Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A critical role of lipid rafts in the organization of a key FcγRIIa-mediated signaling pathway in human platelets

Summary The involvement of platelet FcγRIIa in heparin-associated thrombocytopenia (HIT) is now well established. However, the precise sequence of molecular events initiated by FcγRIIa cross-linking in platelets remains partly characterized. We investigated here the role of lipid rafts in the spatio-temporal organization of the FcγRIIa-dependent signaling events. Upon cross-linking, FcγRIIa relocated in rafts where the kinase Lyn and the adapter LAT were among the major phosphotyrosyl proteins. Upon stimulation by HIT sera, the second messenger phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) accumulated in rafts in a P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) recep- tor-dependent manner. PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 was then essential to specifically recruit phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) to these membrane microdomains. Controlled disruption of rafts by methyl γ-cyclodextrin reversibly abolished PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 production, PLC activation and platelet responses induced by FcγRIIa cross-linking without affecting the tyrosine phosphorylation events. This work demonstrates that platelet rafts are essential for the integration of a key signaling complex leading to the rapid production of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and in turn PLCγ2 activation during HIT.
Psychologic distress after disclosure of genetic test results regarding hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma

To the authors' knowledge, there have been few studies of the psychologic distress after disclosure of genetic test results for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC). The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence rates and predictors of psychologic distress and to evaluate the feelings of guilt after disclosure of the test results in Japanese probands and unaffected relatives.
Canada's Outstanding Principals: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Leadership Development, Principal Efficacy, and Transformational Leadership

This dissertation describes how Canada‟s Outstanding Principals (COP) processes (i.e., engaging in the COP program, receiving COP recognition, continuing participation with COPA, engaging in technology-based networking, and navigating nomination process) enhanced the leadership capacities of COP recipients, and how COP, as a leadership development program, strengthened the relationship between transformational leadership and principal efficacy. An exploratory analysis of collective principal efficacy was also presented. Over and above an existing skill set, well-designed leadership development programs require a multi-year commitment integrating leadership wisdom from education and noneducation sectors. When core transformational practices were combined, the COP processes of engaging in the COP program, receiving COP recognition, and continuing participation with COPA were most influential, while engaging in technology-based networking and navigating the nomination process were least influential. COP met the six leadership development program elements identified in the literature review as being foundational to a well-designed leadership development program. All six elements were necessary to enhance principal leadership capacity. When evidence relating to influential leadership development experiences and elements of well-
Optimization of Extraction Conditions for Maximal Phenolic, Flavonoid and Antioxidant Activity from Melaleuca bracteata Leaves Using the Response Surface Methodology

Melaleuca bracteata is a yellow-leaved tree belonging to the Melaleuca genus. Species from this genus are known to be good sources of natural antioxidants, for example, the “tea tree oil” derived from M. alternifolia is used in food processing to extend the shelf life of products. In order to determine whether M. bracteata contains novel natural antioxidants, the components of M. bracteata ethanol extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were extracted and the antioxidant activities of the extracts evaluated. Single-factor experiments, central composite rotatable design (CCRD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to optimize the extraction conditions for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Ferric reducing power (FRP) and 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH·) scavenging capacity were used as the evaluation indices of antioxidant activity. The results showed that the main components of M. bracteata ethanol extracts are methyl eugenol (86.86%) and trans-cinnamic acid methyl ester (6.41%). The single-factor experiments revealed that the ethanol concentration is the key factor determining the TPC, TFC, FRP and DPPH·scavenging capacity. RSM results indicated that the optimal condition of all four evaluation indices was achieved by extracting for 3.65 days at 53.26°C in 34.81% ethanol. Under these conditions, the TPC, TFC, FRP and DPPH·scavenging capacity reached values of 88.6 ± 1.3 mg GAE/g DW, 19.4 ± 0.2 mg RE/g DW, 2.37 ± 0.01 mM Fe2+/g DW and 86.0 ± 0.3%, respectively, which were higher than those of the positive control, methyl eugenol (FRP 0.97 ± 0.02 mM, DPPH·scavenging capacity 58.6 ± 0.7%) at comparable concentrations. Therefore, the extracts of M. bracteata leaves have higher antioxidant activity, which did not only attributed to the methyl eugenol. Further research could lead to the development of a potent new natural antioxidant.
Executive function is associated with brain proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Persons with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show deficits on executive function measures, although the neuroanatomic basis of executive function in MCI is unknown. We investigated cognitive correlates of 3-tesla proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the posterior cingulate gyrus in 26 MCI patients. Posterior cingulate ratio of myo-inositol to creatine (mI/Cr) was negatively correlated (−.51) with spontaneous clock drawing. This relationship was not attenuated after accounting for age, overall cognitive function, or memory performance. This finding suggests a role for the posterior cingulate in executive function in MCI. Proton MRS may offer a means to track neurometabolic changes associated with cognitive impairment in MCI.
Ethylenediammonium dichloroiodide chloride

