Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of bis{N-[(diethylamino)dimethylsilyl]anilido-κ2 N,N′}zinc

The title zinc amide, [Zn(C12H21N2Si)2], was prepared by the metathetical reaction of [LiN(SiMe2NEt2)(C6H5)]2 with zinc dichloride. It is mononuclear and the molecule is generated by twofold rotation symmetry. The central ZnII atom is N,N′-chelated by each of the two N-silylated anilide ligands in a highly distorted tetrahedral environment. Two N—Si—N ligands are arranged in a cis fashion around the ZnII atom. The Zn—Namine bonds [2.2315 (12) Å] are much longer than the Zn—Nanilide bonds [1.9367 (11) Å].
Twice-daily 0.2% brimonidine-0.5% timolol fixed-combination therapy vs monotherapy with timolol or brimonidine in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension: a 12-month randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy and safety of a fixed combination of 0.2% brimonidine tartrate and 0.5% timolol maleate (fixed brimonidine-timolol) compared with the component medications. METHODS In 2 identical, 12-month, randomized, double-masked multicenter trials, patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma were treated with fixed brimonidine-timolol twice daily (n = 385), 0.2% brimonidine tartrate 3 times daily (n = 382), or 0.5% timolol maleate twice daily (n = 392). MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Mean change from baseline IOP and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS The mean decrease from baseline IOP during 12-month follow-up was 4.4 to 7.6 mm Hg with fixed brimonidine-timolol, 2.7 to 5.5 mm Hg with brimonidine, and 3.9 to 6.2 mm Hg with timolol. Mean IOP reductions were significantly greater with fixed brimonidine-timolol compared with timolol at all measurements (P< or =.002) and brimonidine at 8 am, 10 am, and 3 pm (P<.001) but not at 5 pm. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events in the fixed-combination group was lower than that in the brimonidine group (P = .006) but higher than that in the timolol group (P<.001). The rate of discontinuation for adverse events was 14.3% with the fixed combination, 30.6% with brimonidine, and 5.1% with timolol. CONCLUSIONS Twice-daily fixed brimonidine-timolol therapy provides sustained IOP lowering superior to monotherapy with either thrice-daily brimonidine or twice-daily timolol and is better tolerated than brimonidine but less well tolerated than timolol. APPLICATION TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Fixed brimonidine-timolol is an effective and convenient IOP-lowering therapy.
Surgically Relevant Bony Anatomical Variations in Paraclinoid Aneurysms-Three-Dimensional Multi-Detector Row Computed Tomography-Based Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the proportion of surgically relevant anatomical variations such as caroticoclinoid foramen, interclinoid osseous bridge, and anterior clinoid pneumatization in patients with paraclinoid aneurysms based on computed tomography (CT) cerebral angiography studies. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four CT cerebral angiography studies showing paraclinoid aneurysms involving the cavernous, clinoid, and supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) were retrospectively evaluated. Source images were processed for three-dimensional reconstructions to evaluate the presence and type of caroticoclinoid foramen, interclinoid osseous bridge, and multiplanar reconstructions with bone algorithm to study the type of pneumatization. Results: The study included 30 female and 24 male patients with mean age of 45.61 (10.47) years. Among the 108 sides studied in 54 patients, caroticoclinoid foramen was seen in 24 cases (22.22%), interclinoid osseous bridge was seen unilaterally in 1 case (0.9%), and pneumatization of anterior clinoid process occurred in 12 cases (11.11%). Incomplete caroticoclinoid foramen (11 cases) and Type I pneumatization (7 cases) were seen to be predominant subtypes. There was no statistically significant gender difference in the occurrence of caroticoclinoid foramen and anterior clinoid pneumatization. Seventy-four aneurysms were detected in 54 patients. Based on their location, 46 aneurysms involved supraclinoid ICA, 18 aneurysms in the clinoid segment, and 10 aneurysms in the cavernous segment. Caroticoclinoid foramen was most prevalent in clinoid aneurysms with 12 cases occurring in the clinoid segment. Conclusion: Notable proportions of caroticoclinoid foramen and pneumatization occur in cases of paraclinoid aneurysm. Radiological reports should emphasize on these surgically relevant bony anatomical variations.
TPH2 genotype is associated with PTSD’s avoidance symptoms in Chinese female earthquake survivors

