Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anti‐thrombotic and haemorrhagic effects of active site‐inhibited factor VIIa in rats

Active site‐inhibited factor VIIa (FFR‐rFVIIa) competes with factor VIIa (FVIIa) for binding to tissue factor (TF) and exerts an anti‐thrombotic effect. We report an evaluation of the anti‐thrombotic properties of FFR‐rFVIIa in a model of thrombosis involving two thrombogenic surfaces. Uncoated glass capillaries or glass capillaries coated with TF were incorporated into an arterioarterial shunt in the rat and the occlusion time (OT) of the shunt was determined. An anti‐thrombotic activity of FFR‐rFVIIa was shown only on the TF‐coated surface: the OT of the shunt was significantly prolonged, from 167 ± 34 s in control animals to 312 ± 42 s after i.v. bolus administration of 4 mg/kg FFR‐rFVIIa. This OT was similar to those observed with the uncoated shunts in untreated animals (353 ± 84 s). In vitro preincubation of the TF‐coated shunt with FFR‐rFVIIa significantly prolonged the OT to 245 ± 45 s in the absence of detectable amounts of FFR‐rFVIIa in the plasma. rFFR‐rFVIIa weakly prolonged the tail template bleeding time by a factor of 1·5. This effect was more pronounced in animals pretreated with heparin. The anti‐thrombotic and prohaemorrhagic effects of FFR‐rFVIIa were totally reversed by administration of an equidose of rFVIIa. These results provide new information on the pharmacological properties of FFR‐rFVIIa that will be useful for its clinical development.
ETANERCEPT REDUCES ACUTE TISSUE INJURY AND MORTALITY ASSOCIATED TO ZYMOSAN-INDUCED MULTIPLE ORGAN DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME

It has been well demonstrated that TNF-α is integral to the pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). In this study, we investigate the effects of etanercept (10 mg/kg, s.c.), a specific TNF-α-soluble inhibitor, on the acute phase and late mortality in a murine model of MODS of nonseptic origin induced by zymosan (500 mg/kg, suspended in saline solution, i.p.). Etanercept was administered 1 h after the injection of zymosan. Animals were killed after 18 h. In another set of experiments, mice were monitored for systemic toxicity, loss of body weight, and mortality for 12 days. Sham-treated and TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1)-deficient animals were used as control. Treatment of mice with Etanercept and TNFR1 gene deletion decreased the peritoneal exudation and the migration of neutrophils caused by zymosan. In addition, pharmacological and genetic neutralization of TNF-α attenuated pancreas and ileum injury (histology), the increase in myeloperoxidase activity in the ileum and in the lung, and the formation of TNF-α and IL-1β. Immunohistochemical analysis for TNF-α, transforming growth factor β, and vascular endothelial growth factor revealed a positive staining in pancreas and ileum sections. The degree of immunostaining was markedly reduced after etanercept treatment and in TNFR1 knockout mice. Furthermore, TNF-α neutralization decreased the potent apoptotic stimulus induced by zymosan. All of these findings ultimately led to an amelioration of organ functions at 18 h and to a better survival rate at 12 days. Therefore, we demonstrate that etanercept reduces acute tissue injury and mortality associated to MODS of nonseptic origin in mice.
POVERTY AND W ORKLESSNESS IN BRITAIN

Relative poverty in the UK has risen massively since 1979 mainly because of increasing worklessness, rising earnings dispersion and benefits indexed to prices, not wages. The economic force underlying this is the significant shift in demand against the unskilled. This has substantially weakened the low-skill labour market which has increased both pay dispersion and worklessness, particularly among low-skilled men. Practical policies discussed include improving education and overall well-being for children in the lower part of the ability range, raising wage floors, New Deal policies, tax credits and benefits for the workless.
The Impact of a Nurse-Led Home Visitation Program on Hypertension Self-Management among Older Community-Dwelling Koreans.

