Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SPECIAL FOCUS: RECENT ADVANCES IN MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR MECHANISMS GOVERNING NEURAL CREST CELL MIGRATION, REVIEW

The cardiac neural crest is the most caudal of the cranial neural crest located postotically from the otocyst to somite 3 corresponding to rhombomeres 6, 7 and 8 in the neural tube. Cells from this region undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) beginning at about HH11 in the chick to emigrate from the neural tube along distinct pathways. They migrate first to the circumpharyngeal ridge, an arc-shaped ridge located dorsal to the forming caudal pharyngeal arches. The cells stop because they are destined for the caudal pharyngeal arches 3, 4 and 6, which have not yet developed since the space is occupied by the pericardial cavity. As the pericardial cavity regresses caudally, pharyngeal pouches indent the body wall to delineate the pharyngeal arches. This process proceeds from cranial to caudal, generating arches 3, 4 and 6 in that order. As the arches form they are populated by the cardiac neural crest cells migrating from the circumpharyngeal ridge. All of the cranial neural crest generates neurons, supporting or Schwann cells and ectomesenchyme. Ectomesenchyme, a unique derivative of the cranial neural crest, is important for structural development of the face and cardiovascular system. The ectomesenchymal cells of the postotic cardiac crest are unlike those of the preotic cranial crest that populate arches 1 and 2. The ectomesenchyme of the preotic crest plays a
Green Tea Extract Inhibition of Human Leiomyoma Cell Proliferation Is Mediated via Catechol-O-Methyltransferase

Background/Aims: To investigate the inhibitory effect of green tea extract, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), on wild-type human leiomyoma (WT-HuLM) cells and its potential action via catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) activity. Methods: Cell proliferation of WT-HuLM and COMT gene-silenced HuLM (COMT-shRNA-HuLM) cells treated with 0 or 100 µM EGCG for 7 days was measured using the MTT method. Total RNA and protein were extracted from cells treated with 0 or 100 µM of EGCG for 48 h. Gene expression profiling was performed using Human Signal Transduction PathwayFinder. Proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4) and COMT protein levels were detected by Western blot analyses. COMT enzyme activity was evaluated by HPLC. Results: EGCG-treated WT-HuLM cells showed significantly decreased COMT expression (p < 0.001) and enzyme activity (p < 0.05) compared to untreated WT-HuLM cells, while COMT-shRNA-HuLM cells showed no significant change. At 100 μM of EGCG, survival of WT-HuLM cells was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to COMT-shRNA-HuLM cells. EGCG treatment modulated multiple signaling pathways in WT-HuLM compared to untreated control, while changes were minimal or reversed in COMT-shRNA-HuLM cells. EGCG significantly decreased PCNA, Cdk4 and soluble COMT protein levels (p < 0.001) in WT-HuLM, but not in COMT-shRNA-HuLM cells. Conclusions: The antiproliferative and gene-modulating effects of EGCG on HuLM cells are mediated, at least partially, via its effect on COMT expression and enzyme activity.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Dating Abuse Against Women From the Perspective of South Asian Muslim Youth in Canada

Despite the growing recognition of intersectionality in the field of domestic abuse, scholarship on dating abuse is still limited by its lack of attention to cultural context. To begin to address this gap, this article presents findings from an exploratory qualitative study of 11 South Asian Muslims’ perceptions of behaviors/actions in dating relationships that they identify as being potentially experienced and/or understood differently by South Asian Muslim women. In particular, the participants identify (a) exposure to parents/community, (b) behaviors of a sexual nature, (c) controlling behaviors, and (d) psychological, emotional, and/or verbal behaviors/abuse as being experienced and understood in unique ways by South Asian Muslim women. By connecting these perceptions to the cultural context of South Asian Muslims, these findings support an intersectionality perspective by suggesting sociocultural variations in the meanings assigned to behaviors and/or actions.
Local delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor accelerates reendothelialization and attenuates intimal hyperplasia in balloon-injured rat carotid artery.

