchange theory are applied to analyze behavioral intentions to share knowledge. The study population consists of employees of a large pension fund in Canada. Participants answered a survey that used allocation games and situational vignettes to measure social value orientation, propensity to share knowledge, and perception of cost and benefit.Findings – The results suggest that personal preferences about the distribution of sharing outcomes, individual perceptions about costs and benefits, and structural relationship with knowledge recipients, all affect knowledge sharing behavior significant.
Women Workers in India: Why so Few Among so Many?

This paper examines the determinants of female labor force participation in India, against the backdrop of India having one of the lowest participation rates for women among peer countries. Using extensive Indian household survey data, we model the labor force participation choices of women, conditional on demographic characteristics and education, as well as looking at the influence of state-level labor market flexibility and other state policies. Our main finding is that a number of policy initiatives can help boost female economic participation in the states of India, including increased labor market flexibility, investment in infrastructure, and enhanced social spending.
Effect of Organic Acids Supplement on Performance of Broiler Chickens

This study was conducted in order to evaluate effect of organic acids on broiler performance. Totally 180 chickens of Ross 308 hybrid were divided to three groups. Experimental group no. 1 (n=60) received acetic acid in drinking water with concentration 0.25% from day 1 to day 42. Experimental group no. 2 (n=60) received citric acid in drinking water with concentration 0.25% from day 1 to day 42. Control group (n=60) received drinking water without any additives. The average body weight, feed consumption, mortality and carcass characteristics were analyzed and compared finally. The results showed no significant effects of diets with addition of organic acids (P<0.05) on body weight. Supplementation of citric acid caused decrease in total feed consumption. Addition of organic acids affected positive total mortality of broiler chickens. There were no significant effects of organic acids supplementation on carcass characteristics.
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease affects preoperative acidosis in the newborn patient.

OBJECTIVES Congenital heart disease is the leading cause of death in the first year after birth. Prenatal diagnosis of the disease can optimize the preoperative condition of the patient and may help in the prevention of acidosis. In this retrospective study we compared the occurrence of metabolic acidosis in patients with and without prenatal diagnosis of a congenital heart disease. METHODS Data of 408 patients who needed an operation for congenital heart disease within 31 days of life were analyzed retrospectively. Arterial blood gases at fixed time intervals and worst blood gas of 81 patients with and 327 patients without a prenatal diagnosis were compared, categorizing the patients on ductus dependency, anticipated univentricular or biventricular repair, and left-sided, right-sided, or no heart obstruction. RESULTS In the overall group significant differences in lowest pH, lowest base excess, and highest lactate level were found, with metabolic acidosis more common among the patients with a postnatal diagnosis. In the group of patients with ductus-dependent congenital heart disease, the difference between patients receiving a prenatal and those receiving a postnatal diagnosis was more significant than in the group with non-ductus-dependent lesions. Analyzing patients with right-sided, left-sided, and no obstruction separately, significant differences were found in the group with left-sided heart obstruction for lowest pH and base excess and in the group with right-sided heart obstruction for lowest base excess. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease minimizes metabolic acidosis in patients with congenital heart disease and may be associated with improved long-term outcome and prevention of cerebral damage among this fragile group of patients, although no significant effect on direct surgical outcome was encountered.
Bacterial translocation (BT) in cirrhosis

Gut flora and bacterial translocation (BT) play an important role in the pathogenesis of the complications of cirrhosis. Research on the pathogenesis of BT and its clinical significance transcends established boundaries between microbiology, cell biology, intestinal pathophysiology, and immunology. This review delineates multiple mechanisms involved in the process of BT, with an emphasis on alterations in intestinal flora and mucosal barrier function, particularly immunological defense mechanisms. Current knowledge on the innate and adaptive immune response that allows a “friendly” communication between bacteria and host is summarized, and alterations occurring in cirrhosis that may facilitate BT are discussed. In addition, definition of a “pathological” BT is proposed together with an analysis of the anatomical site and route of BT. Finally, therapeutic approaches for the prevention of BT in experimental and human cirrhosis are reviewed. Future research in the field of BT in cirrhosis will allow the development of new therapeutic targets in the prevention of infections and other complications of cirrhosis. (HEPATOLOGY 2005;41:422–433.)
Impact of Occupational Stress on Job Satisfaction and Mental Health of First Bank Employees : Implication for Personnel Psychologists

This study investigated the impact of occupational stress on job satisfaction and mental health of First Bank employees, LagosEast, Lagos, Nigeria. The purpose of this study is to find out if occupational stress would impact job satisfaction and mental health of bankers. The study used ex-post facto research design; simple random sampling techniques were used to select 100 samples (bank employees) from Lagos-East Senatorial District of Lagos State, Nigeria. The age ranges of samples were between 21 and 52 years. The mean range and standard deviation of the samples were 30.6 and 3.28. Three validated instruments were used in collecting data and Simple Regression Analysis was used to analyze data. The results indicated that there is no significant relationship in the occupational stress and mental health of bank employees; also, it was found that there is significant relationship in the occupational stress and job satisfaction of bank employees. The results further revealed that occupational stress predicted job satisfaction and mental health. Based on the findings, it was suggested that mental health and job satisfaction of the bank employees be given greater attention.
PHYLOGENY AND PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF EUROPEAN PARIDS