The asymmetric unit of the crystal structure of the title compound, C2H10N2 2+·Cl2I−·Cl−, contains two ethylenediammonium cations, two [ICl2]− anions and two Cl− anions, of which one cation, one [ICl2]− anion and one Cl− anion have site symmetry 2, with the mid-point of the C—C bond of the cation, the I atom of [ICl2]− anion and the Cl− anion located on the twofold rotation axes. The two independent cations show different conformations, the N—C—C—N torsion angles being 160.1 (2) and −73.1 (4)°. The crystal structure is stabilized by extensive intermolecular N—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonding.
Influences of probe geometry and experimental errors on spatial resolution of surface charge measurement with electrostatic probe

When an electrostatic probe is used for surface charge measurement on an insulating plate with constant thickness or a long insulating pipe, the configuration of the measuring system is regarded as shift-invariant and the relation between the surface charge density and the probe output can be treated in the spatial frequency domain through Fourier analysis. In the inverse calculation from the probe output to the charge distribution, a Wiener-filter technique is effectively used to suppress the excessive amplification of the noise. Influences of the probe geometry and experimental errors on the spatial resolution of the total measuring system, including the restoration process with the Wiener filter, are quantitatively discussed through the analysis of transfer characteristics in the spatial frequency domain.
Falls in the nursing home: Are they preventable?

INTRODUCTION Falls are prevalent in elderly patients residing in nursing homes, with approximately 1.5 falls occurring per nursing home bed-years. Although most are benign and injury-free, 10% to 25% result in hospital admission and/or fractures. Primary care providers for nursing home residents must therefore aim to reduce both the fall rate as well as the rate of fallrelated morbidity in the long-term care setting. Interventions have been demonstrated to be successful in reducing falls in community-dwelling elderly patients. However, less evidence supports the efficacy of fall prevention in nursing home residents. METHODS The authors conducted a Medline search using the key words Falls and Nursing Homes. RESULTS Several studies examined the efficacy of multifaceted intervention programs on reducing falls in nursing homes with varied results. Components of these intervention programs include: environmental assessment, assistive device evaluation and modification, medication changes, gait assessment and training, staff education, exercise programs, hip protector use, and blood pressure evaluation. Current literature supports the use of environmental assessment and intervention in reducing falls in nursing homes, and demonstrates an association between certain medications and falls. However, there are no studies that examine the effect of medication adjustments on fall rates. Also, the literature does not strongly suggest that exercise programs are effective in fall reduction. Although not effective in reducing fall rates, the use of hip protectors appears to result in less fall-related morbidity. CONCLUSION More studies must be done to clarify the effects of high-risk medication reduction, the optimal nature and intensity of exercise programs, and patient targeting criteria to maximize the effectiveness of nursing home fall prevention programs. Based on the current literature, an effective multifaceted fall prevention program for nursing home residents should include risk factor assessment and modification, staff education, gait assessment and intervention, assistive device assessment and optimization, as well as environmental assessment and modification. Although there is no association between the use of hip protectors and fall rates, their use should be encouraged because the ultimate goal of any fall prevention program is to prevent fall-related morbidity.
Neighborhood income and health outcomes in infants: how do those with complex chronic conditions fare?