OBJECTIVES To examine the impact of a nurse-led home visitation program for hypertension self-management among older community-dwelling Koreans. DESIGN AND SAMPLE As part of a larger community-based home visitation project aimed at behavioral change in this vulnerable population, a single group pre- and posttest design was used. MEASURES Visiting nurses affiliated to public health center assisted vulnerable elders with hypertension self-management tailored according to their health problems through home visits for a period of 2-4 months. RESULTS A total of 13,452 hypertensive persons over the age of 65 completed the intervention. All outcomes were significantly improved and included hypertension knowledge, blood pressure monitoring, dietary management, medication adherence, and self-confidence in hypertension self-management (p < .001). Changes in hypertension knowledge, medication adherence, and self-confidence varied by gender with women showing greater knowledge improvement than men but less improvement in medication adherence and confidence in hypertension self-management. There was a marginal interaction effect for gender and age on dietary management (F = 3.55, p = .063), with men (≥75 years) showing greater improvement than their female counterparts after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS This nurse-led home visitation intervention can be helpful in self-management skill building among hypertensive Korean elders. The program may improve medication adherence and health-promoting behavioral changes.
Traumatic pneumothorax detection with thoracic US: correlation with chest radiography and CT--initial experience.

PURPOSE To prospectively compare the accuracy of ultrasonography (US) with that of supine chest radiography in the detection of traumatic pneumothoraces, with computed tomography (CT) as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thoracic US, supine chest radiography, and CT were performed to assess for pneumothorax in 27 patients who sustained blunt thoracic trauma. US and radiographic findings were compared with CT findings, the reference standard, for pneumothorax detection. For the purpose of this study, the sonographers were blinded to the radiographic and CT findings. RESULTS Eleven of 27 patients had pneumothorax at CT. All 11 of these pneumothoraces were detected at US, and four were seen at supine chest radiography. In the one false-positive US case, the patient was shown to have substantial bullous emphysema at CT. Sensitivity and negative predictive value of US were 100% (11 of 11 and 15 of 15 patients, respectively), specificity was 94% (15 of 16 patients), and positive predictive value was 92% (11 of 12 patients). Chest radiography had 36% (four of 11 patients) sensitivity, 100% (16 of 16 patients) specificity, a 100% (four of four patients) positive predictive value, and a 70% (16 of 23 patients) negative predictive value. CONCLUSION In this study, US was more sensitive than supine chest radiography and as sensitive as CT in the detection of traumatic pneumothoraces.
Oxidative stress caused by mitochondrial calcium overload

Mitochondrial oxidative stress has been reported as the result of respiratory complex anomalies, genetic defects, or insufficient oxygen or glucose supply. Although Ca2+ has no direct effect on respiratory chain function or oxidation/reduction process, mitochondrial Ca2+ overload can lead to reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase. Even though Ca2+ is well known for its role as crucial second messenger in modulating many cellular physiological functions, Ca2+ overload is detrimental to mitochondrial function and may present as an important cause of mitochondrial ROS generation. Possible mechanisms include Ca2+ stimulated increase of metabolic rate, Ca2+ stimulated nitric oxide production, Ca2+ induced cytochrome c dissociation, Ca2+ induced cardiolipin peroxidation, Ca2+ induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening with release of cytochrome c and GSH‐antioxidative enzymes, and Ca2+‐calmodulin dependent protein kinases activation. Different mechanisms may exist under different mitochondrial preparations (isolated mitochondria vs. mitochondria in intact cells), tissue sources, animal species, or inhibitors used. Furthermore, mitochondrial ROS rise can modulate Ca2+ dynamics and augment Ca2+ surge. The reciprocal interactions between Ca2+ induced ROS increase and ROS modulated Ca2+ upsurge may cause a feedforward, self‐amplified loop createing cellular damage far beyond direct Ca2+ induced damage.
Atypical Feeding and Drainage of Dural AV Fistula

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) are frequent causes of pulsatile tinnitus. Color Doppler sonography may play a useful, complementary role to CTA/MRA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the assessment of these anomalies’ characteristics, such as an ipsilateral increased flow volume and a low resistive index. In this article, we report a case of DAVF first detected with Color Doppler sonography that displayed an uncharacteristic venous drainage pattern.
Translocation of differently sized and charged polystyrene nanoparticles in in vitro intestinal cell models of increasing complexity

