Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modification of Milk‐clotting Aspartic Proteinases by Recombinant DNA Techniques

Two proteinases of different origins, chymosin obtained from calf stomach and Mucor rennin produced by Mucorales fungi, are currently meeting the large demand for milk coagulants in the cheese industry. They possess a high milk-clotting activity due to the selective cleavage of K-casein, which works as a stabilizer in milk micelle. They are also characterized by a very low activity of nonspecific proteolysis, which assures a high ratio of clotting activity (C) to proteolytic activity (P) and enables the obtaining of high yield of clotting material or curd. Many attempts have been made to develop systems to produce chymosin by recombinant DNA technology and now the effective expression systems of Escherichia coIi,'-' Saccharomyces ~erev is iae ,~ and AspergillusS have become available. Production of Mucor rennin in recombinant yeast has also been established.6 These situations allow us to start protein engineering of the milk-clotting enzymes. Chymosin and Mucor rennin belong to the group of aspartic proteinases. X-ray crystallographic analysis of several members of this group has revealed a marked similarity in their three-dimensional structures. Although the analyses of chymosin and Mucor rennin have not yet been reported, the conserved structure of the aspartic proteinases may be used as a primary guideline to conduct their site-directed mutagenesis. Information thus obtained will reveal the still unclear catalytic mechanism common to the aspartic proteinases and will contribute to improve practical properties of the milk-clotting enzymes through rational designs in the future. This article deals with our initial stage of protein engineering on both chymosin and Mucor rennin, along with several characteristic features of their expression systems with recombinant microorganisms.
Structure prediction and molecular dynamics simulations of a G-protein coupled receptor: human CCR2 receptor

CC chemokine receptor type-2 (CCR2) is a member of G-protein coupled receptors superfamily, expressed on the cell surface of monocytes and macrophages. It binds to the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, a CC chemokine, produced at the sites of inflammation and infection. A homology model of human CCR2 receptor based on the recently available C-X-C chemokine recepor-4 crystal structure has been reported. Ligand information was used as an essential element in the homology modeling process. Six known CCR2 antagonists were docked into the model using simple and induced fit docking procedure. Docked complexes were then subjected to visual inspection to check their suitability to explain the experimental data obtained from site directed mutagenesis and structure-activity relationship studies. The homology model was refined, validated, and assessed for its performance in docking-based virtual screening on a set of CCR2 antagonists and decoys. The docked complexes of CCR2 with the known antagonists, TAK779, a dual CCR2/CCR5 antagonist, and Teijin-comp1, a CCR2 specific antagonist were subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which further validated the binding modes of these antagonists. B-factor analysis of 20 ns MD simulations demonstrated that Cys190 is helpful in providing structural rigidity to the extracellular loop (EL2). Residues important for CCR2 antagonism were recognized using free energy decomposition studies. The acidic residue Glu291 from TM7, a conserved residue in chemokine receptors, is favorable for the binding of Teijin-comp1 with CCR2 by ΔG of −11.4 kcal/mol. Its contribution arises more from the side chains than the backbone atoms. In addition, Tyr193 from EL2 contributes −0.9 kcal/mol towards the binding of the CCR2 specific antagonist with the receptor. Here, the homology modeling and subsequent molecular modeling studies proved successful in probing the structure of human CCR2 chemokine receptor for the structure-based virtual screening and predicting the binding modes of CCR2 antagonists.
Further results on the minimum variance time-frequency distribution kernels

Results for the minimum variance kernel, presented by Hearon and Amin (see ibid., vol.43, p.1258, 1995), for the complex Gaussian white noise with independent real and imaginary parts remain valid for real noise and approximately valid for analytic noise. These results are extended to the real and analytic noisy signals cases.
Production of Functional Spermatids from Mouse Germline Stem Cells in Ectopically Reconstituted Seminiferous Tubules1

