Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The interaction of von Willebrand factor‐A1 domain with collagen: mutation G1324S (type 2M von Willebrand disease) impairs the conformational change in A1 domain induced by collagen

Summary. Background: It is established that the A3 domain in von Willebrand factor (VWF) contains the major collagen‐binding site. However, there are conflicting reports describing the capacity of the A1 domain to interact with collagen types I and III. Methods: In this study, we have used recombinant VWF‐A1 polypeptides, as well as conformation‐specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb), to analyze the A1–collagen interaction. Results: The A1 domain bound to collagen with Kd ∼ 8.0 nm and this binding was blocked by the mAb 6G1, which blocks the interaction between ristocetin and VWF. In addition, collagen‐bound A1 protein was able to support flow‐dependent adhesion of platelets, demonstrating that the binding sites for collagen and glycoprotein (GP)Ib are different. Analysis with two conformation‐specific mAb demonstrated that the structure of the A1 domain changed as a result of the binding to collagen. In contrast, the antibodies failed to detect conformational change in the G1324S mutant (type 2M von Willebrand disease). Thus, direct binding to collagen induces a change in the structural conformation within the VWF‐A1 domain, and the G1324S substitution prevents this conformational change. Conclusion: This study has shown that the isolated A1 domain can simultaneously bind to collagen and platelet GPIb, supporting platelet adhesion under high‐flow conditions. In addition, this study has used mAb to demonstrate that the binding of the isolated A1 domain or full‐length VWF to collagen is accompanied by a conformational change in A1 domain.
Development of nanoparticles-in-microparticles system for improved local retention after intra-articular injection

Abstract To increase the intra-articular (IA) retention time of osteoarthritis drugs in the synovial cavity and slow down the burst release of microspheres (MPs), we prepared a novel drug delivery system named nanoparticles-in-microspheres (NiMs). The system was constructed by dispersing the brucine-loaded nanoparticle, which was prepared by an emulsification method in the MPs. The NiMs were characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectra and differential scanning calorimetry. After investigating the biocompatibility with synovium of NiMs in rats, the pharmacokinetics was studied and FX-imaging was used to visualize the transmission of nanoparticles after IA administration in rats. From the results, we know that the NiMs were spherical, there was no chemical bond between the drug and the polymer, and the drug was dispersed in the polymer in an amorphous form. Compared with MPs (41%), the burst release of NiMs could be slowed down to 9%. After that, the drug was released from NiMs by diffusion. The results of FX imaging in rats showed that the NiMs could stay in the articular cavity for over 11 d. The studies of pharmacokinetics revealed that the NiMs could slow down the burst release and improve retention in vivo. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using NiMs to slow down the burst release and increase the retention of therapeutic agents in articular joints.
A comparison between organomercurial- and progesterone-induced maturation in amphibian oocytes.

1. From the many substances tested, only organomercurials which do not penetrate well into the cells (PHMB, PHMPS, meralluride, mersalyl), and cysteamine-induced maturation in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Organomercurials which easily penetrate into the cells are toxic. 2. All thiols reverse the inducing effects of the organomercurials. Dithiothreitol (DTT), in contrast to monothiols, inhibits progesterone-induced maturation provided that it is added within the first 2–3 h of progesterone treatment. 3. Repeated injections of PHMPS into Xenopus oocytes fail to induce maturation. 4. Extensive cytological analysis and a study of the effects of cyanoketone have confirmed that the organomercurials act on the oocyte itself and not on the surrounding follicle cells. 5. Organomercurials induce maturation in oocytes of Ambystoma mexicanum and Rana temporaria . 6. Ouabain, but not other inhibitors of (Na + , K + ) ATPase (ethacrynic acid, showdomycin, DTNB), accelerates progesterone-induced maturation. None of these inhibitors induces maturation by itself. 7. Procain does not induce maturation and slows down progesterone-induced maturation. 8. SITS inhibits organomercurial-, but not progesterone-induced maturation. 9. Injection of protease inhibitors (TPCK, TLCK, pepstatin, leupeptin) into oocytes does not prevent GV breakdown. 10. Stimulation of maturation by organomercurials increases the oxygen consumption of the treated oocytes. 11. Binding of 203 Hg labelled organomercurials follows biphasic kinetics. It is inhibited by SITS and accelerated by progesterone. 12. ATPase activity is highest in melanosomes; it is barely stimulated by Na + and K + and is almost insensitive to ouabain. It is strongly stimulated by Ca 2+ and traces of Mg 2+ . There are transitory increases in total ATPase activity 1 and 4 h after the induction of maturation.
Detection of respiratory viruses and Legionella spp. by real-time polymerase chain reaction in patients with community acquired pneumonia