BACKGROUND Most strategies designed to reduce restenosis by the use of pharmacological or biological reagents involve direct inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. Alternatively, SMC proliferation might be indirectly inhibited if reendothelialization could be specifically facilitated at sites of balloon-induced arterial injury. Accordingly, we investigated the hypothesis that application of an endothelial cell (EC)-specific mitogen to a freshly denuded intimal surface could accelerate reendothelialization and thereby attenuate intimal hyperplasia. METHODS AND RESULTS The left carotid artery of 31 Sprague-Dawley rats was subjected to balloon injury, after which 16 rats were treated with a 30-minute incubation with 100 micrograms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an EC-specific mitogen. Control animals (n = 15) received a 30-minute incubation with 0.9% saline. At 2 weeks after balloon injury, carotid artery reendothelialization was markedly superior in the VEGF-treated group compared with the control group (14.59 +/- 1.12 versus 7.96 +/- 0.51 mm2, P < 0.005). The extent of reendothelialization measured at 4 weeks after balloon injury remained superior for arteries treated with VEGF (18.04 +/- 0.90 mm2) versus saline (13.42 +/- 0.84 mm2, P < .005). Neointimal thickening was correspondingly attenuated to a statistically significant degree in arteries treated with VEGF versus the control group at both the 2-week and 4-week time points. Immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) disclosed a threefold increase in PCNA-positive cells in the neointima of control arteries versus VEGF-treated arteries at 2 weeks after injury. CONCLUSIONS Application of VEGF, an EC-specific growth regulatory molecule, may be effectively used in vivo to promote reendothelialization and thereby indirectly attenuate neointimal thickening due to SMC proliferation.
Obesity Utilization and Health-Related Quality of Life in Medicare Enrollees

The obese, with disproportionate chronic disease incidence, consume a large share of health care resources and drive up per capita Medicare spending. This study examined the prevalence of obesity and its association with health status, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), function, and outpatient utilization among Medicare Advantage seniors. Results indicate that obese beneficiaries, much more than overweight beneficiaries, have poorer health, functions, and HRQOL than normal weight beneficiaries and have substantially higher outpatient utilization. While weight loss is beneficial to both the overweight and obese, the markedly worse health status and high utilization of obese beneficiaries may merit particular attention.
Amelioration of Cisplatin-Induced Acute Renal Injury by Renal Progenitor-Like Cells Derived from the Adult Rat Kidney

The replacement of a necrotic tubular epithelium with functional tubular epithelial cells is required for recovery from acute renal failure (ARF). A rat renal progenitor-like (rKS56) cell line was recently established derived from the S3 segment of renal proximal tubules. The therapeutic efficacy of rKS56 cells was examined in a rat model of cisplatin-induced ARF. rKS56-lacZ cells expressing β-galactosidase were injected into SD rats either at the subcapsule of the left kidney (rKS-SC) or via the left renal artery (rKS-IA) 2 days after the injection of cisplatin. Bluo-gal(+) rKS56-lacZ cells were observed in the subcapsule in the rKS-SC group on day 5, and were further increased in number on day 9, accompanied by partial distribution in the corticomedullary junction, but not in the rKS-IA group. A portion of Bluo-gal(+) cells coexpressed Ki-67, aquaporin-1, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and c-Met. rKS-SC treatment significantly improved the tubular injury scores, ameliorated tubular cell apoptosis, and induced cell proliferation. The renal function also significantly improved in the rKS-SC group on day 5. These results demonstrate that locally implanted rKS56 cells could differentiate into tubular epithelial cells, thereby accelerating the recovery from tubular injury, most likely by producing tubular trophic factors. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of this novel approach for patients with end-stage renal failure.
Agonist-Dependent Potentiation of Vanilloid Receptor Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 Function by Stilbene Derivatives