Abstract Testicular germ cell transplantation into the seminiferous tubules is at present the only way to induce spermatogenesis from a given source of spermatogonial stem cells. Here we show an alternative method that harnesses the self-organizing ability of testicular somatic cells. The testicular cells of embryonic or neonatal mice or rats and of newborn pigs were dissociated into single cells. Each of them reorganized into a tubular structure following implantation into the subcutis of immunodeficient mice. When mouse germline stem (GS) cells derived from spermatogonial stem cells and expanded in culture were intermingled with testicular cells of rodents, they were integrated in the reconstituted tubules and differentiated beyond meiosis into spermatids. Normal offspring were produced by the microinjection of those spermatids into oocytes. This method could be applicable to various mammalian species and useful for producing functional gametes from GS cells in a xenoectopic environment.
Preventive Behavior against Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever among Migrants

A cross-sectional study was carried in Muang district, Samut Sakhon province, Thailand. The objectives of the study were to identify the factors related to preventive behaviour against dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) among migrants. A total of 176 migrant workers ranging from 15 to 50 years old were interviewed. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were applied for data analysis. The results of the study revealed that the proportion of respondents in the moderate and high level of preventive behaviour were nearly equal. Most of respondents (71.02%) had poor knowledge, but had high perception toward DHF with 64.77 percent. Furthermore, they highly received the information about DHF from health volunteers and announcements. Covering water containers was most common prevention. A significant correlation was found between duration of stay, advice from doctors or family members, experience which had dengue patients around the respondent and getting information from TV and preventive behaviour against DHF (P-Value< 0.05). This study indicates that an attention is needed toward the migrants who stay long in this area to improve precautionary measures against DHF. Health volunteers and doctors would act as powerful encouragement to migrants to take countermeasures against DHF.
Social class and semen analysis

It has often been postulated that certain occupations may be hazardous to semen counts, but there are many conflicting views, with others finding either no differences in sperm count or only subtle differences in semen variables. We studied the effect of occupation (in relation to social class) on 207 men attending the fertility clinic of a district general hospital. In our own population azoospermic men were more likely to be of social class 3 m (3 semi-skilled manual) and below. Men who failed to provide a sample were more likely to be of social class 3 m. There was no statistical occupation difference in men whose sperm counts were normal or low. It may not be occupation alone, but also lifestyle differences between social classes which affect semen parameters.
Fabrication of laser-annealed poly-TFT by forming a Si/sub 1-x/Gex thermal barrier