We conducted a study on throat swabs obtained from a group of hospitalized patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP). Throat swab specimens from 242 adults admitted to hospital with CAP were tested. In total, 1 or more aetiological agents were identified by real-time PCR in 55 (23%) patients. The most frequently detected pathogens were coronavirus (17%), parainfluenza virus (6%) and influenza virus (4%). Overall, viral pathogens were identified by conventional techniques in 7 (2%) patients, and real-time PCR in 50 (21%) patients (p<0.0001). The diagnostic yield increased from 137 cases (57% of patients using conventional microbiological assays) to 158 cases (65% of patients using real-time PCR assays and conventional microbiological assays; p=0.06). A significantly higher percentage of mortality was present in patients with a mixed bacterial and viral infection. L. pneumophila PCR was positive in only 3 out of 11 cases (27%) of Legionnaires’ disease (LD). This study demonstrates that real-time PCR can increase the number of microbiological detections of respiratory pathogens, mainly as a result of detection of respiratory viruses.
!e Communist Manifesto

A spectre is haunting Europe — the spectre of communism. All the powers of old Europe have entered into a holy alliance to exorcise this spectre: Pope and Tsar, Metternich and Guizot, French Radicals and German police-spies. Where is the party in opposition that has not been decried as communistic by its opponents in power? Where is the opposition that has not hurled back the branding reproach of communism, against the more advanced opposition parties, as well as against its reactionary adversaries? Two things result from this fact:
National Intelligence and Suicide Rate across Europe: An Alternative Test Using Educational Attainment Data

National mean scores on a historical knowledge test (taken as a proxy for intelligence), stemming from representative samples of male (and female) 9th-grade school students from 26 European countries in a 1999 report by Wilberg and Lynn, were significantly positively associated with the national male (and female) suicide rates, independent of the general quality-of-living conditions in these countries. This finding replicates previous evidence from cross-national studies (by Lester and by Voracek), of a correspondence of higher national IQ to higher suicide rates, with an alternative measure of national IQ that is independent of the national IQ estimates recently published by Lynn and Vanhanen which have been used in prior studies.
Neonatal Administration of Rhesus Rotavirus Tetravalent Vaccine

Background and Aims: Administration of the first dose of rhesus rotavirus-based tetravalent (RRV-TV) vaccine is followed by a transient febrile reaction at 3–4 days postvaccination in about one-third of vaccinees. We hypothesized that giving the first dose of RRV-TV vaccine during the neonatal period might reduce the reactogenicity of RRV-TV vaccine without compromising the utilization of the vaccine. Methods: A double blind placebo-controlled safety and immunogenicity trial of 90 infants who received RRV-TV vaccine at 0-4-6, 0-2-4 or 2-4-6 months of age was conducted. Reactions were evaluated for 1 week after each vaccination and, in addition, serum specimens were collected before vaccination and at 5 and 7 months of age. Results: Febrile reactions were not observed in 62 infants receiving the first dose of RRV-TV vaccine during the neonatal period. Five of the 28 (18%) infants receiving the first dose at 2 months were febrile on 1 or more days, whereas none of the 30 infants who had received a neonatal dose developed a fever when vaccinated again at 2 months of age. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay IgA antibody response after 3 doses was observed significantly less frequently (77%) in infants who had received a neonatal dose, a second dose at 2 months of age, and a third dose at 4 months of age compared with those who received their first dose at 2 months and a second dose at 4 months (100%, P < 0.02). Also, the frequency of a neutralizing antibody response to RRV and human rotavirus serotypes G1-4 tended to be lower in the group that had received the vaccine at 0-2-4 months compared with those who received it at 2-4-6 months. When the 2 tests were combined, the frequency of a seroresponse following the 0-2-4 month schedule (94%) was comparable with that following the 2-4-6 month schedule (100%). Conclusion: Infants who received the first dose of RRV-TV vaccine during the neonatal period did not develop a febrile reaction. The immune response in a 3-dose schedule initiated in the neonatal period is somewhat dampened but still acceptable. Neonatal immunization might also reduce the very small risk of intussusception, which has been associated with administration of RRV-TV vaccine to older infants.
Nutrient intakes of individuals from food-insufficient households in the United States.