OBJECTIVE To quantify the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on health outcomes during the first year after newborn discharge among infants with complex chronic conditions (CCCs) insured through a universal health plan. DESIGN Longitudinal, population-based cohort study. SETTING Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Infants born in hospitals from April 1, 1996, through March 31, 2000. Infants with CCCs were identified from their newborn discharge records. Neighborhood income quintiles were obtained by linking participants' postal codes to census data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mortality and hospital admissions in the first year after newborn discharge. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between neighborhood income quintiles and outcomes, adjusting for important covariates such as low birth weight and rural residence. RESULTS A total of 512 768 infants were included, of whom 2.3% had CCCs at newborn discharge. Infants with CCCs accounted for 37.8% of deaths and 11.0% of hospitalizations during the first year after the newborn discharge. Infants with CCCs living in the lowest-income neighborhoods had a 1.26-fold higher mortality risk (95% confidence interval, 0.83-1.90; P = .28) and a 1.24-fold higher hospitalization rate (1.09-1.40; P < .001) compared with those living in the highest-income neighborhoods. Although the income gradients associated with mortality and hospitalization were less pronounced among infants with CCCs compared with infants without CCCs, the absolute interquintile risk differences attributable to SES were higher among infants with CCCs. CONCLUSIONS Despite universal health insurance, SES-related inequality affects hospitalization and, possibly, mortality rates among medically vulnerable infants.
Folate and risk of breast cancer: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Epidemiologic findings are inconsistent concerning risk for breast cancer associated with low folate intake or blood folate levels. We performed a meta-analysis of prospective and case-control studies to examine folate intake and levels in relation to risk of breast cancer. METHODS We searched MEDLINE for studies of this association that were published in any language from January 1, 1966, through November 1, 2006. Study-specific risk estimates were pooled by use of a random-effects model. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Folate intake in increments of 200 microg/day was not associated with the risk of breast cancer in prospective studies (estimated summary relative risk [RR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.88 to 1.07, for dietary folate [eight studies; 302,959 participants and 8367 patients with breast cancer], and RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.97 to 1.05, for total folate [six studies; 306,209 participants and 8165 patients with breast cancer]) but was statistically significantly inversely associated with risk in case-control studies (estimated summary odds ratio [OR] = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.72 to 0.89, for dietary folate [13 studies; 8558 case patients and 10,812 control subjects], and OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.81 to 1.07, for total folate [three studies; 2184 case patients and 3233 control subjects]). High blood folate levels versus low levels were not statistically significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer in prospective studies (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.59 to 1.10 [three studies]) or in case-control studies (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.15 to 1.10 [two studies]). Among the two prospective studies and two case-control studies that stratified by alcohol consumption, high folate intake (comparing the highest with the lowest category) was associated with a statistically significant decreased risk of breast cancer among women with moderate or high alcohol consumption (summary estimate = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.63) but not among women with low or no alcohol consumption (summary estimate = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.78 to 1.15). Few studies examined whether the relation between folate intake and breast cancer was modified by intakes of methionine or vitamins B6 and B12, and the findings were inconsistent. CONCLUSION No clear support for an overall relationship between folate intake or blood folate levels and breast cancer risk was found. Adequate folate intake may reduce the increased risk of breast cancer that has been associated with moderate or high alcohol consumption.
Association of strong virus-specific CD4 T cell responses with efficient natural control of primary HIV-1 infection

Objective: To investigate whether there are differences in the virus-specific CD4 T cell response during primary HIV-1 infection in patients who naturally (without antiretroviral intervention) control viral replication with differing efficiencies. Methods: CD4 T cell responses to recombinant HIV proteins (Gag p24 and p55 and Env gp160) and an inactivated HIV-1 preparation were analysed using interferon-gamma ELISPOT assays (with CD8-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells) and by intracellular interferon-gamma staining and fluorescent-activated cell sorting. Results: Strong HIV-specific CD4 T cell responses were detected from the earliest time-points analysed in primary infection in patients who naturally established low persisting viral loads. By contrast, HIV-specific CD4 T cell responses were weaker (at or just below the limit of detection in our assays) at similar time-points in patients who went on to establish high persisting viral loads. Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference (P < 0.001) between the magnitudes of the Gag p24-specific response at the earliest time-point analysed in primary infection in the two sets of patients. Conclusions: Strong HIV-specific CD4 T cell responses are associated with efficient natural control of primary HIV-1 infection.
Role of destination competitiveness and national corruption in hotel performance: A study of developing economies of Central America

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between destination competitiveness (DC), national corruption and hotel performance (HP). A panel data analysis was applied to the Central American region. The results reveal that corruption has an impact on DC and HP. Such findings are important for the region as many of the countries are battling high levels of corruption while developing tourism industry. In addition, DC was found to have a unidirectional impact on HP. These findings provide a number of theoretical and managerial implications, reinforcing the role of a “shadow” economy and the importance of tourism.
DNA characterization of the spirochete that causes Lyme disease

Lyme disease, a tick-borne disease long recognized in Europe but only recently recognized in the United States, was shown in 1982-1983 to be caused by a spirochete, the Lyme disease spirochete. Whether one or more species of the spirochete exists is unknown, as is its taxonomic status. To answer these questions, we determined (i) the DNA base (guanidine-plus-cytosine) content for five strains; (ii) the DNA relatedness of 10 strains from Europe or the United States (isolated from ticks, humans, and a mouse) by DNA hybridization (hydroxyapatite assay at 50 and 65 degrees C); and (iii) the DNA relatedness to other pathogenic spirochetes. The guanine-plus-cytosine content of the Lyme disease spirochete strains was 27.5 to 29.0 mol%, most similar to those of Borrelia hermsii (30.6 mol%) and Treponema hyodysenteriae (25.6 mol%) among the other spirochetes tested. DNA hybridization studies with 32P-labeled DNA from Lyme disease spirochete strain TLO-005, a human blood isolate, revealed divergence (unpaired bases) within related nucleotide sequences of only 0.0 to 1.0% for all nine Lyme disease spirochete strains tested for relatedness to TLO-005. Relatedness values of seven strains to TLO-005 were 58 to 98% (mean, 71%) in 50 degrees C reactions and 50 to 93% (mean, 69%) in 65 degrees C reactions. Two other strains, from which very low yields of DNA were obtained, showed less relatedness (36 to 50 degrees C, 38 to 47% at 65 degrees C). These were nonetheless considered to belong to the same species because of the low amount of divergence in the sequences related to TLO-005 and the absence of decreased relatedness in reactions done at 65 degrees Celsius compared with those done at 50 degrees Celsius. DNA from strain TLO-005 showed relatedness of 1% to DNAs of two leptospires and 16% relatedness to DNA from T. hyodysenteriae. B. hermsii DNA was 30 to 40% related to three Lyme disease spirochete strains in 50 degrees Celsius reactions. Divergence in these reactions was 16.5 to 18.5%, and relatedness in 65 degree Celsius reactions was 8 to 10%. On the bases of phenotypic similarity, guanine-plus-cytosine content, and DNA relatedness to B. hermsii, we conclude the Lyme disease spirochete is single previously undescribed species which belongs in the genus Borrelia.
Community-acquired bacteraemia and antibiotic resistance. Trends during a 17-year period in a Danish county.