Germanium is ion-implanted deeply into the bottom of a Si film before excimer laser annealing begins. During the solidification step, the implanted Ges form a high thermal resistive Si/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x/ alloy, which reduces the thermal extraction rate of laser energy and the grain growth rate. Laterally larger but double-stacked grains were achieved with a higher Ge implant dose and a slower grain growth. The performance of fabricated poly-TFTs has been enhanced with a Ge 5/spl times/10/sup 15//cm/sup 2/ at 80 keV implant but deteriorated at a higher dose. We attribute this enhancement to a laterally enlarged grain and show that the performance of TFT is deteriorated more dominantly by other Ge-related factors than by surface roughening and Ge-induced defect creation.
An assessment of client satisfaction with services at a model primary health care centre in Ogun State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Assessing patient satisfaction with health care is increasingly becoming an integral component of quality monitoring in health care systems. However, studies that have been conducted in this environment often show that clients' perceptions of quality of care from public sector providers are generally low. Timeliness, which refers to obtaining needed care and minimizing unnecessary delays in getting that care, may impact considerably on patients' satisfaction. This study w as designed toexamine how the consumers of services at a model primary health centre in Ogun State, Nigeria, viewed their health-seeking experience, relating this to the level of organization.and timeliness of health services provision. OBJECTIVES This study sought to assess the satisfaction of clients with services at a model PHC centre at Pakoto, Ogun State, Nigeria. METHODS The Pakoto model primary health care centre is an outstation of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Idi-Araba, Lagos State. The study was carried out on weekday mornings at the model PHC clinic during the month of June, 2006. Methods of data collection employed were a general observation of clinic activities, and the administration of a modified client flow analysis chart to clients as they exited the health facility. RESULTS The peak time of arrival of clients was between 9.00 and 11.00 a.m. when the majority (58.5%) of clients arrived; the majority of clients (84%) exited the facility oetween 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The highest proportion of clients (33.1%) spent 3-4 hours accessing services at the model PHC facility. Good staff attitude topped the list of aspects of service liked most by clients (36%), while the aspect of service liked least by respondents was lack of timeliness of services (43%). Suggestions for improvement of services included increase in the number of staff and staff training (30%) and early arrival of staff to work (13%). CONCLUSION The study concludes that timeliness of services at the primary health care level impacts positively upon the perception of quality of services rendered to clients.
The bronchoalveolar lavage pattern in radiation pneumonitis secondary to radiotherapy for breast cancer.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Radiotherapy in breast cancer patients is limited by lung tissue tolerance. Two complications involving the lung are known: radiation pneumonitis (RP) and radiation fibrosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pattern of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in patients with RP after radiotherapy for breast cancer in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-five female patients (mean age 58.3 yrs) with RP after radiotherapy for breast cancer were included in the study. The majority of patients had previous breast surgery (mastectomy or lumpectomy and axillary dissection) and received doses of radiations of 45-50Gy. All patients had adjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, and epirubicin or methotrexate. RESULTS All patients had an infiltrate or consolidation on chest radiography confined to the upper lobe of the irradiated lung, as marker of RP. Based on the presence or absence of symptoms, we divided the patients in 2 groups: 49 patients (75.4%) with symptomatic RP (fever, cough, dyspnea, chest pain and fatigue) and 16 patients (24.6%) without any symptom. Symptomatic RP patients had a BAL with significant increase in total cells (18.0±12.2 x10(6) cells•100mL-1) when compared to BAL in asymptomatic patients (11.9±6.2 x10(6) cells•100mL-1), p=0.01. Lymphocytosis in BAL was significantly increased in symptomatic group, compared with asymptomatic one (35.4±18.7% vs. 26.1±14.3%, p=0.045), with predominance of T lymphocytes (CD3). It was also a predominance of CD4 lymphocytes in all patients, but the CD4/CD8 ratio was inside normal range in the majority of cases. Five patients had clinical features of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) secondary to irradiation with increased percentages of lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells in BAL and one patient without history of atopic disease had a percentage of 40% eosinophils. Only a mild reduction in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was seen in both groups on pulmonary function tests. The lung volumes were normal in all patients. CONCLUSIONS Lymphocytic alveolitis was the marker of radiation pneumonitis in all patients. The degree of the inflammatory reaction of the lungs was correlated with the presence of symptoms. The lymphocytic alveolitis consisted mainly of T lymphocytes, with a predominance of CD4 subset in both groups, but the CD4/CD8 ratio remained mostly into normal range.
Recovery Patterns in Bilingual Aphasia : Influential Factors & Cross-Language Transfer By

Over two thirds of the world’s population speak more than one language, generating interest in the field of bilingual aphasia and particularly its recovery. Among the many theories on recovery patterns, it is widely accepted that parallel recovery of a bilingual’s languages is the most common. Of those cases of nonparallel recovery, the oldest theories on which language recovers best are the first language (Ribot’s law) or the dominantly used language (Pitres’ law). This review discusses the evidence for these theories in addition to considering influential factors of recovery, and exploring whether therapy in one language can transfer to untreated languages.
Unusual presentation of GLUT‐1 positive infantile haemangioma

Infantile haemangiomas are usually not present at birth. This is a case of a female infant with an atypical congenital vascular tumour present at birth which ulcerated in the first few days of life, involuted over several months and showed histopathological features in keeping with either an involuting GLUT‐1 positive infantile haemangioma or a reticular haemangioma of infancy. The initial clinical presentation was atypical for an infantile haemangiomas and for a congenital haemangioma, however the histopathology and immunohistochemistry assisted with confirmation of the diagnosis. Vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC) therapy aided in the complete healing of the ulcerated infantile haemangioma which was not achievable with conventional dressings.
Awareness of dental implants as a treatment choice in urban Indian populations.