Genetic factors are important in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following exposure to traumatic events. However, the molecular genetic underpinnings of this disorder have not been definitive. This study examined the association between tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) rs11178997 genotype, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the transcriptional control region, and PTSD symptoms. A total of 326 Chinese adults who suffered from the deadly 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and lost their children during the disaster participated in this study. PTSD symptoms were measured with PTSD checklist, and the SNP was successfully genotyped by the MassARRAY system. The results indicated that, although the rs11178997 genotype was not associated with total PTSD symptoms, it could significantly predict severity of PTSD’s avoidance symptoms in women. These findings support that TPH2 may play an important functional role in the development of PTSD and contribute to the limited literature regarding the genetic basis and the sex-specific expression of PTSD’s symptoms.
Low‐protein and protein‐redistribution diets for Parkinson's disease patients with motor fluctuations: A systematic review

The American Academy of Neurology suggests advising the redistribution of daily protein meal content to every Parkinson's disease (PD) patient with motor fluctuations during levodopa treatment. However, no comprehensive evaluation of this complementary therapy has been performed. A systematic review of intervention studies investigating the neurologic outcome of low‐protein (<0.8 g/kg of ideal weight/day) and protein‐redistribution diets in patients with PD experiencing motor fluctuations during levodopa treatment. All studies (uncontrolled or randomized) investigating a low‐protein and/or a protein‐redistribution diet (LPD and PRD) and involving patients with PD with motor fluctuations were included, provided that sufficient information on dietary protein content and neurologic outcome measures was available. We identified 16 eligible studies, but they were markedly heterogeneous. There was not enough evidence to support the use of LPD. Response to PRD seemed very good. Acceptability appeared high upon introduction, but it seemed to progressively decrease over time. On average, PRD resulted in improved motor function, but also complications occurred. At the beginning, drop‐outs were due to levodopa side effects rather than unsatisfactory benefits. Long‐term adherence was more affected by changes in dietary habits than by diet‐related side effects. Efficacy and benefits appeared to be higher when the intervention was proposed to subjects in the early stages of PD. PRD can be safely advised to fluctuating patients with PD, but those in whom benefits override the possible inconveniences still need to be identified. The long‐term effects of PRD on nutritional status should be evaluated and true effectiveness in clinical practice should be reassessed, given the changes in levodopa formulations and the introduction of several adjuvants (levodopa degradation inhibitors and/or dopamine agonists). © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.
Radiography Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Juvenile Spondyloarthritis: Is the MR Image Everything?

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) represents a group of related rheumatic diseases that includes ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and reactive arthritis, with 10–20% of patients developing their first symptoms during childhood. Juvenile SpA more often begins with peripheral and root joint arthritis and enthesitis than with back pain, the most common presenting feature in adults, even when the eventual outcome is ankylosing spondylitis (AS)1. These differences have necessitated the adoption of age-specific SpA classification criteria where the most common forms of juvenile SpA are encompassed by enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and undifferentiated arthritis2. In adults, SpA classification has moved from distinguishing undifferentiated and differentiated disease3,4 toward criteria that identify patients with back pain who have “axial SpA” (axSpA) versus those with peripheral manifestations only5. AxSpA is present if back pain is present for at least 3 months and is associated with evidence of sacroiliac involvement on imaging [radiographs or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)], or when HLA-B27 and additional features of SpA are present6. Peripheral SpA requires arthritis, enthesitis, or dactylitis, and other features of SpA5. Although axSpA defines individuals who are … Address correspondence to Dr. Colbert, NIH-NIAMS, 10-CRC, Hatfield Clinical Research Center, 1-5142 10 Center Dr., Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1102, USA. E-mail: colbertr{at}mail.nih. gov
Morphological changes and viability of Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoites after excystation in cell-free culture media