INTRODUCTION The aim was to ascertain the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among blood isolates from patients with community-acquired bacteraemia and to relate it to antibiotic consumption. METHODOLOGY Cases of community-acquired bacteraemia were identified in a regional bacteraemia register in the County of Northern Jutland. The study included 3974 episodes in 3805 patients during a 17-year period. Total regional consumption of antibiotics was expressed in Defined Daily Doses (DDD). RESULTS The prevalence of antibiotic resistance was stable with few exceptions. The most notable time trend was noted for Escherichia coli for which the prevalence of resistance to ampicillin increased from 17% (95% confidence limits (CL) 12-23%) to 28% (95% CL 23-33%); for other Enterobacteriaceae the increase was from 73% (95% CL 61-83%) to 86% (95% CL 77-92%). The prevalence of resistance to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins remained low among all isolates of Enterobacteriaceae. Regional antibiotic consumption ranged from 10.2 to 13.6 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day. Consumption of penicillins with Gram-negative spectrum reached a maximum of 4.6 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 1993 and decreased towards the end of the study period. The prevalence of ampicillin-resistant E. coli was positively correlated with consumption of penicillins with Gram-negative spectrum; the correlation was stronger when adjustment was made for co-selection by tetracyclines and sulphonamides. CONCLUSION Therapeutic options for community-acquired bacteraemia have not yet become seriously limited by prevalence of acquired antibiotic resistance. Still we found some evidence that consumption of penicillins with Gram-negative spectrum, sulphonamides and tetracyclines promotes antibiotic resistance among Enterobacteriaceae.
Treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS.

Retinitis is the commonest clinical manifestation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in patients with AIDS. Untreated patients generally experience progressive involvement of the retina, which may result in blindness. Attempts to treat this condition with vidarabine and interferon-alpha have been uniformly unsuccessful. Therapy with ganciclovir (9[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl]guanine) (7.5-15 mg/[kg./d] given intravenously in two or three divided doses) has been shown to halt progression of retinitis and may result in limited healing in some cases; viremia and shedding of virus from other sites (such as the urine) are halted or reduced. However, reactivation of infection and retinitis usually occurs when ganciclovir therapy is discontinued. For that reason, most patients have received continued therapy with the drug, most commonly at a dosage of 5-6 mg/(kg.d) administered as a single intravenous infusion 5-7 days per week. Both retrospective and prospective, randomized trials have shown that maintenance therapy delays (but does not prevent) reactivation of infection. Much more limited studies with foscarnet (trisodium phosphonoformate) suggest that this drug will also be useful for treatment of CMV retinitis in AIDS patients. Further research is needed, however, since existing agents have a low therapeutic ratio and cannot be given orally to patients requiring long-term maintenance therapy.
Hispanics in the U.S. Labor Market: A Tale of Three Generations

Immigrants? descendants typically assimilate toward mainstream social and economic outcomes across generations. Hispanics in the United States are a possible exception to this pattern. Although there is a growing literature on intergenerational progress, or lack thereof, in education and earnings among Hispanics, there is little research on employment differences across immigrant generations. Using data from 1996 to 2017, this study reveals considerable differences in Hispanics? employment rates across immigrant generations. Hispanic immigrant men tend to have higher employment rates than non-Hispanic whites and second- and third-plus generation Hispanics. Hispanic immigrant women have much lower employment rates, but employment rates rise considerably in the second generation. Nonetheless, U.S.-born Hispanic women are less likely than non-Hispanic white women to work. The evidence thus suggests segmented assimilation, in which the descendants of Hispanic immigrants have worse outcomes across generations. While relatively low education levels do not appear to hamper Hispanic immigrants? employment, they play a key role in explaining low levels of employment among Hispanic immigrants? descendants. Race and selective ethnic attrition may also contribute to some of the patterns uncovered here.