PURPOSE Replacement of missing or lost teeth with dental prostheses supported by oral implants has been accepted and received positive evaluations from patients who have undergone implant treatment. A nationwide survey from a representative sample of the general Indian urban population was made to assess public awareness of oral implant treatment and determine sources of information about implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey of 10,000 urban dwellers of India was conducted through a printed questionnaire that was supplied to patients in private clinics and dental hospitals across the country and completed by willing patients. Questionnaires were printed in local languages to enable completion. RESULTS Of the 10,000 people asked about their awareness of oral implants as a treatment option for rehabilitation of missing teeth, only 2,324 (23.24%) had heard of oral implants as a treatment modality, whereas 7,676 (76.76%) had not. Most of them (9,623, or 96.23%) felt that dental insurance coverage was needed for dental implant treatment and 3.77% thought that insurance was not needed. CONCLUSION The survey concluded that only 23.24% of the Indian urban population had heard of dental implants as a treatment option for replacing missing teeth, with dentists being the main source of information.
The Relative Utility Hypothesis With and Without Self-Reported Reference Wages

This article uses survey data of 90,000 union employees working in 62 publicly-traded companies in Japan between 1990 and 2004 to study the effect of both own and self-reported reference wages on workers' subjective well-being levels. The availability of self-reported reference wages generates very robust findings that do not depend on questionable identifying assumptions. These findings confirm that higher estimates by workers of their peers' earnings are associated with lower levels of life and job satisfaction. These comparison effects are statistically and economically strong but are smaller in absolute value than the impact of workers' own wages on their own utility. We compare our results with standard tests of the relative utility hypothesis in the literature that recur to alternative proxies for comparison wages, including: (i) Mincer-predicted wages; (ii) cell averages defined over different groups within our dataset; (iii) cell wage averages estimated from an external data source; and (iv) colleagues' average wages. In spite of their potential flaws — that we discuss — these alternative empirical constructs employed in the literature do not introduce a simple classical measurement error problem and the bias attributed to this measurement error issue can go in both directions. We propose a simple IV strategy when the self-reported reference wage is not available that does not eliminate the bias but delivers a lower bound of the "true" effect. We also address the issue of endogeneity of self-reported reference wages in our subjective well-being regressions by accounting for workers' pessimistic attitudes at the workplace.
Relation of optic neuritis to multiple sclerosis in children.

Eight children of a previously reported series of 30 with optic neuritis of unknown cause were found to have developed multiple sclerosis in variable periods after the episode of visual failure. The clinical findings are reported here in detail. There were no distinctive characteristics of the ocular findings to indicate those who would eventually show evidence of multiple sclerosis, although simultaneous bilateral involvement and papillitis would appear to be seen more frequently in the children than in the adults who later developed multiple sclerosis. Six of the eight children developed evidence of dissemination within a 2½-year period. In the other two, dissemination did not occur until 12 and 16 years later.
DIURNAL VARIATION IN CHOROIDAL THICKNESS IN RELATION TO SEX, AXIAL LENGTH, AND BASELINE CHOROIDAL THICKNESS IN HEALTHY KOREAN SUBJECTS