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) is a nonselective cation channel activated by capsaicin, low pH, and noxious heat and plays a key role in nociception. Understanding mechanisms for functional modulation of TRPV1 has important implications. One characteristic of TRPV1 is that channel activity induced by either capsaicin or other activators can be sensitized or modulated by factors involving different cell signaling mechanisms. In this study, we describe a novel mechanism for the modulation of TRPV1 function: TRPV1 function is modulated by 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS) and its analogs. We found that, in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons, although DIDS did not induce the activation of TRPV1 per se but drastically increased the TRPV1 currents induced by either capsaicin or low pH. DIDS also blocked the tachyphylaxis of the low pH-induced TRPV1 currents. 4-Acetamido-4′-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (SITS), a DIDS analog, failed to enhance the capsaicin-evoked TRPV1 current but increased the low pH-evoked TRPV1 currents, with an effect comparable with that of DIDS. SITS also blocked the low pH-induced tachyphylaxis. DIDS also potentiated the currents of TRPV1 channels expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, with an effect of left-shifting the concentration-response curve of the capsaicin-induced TRPV1 currents. This study demonstrates that DIDS and SITS, traditionally used chloride channel blockers, can modify TRPV1 channel function in an agonist-dependent manner. The results provide new input for understanding TRPV1 modulation and developing new modulators of TRPV1 function.
Efficiency in the tax-auditing administration in Greece

For the past few years, major breakthroughs have been achieved in the fight against tax evasion and tax fraud. SDOE has carried out audits on freelancers, companies and individuals, using data from the bank accounts of the audited persons or legal entities. The results of these audits are significant, both numerically and qualitatively. This paper analyses data and results from a field survey, measuring the contribution of human resources and their management towards the achievement of these results. The progress observed so far is also documented, and proposals to further improve the efficacy of tax audits are made along with a proposal to reform the tax system.
Chemically induced isomerization and differential uptake modulate retinoic acid disposition in HL‐60 cells

The successful introduction of 13‐cis‐retinoic acid (13‐cis‐RA) and all‐trans‐retinoic acid (all‐trans‐RA) in the chemoprevention and treatment of cancer along with the discovery of different retinoic acid receptors transactivated by different retinoic acid isomers resulted in a number of in vitro studies of the antitumor effects of single retinoic acid isomers. Since the formation of retinoic acid isomers with different receptor affinities might modulate retinoic acid response in vitro, we determined retinoic acid disposition in HL‐60 cells and cell culture medium during incubation with 13‐cis‐, 9‐cis‐, and all‐trans‐RA. In medium, retinoic acids underwent a thiol‐radical mediated isomerization resulting in a mixture of 13‐cis‐, 9‐cis‐, 9,13‐di‐cis‐, and all‐trans‐RA. Except for the 9,13‐di‐cis‐RA, all isomers generated in medium were also detected in HL‐60 cells. Whereas 9‐cis‐RA and 13‐cis‐RA showed similar cellular pharmacokinetics, all‐trans‐RA reached about fourfold higher concentrations in HL‐60 cells compared to 9‐cis‐RA and 13‐cis‐RA. Due to its better uptake, all‐trans‐RA became the main isomer within cells as it was formed in the medium when incubated with 13‐cis‐RA and 9‐cis‐RA. Thus, due to the simple chemically induced isomerization and its profound influence on cellular retinoic acid concentrations, studies of the efficacy of single retinoic acid isomers in vitro should be interpreted with caution. —Lanvers, C. , Hempel, G. , Blaschke, G. , Boos, J. Chemically induced isomerization and differential uptake modulate retinoic acid disposition in HL‐60 cells. FASEB J. 12, 1627–1633 (1998)
Pharmacologic Characterization of an EndothelinA (ETA) Receptor Antagonist in Conscious Rats

Summary: The present experiments describe the endothelin-1 (ET-1) antagonist activity of BQ123 (cyclic D-Asp–L-Pro–D-Val–L-Leu–D-Trp) in conscious Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats, and we also examined the effect blockade of ETA receptors had on blood pressure in four experimental models of hypertension. Rats were anesthetized with methoxyflurane and instrumented with femoral arterial and venous catheters. In SD rats, BQ123 (0.1–10.0 mg/kg i.v.) administered 5 or 60 min prior to ET-1 inhibited both the magnitude and duration of the ET-1 (0.25 nmol/kg i.v.) pressor response. In addition, BQ123 (10.0 mg/kg) inhibited the pressor response evoked by administration of the ET-1 precursor, proendothelin-1 (1.0 nmol/kg). However, BQ123 (10.0 mg/kg) had no effect on the pressor response evoked by ET-3 (0.75 nmol/kg). In Wistar–Kyoto rats, BQ123 (10.0 mg/kg) reversed the hypertension produced by an infusion of ET-1 (0.01 nmol/kg/min). Administration of BQ123 produced a mild antihypertensive effect in normal- to low-renin models of hypertension, but no blood pressure lowering was observed in high-renin models of hypertension. These studies demonstrated the selectivity of the ETA receptor antagonist, BQ123 for ET-1, but not ET-3-induced pressor responses. Furthermore, ET-1 does not appear to be a major contributing factor to the maintenance of elevated levels of blood pressure in four experimental models of hypertension.
THE MODERN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON THE THEORY OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Traditional Chinese Medicine, unlike in many countries, with its well defined concepts and content, is developed due to the progressive policies of the government. The past 30 years work on scientific lines complemented by the successful and significant efforts to integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western medicine has proved the scientific essence of the theory of this system. Added to this are the social acceptebility, relevance, and effectiveness. This brief review of some of the major work done indicates the bright future it has in contributing to the improvement of the health of the world.
Multibeam Antenna Technologies for 5G Wireless Communications