Abstract Intestinal translocation is a key factor for determining bioavailability of nanoparticles (NPs) after oral uptake. Therefore, we evaluated three in vitro intestinal cell models of increasing complexity which might affect the translocation of NPs: a mono-culture (Caco-2 cells), a co-culture with mucus secreting HT29-MTX cells and a tri-culture with M-cells. Cell models were exposed to well characterized differently sized (50 and 100 nm) and charged (neutral, positively and negatively) polystyrene NPs. In addition, two types of negatively charged NPs with different surface chemistries were used. Size strongly affected the translocation of NPs, ranging up to 7.8% for the 50 nm NPs and 0.8% for the 100 nm NPs. Surface charge of NPs affected the translocation, however, surface chemistry seems more important, as the two types of negatively charged 50 nm NPs had an over 30-fold difference in translocation. Compared with the Caco-2 mono-culture, presence of mucus significantly reduced the translocation of neutral 50 nm NPs, but significantly increased the translocation of one type of negatively charged NPs. Incorporation of M-cells shifted the translocation rates for both NPs closer to those in the mono-culture model. The relative pattern of NP translocation in all three models was similar, but the absolute amounts of translocated NPs differed per model. We conclude that for comparing the relative translocation of different NPs, using one intestinal model is sufficient. To choose the most representative model for risk assessment, in vivo experiments are now needed to determine the in vivo translocation rates of the used NPs.
Dual-Band Bandpass Filter Using Parallel Short-Ended Feed Scheme

In this letter, a compact dual-band (DB) bandpass filter based on parallel short-ended feed scheme is presented. Two sets of quarter-wavelength resonators operating at diverse frequencies are adopted to generate DB responses. A special feed scheme is proposed, which consists of two parallel short-ended strip branches. Each of them acts as a feed line of the respective resonator at one passband and a loading element at the other one. This scheme provides two independent transmission paths for RF signals. It is convenient to control the center frequencies of one passband, while the other's remains unchanged. Source-load coupling is also employed to create four transmission zeros close to the passband edges, resulting in high skirt-selectivity. To verify the proposed idea, a topology is demonstrated. The measured results exhibit good agreement with the full-wave simulation results.
Measuring Compliance With Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

Abstract Objective: The purpose is to describe psychometric testing and feasibility of the Tobacco-Free Compliance Assessment Tool (TF-CAT) to measure tobacco-free policy compliance at a public university and medical center. The aims are to (1) investigate concurrent validity by comparing the number of cigarette butts in areas covered by the policy with those on adjacent sidewalks; (2) evaluate the interrater reliability of the TF-CAT; and (3) describe the feasibility of using the TF-CAT. Methods: Phase I was a pilot study on the health care campus. Phase II was baseline of an intervention study on the main campus. Cigarette butts and smokers were counted in hot spots. Validity was assessed using Mann-Whitney U and Geographical Information System Analysis methods. Results: There was some support for the validity and high interrater reliability. Data collectors spent 1 hour per week for 8 weeks during Phase I, and 31 hours in 1 week during Phase II. Conclusion: TF-CAT is a feasible, time-intensive method to measure tobacco-free policy compliance.
Effect of Chronic Viral Hepatitis on Graft Survival in Saudi Renal Transplant Patients