SUMMARY Cryptosporidium parvum, belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, is a major cause of waterborne gastroenteritis throughout the world. The sporozoites are thought to invade host enterocytes using an active process termed gliding motility. However, the biological and morphological changes within the sporozoites during this process are not fully understood. In the present study, excysted sporozoites of C. parvum were analysed ultrastructurally in vitro and their viability was evaluated using fluorescent dyes. The sporozoites excysted from oocysts changed morphologically from banana-shaped to rod-shaped and finally to a rounded shape, in culture media in 3 h. Transmission microscopy revealed that the distance between the apical end and the nucleus was markedly reduced, dense granules were present close to the rhoptry in the apical region, amylopectin granules were absent, and membranes of round sporozoites were less clear. A fluorescent assay showed that the rate of survival decreased from 89% to 56% at 0–3 h (84·3% for banana-shaped and 49·2% for rod-shaped sporozoites). Therefore, post-excysted sporozoites in vitro underwent morphological changes and a rapid loss of viability. This staining method is useful, inexpensive and provides an alternative to more costly and intensive flow cytometric assays or infectivity assays with host cells in vitro.
The general practitioner as the first contacted health professional by patients with psychosocial problems: a European study

Background. There are considerable differences between and within countries in the involvement of general practitioners (GPs) in psychosocial care. This study aimed to describe the self-perceived role of GPs in 30 European countries as the first contacted professional for patients with psychosocial problems, and to examine the relationship with characteristics of the health care system, practice organization and doctors. Methods. Data collected in the European Study of GP Task Profiles were analysed in relation to the self-perceived involvement of GPs in psychosocial care. In 30 countries 7233 GPs answered standardized questionnaires in their own languages about seven brief case scenarios. The questions focused on care given as the first health care professional contacted, and were answered in a scored scale (1–4) ranging from ‘never’ to ‘almost always’. Independent variables examined were both on a national level and on an individual level, including: listed practice population, referral system, employment status of GPs, workload, measures of practice organization, contacts with social workers and urbanization of practice area. Data were analysed using multi-level techniques. Results. Self-perceived involvement in psychosocial care was much higher in Western than in Eastern Europe and also in countries with a referral system. Cooperation with social workers, rural practice, keeping medical records, presence of an appointment system and high workload were positively associated with this perceived involvement. Conclusions. In countries with self-employed doctors and a referral system, GPs are in a better position to provide psychosocial care. GPs should be encouraged to cooperate with social workers and to keep medical records of their patient contacts routinely.
Early sensory contributions to contextual encoding deficits in schizophrenia.

CONTEXT The AX version of the visual continuous performance task (AX-CPT) is widely used for investigating visual working memory dysfunction in schizophrenia. Event-related potentials (ERP) provide an objective index of brain function and can be used to evaluate brain substrates underlying impaired cognition in schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE To assess the mechanisms that underlie visual working memory dysfunction in schizophrenia relative to impairment of early visual processing. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Inpatient and outpatient facilities associated with the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research. PARTICIPANTS A total of 30 individuals with schizophrenia and 17 healthy comparison subjects. INTERVENTIONS Three versions of the AX-CPT, with parametric variations in the proportions of trial types, were used to test performance and underlying neural activity during differential challenge situations. Contrast sensitivity measures were obtained from most subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Behavioral performance was assessed using d' context scores. Integrity of stimulus- and task-related cortical activation to both cue and probe stimuli was assessed using sensory (C1, P1, N1) and cognitive (N2, contingent negative variation [CNV]) ERP components. Early magnocellular/parvocellular function was assessed using contrast sensitivity. Linear regression and path analyses were used to assess relations between physiological and behavioral parameters. RESULTS Patients showed reduced amplitude of both early sensory (P1, N1) and later cognitive (N2, CNV) ERP components. Deficits in sensory (N1) and cognitive (N2) component activation to cue stimuli contributed independently to impaired behavioral performance. In addition, sensory deficits predicted impaired cognitive ERP generation. Finally, deficits in performance correlated with impairments in contrast sensitivity to low, but not high, spatial frequency stimuli. CONCLUSIONS Working memory deficits in schizophrenia have increasingly been attributed to impairments in stimulus encoding rather than to failures in memory retention. This study provides objective physiological support for encoding hypotheses. Further, deficits in sensory processing contribute significantly to impaired working memory performance, consistent with generalized neurochemical models of schizophrenia.
SERUM COPPER AND ZINC LEVELS AND COPPER/ZINC RATIO IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background: Trace elements particularly copper and zinc have a great role in a number of biological processes, therefore estimation of these metals in serum of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients may ameliorate the understanding of trends in the relationship between the serum copper and zinc levels and activity of disease. Objective:To determine the serum copper and zinc levels and its relation with the degree of disease activity and compare with a normal group.
Explain the Behavior Intention to Use e-Learning Technologies: A Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Perspective