OBJECTIVES Understanding the nutritional consequences of food insufficiency is important for informed policy-making that addresses the problem of domestic hunger. This study estimated the extent to which individuals from food-insufficient households were likely to have low intakes of energy and 14 other nutrients. METHODS The diets of pre-schoolers, adult women, and the elderly were analyzed with 24-hour recall data from the 1989 through 1991 Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the association of self-reported household food insufficiency with nutrient intakes below 50% of the recommended daily allowance. RESULTS For adult women, food insufficiency was significantly associated with low intakes of eight nutrients, including energy, magnesium, and vitamins A, E, C, and B6. Elderly individuals in the food-insufficient group were also more likely to have low intakes of eight nutrients, including protein, calcium, and vitamins A and B6. Household food insufficiency was not significantly associated with low intakes among preschoolers. CONCLUSIONS The results validate the use of self-reported hunger measures in nutritional surveillance and highlight nutrients of concern for food assistance and nutrition education efforts targeted at individuals from food-insufficient households.
An Empirical Assessment of IT Governance Transparency: Evidence from Commercial Banking

We have developed an IT governance disclosure framework to examine how firms communicate their IT governance activities. Using this framework for a sample of 200 commercial banking firms, our empirical assessment indicates that differences in the level of disclosure are systematically related to differences in institutional settings. We also find that firms with relatively good corporate governance practices consider IT performance measurement matters to be highly important when informing and communicating with shareholders.
Association of aldosterone with left ventricular mass in hypertension: interaction with plasma fibrinogen levels.

BACKGROUND Plasma aldosterone concentration is an independent determinant of left ventricular (LV) mass in hypertensive patients, and is related to some hemostatic variables along with it may contribute to a prothrombotic state. We conducted a study to investigate the relationship between hemostatic variables, plasma aldosterone, and cardiac morphology and function in essential hypertension. METHODS In 205 patients with untreated essential hypertension, we measured components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, plasma levels of fibrinogen, D-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and assessed cardiac characteristics with standard echocardiography. For statistical purpose, patients were divided into two groups according to whether their median value of plasma aldosterone was > 125 pg/ml or < 125 pg/ml. RESULTS Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was significantly greater in patients with a high (> 51 ± 13 g/m(2.7)) than with a low plasma aldosterone level (< 41 ± 11 g/m(2.7); P < 0.01) only in patients with fibrinogen levels in the highest tertile. Significant interaction was observed between plasma fibrinogen and aldosterone in the association with LVMI (P = 0.04). Left ventricular mass index was significantly and directly related to age, systolic blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), plasma aldosterone, fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels, whereas no relationships were observed between echocardiographic parameters and other hemostatic variables. Fibrinogen was directly related to age, systolic BP, plasma aldosterone, LVMI, relative wall thickness, and left atrial diameter. Multivariate analysis indicated that LVMI was related to plasma fibrinogen and aldosterone (both P < 0.01) independently of age, BP, and BMI. CONCLUSIONS Plasma fibrinogen levels interact with plasma aldosterone in its association with left ventricular mass in patients with hypertension.
Retinal pigment epithelial cells from dystrophic rats form normal tight junctions in vitro.

PURPOSE In the genetically defective Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model for retinal degeneration, a breakdown occurs in the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell tight junctions just as the photoreceptors begin to degenerate. These experiments sought to determine the impact of the RPE genetic defect on this alteration in the RPE cell tight junctions. METHODS Retinal pigment epithelial cell cultures prepared from RCS and control rats were treated with hormonally defined medium (HDM), base medium conditioned by RCS or control retinas, or unconditioned base medium. The tight junctions formed by these cultures were assayed functionally by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance and permeability. Junction structure was evaluated by immunolocalization of the tight junction protein zonula occludens 1 and of the junction-associated actin microfilaments. RESULTS Retinal pigment epithelial cultures from dystrophic rats formed structurally and functionally normal tight junctions when maintained in hormonally defined medium. The junctions remained stable when the medium bathing the apical surface was switched to base medium preconditioned by normal retinas. In contrast, cultures treated with medium preconditioned by degenerating dystrophic retinas or with unconditioned medium exhibited a breakdown in their tight junctions. CONCLUSIONS Retinal pigment epithelial cells isolated from dystrophic RCS rats can form tight junctions normally in vitro. Normal, but not dystrophic, retinas release factors that support RPE tight junctions. Therefore, the junctional abnormality seen in dystrophic rat RPE cells in vivo is probably caused by the loss of trophic factors normally provided by the healthy neural retina rather than by a direct effect of the genetic defect on the tight junctions.
Treatment of Test Anxiety by Group Implosive Therapy

36 test anxious Ss were randomly assigned to 3 groups. One group served as the no-treatment control, while the other two groups received either placebo-attention or implosive therapy. Implosive therapy consisted of 5 30-min. sessions of treatment in which Ss were asked to imagine highly anxiety-evoking scenes pertaining to test anxiety while concentrating on experiencing the accompanying sensations as intensely as possible. The placebo group imagined non-relevant scenes while concentrating on experiencing the accompanying sensations as intensely as possible. The results indicated a significant difference in terms of anxiety reduction between the no-treatment control group and the implosive-therapy group. No significant difference was obtained between the placebo group and the implosive-therapy group, or between the placebo group and the no-treatment group. The importance of a placebo group in behavior therapy research was noted.
Lithium Maintenance: 1. A Standard Education Programme for Patients

A videotape lecture and written hand-out containing factual information about lithium were given to 30 attenders at a lithium clinic. A further 30 patients acted as a control group and were not given the programme until later in the study. The educational programme resulted in substantial and significant increases in patient knowledge about lithium, such that knowledge increased from a baseline comparable with that of social workers to a level similar to that of community psychiatric nurses. Patients' attitudes to lithium also became more favourable after education.
Differences between gray matter and white matter water diffusion in stroke: diffusion-tensor MR imaging in 12 patients.