Background: In Saudi Arabia the prevalence of hepatitis C among hemodialysis patients is very high ranging from 60 to 80%. A large number of these dialysis patients go for renal transplant, resulting into a higher prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in renal transplant patients. Yet no current systematic report is available on the influence of hepatitis C status on patient and graft survival. The present study was therefore undertaken to address this objective. Methods: Retrospective analysis of data of 448 renal transplantation subjects was undertaken. The mean follow-up period was 5.85 ± 2.7 (median 5.3) years. The factors associated with renal graft survival were reviewed and these include: age, sex, and type of donor, immunosuppressive medication, episodes of infection, blood pressure, serum creatinine, and status of hepatitis. The primary end-points were renal graft function and patient survival. Logistic regression, COX regression analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were used to evaluate the influence of hepatitis C on the above parameters. Results: Among 448 recipients of first kidney transplant patients, 286 (63.8%) were positive for HCV infection. In the HCV-positive group, 204 (71.32%) were males. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significantly better graft survival for HCV-negative patients than HCV-positive patients (p < 0.001; log-rank test). Logistic regression analysis and COX regression analysis have shown different grades of graft dysfunction were present in HCV-positive patients after adjustment for covariates: age, sex, blood pressure, type of donor, and immunosuppressive medication; the presence of HCV was a major predictor of bad outcome and significantly influenced graft survival (odds ratio = 4.37; 95% Cl = 1.81–4.77). Significant deterioration of liver function was noted in HCV-positive patients at the last follow-up, taking ALT as a marker (ALT level 80.6 ± 5.8 U/l at the last follow-up versus 49.5 ± 32 U/l at baseline p ≤ 0.0001). Sixteen patients had a chronic active course and 1 patient developed biopsy-proven liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. A serious and significantly greater incidence of fatal chest infections was seen in HCV-positive patients. Although mortality was greater in HCV-positive versus HCV-negative patients (20 vs. 7), the difference did not attain statistical significance (p = 0.23) and none of the patients died as a result of hepatic failure. Conclusion: The presence of HCV infection greatly influenced graft survival in renal transplant patients and a higher proportion of infected patients had renal and hepatic dysfunction. A significant increase in fatal chest infections was noted in HCV-positive patients. Overall mortality was higher in HCV-positive patients, but it was not statistically significant. All measures should be taken to prevent HCV transmission in the dialysis population. Renal transplant recipients with HCV infection need close monitoring for both graft and liver function.
Novel expression of AMPA‐receptor subunit GluR1 on mossy cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons in the human epileptogenic hippocampus

Previous immunocytochemical investigations performed in our laboratory on the human hippocampus surgically resected for the treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) have demonstrated an increased expression of the AMPA‐receptor subunit GluR1 on neurons in the hilus and area CA3. Light microscopically, many of these neurons exhibited peculiar filamentous extensions and grape‐like excrescences that protruded from their somata and proximal dendrites, suggesting that these neurons may be mossy cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons, respectively. The present electron microscopic study was carried out to further characterize these cells. The filamentous extensions were identified as dendrites from which spines often protruded, and the grape‐like excrescences represented clusters of closely associated dendrites and spines. A variety of synapses were formed by the GluR1‐positive profiles. These arrangements ranged from simple contacts between a single unlabelled axon terminal and a single labelled postsynaptic element, to complex contacts involving multiple unlabelled axon terminals and labelled postsynaptic elements. Many of the axon terminals involved in these arrangements were mossy fibre boutons. Thus, a large proportion of the GluR1‐positive neurons were identified as hilar mossy cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons, cells hitherto thought to be absent or greatly reduced in the MTLE hippocampus. Taken together, these data suggest the presence of a highly efficient excitatory circuit involving AMPA receptors, mossy cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons in the sclerotic hippocampus. Such a circuit could be critically involved in the genesis and maintenance of temporal lobe epilepsy.
Emulating the physical properties of HP memristor using an arduino and a digital potentiometer

This paper describes a memristor emulator made up of an arduino-controlled digital potentiometer (DigPot) implementing the mathematical equations governing the HP memristor model. The emulator composed of off-the-shelf electronic components come in handy at a time where reliable physical devices are yet to be available. The arduino samples the voltage difference between the two terminals of the DigPot's resistance network, calculates the resistance and then updates the DigPot through the SPI interface. Data is collected through the serial port and plotted in real time. This hobbyist-style do-it-yourself approach can be used to initiate students into the basic theory of memristors.
Early toxic effects of fumonisin B1 in rat liver