Purpose: To investigate diurnal variations in choroidal thickness (CT) in relation to various factors in healthy Korean subjects using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 100 healthy volunteers who each underwent measurements of CT in the same subfoveal area using an enhanced depth imaging technique with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography at 8 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM. Possible correlations between the diurnal variation of CT and other factors, such as sex, axial length (AL), baseline CT (8 AM), blood pressure, and intraocular pressure, were evaluated. Results: One hundred volunteers with a mean age of 30.1 years were scanned. A significant pattern of diurnal variation was observed, with a mean CT of 278.28 ± 91.78 &mgr;m at 8 AM, 271.57 ± 89.08 &mgr;m at 11 AM, 266.39 ± 86.18 &mgr;m at 2 PM, and 264.92 ± 87.10 &mgr;m at 5 PM in a right eye. Right eye and left eye had a similar trend of diurnal cycle. Based on sex, AL, and baseline CT, the pattern of diurnal variation was greater and the amplitude significantly was greater in men, AL ⩽ 24 mm and baseline CT ≥ 300 &mgr;m (men vs. women: P = 0.048, AL ⩽ 24 mm vs. AL > 24 mm: P = 0.036, baseline CT ≥ 300 &mgr;m vs. baseline CT < 200 &mgr;m: P = 0.002, baseline CT ≥ 300 &mgr;m vs. 200 &mgr;m ⩽ baseline CT < 300 &mgr;m: P = 0.008). There were no significant correlations between the diurnal variation of CT and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or intraocular pressure. Conclusion: In men as well as in those with a shorter AL and thick baseline CT, a greater pattern of diurnal variation with significantly greater amplitude was observed.
Subungual haematomas: is simple trephining enough?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the outcome of treating subungual haematomas by simple trephining, in terms of nail appearance and function, and to identify factors associated with a poor outcome. METHODS: Patients with subungual haematomas attending an accident and emergency department over a 12 month period were identified; 5-13 months after injury a telephone and postal survey of patient's assessment of their own outcome was made using a proforma. Outcome was graded according to published criteria. RESULTS: 123 patients with 127 subungual haematomas were identified and 74% were followed up; 85% achieved an "excellent" or "very good" result, with 67% reporting no residual abnormalities. A "poor" outcome occurred in only 2% owing to nail splitting. No correlation was found between adverse outcome and haematoma size, presence of fracture, or infection. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of subungual haematomas by simple trephining gives an acceptable result in the majority of patients and those with a poor outcome cannot be predicted at presentation. The findings suggest that only simple trephining for symptomatic relief is required for subungual haematomas and that aggressive surgical treatment is unnecessary.
Structural Brain MRIs in a Treatment-Naïve Active Drinking Alcohol Dependent Sample

Background: Chronic alcoholism can exert widespread damage to selective brain systems, contributing to cognitive and behavioral impairments characteristic of the disease. Neuroimaging studies have been instrumental in identifying neural substrates of chronic alcoholism's effect, each of which may be modified by genetic factors. Structural brain imaging using quantitative methods have consistently identified tissue shrinkage prominent in prefrontal cortex and underlying white matter, corpus callosum, and selective limbic and cerebellar structures in treatment-seeking alcoholic men and women. In vivo studies of brain chemistry have indicated neuronal compromise, which may be reversible with abstinence. Functional brain imaging studies have revealed insights into the dynamics of alcohol craving.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Colistin plus Vancomycin for the Treatment of Severe Infections Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

A potent synergy of a glycopeptide-colistin combination against Acinetobacter baumannii has recently been described. We set out to assess the efficacy and safety of this combination in a retrospective study including episodes of ventilator-associated pneumonia or bacteremia caused by carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii. We compared 29 patients (group I) treated with colistin plus vancomycin with 28 patients treated with colistin alone (group II). Group I received vancomycin (for empirical or targeted therapy) at the onset of colistin administration and both antimicrobials coincided for at least 5 days. Baseline characteristics, clinical cure, microbiological eradication, and mortality were similar in both groups but the rate of acute kidney injury was higher in group I (55.2 vs. 28%; p = 0.04). In critically ill patients with carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infections, clinical outcomes do not differ in patients treated with colistin plus vancomycin from those receiving colistin without vancomycin. This combination significantly increases the risk of renal failure.