PURPOSE To investigate differences in water diffusion between white matter and gray matter in acute to early subacute stroke with diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve patients with unilateral middle cerebral arterial infarcts were examined with diffusion tensor-encoded echo-planar MR imaging 17 hours to 5 days after stroke onset. Isotropic diffusion coefficient (D) and diffusion anisotropy (A(sigma)) images were computed. (D) values were measured in ischemic and contralateral gray matter and white matter by using A(sigma) images to differentiate white matter from gray matter. (D) images were compared with unidirectional and directionally averaged diffusion-weighted images. RESULTS In all patients, (D) images showed two distinct levels of diffusion reduction in the infarct; more severe reduction occurred exclusively in white matter. (D) values were significantly less in infarcted white matter than in infarcted gray matter, whereas (D) values in the contralateral white matter and gray matter were not significantly different. Relative to the contralateral side, (D) values in the infarct were reduced by 46% in white matter and by 31% in gray matter (P <.001). Diffusion-weighted imaging caused underestimation of the magnitude and, in some cases, the spatial extent of the white matter diffusion abnormality. CONCLUSION Isotropic diffusion is more reduced in white matter than in gray matter in acute to early subacute middle cerebral arterial stroke. Diffusion-tensor imaging may be more sensitive than diffusion-weighted imaging to white matter ischemia.
Acute brachial neuritis following influenza vaccination

Brachial neuritis following vaccination is an uncommon but clinically important presentation of severe shoulder and arm pain associated with globally reduced range of movement. It may be confused with the more common diagnoses of rotator cuff pathology, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), shoulder arthritis or cervical spondylosis. We present a case of acute brachial neuritis, which posed a clinical diagnostic challenge to emergency, acute medical and rheumatology clinicians.
Noise modeling for RF CMOS circuit simulation

The RF noise in 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS technology has been measured and modeled. In contrast to some other groups, we find only a moderate enhancement of the drain current noise for short-channel MOSFETs. The gate current noise on the other hand is more significantly enhanced, which is explained by the effects of the gate resistance. The experimental results are modeled with a nonquasi-static RF model, based on channel segmentation, which is capable of predicting both drain and gate current noise accurately. Experimental evidence is shown for two additional noise mechanisms: 1) avalanche noise associated with the avalanche current from drain to bulk and 2) shot noise in the direct-tunneling gate leakage current. Additionally, we show low-frequency noise measurements, which strongly point toward an explanation of the 1/f noise based on carrier trapping, not only in n-channel MOSFETs, but also in p-channel MOSFETs.
Zinc: an overview.

Zn deficiency in humans is widespread throughout the world. It is more prevalent in areas where the population subsists on cereal proteins. Conditioned Zn deficiency is seen in many disease states. Its deficiency during growth periods results in growth failure and lack of gonadal development in males. Other effects of Zn deficiency include skin changes, poor appetite, mental lethargy, delayed wound healing, neurosensory disorders, and cell-mediated immune disorders. Severe Zn deficiency, as seen in acrodermatitis enteropathica (a genetic disorder), is fatal if Zn is not administered to these patients. A clinical diagnosis of marginal Zn deficiency in humans remains problematic. Assays of Zn in granulocytes and lymphocytes provide better diagnostic criteria for marginal Zn deficiency than plasma Zn. Approximately 300 enzymes are known to require Zn for their activities. Zn is required for DNA synthesis, cell division, and protein synthesis. Recently, we learned that Zn-finger proteins are involved in genetic expression of various growth factors and steroid receptors. We suspect that several hundred Zn-containing nucleoproteins are probably involved in gene expression of various proteins. Zn deficiency adversely affects lymphocyte proliferation. This may be related to the enzymatic role of Zn in DNA synthesis and cell division. Thymulin, a thymic hormone involved in T-lymphocyte maturation, is known to be Zn dependent and is adversely affected by Zn deficiency. Thus, an adverse effect of Zn deficiency may also be in lymphocyte differentiation and maturity. Zn deficiency is known to decrease interleukin 2 production by helper T lymphocytes, and abnormalities in T-lymphocyte subpopulations have been observed in Zn-deficient humans. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)