Mycotoxin fumonisin B1 (FB1) is hepatotoxic and carcinogenic in experimental animals. It is known that long-term exposure of experimental animals to FB1 causes apoptosis and lipid peroxidation. In this study, male adult Wistar rats were treated with single FB1 doses (5, 50, and 500 μg/kg b.w.) and sacrificed 4, 24, and 48 hours after treatment. Parameters of oxidative stress, histopathological changes, and DNA damage were monitored in the liver of treated and control animals. Parameters of oxidative stress were not affected by such treatment. A significant increase in apoptotic cells appeared in animals when 5 μg/kg b.w. dose was given and sacrificed after 24 hours with further increase at higher doses. In contrast to the number of mitotic figures and karyomegaly seen mostly at lower FB1 doses, necrosis was the prominent feature at higher doses. Significant increase in liver cells DNA mobility was observed 48 hours following treatment with 50 and 500 μg/kg b.w. as compared to control (tail length 15.2 ± 0.3, 16.4 ± 0.5, and 13.5 ± 0.1 μm, respectively). Tail intensity appeared to be more sensitive parameter for detecting DNA damage even at 5 μg/kg b.w. after 48 hours (1.69 ± 0.27% DNA; control 0.59 ± 0.11% DNA). This study proved that FB1-induced DNA damage is time- and dose-dependent, and that it could be caused in Wistar rats by a single dose.
STRATEGIC ORIENTATIONS, THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY AND INNOVATION: A STUDY AMONG MALAYSIAN MANUFACTURING SMEs

Strategic orientations (SOs) and absorptive capacity can significantly enhance innovation capacity in manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This study explores the relationship of SOs i.e., Market Orientations (MOs), Entrepreneurial Orientations (EOs) and Customer Orientations (COs) to absorptive capacity on the one hand, and to innovation on the other hand. The study also delves into the issue of how absorptive capacity mediates the effects of SOs on innovation in manufacturing SMEs from emerging countries’ perspective. This study uses a cross-sectional design and quantitative data collected through a structured interview of top managers from 360 manufacturing SMEs. The findings show that MO, EO and CO have positive and significant effects on innovation and that absorptive capacity partially mediates SOs’ effects on innovation.
Educational experience of collaborative work with mobile devices in primary education

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate models of collaborative work using ICT by an experience carried out in a public school with a long history of integrating ICT, and which has the highest recognition (Level 5) from the Education Counsel in Castile and Leon (Spain). Under the principles of mixed approaches, predominantly based on qualitative methodology (CUAL-cuan), and using the case study method, two types of qualitative (participant observation and multimedia material analysis) and quantitative (Likert scale) information have been collected. The project was carried out in 5th year of Primary Education, with the participation of teachers, tutors, ICT support teacher and students of two classes of 5th grade. The activity takes place in a long time sequence during the academic year 2013--2014. The results confirm that ICT provide with tools and channels that have multiplied the possibilities of making cooperative and collaborative projects, as well as that its use guarantees quality in sharing and communicating processes. The experience presented provides evidence to confirm this. However, its implementation in classrooms collides with the dominant methodology based more on individual learning where the teacher continues to exercise the role of sole transmitter of knowledge.
MicroRNA 29c is down-regulated in nasopharyngeal carcinomas, up-regulating mRNAs encoding extracellular matrix proteins

Using highly sensitive microarray-based procedures, we identified eight microRNAs (miRNAs) showing robust differential expression between 31 laser-capture-microdissected nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs) and 10 normal healthy nasopharyngeal epithelial samples. In particular, miRNA mir-29c was expressed at one-fifth the levels in tumors as in normal epithelium. In NPC tumors, the lower mir-29c levels correlated with higher levels of multiple mRNAs whose 3′ UTRs can bind mir-29c at target sequences conserved across many vertebrates. In cultured cells, introduction of mir-29c down-regulated these genes at the level of mRNA and inhibited expression of luciferase encoded by vectors having the 3′ UTRs of these genes. Moreover, for each of several genes tested, mutating the mir-29c target sites in the 3′ UTR abrogated mir-29c-induced inhibition of luciferase expression. Most of the mir-29c-targeted genes identified encode extracellular matrix proteins, including multiple collagens and laminin γ1, that are associated with tumor cell invasiveness and metastatic potential, prominent characteristics of NPC. Thus, we identify eight miRNAs differentially expressed in NPC and demonstrate the involvement of one in regulating genes involved in metastasis.