With the demanding system requirements for the fifth-generation (5G) wireless communications and the severe spectrum shortage at conventional cellular frequencies, multibeam antenna systems operating in the millimeter-wave frequency bands have attracted a lot of research interest and have been actively investigated. They represent the key antenna technology for supporting a high data transmission rate, an improved signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, an increased spectral and energy efficiency, and versatile beam shaping, thereby holding a great promise in serving as the critical infrastructure for enabling beamforming and massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) that boost the 5G. This paper provides an overview of the existing multibeam antenna technologies which include the passive multibeam antennas (MBAs) based on quasi-optical components and beamforming circuits, multibeam phased-array antennas enabled by various phase-shifting methods, and digital MBAs with different system architectures. Specifically, their principles of operation, design, and implementation, as well as a number of illustrative application examples are reviewed. Finally, the suitability of these MBAs for the future 5G massive MIMO wireless systems as well as the associated challenges is discussed.
Reaching midlife and older smokers: tailored interventions for routine medical care.

BACKGROUND Although older adults can achieve significant health benefits from smoking cessation, few programs have specifically targeted this population. This study tested the effectiveness of an office-based smoking cessation program tailored to midlife and older smokers. METHODS This paper describes a randomized controlled trial comparing usual care with physician-delivered brief quit-smoking advice and counseling for midlife and older smokers (ages 50-74). Outpatient medical practices assigned to the Immediate Intervention (experimental) condition were trained to deliver brief quit-smoking advice and counseling. Delayed Intervention (control) practices followed usual care procedures. Thirty-nine practices accruing five or more patients per practice were included in the analyses. RESULTS Using conservative measure of quitting, self-reported quit rates at 6-month follow-up were 15.41% for the Immediate Intervention group versus 8.16% of subjects in the Delayed Intervention group (P < 0.005). Baseline subject (N = 659) characteristics related to 6-month abstinence included number of previous quit attempts, quitting for 24 hr in the past year, desire to quit, confidence in quitting, perceived health benefits, and lower nicotine dependence. CONCLUSIONS Smoking abstinence was significantly increased by training physicians and key office and clinical staff to intervene with older smokers. Brief interventions are tailored to this age cohort can be successfully and efficaciously integrated into routine care.
THE INFLUENCE OF TRANSFORMATIONALLEADERSHIP, STRESS, ORGANIZATIONALCOMMITMENT AND MOTIVATION OF EMPLOYEES(Study On The Company PT. Satriagraha Perfect,Sidoarjo-Krian Areas)

This research aims to know and test whether there is influence of transformational leadership, stress, organizational commitment and motivation of the employees working in PT. Satriagraha perfect, Krian areas-Sidoarjo. The research method used is the quantitative approach. Sampling techniques using Sample Random Sampling. Data collection techniques used by using a questionnaire. And data analysis is done using Multiple Linear regression test with the help of SPSS Statistical Program version 21.0. The results of the research there is a simultaneous influence between transformational leadership, work stress, organizational commitment and motivation of working against the value of F is equal to 889,782 and the value of sig. 0.000. While testing partially showed that each of the variable effect on the motivation of transformational leadership t calculate with a value of $ 2,587 sig. 0,011; work stress of-0,2920 sig. 0,004; and organizational commitment of GIS 12,329.0.000. The overall analysis it was concluded that the dominant organizational commitment affect variables of motivation.
The burden of bowel preparations in patients undergoing elective colonoscopy