The purpose of this study is to explain the behavior intention to use e-learning technologies. In order to achieve a better view and validate the study, researcher attempts to give details of how technology acceptance models help Jordanian trainees firms in accepting e-learning technology, and how if applied will result more attention to usage behavior. Based on the data collected through a survey, stepwise multiple regressions were employed to test the research model. The results revealed that model which developed based on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology" UTAUT" indicates that the Jordanian trainees' firms' behavior intention of e-learning technologies is positive affects by performance expectancy; effort expectancy; web-based training infrastructure; trust; culture; and behavioral intention. Managerial implications are further discussed.
Prostaglandin E2 Differentially Modulates Human Platelet Function through the Prostanoid EP2 and EP3 Receptors

Activated human platelets synthesize prostaglandin (PG) E2, although at lower rate than thromboxane A2. PGE2 acts through different receptors (EP1–4), but its role in human platelet function remains poorly characterized compared with thromboxane. We studied the effect of PGE2 and its analogs on in vitro human platelet function and platelet and megakaryocyte EP expression. Platelets preincubated with PGE2 or its analogs were stimulated with agonists and studied by optical aggregometry. Intraplatelet calcium mobilization was investigated by the stopped flow method; platelet vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), P-selectin, and microaggregates were investigated by flow cytometry. PGE2 at nanomolar concentrations dose-dependently increased the slope (velocity) of the secondary phase of ADP-induced platelet aggregation (EC50, 25.6 ± 6 nM; Emax of 100 ± 19% increase versus vehicle-treated), without affecting final maximal aggregation. PGE2 stabilized reversible aggregation induced by low ADP concentrations (EC50, 37.7 ± 9 nM). The EP3 agonists, 11-deoxy-16,16-dimethyl PGE2 (11d-16dm PGE2) and sulprostone enhanced the secondary wave of ADP-induced aggregation, with EC50 of 48.6 ± 10 nM (Emax, 252 ± 51%) and 5 ± 2 nM (Emax, 300 ± 35%), respectively. The EP2 agonist butaprost inhibited ADP-induced secondary phase slopes (IC50, 40 ± 20 nM). EP4 stimulation had minor inhibitory effects. 11d-16dm PGE2 alone raised intraplatelet Ca2+ and enhanced ADP-induced Ca2+ increase. 11d-16dm PGE2 and 17-phenyltrinor PGE2 (EP3 > EP1 agonist) at nanomolar concentrations counteracted PGE1-induced VASP phosphorylation and induced platelet microaggregates and P-selectin expression. EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 were expressed on human platelets and megakaryocytes. PGE2 through different EPs finely modulates human platelet responsiveness. These findings should inform the rational selection of novel antithrombotic strategies based on EP modulation.
Role of the alanine at position 363 of cytochrome P450 2B2 in influencing the NADPH- and hydroperoxide-supported activities.