Mitochondrial DNA sequences were used to study the phylogeny, population structure and colonisation history of Parus species. The phylogenetic relationships of seven European and three American species were examined by sequencing a part of the cytochrome b gene. Phylogenetically the closest species were the great tit (Parus major) and the blue tit (P. caeruleus). Subgenus Poecile was divided into two clades, one consisting of the Siberian tit (P. cinctus), the Carolina chickadee (P. carolinensis) and the Black-capped chickadee (P. atricapillus) and the other consisting of the marsh tit (P. palustris) and the willow tit (P. montanus). The coal tit (P. ater) and the crested tit (P. cristatus) did not group with any of the species studied. The population structure and the colonisation history of the willow tit, the great tit and the blue tit were examined by using the control region sequences. Two sampled populations of the willow tit were intermingled in the minimum spanning network. All haplotypes were unique and the nucleotide diversity was relatively high. The results suggest that the historical effective population size in the willow tit has been large and not contracted by the last ice age. Current gene flow must also be extensive. In contrast, one major haplotype was found in almost every great tit population representing approximately one third of all the haplotypes. The nucleotide diversity was clearly lower than in the willow tits. No population structuring was evident and the populations showed distinctive signs of a recent population expansion. The patterns of genetic variation probably reflect a population bottleneck during the ice age, and a recolonisation of the European continent thereafter, presumably from a refugium situated in the Balkans. Two maternal lineages were found in the blue tit. The southern lineage was restricted to the Iberian peninsula whereas the northern lineage was detected from all the populations. The minimum spanning network and genetic variability in the northern lineage was similar to that of the great tit, suggesting a similar colonisation history. The southern lineage, however, may have survived the ice age in a different refugium in the Iberian peninsula and was not as successful as the northern lineage in colonising available regions when the ice retreated. Both, the blue tit and the great tit have continued to expand their distribution northwards during this century and gene flow plays an important role in homogenising the populations.
Chimeric Composite Skin Substitutes for Delivery of Autologous Keratinocytes to Promote Tissue Regeneration

Objective:We hypothesize that the pathogen-free NIKS human keratinocyte progenitor cell line cultured in a chimeric fashion with patient's primary keratinocytes would produce a fully stratified engineered skin substitute tissue and serve to deliver autologous keratinocytes to a cutaneous wound. Summary of Background Data:Chimeric autologous/allogeneic bioengineered skin substitutes offer an innovative regenerative medicine approach for providing wound coverage and restoring cutaneous barrier function while delivering autologous keratinocytes to the wound site. NIKS keratinocytes are an attractive allogeneic cell source for this application. Methods:Mixed populations of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled NIKS and unlabeled primary keratinocytes were used to model the allogeneic and autologous components in chimeric monolayer and organotypic cultures. Results:In monolayer coculture, GFP-labeled NIKS had no effect on the growth rate of primary keratinocytes and cell-cell junction formation between labeled and unlabeled keratinocytes was observed. In organotypic culture employing dermal and epidermal compartments, chimeric composite skin substitutes generated using up to 90% GFP-labeled NIKS exhibited normal tissue architecture and possessed substantial regions attributable to the primary keratinocytes. Tissues expressed proteins essential for the structure and function of a contiguous, fully-stratified squamous epithelia and exhibited barrier function similar to that of native skin. Furthermore, chimeric human skin substitutes stably engrafted in an in vivo mouse model, with long-term retention of primary keratinocytes but loss of the GFP-labeled NIKS population by 28 days after surgical application. Conclusions:This study provides proof of concept for the use of NIKS keratinocytes as an allogeneic cell source for the formation of bioengineered chimeric skin substitute tissues, providing immediate formal wound coverage while simultaneously supplying autologous cells for tissue regeneration.
A systematic review of the safety and efficacy of distal coronary artery anastomotic devices in MIDCAB and TECAB surgery

Background: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) and totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) techniques may improve recovery and reduce hospital stay following coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). However, working in a limited space with indirect visualisation would greatly benefit from a simple, high-quality and reproducible automated distal anastomotic method. Several devices have been developed; however, their uptake has been limited due to uncertainty around their impact on patient outcomes. Methods: A systematic review of the literature identified six studies, incorporating 139 subjects undergoing MIDCAB or TECAB surgery using a distal anastomotic device. Results: The overall 30-day mortality was 0.7% (1/137). No cardiac specific mortality was observed. For each outcome of perioperative myocardial infarction (MI), postoperative stroke and haemorrhage, only a single event was observed for each (n=1/136, 1/138 and 1/136, respectively). The overall device failure rates were low, with the use of additional sutures only reported in a single case with the Magnetic Vascular Port (MVP) device. Anastomotic time ranged from a mean of 3.32 minutes with the MVP device to 20 minutes with the C-Port device. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the overall acceptable early outcomes of distal anastomotic devices for use in minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery. Future research should focus on designing adequately powered, comparative, randomised trials, focusing on major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) outcomes in both the short and long-term, with clear case-by-case reasons for device failure and a comparison of anastomotic times. In this way, we may determine whether such devices will facilitate the minimal access and robotic coronary procedures of the future.
Longitudinal Effects on Early Adolescent Language: A Twin Study.

Purpose We evaluated genetic and environmental contributions to individual differences in language skills during early adolescence, measured by both language sampling and standardized tests, and examined the extent to which these genetic and environmental effects are stable across time. Method We used structural equation modeling on latent factors to estimate additive genetic, shared environmental, and nonshared environmental effects on variance in standardized language skills (i.e., Formal Language) and productive language-sample measures (i.e., Productive Language) in a sample of 527 twins across 3 time points (mean ages 10-12 years). Results Individual differences in the Formal Language factor were influenced primarily by genetic factors at each age, whereas individual differences in the Productive Language factor were primarily due to nonshared environmental influences. For the Formal Language factor, the stability of genetic effects was high across all 3 time points. For the Productive Language factor, nonshared environmental effects showed low but statistically significant stability across adjacent time points. Conclusions The etiology of language outcomes may differ substantially depending on assessment context. In addition, the potential mechanisms for nonshared environmental influences on language development warrant further investigation.