Background An adequate bowel preparation is an important quality measure for optimal colonoscopy. Aims The aim of this article is to study the burden of bowel preparations by examining seven specific variables (hunger, taste, volume, sleep, social, work, and adverse events (AEs)). Methods Ambulatory patients undergoing elective colonoscopy completed a questionnaire regarding their experience with the prescribed preparation. The seven study variables were graded using a numerical scale of 0–10 (best to worst). A score >6 was considered to indicate a significant impact and used as primary outcome. Patients were also asked to grade in descending order what they perceived as the worst aspect of the preparation. Results A total of 216 patients completed the survey. Preparations consisted of split-dose sodium picosulfate (SPS) (n = 49), split-dose 4 l PEG ± menthol (n = 49), full-dose PEG (n = 68), and 2 l split-dose PEG + ascorbic acid (n = 50). Except for work and AEs, all variables were considered to have a negative impact by >20% of patients (range 20.4–34.2). SPS was superior to PEG regimens in taste (4.1% vs. 35.9%) and volume (0% vs. 44.9%) (p < 0.05 for both) but inferior for hunger (30.6% vs. 19.2%; p = 0.09). The addition of menthol to PEG significantly improved taste (22.4% vs. 41.5%; p = 0.02). Sleep disturbances were most common with SPS and least with split-dose PEG (30.6% vs. 17.4%; p < 0.05). Overall, patients ranked volume, taste, and hunger as most burdensome. Conclusions The burden of bowel preparation is substantial. An informed personalized choice of preparation may improve adherence, tolerability and colon cleansing.
Cervical Cancer Screening Among College Students in Ghana: Knowledge and Health Beliefs

Background: Cervical cancer is the most incident cancer and the leading cause of cancer mortality in women in Ghana. Currently, little is known about Ghanaian women's knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer screening, yet this information is essential to the success of cervical cancer screening programs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the knowledge and beliefs of female university college students in Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional survey among college women in a university in Ghana elicited information about sociodemographics, knowledge and beliefs, and acceptability of cervical cancer screening, screening history, and sexual history. Bivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with screening. Results: One hundred forty women were recruited; the age range was 20 to 35 years. The prior Papanicolaou (Pap) screening rate was 12.0%. The women were unaware of local screening initiatives, and only 7.9% were aware of the link between human papillomavirus and cervical cancer. The most prevalent barriers were lack of awareness that the purpose of Pap screening is to diagnose cancer, concerns about what others may think, and lack of information about how to obtain screening services. Although women perceived the benefits of screening, only about half perceived themselves to be at risk. Women received few screening cues. Three barriers were negatively associated with screening in bivariate analyses: lack of belief that cancer is diagnosed by cervical screening, belief that Pap test is painful, and belief that the test will take away virginity. Conclusion: New screening programs in Ghana should address these barriers and increase screening cues to the public.
Ichthyosis in the Neonatal Setting

Background:There exists a group of rare, inherited scaly skin disorders, generally termed ichthyosis, that can be evident in the infant at the time of birth. Phenotypes for this disorder span the gamut of severity and may pose complex challenges to the healthcare provider. Purpose:This article explores the 3 most common nonsyndromic forms of ichthyosis seen in neonates as follows: X-linked recessive, lamellar, and bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma. Moreover, harlequin ichthyosis, a lamellar subtype, is highlighted for being the most severe, clinically problematic, and often lethal form of the disorder. Findings/Results:A description of each of these types and their incidence is included, followed by an explanation of the genetic mutations causing them. The phenotypes and natural history are reviewed, as is expected management of the disorder throughout the patient's lifetime. Implications for Practice:Considerations for the neonatal nurse practitioner charged with caring for these patients, including specific recommendations for care in the clinical setting, are discussed. Additionally, genetic counseling and the risks of reoccurrence are explored. Implications for Research:Given the rare nature of this disorder, further research is warranted so that healthcare providers are prepared to provide optimal care to these fragile patients.