Escherichia coli was used to express the two closely related cytochromes P450 2B1 and 2B2 and two mutants of 2B2 in which residues Gly-303 and Ala-363 were replaced by Ser and Val, respectively. The expressed proteins were partially purified and assayed for benzphetamine and n-octylamine (NOA) binding and 7-ethoxy-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin O-deethylation (EOD), benzphetamine N-demethylation (BND) and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) hydroxylation activities in the presence and absence of cytochrome b5. The Kd values for benzphetamine and NOA obtained for the wild-type enzymes were similar to reported values. The Ala-363 --> Val mutant (A363V) of 2B2 exhibited Kd values for both ligands that were more similar to 2B1 than to 2B2. The EOD and BND activities of the A363V mutant were 10- and 3.8-fold those exhibited by 2B2, respectively. With DMBA, the A363V mutation led to a 6-fold increase in the hydroxylation activity at the 7-methyl substituent while the hydroxylation activity at the 12-methyl substituent was slightly suppressed. The 7-hydroxymethyl:12-hydroxymethyl product ratio obtained with the A363V mutant (1.3) was much closer to the ratio obtained with 2B1 (1. 9) than to that obtained with 2B2 (0.17). Conversely, the Gly-303 --> Ser substitution did not influence the characteristics of the 2B2-catalyzed metabolism of DMBA to the same magnitude. When cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) was used to support the EOD activities of the proteins, 2B2 exhibited a 2- to 20-fold greater activity than 2B1 or either of the mutants. Examination of the CHP-derived products of the EOD reactions revealed the formation of mainly 2-phenyl-2-propanol due to the heterolytic cleavage of CHP. However, only the 2B1 EOD-reaction mixture also contained the P450-mediated CHP-isomerization products 2-phenyl-1,2-propanediol and 2-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propanol. The formation of these products with 2B1 but not 2B2 may explain why 2B1 is not as efficient as 2B2 or 2B2-G303S in carrying out the CHP-supported reactions.
The Impact of Arterial Collateralization on Outcome after Intra-Arterial Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

The presence of poor leptomeningeal collaterals as assessed by CTA was correlated with patient outcome after receiving intra-arterial treatment for stroke. Functional outcomes in 87 patients with MCA and/or ICA occlusions were retrospectively assessed at 3 months. The authors found that poor arterial collateralization was associated with poor outcome after adjustment for recanalization success. They recommend that future studies include collateral scores as one of the predictors of functional outcome. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although intra-arterial therapy for acute ischemic stroke is associated with superior recanalization rates, improved clinical outcomes are inconsistently observed following successful recanalization. There is emerging concern that unfavorable arterial collateralization, though unproven, predetermines poor outcome. We hypothesized that poor leptomeningeal collateralization, assessed by preprocedural CTA, is associated with poor outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing intra-arterial therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with acute ischemic stroke with intracranial ICA and/or MCA occlusions who received intra-arterial therapy. The collaterals were graded on CTA. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate the association between the dichotomized leptomeningeal collateral score and functional outcomes at 3-months mRS ≤2, mortality, and intracranial hemorrhages. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were included. The median age was 66 years (interquartile range, 54–76 years) and the median NIHSS score at admission was 18 (interquartile range, 14–20). The leptomeningeal collateral score 3 was found to have significant association with the good functional outcome at 3 months: OR = 3.13; 95% CI, 1.25–7.825; P = . 016. This association remained significant when adjusted for the use of IV tissue plasminogen activator: alone, OR = 2.998; 95% CI, 1.154–7.786; P = . 024; and for IV tissue plasminogen activator and other confounders (age, baseline NIHSS score, and Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grades), OR = 2.985; 95% CI, 1.027–8.673; P = . 045. CONCLUSIONS: We found that poor arterial collateralization, defined as a collateral score of <3, was associated with poor outcome, after adjustment for recanalization success. We recommend that future studies include collateral scores as one of the predictors of functional outcome.